BARAMULLA: To strengthen community-based disaster preparedness, acknowledge the vital role of volunteers and foster an integrated emergency response system across the district, Civil Defence Kashmir, in collaboration with District Administration Baramulla, today organized an interactive meet with civil defence volunteers at Dak Bungalow, Baramulla.

Director Civil Defence and SDRF Kashmir, Imtiyaz Hussain Mir; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa; SSP Baramulla, Gurindarpal Singh; Commandant SDRF 1st Battalion Srinagar, Masroor Ahmad Mir; Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi, Dy.SP Headquarter Baramulla, Dy SP DAR Baramulla besides large number of volunteers participated.

Addressing the gathering, Director Civil Defence Kashmir highlighted the vital role of civil defence volunteers in exigency situations, including natural calamities, accidents and public emergencies. “Volunteers are often the first to respond during a crisis. Their swift action, commitment, and coordination with agencies can save lives and reduce damage. Empowering them through training and support remains a top priority,” he said.

He also emphasized the need for regular training programmes, inter-departmental coordination, and enhanced public awareness to improve community resilience. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla appreciated the efforts of civil defence volunteers and announced that the district administration is launching a mass enrollment drive to bring more citizens, especially youth, into the civil defence network.

He urged all eligible individuals to come forward and join this important cause. He said disaster preparedness is not just the responsibility of agencies but of the entire community. Sherpa also stressed the need for extensive awareness and training programmes to be conducted across urban and rural areas of Baramulla to ensure a well-informed and prepared population.

Other speakers, including senior civil defence officers and local officials, called for stronger coordination between departments, improved logistics for volunteers, and greater community involvement in disaster risk reduction initiatives. The programme concluded with a strong resolve to enhance disaster preparedness at the grassroots level. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to building a resilient Baramulla through collective action, continuous training, and greater community involvement in civil defence initiatives.

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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