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KUPWARA: On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmad Khan today chaired a meeting of concerned officers to review the district's preparedness ahead of the ensuing monsoon season and to ensure timely measures for mitigating any potential risks arising from heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging.

The meeting was attended by officers from various line departments, including Disaster Management, Public Works (R&B), Jal Shakti, Health, Rural Development, Municipal Committee, Power Development Department, Irrigation & Flood Control, Fire & Emergency Services, and other concerned agencies. During the meeting, the ADC reviewed the preparedness plans of all departments and assessed the status of preventive and mitigation measures being undertaken across the district.

 Detailed discussions were held regarding the identification of vulnerable locations, flood-prone areas, emergency response mechanisms, availability of manpower and machinery, and inter-departmental coordination during any emergency situation.

The ADC directed the concerned departments to ensure the cleaning and desilting of drains, nallahs, and water channels to facilitate the smooth flow of water during the monsoon season. He stressed the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public utilities, and directed the concerned agencies to keep men and machinery ready for immediate deployment whenever required.

Reviewing the preparedness of emergency response agencies, the ADC instructed the departments to establish effective communication channels and maintain adequate stocks of essential supplies, including medicines, drinking water, rescue equipment, and other emergency materials. He also emphasized the need for round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable areas and timely dissemination of weather advisories to the public.

The Health Department was directed to ensure the availability of medical teams, medicines, and emergency healthcare facilities, while the Power Development Department was asked to remain prepared for the prompt restoration of electricity in the event of disruptions caused by inclement weather.

The ADC impressed for safety audit of roads, bridges, embankments and school/hospital buildings. Besides, line departments were directed to update the available machinery and equipment for updation on IDRN portal. Volunteers and machinery available in private sector need also to be revisited to have real-time data available with DDM authority for utilisation during emerging situations.

The ADC underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among all stakeholder departments and directed officers to remain vigilant throughout the monsoon season. He stressed that public safety and the protection of life and property must remain the foremost priority of the administration.

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

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