PULWAMA:  To strengthen road safety mechanisms and mitigate road accidents across the district, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom today chaired a comprehensive meeting of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) at the Administrative Complex Pulwama.

At the outset, Executive Engineer, R&B Division Pulwama (Member Secretary DRSC), presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation outlining the current road safety status, actions taken on previous decisions, black spot identification, removal of unauthorized cuts, and compliance with Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety (SCCoRS) norms.

While presenting the year wise road accident data, the chair was apprised that the number of accidents has significantly reduced this year in comparison to previous years. DC reviewed the decisions taken during the previous meeting and the action taken by concerned departments. He sought department-wise action plans for better coordination and tangible progress on road safety initiatives.

During the meeting, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Pulwama apprised the chair about the series of enforcement drives carried out across the district to ensure adherence to traffic and safety regulations. It was further informed that comprehensive inspection drives of all school buses operating within the district have been successfully completed. Additionally, it was conveyed that the installation of CCTV cameras in all school buses has been ensured, significantly enhancing the safety and monitoring of student transportation.

Dr. Qayoom stressed the importance of joint enforcement drives, particularly targeting rash driving, illegal parking and use of safety gear. He emphasized on organising a fortnight of medical check-ups of commercial drivers in collaboration with the Health Department, ensuring their physical fitness for road safety. He also directed the ARTO Pulwama to intensify enforcement drives and awareness drives especially regarding the Road Accident Victim Fund.

During the meeting, DC directed the Chief Education Officer and Principals of Degree Colleges to revitalize Road Safety Clubs in schools and colleges to promote traffic awareness among students. Highlighting the issue of illegal parking, DC instructed the R&B Department to prioritize the coverage of black spots and installation of crash barriers and signage at vulnerable locations. He further instructed the department to expedite the repair of potholes and ensure immediate attention to all critical black spots across the district, with a view to preventing accidents and ensuring smoother traffic flow.

A special emphasis was laid on leveraging the Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) to facilitate data-driven analysis and targeted interventions. DC called for a multi-stakeholder approach, comprising officials from engineering and police departments, to study accident causes and propose remedial measures. DC reiterated that removal of road encroachments must be taken up on priority and that the overall culture of road safety can only be improved through coordinated action, robust infrastructure, and public engagement.

Among others, the meeting was attended by the Chief Medical Officer, Pulwama; Principals of Government Degree Colleges Pulwama, Rajpora; Executive Engineers of R&B and PMGSY; Executive Officers of Municipalities; ARTO Pulwama and DySP Traffic Pulwama.

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