JAMMU: Principal Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, today chaired a review meeting regarding ‘Earthquake Risk Reduction and Management in Jammu and Kashmir’ here at Civil Secretariat.

Experts and faculty members from various institutes including University of Kashmir, University of Jammu, NIT Srinagar, IIT Jammu, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora and representatives of Administrative Departments like Housing & Urban Development, Health & Medical Education Department, School education, Rural development department, Divisional and District management authorities and SDRF attended the meeting.

The meeting had a comprehensive review of preparedness and mitigation efforts undertaken by different departments, district disaster management authorities and response forces. Since UT of  Jammu and Kashmir is located in a seismically active region and is susceptible to earthquakes. Most parts of the region fall under Seismic Zone V (very high damage risk zone) and  Seismic Zone IV (high damage risk zone).

“The government of J&K is committed to mitigate the damage and destruction caused by natural and man-made disasters through sustained and collective efforts by all stakeholders, maintained the Principal Secretary. The Principal Secretary took comprehensive review of preparedness measures for earthquake risk reduction in UT of J&K being adopted by various departments and Agencies.

During the meeting, experts from different institutions and universities shared their valuable insights into Earthquake hazards and its management in Jammu and Kashmir.  Besides, a detailed strategy was discussed and devised for Earthquake risk reduction which included multi stakeholder participation and proactive efforts.

The Principal Secretary asked all emergency support functionaries, line departments, Divisional & District Disaster Management Authorities, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services and other agencies to adopt a proactive approach regarding preparedness, mitigation, prompt and effective response to deal with any earthquake eventuality.

He asked the officers to focus on developing earthquake management plans in every department, district and organisation besides conduct of capacity building & trainings, regular mock drills in Schools, Colleges, Hospitals, Panchayats, Airports, Government & Semi-Government, agencies and disaster-prone areas. He also directed to ensure training to the front-line workers of all the departments on regular basis with involvement of community, youth, Aapda Mitras in all the Disaster preparedness programs at Ward/ Village/ Panchayat/ Block/ Tehsil level and community level.

The Principal Secretary asked all the departments and DDMA to spread awareness about Earthquake safety, undertake seisimic safety audits of existing infrastructure to ensure Earthquake resistant constructions.

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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