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JAMMU: Minister for Rural Development Department, Javed Ahmad Dar, today informed the House that the roads being constructed by PMGSY in Udhampur West constituency are under Defect Liability Period (DLP) for a period of 5 years. If any damage is found after construction or during the maintenance period then it is being rectified by the Contractor, he added.

The Minister was replying on behalf of the Deputy Chief Minister to a question raised by Pawan Kumar Gupta in the Legislative Assembly. He said that the roads being executed in Udhampur West Assembly Constituency under NABARD are in good condition and no substandard material has been used in PMGSY/NABARD roads.

However, the Minister informed that the blacktopping done on 7 km road from Kainthgali Block Boundary Udhampur to Bariote Upto Moungri, currently under construction, was removed and Wet Mix Macadam was re-laid when the authorities noticed defect in this entire 7 km road. He said that, as the weather improves, 50 mm thick Bituminous Macadam and 20 mm OGPC will be re-laid and whole rectification would be done by the concerned contractor.

The Minister informed the House that various contractors have been served notices for repairing defects and damages of roads during DLP. He said that the roads to be repaired under the Defect Liability Period (DLP) included road projects from Garhi to Gathiyal Morh, LO23- NH1A Km 63rd to Gandala, Gandala to Narore, Kainthgali Bariote Km 20th to Jesserkote, Moungri to Ladda, Kainthgali Bariote km 44 to Lali and Mir to Saroffti. The notices have been issued to the Contractor for restoration of the damages and defects in these roads to facilitate seamless connectivity to the people.

The Minister said that the NRIDA arranges third party technical assessment and external Quality Assurance by deploying National Quality Monitors, whose responsibility is to verify that the UT's Quality Management is adequate in implementing the road infrastructure works. Keeping the road safety measures in view, crash barriers have been installed at various vulnerable spots on a number of roads, added the Minister.

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