KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rajesh Kumar Shavan today reviewed the arrangements for the Mahashivratri festival and Ramazan. The primary focus of the meeting was to ensure the seamless management of essential services, security, and public convenience for the auspicious occasions. Emphasizing the regulation of prices, the Deputy Commissioner directed the enforcement departments to closely monitor the rates of essential commodities and ensure the availability of milk, cheese, vegetables, and other necessary items.

To maintain hygiene and sanitation, the Executive Officer Municipal Council was directed to ensure cleanliness in the town, particularly around religious places. Additionally, the repair of all non-functional lights, especially in crowded areas, was prioritised. The CMO was directed to deploy a medical team at all religious places across the district during the festivals.

The DC also urged the organizing of zero-waste celebrations, encouraging proper waste management practices with strict check on use of banned polythene bags. Furthermore, the Executive Officer Municipality was directed to place dustbins at all religious places to promote cleanliness. The DC reviewed utility services and instructed the Executive Engineer PDD to ensure uninterrupted power supply. The Executive Engineer Jal Shakti  was tasked with guaranteeing adequate water supply, chlorination of water tanks near religious places and the repair of water pipes or leakage, if any.

The Assistant Director FCS&CA was directed to take measures for timely distribution of ration to beneficiaries and ensure adequate stock of LPG. For fire safety, the Fire and Emergency Department was directed to station fire tenders at key locations and install fire extinguishers at religious places. A joint committee was constituted to keep check on overcharging profiteering and quality of food products, with strict action against violators.

The DC also directed for the installation of CCTV cameras near temples, mosques, and shrines to enhance surveillance. The SSP was urged to address security concerns with adequate deployment of personnel.  Religious representatives also gave their suggestions, and the DC assured them of the administration's full support in addressing these issues.

The meeting was attended by SSP Javed Iqbal; ADC  Pawan Kotwal; ACR Idrees Lone; AD FCS&CA Shafqat Ali Keen; EO Municipality Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal; Tehsildar Nirbhay Sharma; ARTO Tasleem Wani, CMO,   DSHO, officials from traffic, besides  representatives from religious organisations and civil society members.

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