KISHTWAR:  Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma today presided over a meeting with various line departments and religious representatives to discuss and finalize the necessary arrangements for the upcoming Sarthal Devi Ji Yatra.

During the meeting, the Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Management Council informed the chair that the annual Sarthal Devi Yatra, in honor of Shri Ashtadashbhuja Mata Sarthal Devi Ji, will take place on 03 July and 04th, 2023.

The Shobha Yatra will commence from Gauri Shankar Mandir Sarkoot at 2 PM on July 03 2025, following the conclusion of the Hawan (religious ceremony) and Puran Aahuti (offering).

Emphasizing the importance of timely arrangements, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar urged all relevant line departments to ensure that all necessary preparations are made ahead of time.

Police authorities assured the meeting that foolproof security measures will be implemented, starting from the Gauri Shankar Mandir and extending along the route to Sarthal Mata Bhawan, on both days of the Yatra.

To ensure the successful conduct of the Yatra, Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned line departments to make necessary arrangements, including uninterrupted water supply and water tankers, power supply, installation of high mast lights at Sarthal Bhawan and other temples, healthcare facilities at the specially established Medical Camp at Bhawan, provision of an ambulance with medical staff and allied medicines, and the placement of fire tenders for emergency response.

Furthermore, ARTO Kishtwar was instructed to ensure an adequate number of vehicles with valid technical fitness certificates, as well as the preparation of alternative routes within the town to mitigate congestion and traffic.

Assistant Commissioner Development, District Panchayat  Officer, and Municipal Council Authorities were specifically tasked with maintaining cleanliness and ensuring the upkeep of streets, lanes and drains under their respective jurisdictions to guarantee the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.

The executing agencies responsible for road maintenance were directed to conduct necessary repairs and upkeep on the roads from Hasti to Sarthal. ACD Kishtwar was entrusted with the responsibility of installing dustbins at the venue and taking appropriate measures to provide sanitary and toilet facilities at Bhawan.

The DC also directed the AD FCS& CA and the DO Food Safety Kishtwar  to check the rates of shops around the temple areas. Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar appealed to both the local residents and pilgrims to uphold the Religious sanctity and environmental serenity of the region by strictly adhering to the government's guidelines, including the avoidance of plastic usage.

The meeting was attended by ADC Kishtwar Pawan Kotwal  CEO KDA/ACD Kishtwar Kaiser Bhawani, DIO Kishtwar Dr Kuldeep Kumar Vice Chairman, Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Trust, Sanjeev Parihar besides District heads of various line Departments and other religious representatives.

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