In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

JAMMU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Spokesperson Rajni Sethi has expressed serious concern over the heavy rainfall witnessed in Jammu on October 11, which exposed major gaps in urban infrastructure, drainage management, and the overall preparedness of concerned government departments. The tragic loss of two precious lives and the immense hardships faced by residents call for a thorough review of the arrangements made to protect human lives and public property during heavy rainfall.

Speaking on the situation, Rajni Sethi stated that the incident raises fundamental questions about the effectiveness and execution of projects undertaken under the Smart City initiative. Despite claims of urban transformation and significant investments, brief spells of rainfall resulted in widespread waterlogging, damaging property and crippling normal life across various parts of the city.

Sethi firmly asserted that government departments must immediately stop making habitual excuses such as "unprecedented heavy rainfall" or "unusually excessive downpours" to cover up their administrative failures and lack of foresight.

Referring to last year's severe flood situation in Jammu, which caused widespread destruction across residential and commercial areas, the BJP Spokesperson questioned what lessons the government and concerned departments actually learned from that disaster. She asked what concrete steps, preventive measures, or structural safeguards were planned and executed to ensure that citizens would not face similar devastation again.

Taking direct aim at the current administration, Rajni Sethi questioned the National Conference (NC) government regarding its performance over the last two years. She demanded to know what specific policy decisions, drainage desilting drives, or infrastructural upgrades the NC government implemented during its two-year tenure to protect human lives and prevent public and private property losses during peak rainfall.

The BJP Spokesperson emphasized that public safety cannot be compromised due to administrative inertia and lack of inter-departmental coordination. The party demands complete departmental accountability, total transparency regarding funds allocated and spent under Smart City drainage projects, and an immediate, time-bound action plan to ensure that such catastrophic urban flooding does not recur in Jammu.

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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