In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Focus on opening NH-44, ensure supply of essentials to cut-off areas and using alternate routes to isolated districts: CM

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to review the restoration works on Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and other major roads damaged by the recent incessant rains.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Home, Principal Secretary Public Works (R&B), Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, several Deputy Commissioners, and senior officers from BRO, NHIDCL, NHAI, J&K Police and other concerned departments.

The Chief Minister directed authorities to ensure swift restoration of road connectivity, smooth traffic movement and uninterrupted supply of essentials, particularly to the Kashmir Valley and remote areas of Jammu division. He emphasized the need for close inter-departmental coordination and timely updates to respond promptly to public needs.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo briefed the meeting about the condition of NH-44, describing its restoration as the top priority since it is the lifeline connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country. He stressed the importance of facilitating movement of perishable commodities like fruit from the Valley and highlighted the grim situation in areas such as Kishtwar and Udhampur, which are facing outages of power, drinking water, road connectivity and mobile networks.

He further underlined the need for temporary restoration of highways such as Dhar–Mahanpur, Ramban–Gool, and Reasi–Mahore to reconnect affected districts. The Chief Minister enquired about the stock position of ration, fuel and medicines in cut-off places like Bani, Kishtwar, Reasi and Udhampur. He directed officers to replenish supplies through alternate routes — including via Anantnag for Kishtwar and through Bhaderwah for Bani — until full restoration of roads is achieved.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu informed the meeting about the ongoing restoration works on NH-44, resumption of supplies into the Valley, and special trains being run to facilitate passengers and tourists. He assured that there is no shortage of ration, fuel or other essentials in Jammu and efforts are being made to keep cut-off areas adequately stocked.

Similarly, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir informed that the Valley has sufficient supplies of fuel and ration. The Chief Minister also directed that all roads under BRO, NHAI, NHIDCL and other agencies that remain disconnected be monitored closely, with status reports shared with his office twice daily — morning and evening.

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
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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