GANDERBAL: Following the devastating overnight fire incident at the old market Sonamarg, which resulted in extensive damage to several shops, MLA Kangan Mian Mehar, along with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri and Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, visited the site to assess the situation and express solidarity with the affected shopkeepers. 

During their visit, they interacted with the Shopkeeper Association Sonamarg, extending their sympathies assuring full support from the UT administration. Later a meeting was  held with the Sonamarg Market Association, attended by SSP Ganderbal, Additional Deputy Commissioner, SDM Kangan, CEO SDA, and other district officials, to address the concerns of the affected traders. 

The market association raised several demands, including immediate assistance & permission for reconstruction of shops, and establishment of fire service station in Sonamarg to prevent such incidents in the future. On the occasion, Div Com directed AD Fire and Emergency Services to station a fire tender at the Youth Hostel Sonamarg and near the Sonamarg Tunnel with adequate manpower as a temporary measure until a permanent fire station is established.

DC Ganderbal briefed the Div Com on the damage assessment, confirming that a final report will be submitted promptly to facilitate swift assistance. Furthermore, the Div Com emphasized the need for a Fire Safety Audit of all establishments in Sonamarg to mitigate future risks. He urged hoteliers and shopkeepers to equip their establishments with fire extinguishers as a precautionary measure. 

Div Com assured that the administration remains committed to supporting the business community in Sonamarg and ensuring their swift recovery from this unfortunate incident. While interacting with the Shopkeepers, Div Com maintained that administration reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing fire safety infrastructure in Sonamarg, with land already identified for a permanent fire service station to ensure a quicker response to emergencies in the future.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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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