KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to evaluate the progress of road infrastructure projects being carried out under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) across the district. The Executive Engineer PMGSY Kishtwar presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation during the meeting. He informed that out of 99 sanctioned projects, 58 have been completed and 41 are in progress. In Division Marwah, 13 out of 21 schemes have been completed, with 5 currently ongoing.

A detailed review was carried out for key road projects under various stages of PMGSY implementation. These include roads from Gahan to Chandali, Nowapachi to Hanzal, Ikhala (Block Boundary Kishtwar) to Lopara, Margi to Sukhnai, Cherji to Semna Bhata, Hidyal to Hargadi, TKN (Km 5th) to Mori, Afani to Jar, Shashoo to Sazar, Shiwas to Ongayee, Atholi to Palali, Kuriya to Keshwan, Kandni to Ohli, and Karool to Badhat, among others. The progress of bridge works under PMGSY was also reviewed.

The Deputy Commissioner issued directions to all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to monitor the progress of PMGSY works regularly in their respective jurisdictions. He also instructed the PMGSY department to initiate both phases of road works simultaneously, wherever applicable, to ensure faster execution. To improve transparency and planning, the DC asked the Executive Engineers PMGSY to submit a month-wise completion plan for all ongoing works, including scheme-wise progress details and a list of projects delayed due to legal or court-related issues.

He further directed the inclusion of proper drainage systems and water outlets along all roads and bridges to ensure long-term durability. The DC instructed the department to take disciplinary action, including blacklisting, against non-performing contractors. He reiterated the district administration's zero-tolerance policy towards substandard work and stressed the need for strict quality control across all projects. The meeting was attended by ACR Kishtwar Idrees Lone, CPO Kishtwar Shahnawaz Bali, Executive Engineer PMGSY Kishtwar Rajesh Sharma, Executive Engineer PMGSY Marwah Mohd Farooq, AEEs, along with other 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