SRINAGAR: The Fire Service Day was observed today at the headquarters of Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) Batamaloo, here, with the launching of the week-long Fire Service Week to be held across the Union Territory from April 14 to 20, 2026.

Led by Director Fire & Emergency Services, Alok Kumar, the officers and personnel paid floral tributes to martyrs of the historic Bombay Dock Explosion of 1944, commemorated annually as Fire Service Day. A two-minute silence was observed for the fire fighters who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Addressing the ceremonial function, Alok Kumar said the week aims to promote fire prevention, preparedness and public safety awareness. This year’s theme is “Safe School, Safe Hospital & Fire Safety Aware Society–Together for Fire Prevention”.

Director Fire Service informed that the department responded to 6,039 fire calls, 59 rescue calls and 53 false calls during 2025. With 322 fire tenders and Quick Response Vehicles and 2,157 personnel deployed, the department saved property worth nearly ₹5,000 crore while limiting losses to around ₹300 crore.

He said that the fire incidents fell by 1,994, nearly 25 percent compared to the previous year, attributing the decline to sustained prevention measures and growing public awareness.

Emphasizing the community participation, the Director Fire Service said 10,794 awareness programmes under initiatives like “Har Ghar Fire Fighter” have reached over 10.7 lakh people across J&K. To strengthen compliance, 3,728 fire safety audits were carried out in the hospitals, schools, hotels and commercial establishments.

The department also played a key role in disaster response, including rescue and dewatering operations during recent floods and safety arrangements for Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025.

During the Fire Service Week, the department will conduct fire safety campaigns, mock drills, evacuation exercises, lectures and live demonstrations across the UT to educate the citizens on prevention and emergency response.

Appealing for public support, the Director urged the citizens to adopt basic fire safety measures and help build a fire-safe society. He reaffirmed its commitment towards safeguarding the lives and property, upholding its motto: “We Serve to Save.”

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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