UDHAMPUR: Chairman District Development Council Udhampur Lal  Chand today kick-started the black-topping work on the 6 km National Highway to Mahamaya Mandir road being constructed at a cost of Rs 7.38 cr. The foundation stone of the road was laid in March 2024.  MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania, DDC Udhampur-I  Puran Chand and DDC Tikri Ashu Sharma, along with the officials from the PWD department, including AEE and JE were also present at the launch of the work.

This is the first road project among 13 projects on which the black topping work is being initiated. The project was prioritised by the District Development Council under NABARD in the FY 2023-24. Another project under the same sanction- the Bridge over Dhandyal Nallah at the Krimachi Debrah road has already been completed and opened for the commuters.

The blacktopping of the road from the National Highway to Mahamaya Mandir represents a significant infrastructure development. This project is prioritised by the District Development Council (DDC) as it holds cultural and tourism value by enhancing connectivity to religious sites like the Mahamaya Mandir. The completion of the Dhandyal Nallah Bridge on the Krimachi Debrah road, another project under the same sanction, demonstrates progress in addressing critical infrastructure needs.

The projects contribute to the overall development of the region by improving connectivity, facilitating economic activity, and enhancing access to essential services. The improved road infrastructure will significantly benefit pilgrims visiting the Mahamaya Mandir, enhancing their travel experience.  The Chairman congratulated the locals of the area for the developmental initiatives and urged the officials concerned to maintain the quality of the work.  The locals also thanked the chairman for conceding  their long-pending demand.

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