• Directs enhanced Winter preparedness for peak tourist season

BARAMULLA: In anticipation of the winter season and the expected increase in tourist footfall, a meeting was today convened by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa. The meeting brought together representatives from various line departments to review and strengthen winter preparedness in Gulmarg, with a focus on infrastructure, safety, and essential services to ensure a seamless winter experience for all.

The review meeting underscored the importance of proactive measures to maintain Gulmarg’s status as a premiere winter destination. The discussions centered on snow clearance, road connectivity, power and water supply, healthcare, and accommodation readiness. The meeting addressed the important issue of snow clearance and road connectivity. Line departments presented strategies to ensure that the Tangmarg-Gulmarg route remains clear and accessible, even during heavy snowfall. Additional machinery will be deployed to enable rapid snow clearance, ensuring smooth travel for both tourists and locals.

To ensure reliable power and water supply throughout the winter season, the Power Development Department (PDD) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) departments shared their action plans. Backup resources are in place to prevent service disruptions, ensuring that essential services continue without interruption during peak tourist periods.

In terms of healthcare, the Medical Department was directed to enhance medical services in Gulmarg, including the availability of emergency response teams and stationed ambulances. These measures are specifically designed to address snow-related injuries and hypothermia cases, ensuring quick and effective medical intervention.

The Tourism Department confirmed that all accommodations in the area had undergone maintenance checks and are winter-ready, equipped with heating and safety measures to provide a comfortable environment for visitors during the winter season. The DC emphasized the importance of coordination between departments, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Effective communication and collaboration were highlighted as essential to ensuring the smooth operation of Gulmarg and maintaining its reputation as a safe winter destination.

The Director of Tourism Kashmir, Raja Yaqoob Farooq.emphasized the need for preparedness as winter approaches, urging officers to ensure all tourist facilities are equipped for the season.  He called for enhanced coordination with the Hotel Association to guarantee that accommodations meet safety and comfort standards. Officers were also tasked with providing timely updates to visitors about weather conditions and events, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience in Gulmarg.

SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir, Ravinder Pal Singh briefed the chair on the winter traffic plan, focusing on the Narbal-Gulmarg route, especially Tangmarg to Gulmarg, and the inner routes of Gulmarg. Key measures include improved traffic management, personnel deployment, and safety protocols to ensure smooth flow during the winter season.

The meeting was attended by CEO Gulmarg, SDM Gulmarg, Officers from line departments and representatives from the Hotel Association, Taxi Association, ATVs Association, among others. All participants expressed their commitment to ensuring a safe and memorable experience for both tourists and locals this winter season.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡