SDRF Carries Out 110 Rescue Operations, Trains Over 55,000 People in Kashmir in 2025 | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s State Disaster Response Force Jammu and Kashmir 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 the Kashmir Valley.

Data 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.

According to officials, the force responded to 14 fire incidents, one landslide and rescued five lives, besides providing large scale assistance to pilgrims during SANJY in August.

Monthly operational breakdown (Jan–Nov 2025)

January: Five rescue operations, 67 awareness programmes, 3,413 participants. Several fire rescues were also reported.

February: Five rescue operations, 70 awareness events, 3,559 participants. Routine readiness exercises conducted.

March: Five rescues, 46 awareness drives, 2,286 participants trained.

April: Eight rescue operations, 88 awareness programmes, 5,963 participants and one life saved.

May: Nine rescue operations, 84 awareness events, 8,802 trained participants, the season’s peak for fire preparedness.

June: Six rescues, 64 awareness drives, 5,553 trained participants.

July: Ten rescue operations, 77 awareness sessions, 6,999 participants. Pre Amarnath Yatra deployments began this month and one life was saved.

August: Twenty two rescue operations, 70 awareness events, 5,335 participants trained; 15,319 pilgrims assisted during SANJY, the year’s largest mobilisation, and one life saved.

September: Thirty three 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: Six rescue operations, 68 awareness drives, 4,399 participants and two lives saved.

November: Five 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 at 8,983, followed by May at 8,802 and July at 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 National Disaster Response Force 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.

Fleet and field deployment

The SDRF operated 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)