SRINAGAR: In order to assess the progress of works under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in the Lolab Constituency (Kupwara Package), a review meeting was convened today at the Corporate Headquarters of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), here. The meeting was chaired by Qaiser Jamshaid Lone, Member J&K Legislative Assembly (Lolab Constituency). Managing Director KPDCL, Mahmood Ahmad Shah was also present in the meeting.

Among others,  Superintending Engineer, Project Circle South, Er. M Hussain; Superintending Engineer, O&M Circle Sopore, Er. Dalbir Singh; Executive Engineer, ED Kupwara, Er. Mohammad Amin Shah; representative, PIA – NTPC and authorized representative, M/s Vikran Engineering & Exim Pvt. Ltd. attended the meeting. The deliberations were aimed at undertaking a comprehensive appraisal of the physical and financial status of various sanctioned works being executed under the centrally sponsored RDSS in the Lolab region.

At the outset, MLA emphasized the instrumental role played by elected representatives in furthering infrastructure development, particularly in the power sector. A consolidated overview of the project components, execution timelines, and bottlenecks was presented to the chair. MLA, while acknowledging the ongoing efforts, underscored the need for immediate prioritization of critical works and sought strict adherence to stipulated timelines. The Turnkey Contractor assured timely compliance and reaffirmed its commitment to expedite execution as per the mutually agreed milestones.

MLA further impressed upon the corporation the imperative of initiating requisite measures to ensure the provisioning of enhanced and uninterrupted power supply to the residents of the area. In this regard, he underscored the critical need for maintaining an adequate buffer stock of Distribution Transformers (DTs) across multiple capacities along with sufficient reserves of transformer oil, to facilitate timely response in the event of any emergent contingencies or unforeseen transformer outages.

Moreover, he laid particular emphasis on the augmentation of the existing Receiving Station infrastructure, including the revamping of the ageing 33kV Old Kupwara line, which continues to be a constraint on load-bearing capacity. He also reiterated the strategic importance of expediting the establishment of the proposed Grid Station at Waheedpora, Sopore, which is envisioned to significantly bolster the transmission infrastructure and address the long-standing reliability and load management issues across the region.

To address field-level challenges, particularly with respect to Right of Way (RoW) constraints and local impediments, it was resolved that a joint site inspection involving the  MLA, KPDCL officials, PIA representatives, and TKC shall be conducted on 1st July 2025 at Lolab. This coordinated exercise is intended to fast-track execution through proactive site-level resolution and stakeholder collaboration.

In a significant development, the meeting also resolved to launch a Solar Rooftop (SRT) Promotion and Registration Campaign under the PM–Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna. The campaign shall be ceremonially flagged-off with the inaugural registration for installation of rooftop solar plants. This pioneering gesture is envisioned to stimulate mass awareness and adoption of decentralized clean energy solutions among domestic consumers in the region.

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