• Conducts extensive tour of Yatri Niwas

JAMMU: A comprehensive review meeting was convened today under the chairmanship of Vikas Gupta, Director Tourism, Jammu to assess the progress of various projects undertaken under the CAPEX in the Pir Panjal Zone. Joint Director Tourism Sunaina Sharma Mehta was also present The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the progress of works and ensuring their timely completion.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including Chief Engineer, PW(R&B), Pir Panjal Zone, Anil Kumar Pandohi, concerned Executive Engineers, Deputy Director (P&S), Jammu, Dr. Neha Mahajan and Officers of the Directorate including Assistant Director Tourism, Katra,   Alka Mishra, Assistant Director Tourism, Rajouri, Muzammil Hassan Choudhary and the Tourist Officer, Rajouri.

During the review, 24 ongoing projects under the CAPEX Budget, falling under the jurisdiction of the Chief Engineer, Pir Panjal Zone, were discussed. Of the approved outlay of Rs. 470.98 lakhs for the financial year 2024-25, Rs. 343.34 lakhs have already been released to the respective divisions, out of which, Rs. 134.98 lakhs has been expended till date. The Director emphasized the need to expedite work on all projects and ensure their completion well before the completion of the current financial year. The timely handover of completed projects will also be ensured by PWD (R&B).

Furthermore, the Assistant Directors Tourism Katra and Rajouri were directed to actively follow up on the progress of the projects in their respective jurisdictions. They were also instructed to identify and address any additional requirements necessary to facilitate the timely completion of the ongoing works. The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on inter-departmental coordination and collective efforts to achieve the targets set under the CAPEX and Circuit Plan for the Pir Panjal Zone.

Later in the day, they conducted a tour of Yatri Niwas, Jammu to assess the progress of works at the site and ensure the completion of all necessary preparations ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage yatras. The visit underscored the importance of providing seamless facilities to pilgrims, with instructions to all concerned to strictly adhere to timelines without compromising on quality. Shokat Hayat Mattoo, Deputy Director Tourism (Administration), Atul Gupta, Executive Engineer, PWD Jammu, and other officers and officials from the Tourism and PWD departments were present during the visit.

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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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