BUDGAM: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, today chaired a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) at the Conference Hall, Budgam to review the implementation of road safety measures and assess the Action Taken Reports (ATRs) submitted by various stakeholder departments on the decisions taken during the previous meeting.

The meeting reviewed the progress achieved by various departments in strengthening road safety infrastructure, enforcement, emergency response, public awareness and institutional coordination across the district. The District Road Safety Action Plan 2026–27 was also reviewed, with emphasis on the timely execution of identified interventions by the concerned departments.

The DC stressed  the need for sustained coordination among all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of road safety measures and directed the departments to expedite the execution of all pending decisions in a time-bound manner.

He instructed the concerned departments to prioritise the rectification of accident-prone locations through appropriate engineering interventions, including installation of road safety signage, crash barriers, street lighting and other essential safety infrastructure.

He also directed that identified black spots be addressed through improved road geometry, proper road markings, pedestrian crossings and other traffic-calming measures.

The DC further directed the Roads & Buildings Department and other executing agencies to undertake regular road safety audits and remove obstructions along roads that contribute to accidents or create hindrances, particularly during the winter season, to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement of traffic.

Emphasising the safety of school children, the DC instructed Chief Education Officer Budgam to conduct a comprehensive audit of all school buses to ensure strict adherence to prescribed safety guidelines, including the installation and proper functioning of CCTV cameras and other mandatory safety features.

The DC also directed the Traffic Police and ARTO to intensify enforcement drives on the Humhama–Budgam–Doodhpathri Road, ensuring zero tolerance for traffic violations on the stretch.

He further instructed the concerned departments to verify that vehicles whose registrations or permits have been suspended are not operating on the roads and to initiate strict action against violators.

The DC emphasised strict enforcement of traffic regulations, strengthening surveillance, regular inspection of public transport vehicles and school buses, and intensified awareness campaigns to promote responsible road behaviour. He further directed all departments to actively conduct Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns within their respective sectors to create greater public awareness regarding road safety measures, traffic rules and responsible road usage, thereby encouraging community participation in accident prevention.

The DC also directed all departments to submit timely Action Taken Reports and ensure close monitoring of road safety initiatives. He called for strengthening emergency response systems, promoting the Good Samaritan initiative and adopting a proactive and coordinated approach to reduce road accidents and fatalities across the district.

The meeting was attended by the Joint Director Planning Budgam, Superintending Engineer R&B Circle Budgam, Chief Medical Officer, District Forest Officer, Chief Education Officer, ARTO Budgam, Executive Engineers of R&B, PMGSY and Irrigation Departments, Deputy SP Traffic, Deputy SP Headquarters, Executive Officers of Municipal Committees, officers from Fire & Emergency Services and other concerned departments.

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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