JAMMU: Deputy Commissioner, Jammu Dr. Rakesh Minhas today visited several villages in the Surinsar area covering 5 panchayats of Surinsar, Surgan, Athen, Chilla and Pounthal besides visiting Khanna Chhargal and the villages falling en-route, inspecting the condition of roads including Surinsar–Pathwar and Churana Road. A public meeting was held at Surinsar where the DC had detailed interactions with the locals.

Dr. Minhas asked executing agencies including ERA, to expedite road clearance works. He stressed on prioritising the restoration of   tractor roads, PMGSY roads and other internal link roads. He further instructed the District Mining Officer to ensure removal of sludge from affected sites as per public demand. Reiterating the guidelines, the DC said that schools shall be reopened only after obtaining safety clearance from the PWD & CEO or concerned ZEO following proper structural assessment.

He also emphasised to revive health facilities in the area at the earliest, directing the BMO and Health Department to take necessary measures. On the matter of compensation for crop and livestock losses, Dr. Minhas instructed for finalizing the assessment within 2 days. He also emphasised that restoration must be completed ahead of projected timelines, even if additional manpower has to be deployed.

The DC acknowledged the positive response of the public towards the administration’s ongoing efforts and expressed gratitude for their cooperation. He assured that maximum damages and losses, whether to property or livestock, will be compensated as per norms. Additional District Development Commissioner Sher Singh; ACR Dr. Rajesh Kumar; Chief Medical Officer Dr Harbaksh Singh, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Shehzada Noor ul Ain, XEN PDD, XEN PWD and other district officers accompanied the DC during the visit.

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
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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇