JAMMU: The Food Safety Department, Jammu & Kashmir, has intensified its surveillance and enforcement activities to ensure food safety during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra 2025. The exercise is being conducted under the directions of Minister for Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, and Secretary, Health & Medical Education, J&K, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, whose guidance has supported field mobilization and monitoring.

Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, Smita Sethi, inspected hygienic conditions of langars and food service areas at key base and transit camps in Jammu Division, reaffirming the department’s commitment to serving pilgrims safe and hygienic food.

In view of the increased footfall and operation of food business operators (FBOs), the department deployed Food Safety Officers, Food Analysts, and Mobile Food Testing Vans from Lakhanpur to Baltal and Pahalgam. These vans equipped with testing kits, conduct daily on-spot food analysis and raise awareness among langar operators and food handlers.

During the first week of the Yatra, the department achieved 215 registrations issued to langar operators and vendors, 171 inspections conducted, 910 food samples tested via mobile vans, 77 training and awareness sessions conducted, and 30 kg of substandard food items seized and destroyed.

Advisories outlining hygiene, storage, preparation and waste management protocols have been issued. The department has appealed to all FBOs to cooperate fully. For grievances, the toll-free helpline 104 is available. The department reiterates its commitment to maintaining food safety throughout the Yatra.

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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