PULWAMA: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, today chaired a comprehensive meeting of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) at the Administrative Complex here to review the road safety scenario and strategise measures for reducing road accidents across the district.

At the outset, the Member Secretary DRSC presented a detailed presentation highlighting the road safety scenario in the district. The presentation covered year-wise road accident data, analysis based on eDAR, Police inputs, and status of black spots identified within the District.

The meeting was also apprised about the implementation and significance of the Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) portal, which enables real-time data collection and scientific analysis of accidents. It was informed that the portal facilitates identification of accident-prone locations, analysis of causes, and formulation of targeted interventions for minimizing fatalities and injuries.

While reviewing the action taken on decisions of the previous meeting, it was informed that a series of awareness programmes have been conducted across the district by ARTO Pulwama, Traffic Police, and the Education Department. Over 35 awareness camps and 16 medical camps were organised, with more than 650 commercial drivers examined for fitness and eye check-ups.

The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Pulwama informed the meeting that strict enforcement measures have been undertaken, including suspension of driving licenses for violations such as over-speeding and overloading, and blacklisting of vehicles with pending challans. 

The DC reviewed the traffic management measures being implemented across key routes and stressed the need for sustained enforcement on busy roads, particularly near hospitals, educational institutions, and market areas.

While taking stock of infrastructure-related issues, the meeting was informed about the road safety audit conducted on identified roads and bridges, as per the directions of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety (SCCoRS). 

The Deputy Commissioner issued a series of directions to further strengthen road safety mechanisms in the district. He directed all concerned departments to ensure effective utilisation of the iRAD portal for data-driven decision-making and called for close coordination among Police, Transport, Health, and Engineering departments.

Emphasising preventive measures, the DC instructed ARTO and Traffic Police to intensify enforcement drives against rash driving, overloading, and non-compliance with safety norms. 

The Deputy Commissioner reiterated that reduction in road accidents requires a multi-pronged approach involving enforcement, engineering interventions, awareness, and data-driven planning, and called upon all stakeholders to work in close coordination to achieve tangible results.

Among others, the meeting was attended by the Chief Medical Officer Pulwama, Executive Engineers of R&B and PMGSY, ARTO Pulwama, officers from Education Department and other members of the committee.

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