SAMBA: Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma today chaired a high-level meeting at the revered Baba Sidh Goria Shrine, Swankha, to evaluate the preparedness for the Annual Mela slated on July 6, 2025. The meeting witnessed participation from officers of civil and police administration, health, members of shrine committee, and other departments, alongside local stakeholders.

The Deputy Commissioner directed departments concerned to undertake blacktopping and repair works on all major approach roads leading to the shrine, ensuring timely completion for the smooth movement of pilgrims. He underscored the importance of safety, accessibility and infrastructural readiness.

To ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply, the Jal Shakti Department was instructed to deploy additional water tankers and augment field-level arrangements. Civic authorities were asked to install mobile toilets and maintain high standards of cleanliness during the event. Special focus was laid on hygiene management. The DC directed for installation of adequate dustbins and stringent sanitation protocols to accommodate the anticipated influx of devotees.

The preparedness review further encompassed security arrangements, fire safety readiness, and traffic regulation plans. The DC emphasized coordinated inter-departmental action, proactive field supervision and contingency preparedness to ensure a peaceful and well-regulated Mela. The District Administration reiterated its commitment to providing a devotional, secure and seamless experience to all pilgrims attending the sacred gathering.

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