SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief, Surinder Choudhary, today convened an extensive review meeting with the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department to evaluate departmental functioning and launch the macadamisation programme for the current year. Secretary, Public Works Department (PWD), Bhupinder Kumar, provided a comprehensive briefing on the department’s activities.

The Chief Engineers of R&B for Central and South Kashmir outlined the macadamisation programme, stating that approximately 312.87 km of roads in Central Kashmir and 234.88 km in South Kashmir have been proposed for macadamisation this year under various sectors including C&T, NABARD, UT sector and CRIF.

It was informed that a total of 157 projects have been approved for Central Kashmir and 134 for South Kashmir under the C&T sector. Additionally, 17 new schemes in Central Kashmir and 16 in South Kashmir have been approved under NABARD, further bolstering the region’s infrastructure development. The meeting was apprised that the tendering process for these works has commenced with construction scheduled to begin by June 15, 2025 and the macadamisation projects are expected to be completed within three months.

The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need for high-quality execution and adherence to timelines, directing the officials to ensure effective coordination.  He directed the officers to expedite the progress on all works ensuring their timely completion and maintaining the quality standards. The Dy CM asked the engineers to follow the deadlines and show remarkable results so that the vital road projects would be completed in a time bound manner. He further directed the concerned engineers to review progress on these projects regularly and blacklist those contractors who are not showing up satisfactory performance.

The Dy CM directed all the divisions to work in close coordination to resolve the issues hindering the pace of progress on projects. Choudhary asserted that providing road connectivity, construction of quality and safe roads, bridges and other infrastructure for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth is priority of the Omar Abdullah Government.

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
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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