KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma, who is also the Chairman of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC), Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and Road Accident Victims Fund, today chaired a comprehensive meeting of the District Road Safety Committee and Regional Transport Authority to review and strengthen road safety initiatives across the district.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the status of key road safety interventions, including the implementation of the Road Safety Act, identification and rectification of accident-prone black spots, erection of crash barriers, installation of road signage, expediting insurance claim processes and promotion of speed-limit awareness through road safety clubs in schools and colleges.

The DC instructed the ARTO Kishtwar, Police and Traffic Police to intensify enforcement and launch a massive crackdown against traffic violators, especially targeting overloading, over-speeding, rash driving and other unsafe practices to minimize road accidents.

He asked the ARTO Kishtwar to submit a detailed list of e-rickshaws operating in the district along with their respective regulatory authorities. He also instructed the issuance of a circular on proper zone distribution of e-rickshaws to ease traffic congestion.

To enhance public awareness, the Deputy Commissioner directed the District Traffic Inspector (DTI), Traffic Police and ARTO Kishtwar to launch general awareness campaigns on road safety and welfare schemes.

He further instructed the ARTO to issue advisories and take appropriate action in cases involving parents of teenage traffic violators. Additionally, the DC emphasized regular inspections of driving schools to ensure compliance with prescribed norms.

He also directed concerned departments to conduct joint drives to assess and remove encroachments on roadside pedestrian pathways, ensuring safer movement for pedestrians.

In the RTA meeting, the permits received by ARTO Kishtwar were submitted to the DC Kishtwar (Chairman, RTA) and discussed during the meeting which shall be finalized in the next meeting of the RTA.

The meeting was attended by ASP Kishtwar, Pardeep Singh, ACR Kishtwar, Idrees Lone, DSWO Kishtwar, Tariq Parveaz Qazi, CEO Municipal Council Kishtwar, Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal, ARTO Kishtwar, Tasleem Wani, ExEns, AO DC Office Kishtwar, besides other officers and concerned staff.

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