• Directs all DCs to activate Hajj Cells, instructs Health Deptt., KPDCL, PHE, JK Bank, Immigration to render adequate services to intending pilgrims, maintain close coordination to ensure smooth departure of Hajj flights

SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today directed all the concerned Departments and agencies to work in synergy for making the Hajj-2025 a hassle free and seamless experience for the intending pilgrims.

Chairing a high level meeting to review the arrangements made for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, the Divisional Commissioner issued a slew of directions to the  officers and instructed them to intensify  preparations for the foolproof  arrangements for the intending pilgrims and ensure their smooth departure.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners of almost all the districts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh UTs, Additional Commissioner Kashmir, Director Airports Authority of India besides officers and representatives from various line departments including Police, Emigration & Customs, R&B, PHE, KPDCL, MED, Traffic, Transport, Information, Hospitality & Protocol, Health, Haj Committee, Police, CISF, Airforce, J&K Bank and other concerned Agencies.

While highlighting the significance of Hajj, the Div Com urged the DCs to immediately activate the Hajj Cells in their respective offices to monitor all the preparations with respect to facilitation of pilgrims in their respective districts. He directed the Health department to establish medical camps for timely vaccination of pilgrims in their respective districts so that all the selected pilgrims are protected and certificates of vaccination are issued in their favour well in time.

The meeting was informed that this year Haj flights are scheduled to begin from May 4, 2025, from Srinagar to Saudi Arabia, with the final flight carrying pilgrims set to leave on May 15, 2025.

Underlining the need of sufficient Foreign Exchange at Banks, Haj House Bemina and Srinagar Airport, the  Divisional Commissioner directed the J&K Bank authorities to ensure availability of adequate forex so that  pilgrims  don't face any inconvenience in obtaining Saudi currency.

The Div Com also directed PHE , KPDCL and SMC to ensure uninterrupted civil amenities at Haj House including electricity, sanitation & water supply. He also directed immediate repairs of interior roads for smooth riding surfaces. He also directed officials to make sufficient arrangements for boarding & lodging facilities at Haj House for the pilgrims from Jammu and Ladakh while factoring in road and weather conditions.

The Div Com asked the Customs & Immigration Departments to make special arrangements at the Airport for hassle-free clearance of the intending pilgrims by timely installation of adequate X-Ray machines and technical staff at Haj House.

To facilitate seamless movement of Haj Convoy vehicles, the Div Com directed the Traffic Department to chalk out a meticulous plan for smooth movement of pilgrim buses & luggage vehicles from Haj House Bemina to Srinagar Airport. He also instructed SSP Traffic Rural to ensure smooth movement of vehicles ferrying Haj pilgrims from Ladakh to Srinagar Haj House.

To ensure close coordination & synergy among departments, Div Com directed creating a dedicated Whatsapp group of the concerned officers for timely dissemination of information and updates regarding flights & other advisories.

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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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