In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

JAMMU: To further strengthen sanitation services and ensure a clean and healthy urban environment, the Joint Commissioner (Health & Sanitation), Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Abdul Star today convened a comprehensive review meeting with the Health and Sanitation officials in the JMC. The meeting was aimed at assessing the present status of cleanliness operations, waste management and public hygiene across all wards of Jammu city.

During the meeting, a wide range of crucial issues concerning the upkeep of the city were discussed in detail. The Joint Commissioner reviewed the monitoring of door-to-door garbage collection vehicles through GPS tracking to ensure timely coverage of all households and efficient waste transportation. He also took stock of the collection and disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, stressing that unauthorized dumping along roadsides and vacant plots should be strictly prohibited.

The progress on the implementation of the ban on Single Use Plastic (SUP) was also reviewed. Abdul Star directed the field staff to intensify enforcement drives and impose penalties on violators as per the rules. The status and functioning of public toilets across different locations in the city was also discussed, with instructions issued for regular cleaning, proper maintenance, and ensuring availability of water and sanitation facilities at all times.

He also reviewed the redressal of grievances being received on the Swachh City Portal and directed officers to resolve complaints within stipulated timelines to maintain public confidence in the sanitation system. The beat-wise deployment of sanitation workers and the monitoring of their daily attendance were emphasized to ensure optimum utilization of manpower and proper coverage of all areas.

Further, the mapping and deployment of 407 and 709 tippers used for garbage transportation were examined to achieve better coordination and fuel efficiency. The roster of Nallah Gang responsible for cleaning drains and nallahs was also discussed, with directions to ensure routine de-silting and clearance to avoid waterlogging during rains.

Reviewing the revenue collection from sanitation services, the Joint Commissioner called for strengthening recovery mechanisms and maintaining transparency in operations. The functioning of transfer stations and the enforcement of penalties for violations related to littering, waste burning and plastic usage were also reviewed in detail.

Abdul Star also inspected the progress of composting activities at Narwal and emphasized the importance of converting organic waste into compost to reduce the overall waste load on dumping sites. He further directed the officers to adopt environmentally sustainable methods for the disposal of garden and horticulture waste, promoting recycling and reuse initiatives wherever possible.

In his concluding remarks, the Joint Commissioner called for strict field supervision, active participation of all stakeholders and consistent monitoring of cleanliness activities. He stressed that public cooperation is vital for maintaining a cleaner and greener Jammu city and directed the sanitation teams to engage with local residents and market associations for better awareness and compliance.

Health Officer JMC Dr. Vinod Sharma, along with Sanitation Officers and Sanitation Inspectors from all wards attended the meeting. The officers assured full commitment to implementing the directions on the ground and enhancing the efficiency of the city’s sanitation management system.

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
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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