JAMMU: Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar, chaired a high level meeting at Civil Secretariat here to review the status of wayside amenities and toilet facilities along major highways and roads across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was aimed to address the growing needs of both local commuters and the increasing number of tourists visiting the Union Territory.

Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, Secretary PWD, Bhupinder Kumar, senior officers from NHAI, BRO, NHIDCL, R&B and the Tourism Department attended the meeting. The meeting had detailed discussion on enhancing infrastructure to improve travel experience and ensure seamless access to essential facilities along major routes.

The Principal Secretary asked the officers to identify the locations along the roads and acquire/ transfer land in consultation with the concerned  Deputy Commissioners  for raising requisite facilities for the local and outside visitors.

The Principal Secretary directed the officers to ensure installation of signboards marking toilet facilities and indicating distances along highways to enhance visibility and accessibility. He directed the Beacon authorities to submit a location plan for wayside amenities within fixed timelines besides asking the NHAI to ensure that all existing amenities become functional.

The PWD and Tourism Departments were asked to conduct a gap analysis to identify location specific requirements for new wayside amenities along major highways. This will ensure an overall infrastructural development plan that meets the evolving needs of both the residents and the visitors. He also directed the concerned agencies  to ensure wayside amnesties and toilets facilities  are incorporated  in the DPRs of road construction projects.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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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