Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 22 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir’s State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) recorded a year of steady preparedness and field activity in 2025, carrying out more than 110 rescue operations, organising 768 awareness programmes and training 55,955 citizens across Kashmir valley.
Data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reveals that SDRF personnel were deployed for multiple emergencies, including fires, snow rescues and flood responses, while also assisting over 15,000 pilgrims during this year’s Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY).
According to officials, the force responded to 14 fire incidents, one landslide, lives rescued 05, besides providing large-scale assistance to pilgrims during SANJY in August.
Monthly operational breakdown (Jan–Nov 2025)
January: 5 rescue operations, 67 awareness programmes, 3,413 participants. Several fire rescues were also reported.
February: 5 rescue operations, 70 awareness events, 3,559 participants. Routine readiness exercises conducted.
March: 5 rescues, 46 awareness drives, 2,286 participants trained.
April: 8 rescue operations, 88 awareness programmes, 5,963 participants and one life saved.
May: 9 rescue operations, 84 awareness events, 8,802 trained participants, the season’s peak for fire preparedness.
June: 6 rescues, 64 awareness drives, 5,553 trained participants.
July: 10 rescue operations, 77 awareness sessions, 6,999 participants. Pre-Amarnath Yatra deployments began this month, and one life saved.
August: 22 rescue operations, 70 awareness events, 5,335 participants trained; 15,319 pilgrims assisted during SANJY, the year’s largest mobilization and one life saved.
September: 33 rescue operations, the highest monthly total of 2025, along with 86 awareness programmes and 8,983 participants. The month also recorded 14 flood rescues and two animal assists.
October: 6 rescue operations, 68 awareness drives, 4,399 participants and 02 life saved.
November: 5 rescue operations, 48 awareness programmes, 4,683 participants.
Training and community outreach
In total, the SDRF organised 746 awareness programmes across districts, sensitising 55,955 citizens to disaster response techniques, including first aid, search and rescue and fire safety. The highest number of participants was recorded in September (8,983), followed by May (8,802) and July (6,999).
An SDRF official told KNO that 2025 focused on community capacity-building. “Even without major calamities, we prioritise training and preparedness at every level, schools, panchayats and pilgrim routes,” the official said.
Awards and recognition
The year 2025 brought several commendations for SDRF officers and personnel.
Masroor Ahmad Mir (JKPS), Commandant, SDRF 1st Battalion Srinagar, received both the DGP’s Golden Disc and the NDRF Director General’s Commendation Disc. Other awardees of the NDRF DG’s Disc include DySP Mohammad Faisal Khan, SI Ab Rashid Khoker, ASI Lateef Ahmad Najar and constables Taimour-ul-Ayoub, Tajmul Hussain and Sajad Ahmad.
Officials said these awards reflect the force’s commitment to operational discipline, inter-agency coordination, and humanitarian efficiency during 2025.
15,319 pilgrims assisted during Amarnath Yatra; operations include 33 fire, 14 snow rescues, 746 awareness progs organised, officers honoured with DGP’s Golden Disc & NDRF DG
Commendation awards for outstanding service
The SDRF operated with a fleet comprising rescue vans, troop carriers, TATA Sumos, crew cabs and LP buses, which were deployed during fire responses, flood rescues and SANJY duties.
Preparedness over panic
Officials also said that 2026 will focus on expanding early warning systems, mock drills and climate-adaptive response planning. “Preparedness is a daily discipline, not a reaction,” an SDRF officer told KNO, adding that the force aims to further strengthen its coordination with civil agencies in the coming year—(KNO)
