SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while chairing a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat today to review winter preparedness for the 2024-25 season in Kashmir Valley and winter zones of Jammu Division, underscored the critical importance of effective execution.

ā€œPlans have been announced, but execution is now crucial. Our preparations will truly be tested with the first snowfall. The prolonged dry spell is already creating challenges of depleted water levels and reduced power generation due to decrease in water flow,ā€ the chief minister said. ā€œThe credibility of the government rests on us; once plans are announced, effective implementation becomes paramount,ā€ he said.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, along with all administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, senior police and security officials, Deputy Commissioners, and BRO officers.

Officers from Jammu and other district headquarters participated via video conferencing. During the meeting, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir presented a comprehensive briefing on the winter preparedness measures already in place across the Kashmir Division.

Giving details of key components of the winter action plan, the meeting was informed that snow clearance and maintenance of inter-district highways, district roads, town roads have been prioritized and focus would be on ensuring essential services and functioning of hospitals, PHE supply, grid stations, and Fire & Emergency Services. The Chief Minister was informed that all necessary machinery is in place with personnel ready to operate them efficiently.

In regions such as Gurez in Bandipora and parts of Kupwara, where winter access is limited, sufficient fuel supplies have been pre-stocked. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other Urban Local Bodies have geared up for dewatering activities, with pumps set and ready. Essential winter stockpiles, including food grains, fuel, HSD for generators, and repaired distribution transformers, are in position. Additionally, subsidized helicopter services are available for snowbound areas across Jammu and Kashmir to meet emergency and medical needs.

Medical facilities have been equipped with adequate medicines, oxygen cylinders, and firewood, with duty rosters issued for hospitals through March 2025. Control rooms have been established at divisional, district, and departmental levels to ensure coordination and swift response throughout the winter season.

Chief Minister gave directions for assured helicopter service in cut-off areas and making helicopter services financially viable for operators. To deal with challenges of winter effectively, Chief Minister directed equipping hospitals, adherence to power supply schedules, filling up of vacant posts in remote areas and taking timely action to safeguard public health, and safety during the harsh winter months ahead.

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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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