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

JAMMU:  Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation Dr. Devansh Yadav today convened a high-level joint meeting of officers of Jammu Municipal Corporation, State Malariologist  Wing, Jammu  and Health Department to review the preparedness and strengthen  the response mechanism to fight against dengue, chikungunya and malaria in Jammu City.

 With dengue cases rising across the UT, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), in coordination with the Department of Health and Anti-Malaria Wing, has stepped up preventive measures to control the spread of vector-borne diseases including dengue, malaria and chikungunya in Jammu city. Official figures reveal that 1076 cases of dengue  were reported till September 2024, while 346 cases of dengue have been reported  till September 2025 within the jurisdiction of Jammu Municipal Corporation.

Under the directions of the JMC Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav, extensive fogging and spraying operations are being carried out in all wards of Jammu Municipal Corporation. A detailed roster has been issued to ensure that each ward is systematically covered, with fixed schedules for fogging and spraying. The structured approach is aimed at preventing mosquito breeding and reducing risk of disease transmission.

 During the meeting, the Commissioner directed all Sanitation Inspectors and field staff to conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns in their respective wards. He stressed that public participation is the most crucial element in combating dengue. Citizens must be informed not only about preventive measures but also about how to actively stop mosquito breeding around their homes.

Dr. Yadav advised that along with maintaining cleanliness outside their homes, residents must also remain vigilant about common water-collection points inside their houses. Stagnant water in refrigerator trays, water bowls kept for feeding birds, excess water in flower pots, coolers and other containers often become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The Commissioner urged that such places should be cleaned or emptied every third or fourth day to break the mosquito life cycle.

 The Commissioner also highlighted the need for community ownership of cleanliness drives, stating that government efforts alone cannot succeed without the cooperation of citizens. He appealed to the public to support sanitation teams, follow instructions and ensure their surroundings are kept clean and dry.

Dr. Yadav directed that fogging and spraying operations must not be limited to public places alone but should also cover vulnerable residential pockets, schools, markets, hospitals and areas with reported dengue cases. Special instructions were issued to intensify sanitation in densely populated localities where the risk of mosquito breeding is higher.

The Jammu Municipal Corporation has once again appealed to all citizens of Jammu to remain alert, practice personal protection measures such as using mosquito repellents and nets, wear full-sleeved clothes and above all, avoid accumulation of stagnant water.

The health experts present in the meeting shared insights about the disease pattern and stressed the importance of early detection and timely treatment. They advised residents to immediately seek medical consultation in case of fever or symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, or skin rashes, and avoid self-medication.

Among others,  Joint Commissioner (Health & Sanitation), JMC Abdul Star, Chief Medical Officer, Health Department, Dr. Harbakhsh Singh,  State Malariologist Dr. Dhruv Raina and Health Officer, JMC Dr. Vinod Sharma, besides Sanitation officers and Inspectors from all 75 wards  attended the meeting and  gave ward-wise updates on the prevailing situation and the measures being implemented on the ground.

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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