KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas today chaired a meeting of officers to review the arrangements being made in the district for the smooth conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025.

At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner took department-wise review of the arrangements and exhorted the concerned officers to expedite the pending works to ensure all facilities are in place well ahead of the commencement of the Yatra. He asked them to leave no room for lapses in view of the anticipated high influx of pilgrims this year.

It was informed that the District Administration has readied 36 lodgment centres across the district to accommodate Yatris in case of weather-induced halts or other emergencies. Each centre has been assigned a Nodal Officer to ensure provision of essential facilities such as boarding and lodging, safe drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, clean toilets and hygienic food.

To streamline the issuance of RFID tags to registered pilgrims and avoid congestion at Jammu Base Camp, six RFID counters will be established at the 24x7 Lakhanpur Yatri Facilitation Centre.

The DC stressed on formulation of comprehensive departmental plans for drinking water, electricity, sanitation, medical aid, traffic regulation and foolproof security arrangements. He directed all stakeholder departments to maintain close coordination and finalise all necessary preparations at the earliest.

The DC also informed that cultural programmes will be organised at Lakhanpur on the inaugural day and during the Yatra period to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere to the visiting pilgrims.

Detailed deliberations were held on setting up of a centralised control room, disaster management preparedness, monitoring quality of langar and food items, maintaining sanitation along the Yatra route and implementation of anti-polythene measures.

Later, the DC interacted with Langar Committee representatives, and impressed upon them to strictly adhere to the laid down guidelines regarding CCTV camera installation, cleanliness, quality control of langar food and overall safety and comfort of the pilgrims. Among others, ADC Kathua Vishavjeet Singh, SDM Hiranagar Phulail Singh and officers from concerned departments were present in the meeting.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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