SRINAGAR: In order to promote tourism and simultaneously ease the stress of traffic on roads through operation of Inland water transport in River Jhelum, the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Friday chaired a meeting to review the implementation of River Navigation Developmental Project.

Besides, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar  Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, the meeting was attended AHS & Project Coordinator (NW-5 & 64) Inland Waterways Authority of India(IWAI), GOI, officers of  SMC, SSCL, Tourism Department, I&FC Department, Kashmir and representative of Administrative Secretary to Govt. Transport Department, J&K.

At the outset, Project Coordinator, IWAI, gave a detailed presentation regarding the proposal of Development of River Jhelum, Inland Waterway. He informed that Detailed Project Report (DPR) study of River Jhelum (NW-49) was completed in February 2020 which recommended development of river cruise tourism in three phases.

He also informed that the IWAI team inspected Phase-1 stretch (Chhatabal to Pantha Chowk) in August 2024 to explore possibilities of passenger/ tourism activities. He stated that the project shall be completed with the assistance of central funding. Addressing, the meeting Div Com enjoined IWAI for the development of necessary infrastructure including seventeen points for embarking and de-boarding of passengers, carrying out dredging of river, installation of Water Level monitoring sensors and modern weirs.

He also directed concerned representative for development of major hubs of Inland water transport. On the occasion, Div Com underscored the need for a constitution of institutional framework for the operation and regulation of water transport. He directed SSCL and IWAI to frame the comprehensive proposal for funding besides asking IWAI to share the draft of the plan with the SSCL. Meanwhile, the meeting also discussed various developmental plans of SSCL including provision of Water Side Infrastructure, Terminal Facilities, Night Navigation Aids, Maintenance of Navigational Channel, Onshore facilities and operation of vessels.

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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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