REASI: Additional Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar convened a comprehensive review meeting today to assess the preparations for the 3-day Baisakhi Festival at the Holy Shrine of Dera Baba Banda Bahadur starting  from April 11, 2025. In the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on several arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, which draws thousands of devotees every year.

ADC Rakesh Kumar directed the concerned authorities to deploy adequate police personnel and implement appropriate security checks to ensure the safety and security of all visitors during the Festival.

He stressed the need for a reliable and uninterrupted supply of water and electricity during the festival days and directed the concerned departments to take adequate measures. He sought special attention on the maintenance of roads, particularly the road from Simbal Choa leading to the shrine and directed for necessary repairs well before the festival. He also instructed the traffic police to make detailed traffic arrangements including provision of parking space to ensure smooth and safe movement of vehicles.

The Municipal authorities of Reasi and Katra were asked to make necessary sanitation arrangements in and around the shrine and keep the provision of mobile toilets at the strategic points for convenience of the devotees. The Health Department was asked to ensure the availability of medical staff, first aid kits, and ambulances at the festival site. The meeting decided to station a medical team at the shrine to deal with any medical emergencies promptly.

ADC Rakesh Kumar also called for the readiness of the Fire and Emergency Services Department to handle any potential fire hazards or emergencies that may arise during the festival. He instructed the department to keep standby necessary equipment and personnel to respond swiftly to any crisis. Tourism department was directed to take measures for wide publicity of the Mela through different means. Chief Medical officer, XENs Jal Shakti and JPDCL, DSP (HQ), DIO(Info), EO MC Reasi, AD Tourism Katra and other concerned were present in the meeting.

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