SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today visited Lal Ded Hospital, Srinagar to review the progress of the ongoing construction of the additional block being developed under the World Bank-funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP). On this occasion besides the Principal Secretary, PWD; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and Secretary, H&ME he was accompanied by DC, Srinagar; Commissioner,  SMC; CEO, ERA; Chief Engineer, R&B (Central) and other concerned officers.

About the project, the Chief Secretary was apprised that with a sanctioned cost of Rs 171.42 Cr, it was initiated in 2019–20 by JKPCC and later transferred to R&B, it is aimed at significantly upgrading the hospital’s infrastructure through Composite Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Medical Equipment works, hospital furniture, and annual maintenance support.

During the visit, the Chief Secretary was informed that out of the total 283 piles, 277 have already been completed, while raft work stands 97% complete. An expenditure of Rs 29.07 Cr has been incurred so far. It was further divulged that against the approved balance project cost of Rs 142.35 Cr, an amount of Rs 118.60 Cr has been allotted through the Contract Committee, and balance pile work is currently in progress. The revised likely date of completion has been fixed as December 31, 2026.

Underscoring the significance of the project, the Chief Secretary observed that the Hospital is the only tertiary care gynecological hospital in the entire Kashmir Valley, catering to thousands of women and newborns every year. So he reiterated that strengthening its infrastructure is of paramount importance for improving maternal and child healthcare services in the region.

He further remarked that the new block, once completed, will greatly enhance patient care facilities and ease the existing load on the hospital. He directed the executing agencies to strictly adhere to the revised timelines and maintain the highest quality standards to ensure the facility is developed as a model healthcare block.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Chief Secretary said that projects like this reflect our focus on expanding and modernizing healthcare infrastructure across the UT. The additional block at LalDed Hospital will play a transformative role in bridging critical gaps in service delivery and meeting the healthcare needs of women and children in the Valley, he asserted.

Dulloo also made it clear that he is personally monitoring the progress of this vital project. Given its importance for the people of the UT, he called for regular monitoring of the pace of work to ensure timely completion and prevent any unnecessary delays, he asserted.

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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