JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today while chairing the State Executive Committee (SEC) Meeting for State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) gave its approval for inclusion of 5 more local disasters to the already notified list of disasters as per SDRF norms. Besides the Principal Secretary Home and DMRR&R, the meeting was attended by other members of the SEC including Principal Secretary Finance; ADGP L&O; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir/Jammu and Secretary Revenue.

Deputy Commissioners attended the meeting through video conferencing from their respective offices. During this high level meeting, the members of SEC had consensus on adding five more disasters of local nature to the already notified list as per SDRF. These include Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), Lightening & Thunderstorm, Heavy Snowfall, Incidents of Man-Animal Conflict and Boat Capsizing.

These disasters were notified as UT specific disasters for disbursement of the benefits to the affected persons as per the guidelines/items and norms set under SDRF. This step is going to bring much requisite relief to hundreds of people becoming victims of such disasters. The SEC also gave its accent to release of over Rs 6 Cr in favour of Deputy Commissioners of Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Srinagar, Rajouri and Ramban on their requisition for additional funds for meeting the expenses of various disasters which have occurred in these districts during this year.

It also decided to release an amount of Rs 6.5 Cr in favour of HG/CD/SDRF for modernizing the force by providing different kinds of equipments like drones, remote controlled Lifebuoy, Fire entry suits, Power Descenders, and Battery operated cutter cum spreaders.

The other agenda items which were discussed in this SEC and find takers for their approval includes provisioning of Rs 50 lakhs on account of SDRF capacity building by conducting training programs, mock drills, other preparedness activities during the ensuing financial year. It also decided in favour of giving Rs 30 lakhs to the Department for upgradation of Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) here in J&K.

The Chief Secretary took this occasion to enquire from Deputy Commissioners about the disaster preparedness in their districts. He also took note of the suggestions forwarded by them. The Principal Secretary, DMRR&R Department, Chandraker Bharti gave out details of the activities held by department during the year. He also highlighted the significance of each agenda item for augmenting the capacity of the UT to be better prepared against the disasters the region is prone to.

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

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