Dear Readers, JK Monitor has always been committed to keeping you informed with news and updates that matter. Today, we invite you to become a part of our journey and help us continue serving you. We appeal to our readers, well-wishers, and supporters of independent journalism to come forward and contribute towards the continued growth and sustainability of JK Monitor. Every contribution, big or small, is a valuable gesture of support. JK Monitor is more than a news platform; it is a voice we build together. Your support can help keep that voice strong. To contribute or know more, please contact us at 9906103001. Stand with JK Monitor. Support independent journalism.

KISHTWAR: A meeting to review preparedness for the Civil Defence Air Raid/Blackout Mock Exercise (1st Mock Exercise) was held today under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma at the Meeting Hall of the Mini Secretariat, New DC Office Complex.

It was decided that the mock exercise will be conducted on April 23, 2026. Detailed deliberations were held to ensure effective coordination and preparedness among all stakeholder departments for the successful execution of the mock drill.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the Dy. SP DAR (In-charge Deputy Controller, Civil Defence/Home Guards/SDRF), Kishtwar, to formulate a comprehensive action plan in consultation with all concerned line departments and stakeholders. The plan shall cover inter-departmental coordination, communication protocols, emergency response mechanisms and public awareness strategies.

Emphasizing seamless coordination, the Deputy Commissioner issued necessary directions to all Heads of concerned line departments (HoDs) to ensure close collaboration among the civil administration, police, paramilitary forces, health services, fire and emergency services, transport authorities, telecommunication agencies and other allied departments.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of operational readiness and effective response during the mock exercise to assess the district’s capability in handling emergency scenarios such as air raids and blackout situations. All departments were instructed to ensure full participation, timely deployment of resources and strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Directions were issued to the Police Department, JPDCL and the District Red Cross Society to ensure siren arrangements and the implementation of blackout measures.

The involvement of Civil Defence Wardens, Home Guards, Fire & Emergency Services, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, Aapda Mitra volunteers and Red Cross volunteers was also emphasized to strengthen response capacity and public participation.

The Deputy Commissioner further directed that advance intimation of the mock exercise shall be widely disseminated through print and electronic media, as well as local announcements to ensure that the public is aware that the activity is only a drill and to prevent any panic.

Key preparedness measures include the pre-positioning of response teams, ensuring the readiness of ambulances, fire services, hospitals and the activation of Control Rooms/EOCs on a 24×7 basis during the exercise period.

The concerned departments were also instructed to identify shelters and safe zones, as well as Vulnerable Areas (VAs) and Vulnerable Points (VPs) and to ensure the readiness of sirens, communication systems and emergency equipment.

The exercise will also focus on evaluating inter-agency coordination, public participation, identifying gaps and shortcomings and formulating recommendations for further strengthening emergency preparedness.

The Deputy Commissioner reiterated that adequate precautions must be taken to avoid public panic, high-risk activities should be avoided, medical teams must remain on standby and all activities should be conducted in a controlled and supervised manner, with the utmost priority given to public safety.

The meeting concluded with a call for coordinated and committed efforts from all departments to ensure the successful and effective conduct of the mock exercise across the district.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Vinod Kumar Behnal; ADC Pawan Kotwal; ACR Idrees Lone; Tehsildar (HQA to the DC), Mohd. Rafie Naik; ARTO Tasleem Wani; CEO Sanjay Dogra; representatives from Traffic Police, District Red Cross Society, Aapda Mitra volunteers and staff from 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

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