ANANTNAG: Deputy Commissioner (Chairman, District Road Safety Committee) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiud Din Bhat, today chaired a review meeting of the committee to assess the measures taken by various agencies to reduce road accidents besides status of compensation for victims in the district.

The meeting was attended by ADC, SE R&B (Member Secretary), CMO, ARTO, DySP Traffic, Executive Engineers of R&B divisions, EOs of MCs, representatives of NHAI, BEACON and other agencies involved in road safety planning and implementation.

At the outset, the SE R&B presented a detailed overview of the decisions taken by the committee in the previous meeting and the progress achieved so far. The chair was informed that in addition to responsive relief, several preventive measures including identification and remedial action at accident prone ā€œblack spotsā€, regular road maintenance and strengthening of vulnerable stretches, improvement and standardisation of road signage and reflectors and technical inspection of vehicles to ensure road worthiness, have been taken to minimise the occurrence of accidents across the district.

It was further informed that during the year 2025, 536 road accidents were recorded resulting in 42 casualties. Presently, the district has 24 PM RAHAT designated hospitals to provide timely medical care and support to accident victims. On the occasion, the Committee held detailed deliberations on key issues like analysis of IRAD data, identification of remaining black spots and measures for their rectification besides smooth implementation of PM Sadak Suraksha (Setu/Sehat) financial assistance scheme in the district.

The DC stressed the need to expedite the process of victim identification and the timely disbursal of claims under the relief schemes, so the affected families do not face undue delays in receiving compensation. He directed all concerned departments to streamline documentation and verification procedures to ensure efficiency and transparency.

Dr. Bilal directed to conduct a detailed analytical review of accident data which will be utilised to undertake specific engineering and enforcement actions. He issued further directions to make an in-depth analysis of all identified black spots and to propose permanent engineering solutions to prevent fatal accidents in the future. EOs of MCs were asked to remove the encroachments along roads and footpaths for ease and safety of commuters. Cleanliness and usability of footpaths besides regulating roadside parking were also emphasized.

Additionally, in view of the ongoing 100 day campaign under Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan, the MVD and Traffic authorities were instructed to intensify enforcement action against the drug peddlers and other violators. At conclusion, the committee underscored that a coordinated and multi departmental approach alongwith constant vigil and improvement in road safety infrastructure and services are essential to bring down the number and severity of road accidents in the district.

DC directed the ARTO to ensure that compensation to all deceased victims is processed and disbursed in a time-bound manner. He also instructed all Executive Officers of Municipalities to ensure the immediate clearance and maintenance of footpaths across all towns. The meeting was attended by the DSP Traffic, ARTO, and all Executive Officers of Municipalities.

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). 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