• Calls for expediting protection works, intensifying awareness  

KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, who is also Chairman of District Road Safety Committee, today chaired a meeting at the DC Office Complex to review the road safety scenario in the district and assess the action taken on the decisions arrived at in the previous meeting. The meeting held detailed deliberations on strengthening road safety mechanisms through improved infrastructure, enforcement and awareness initiatives.

Reviewing the compliance status of earlier directions, he emphasised the need for timely execution of identified interventions to minimise road accidents and ensure safer mobility for the public.

Threadbare discussions were held on identification of an appropriate location for establishing an Auto Stand near the Associated Hospital- GMC Kathua, to regulate traffic flow and ease congestion in the area. The meeting also discussed identification of two roads per PWD division for improvement based on road safety audits, including installation of crash barriers, road signages, road markings and other safety features at vulnerable locations.

Emphasis was also laid on conducting continuous road safety awareness programmes in colleges and educational institutions, with active involvement of Road Safety Committees to inculcate responsible road behaviour among youth.

The Deputy Commissioner called upon the concerned departments to work in close coordination, ensure strict adherence to road safety norms, expedite execution of safety-related works and regularly monitor accident-prone stretches. He stressed the importance of data-driven planning, inter-departmental convergence and public participation to achieve tangible improvement in road safety outcomes across the district.

Among others present in the meeting included DC State Taxes Joginder Singh Jasrotia; ASP Rahul Charak; RTO Surinder Sharma; CPO Ranjeet Thakur, SE PWD, CMO, ACD, XEN PWD, DEPO, CEO MC Kathua, EO MC Parole, Conveners and members of Road Safety Committees of Colleges, besides representatives from GREF, BRO, NHAI and other concerned departments.

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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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