JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, today chaired a high level meeting to review the mining issues related to NHAI projects besides assessing progress on National Highway projects being executed across J&K.

The meeting was attended by senior officers including Commissioner Secretary Mining Vikramjit Singh, Secretary, Public Works (R&B), Bhupinder Kumar besides representatives from key agencies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), MoRTH, Project Directors while other officers participated online including RO NHAI, RS Yadav.

The review encompassed critical infrastructure projects especially Delhi-Amritsar-Katra (DAK) Expressway, Srinagar Ring Road, Chenani-Patnitop-Nashri, Jammu-Rajouri and other crucial projects. Emphasising the critical importance of these projects, he issued firm directives to ensure their timely completion while minimising public inconvenience.

Earlier, the representative from NHAI apprised of the issues regarding delay in permissions related to mining, pending permissions at various levels, STPs for ordinary soil and RBM, and supply of material. The Deputy Chief Minister assured that all their concerns are under consideration and shall be dealt prominently to avoid any kind of hindrance to development works.

Meanwhile, raising serious concern over illegal mining, the Deputy Chief Minister exhorted that mining will not be allowed at the cost of environment of J&K. "Saving environment is government's responsibility and we will not allow illegal mining at any cost," he reaffirmed.

The Dy CM directed the concerned officials to initiate strict measures as per law against those involved in illegal mining across J&K. Surinder Choudhary impressed upon the concerned to go tough against the illegal miners. He told them to use the provisions of enforcement measures quite rigorously for putting total end to this illicit practice.

Th Dy CM also asked the executive agencies working on various packages to deposit the penalties first imposed on them by the department to get the incessant supply of material. He assured full cooperation to NHAI from the Government prior to clearance of penalties imposed on executive agencies.

The Deputy CM also reviewed various National Highway projects, examining the individual packages, scheduled completion dates and current progress. He specifically instructed the NHAI to expedite project completion while ensuring that public inconvenience is minimised.  Surinder Choudhary emphasized that projects must not be delayed and completed on time to avoid public inconvenience to general public.

In a move to prevent resource-related delays, the Dy CM asked the departmental officials to conduct field visits along with officers from NHAI and ensure that no illegal mining activities are held and hinder the project progress. He asked all the concerned departments and stakeholders to work in tandem and convene regular meetings to resolve issues, if any.

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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