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JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar today convened a meeting to review the progress of ongoing projects being executed by NHAI, NHIDCL, Beacon/Sampark and PMGSY across the Division.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Rakesh Minhas; Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma; Deputy Commissioners of Jammu Division; Joint Director, Geology & Mining, Jammu; senior officers of NHAI, Sampark, PMGSY Jammu, PWD Jammu and NHIDCL; besides other concerned officers, who participated in person and through virtual mode.

The Deputy Commissioners and senior officers of the concerned departments and executing agencies briefed the chair about the current status and progress of ongoing projects in the areas of their respective districts, besides apprising him of issues and bottlenecks requiring intervention.

The Divisional Commissioner undertook a detailed review of roads, bridges, tunnels, four-laning works, drainage and other connectivity work, with focus on physical progress, financial issues, land acquisition, compensation, RoW, forest and wildlife clearances, utility shifting and other field-level constraints.

The Divisional Commissioner sought detailed feedback on the progress of different road sections along the National Highway from Jammu to Kathua, Udhampur, Ramban, Banihal besides, Akhnoor to Poonch and other areas. He directed the executing agencies to expedite   improvement of riding surfaces, rectification of damaged/vulnerable stretches and strengthening of road approaches, while ensuring strict adherence to prescribed safety and quality standards.

Reviewing tunnel and four-laning projects, the Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned agencies to accelerate the pace and adhere strictly to committed timelines. He emphasized adequate deployment of manpower, machinery and safety measures, particularly at vulnerable stretches and construction sites.

The meeting also reviewed compensation and collateral damage cases, including cases involving affected structures, RoW and slide-affected areas. The Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned agencies to verify the relevant records and expedite eligible payments and pending cases, while ensuring proper follow-up of matters pending before courts and competent authorities.

Issues concerning forest and wildlife clearances, compensation afforestation and mitigation measures were also reviewed. The concerned agencies were directed to maintain close coordination with the Forest and Wildlife authorities and complete all statutory requirements without delay.

The Divisional Commissioner expressed concern over delays in certain works despite availability of funds and awarded contracts. He directed the executing agencies to mobilize adequate resources, increase the pace of work and fix responsibility for avoidable delays. He also stressed regular field inspections and immediate rectification of potholes, damaged riding surfaces and sliding/vulnerable locations.

Reviewing drainage and utility works in market/shopping areas, the Divisional Commissioner directed execution in manageable stretches in coordination with the local administration so that public movement and business activities are not disrupted.

Emphasizing effective inter-departmental coordination, the Divisional Commissioner directed all agencies to maintain regular communication with the Deputy Commissioners and concerned departments and resolve issues through direct coordination rather than prolonged correspondence. He asked the agencies to submit issue-wise action plans with definite timelines and ensure regular monitoring of progress.

The Divisional Commissioner reiterated that no avoidable delay In critical infrastructure projects would be tolerated and directed all stakeholders to work in close coordination to ensure timely completion of projects and improved connectivity across Jammu Division.

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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