RAMBAN: In a move to assess and expedite restoration work on the crucial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today visited the affected sites in district Ramban. The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary; Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban, Kulbir Singh and SSP Traffic National Highway, Raja Adil Hamid and PD NHAI Parshotam Singh.

Dulloo along with the team inspected various vulnerable and affected spots including Marog, Sita Ram Passi, Seri, Mehar, and Dalwas to review the extent of damage and ongoing restoration works.  During the visit, he emphasized urgency of the situation and directed the executing agency to accelerate the pace of work to ensure early clearance of stranded vehicles and resumption of traffic on this critical route.

Acknowledging the plight of those stranded, the Chief Secretary instructed the district administration to extend all necessary support to the stranded passengers. He also called upon the traffic police to provide full cooperation to the executing agency, facilitating seamless restoration operations. Dulloo asked for prioritizing the movement of passenger vehicles and trucks carrying perishable goods once the road reopens. He highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to minimize inconvenience and mitigate the impact resulting from the disruption.

During the inspection, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned agencies, particularly the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), to expedite repair and restoration work ensuring uninterrupted vehicular movement. He emphasized the need for durable and time-bound solutions to address the recurring issue of landslides and road erosion in this vital corridor that connects Jammu with the Kashmir Valley.

Special focus was laid on the ongoing Four-Laning Project of NH-44 between Nashri and Banihal, which forms a key component of the J&K road infrastructure upgrade. The Chief Secretary took stock of the physical  progress on the project and directed the executing agencies to strictly adhere to timelines, while ensuring quality and safety standards.

Highlighting the importance of seamless transportation, he instructed the NHAI officers to ensure proper double carriageways in all critical stretches of NH-44 to facilitate smooth and safe vehicular flow, especially given the highway’s strategic and economic significance.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, briefed the Chief Secretary about the losses incurred due to recent cloudbursts and flash floods, detailing the immediate response, restoration measures, and relief provided to affected families. He also outlined the District Administration’s preparedness and coordination mechanisms to tackle such natural calamities in the future.

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
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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