The 14th Annual Raising Day of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was celebrated with enthusiasm at the premises of SDRF 1st Battalion in Srinagar on Sunday.

The event featured an impressive march past by contingents of the SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Pipe Band, showcasing discipline and preparedness of the force.

Director Civil Defence & SDRF Kashmir, Imtiyaz Hussain Mir, who was the chief guest on the occasion, took the salute of the march past. The function was attended by Masroor Ahmad Mir, Commandant SDRF 1st Battalion Srinagar, along with DySPs and other officers and personnel of the battalion.

Addressing the gathering, the Director lauded the selfless services rendered by the SDRF in safeguarding lives and property during emergencies. He urged the personnel to continue serving society with greater dedication, zeal and commitment in the times ahead.

Highlighting the achievements of the battalion, Commandant Masroor Ahmad Mir said that during 2025, the unit conducted 810 awareness camps, 103 mock exercises and 123 rescue operations. He added that 63,640 personnel, including 70 Apda Sakhis, students and other stakeholders, were trained in disaster preparedness to act as first responders.

The Commandant also underlined the crucial role played by SDRF during Shri Amarnathji Yatra–2025, during which 5,613 pilgrims were provided pre-hospital medical treatment, 7,823 pilgrims received moral and psychological support, and 1,830 pilgrims were administered on-the-spot oxygen due to altitude-related breathing difficulties.

On the occasion, appreciation certificates and cash rewards were distributed among officers and personnel for their exemplary services during Operation Sindoor, Shri Amarnathji Yatra–2025, and various rescue operations across the Kashmir province.