Thathri inhabitants demand dedicated NDRF post

Jammu, Dec 16: The inhabitants of Thathri have demanded a dedicated and fully equipped National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) post for prompt rescue response in the accident-prone Pul Doda- Hasti Kishtwar and Thathri-Gandoh stretches.

They stated that Thathri holds a geographically strategic position, being almost equally distant (around 30 kilometers) from Doda, Kishtwar, and Gandoh.

“Due to this, it is the most suitable location for establishing a dedicated and fully equipped NDRF [ost. If such a centre is set up with trained personnel and modern rescue equipment, immediate action could be taken during emergencies, potentially saving many lives,” the inhabitants asserted, while seeking the attention of the concerned authorities towards a serious issue.

“Every year, we lose a large number of precious lives in tragic road accidents along the roads of Pul Doda to Hasti Kishtwar and the stretch between Thathri and Gandoh. These routes have unfortunately become accident-prone zones, claiming lives and leaving families shattered forever. Many people have lost their loved ones to the Chenab river and Gandoh Nullah, and heartbreakingly, some victims are still missing,” the locals stated.

They point out that the grief of the families which stand helpless on the riverbanks, waiting for hours and sometimes days for rescue teams to arrive, is beyond words.

“These are not just numbers—each life lost is a story cut short, a dream shattered, and a family broken forever. While various factors may contribute to these accidents, it is time that preventive and responsive measures are strengthened. One of the biggest challenges faced during such incidents is the delayed rescue response, which often results in avoidable fatalities,” they rue.

They appealed to the administration, local representatives, and concerned authorities to take the matter seriously and consider establishing an NDRF rescue and relief post at Thathri without delay.

“This step will not only bring relief in times of crisis but also restore hope and a sense of safety among the people of this region,” Sanjay Sharma, a local from Jangalwar joined by other Thathri inhabitants, asserted.