In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

SRINAGAR: In view of winter season, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday chaired a meeting to review the regulation of vehicular movement on the Srinagar–Sonmarg–Gumri (SSG) road and the opening and closure schedule of the Zojila Pass, which connects the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.

During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner urged District Administrations of Kargil and Ganderbal, SSP Rural Kashmir, and officers from BRO and BEACON to maintain close coordination for timely opening and closure of the Zojila Pass based on weather conditions and road status, in consultation with BRO and VIJAYAK.

Officials briefed the Div Com that the current cut-off timing for allowing vehicular movement is 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM from the Kargil side, and 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM from the Ganderbal side.  The Div Com directed District Administration Ganderbal to provide necessary accommodation to stranded passengers in case of snowfall, road closure, or any untoward incident.

The RTO Kashmir and SSP Rural were instructed to ensure that only mechanically fit vehicles ply on the route. The RTO was also asked to operationalize weighing bridges along the SSG road. Emphasizing strict adherence to Traffic Department advisories, the Div Com called for deployment of recovery cranes along the Zojila Pass and directed the MED to support BEACON with additional machinery.

The Health Department was tasked with ensuring smooth functioning of the Sonmarg hospital and establishing medical camps as needed. The Div Com also stressed the setting up of a joint control room comprising District Administration Ganderbal, Police, SDRF, CRPF, and other agencies for coordinated management and emergency response.

Directions were also issued to SSP Traffic and SDRF to ensure adequate deployment of personnel for smooth vehicular movement. To facilitate movement of emergency vehicles from Kargil side, the Div Com directed for magisterial permission to the vehicles to track the vehicles. In order to ensure effective flow of information, the Div Com directed for operationalization of distribution wireless sets among the nodal officers.

The meeting was attended by DC Ganderbal, DC Kargil, SSP Ganderbal, SSP Kargil, officers from IMD, MED, PWD (R&B), RTO Kashmir, CEO Sonamarg Development Authority, Executive Director NHIDCL Srinagar/Leh, and representatives of BSNL, Jio, and Airtel.

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
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 👇