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GANDERBAL: In a significant move to bolster disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities, the District Administration Ganderbal, under the aegis of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), successfully executed a district-wide Civil Defense Air Raid Mock Drill and Blackout Exercise today. The initiative was designed to evaluate the operational readiness of various departments and the responsiveness of the general public during simulated emergency scenarios.

The strategic exercise commenced at 02:30 PM at the Government Degree College Ganderbal, which functioned as the primary site for the simulated air raid. This phase of the drill involved seamless coordination between Civil Defense personnel, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, healthcare professionals, and local volunteers. The session focused on testing early warning systems, including the deployment of sirens and public announcement protocols, while on-ground teams demonstrated rapid evacuation techniques, emergency first-aid administration, and the synchronized movement of rescue vehicles.

The afternoon drill was followed by a district-wide Blackout Exercise observed between 08:00 PM and 08:10 PM. During this ten-minute window, residents and commercial establishments across Ganderbal displayed exemplary cooperation by adhering to "Light Discipline" protocols. This involved extinguishing all indoor and outdoor lighting, powering down backup power systems including generators and inverters, and ensuring total light masking by drawing curtains to prevent light leakage.

Officers of the District Administration Ganderbal personally oversaw the proceedings and expressed satisfaction with the high level of coordination achieved. Officers present on the occasion stated that such exercises are vital investments in collective safety, bridging the gap between theoretical disaster management plans and practical execution. They further commended the citizenry for their disciplined participation, noting that the synergy between the administration and the public is essential for effective crisis management.

The District Administration informed that these drills are part of routine preparedness initiatives intended to enhance public awareness and streamline response coordination. It also extended its gratitude to the residents, business owners, and local institutions for their strict adherence to official advisories, which ensured the exercise concluded successfully without any reports of panic or misinformation.

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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