SDRF emerges as lifeline for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims amid treacherous terrain

Srinagar, Jul 19: As thousands of devotees brave the rugged Himalayan terrain to undertake the Amarnath Yatra, it is the personnel of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) who are emerging as the unsung heroes—offering critical assistance, rescuing distressed yatris, and ensuring their safety throughout the pilgrimage.

Faced with unpredictable weather, steep mountain paths, and the high-altitude challenges of the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, many pilgrims have found themselves in life-threatening situations.

Time and again, SDRF teams have stepped in, providing swift evacuation, medical aid, and guidance through some of the most difficult stretches of the pilgrimage. The SDRF, alongside the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), forms the backbone of the Command Control Centre for the annual Amarnath Yatra. This hi-tech control centre brings together nearly 60 personnel from 20 departments, including J&K Police, CRPF, Health, PHE, and Telecom, all working round the clock to ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage.

This year, 45 Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) from SDRF, NDRF, BSF, JKAP, CRPF, SSB, and Homeguards were ceremonially flagged off on June 24 from the SDRF 1st Battalion in Srinagar.

The deployment covered both Pahalgam and Baltal axes—two critical routes of the Yatra. These highly trained MRTs are equipped with specialized gear and have undergone rigorous training in high-altitude rescue, avalanche response, and emergency disaster relief.

Alok Kumar, Commandant General of Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF J&K, addressed the teams during the ceremony, lauding their courage and urging them to continue serving Yatris with compassion and commitment.

“Your presence along the Yatra routes is vital. You are not only rescuers but also the emotional and physical support for pilgrims who find themselves overwhelmed by the terrain,” he had said.

Over the course of the pilgrimage, numerous pilgrims who suffered injuries, fatigue, or altitude-related complications were safely rescued and provided medical assistance by SDRF personnel.

The forces’ proactive presence has reassured Yatris and significantly boosted the confidence of those taking part in the arduous journey.

Beyond Yatra, the SDRF and NDRF have played a crucial role in responding to drowning incidents and natural calamities across Kashmir.

In June and July when the Valley witnessed its hottest month in 19 years, resulting in multiple drowning deaths, it was the SDRF teams who led search, rescue, and recovery operations—often under extremely challenging conditions.

With battalions spread across 13 districts, the SDRF remains on 24/7alert, prepared to tackle a range of disasters, including floods, fires, and accidents. Senior officers affirm that the force continues to upgrade its skills and equipment to meet the growing demands of disaster response in the region.