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UDHAMPUR: The Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa today chaired a meeting to review the arrangements for the upcoming Civil Defence Air raid mock drill, scheduled to take place on 24th April, 2026 at 8 pm.  The drill is a crucial exercise aimed at evaluating the district's preparedness and response systems in the event of an air raid.

The mock drill will include a series of coordinated activities, starting with the activation of the Air Raid Early Warning System. This will involve the sounding of sirens to alert the public and test the effectiveness of early warning systems in the district. Following this, Blackout Measures will be implemented, demonstrating how the community will respond by reducing visibility and ensuring safety during an air raid scenario.

The drill will also include a key focus on Evacuation Procedures. These procedures will test the district’s ability to efficiently evacuate civilians, provide shelter and deploy rescue measures. Special attention will be paid to the mobilisation of vehicles and ambulances for evacuation, ensuring the smooth movement of people to safe areas.

In addition, the exercise will involve a Medical Response and Casualty Evacuation phase. This will test the district’s readiness to identify emergency medical evacuation routes and ensure the swift treatment of casualties. Search and Rescue Operations will also form part of the exercise, allowing the district to assess its ability to carry out search and rescue efforts during an air raid situation.

The drill will further evaluate the Identification of Shelters and the coordination of Emergency Services. Key emergency services, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local health departments will be engaged to ensure a coordinated response to the mock air raid.

Participation from 21 wards in the Municipal Council will be a crucial aspect of the exercise, with volunteers from each ward being trained as first responders. This initiative aims to ensure that local communities are actively involved in disaster response efforts. The drill will also focus on Accurate Information Dissemination and ensure that the public is well-informed about emergency contact numbers and procedures.

The meeting also discussed the need to identify the location for the simulation exercise and highlighted the importance of conducting a Tabletop Exercise to raise awareness and enhance preparedness. The Civil Defence Air Raid Mock Drill is a vital step in strengthening Udhampur's disaster management protocols.

The district administration urged all involved agencies to work in close coordination to make the exercise a success and ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the event of an actual emergency.

The meeting was attended by the Station Commander of the Air Force Station Udhampur, Additional District Development Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Additional Superintendent of Police, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Commandants from CRPF. Besides Executive Engineer (JPDC/JSD), NDRF and SDRF officials, as well as representatives from GMC Traffic/Telecom, Fire & Emergency Services, BSNL and STC BSF, along with government officials were also present.

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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