The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

GANDERBAL: A meeting of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) was today held at the Mini Secretariat, Ganderbal under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Syed Faheem Bihaqi. At the outset, the chair reviewed the action taken report on the previous meeting and took a comprehensive overview of road safety measures being implemented across the district.

Threadbare discussions were held on key issues including action against traffic violators, habitual offenders and overloading, enforcement of traffic rules such as use of helmets and seat belts, and curbing mobile phone usage while driving. The meeting also reviewed accident data management and identification of black spots for timely rectification.

The ADC stressed the need for strengthening enforcement mechanisms and directed concerned departments to ensure adequate deployment of manpower. He also emphasized strict  checking of overloading in school buses and commercial vehicles, besides ensuring installation of speed limit devices.

Issues related to road infrastructure such as installation of crash barriers, signages, road markings, and caution boards were also discussed. The concerned agencies were instructed to expedite ongoing works and address bottlenecks on priority. The meeting further reviewed the traffic management and availability of pedestrian facilities including footpaths and encroachment-free roads.

Highlighting the importance of emergency response, the ADC directed for strengthening the emergency care network, including better ambulance services, trauma care facilities, and inter-departmental coordination. Emphasis was also laid on awareness and capacity building initiatives. The ADC called for organizing road safety awareness programmes for employees and for commercial drivers, with active involvement of the Education Department, Motor Vehicles Department, and Traffic Police.

Various departments presented updates on their respective mandates, including enforcement drives, installation of infrastructure, and awareness activities. The ADC directed all stakeholders to work in close coordination and adopt a proactive approach to reduce road accidents and ensure safer roads in the district.

Discussion was also held on strengthening awareness and implementation of Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) and PM Rahat schemes. The ADC emphasized the need for ensuring timely registration of all road accident cases on the iRAD portal and directed concerned departments to maintain real-time data entry for effective monitoring and policy response.

He further reviewed the status of registration of road accident victims under PM Rahat and stressed expeditious processing and clearance of cases by line departments to facilitate prompt financial assistance to beneficiaries.

Among others, Superintending Engineer R&B Ganderbal, Sub-divisional Magistrate Kangan, Chief Education Officer, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, officers from Police, Health, R&B, PHE, PMGSY, I&FC, Municipal Council, and other concerned departments attended the meeting.

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