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J&K’s SDRF struggles amid rising disasters

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir, owing to its fragile landscape and complex topography, remains one of the most disaster-prone regions of the country. From cloudbursts and flash floods to landslides and earthquakes, J&K has repeatedly faced natural calamities.

What is more alarming is the fact that the frequency and intensity of such disasters have been increasing in recent years, especially in the current year, leaving the local population vulnerable.

Officials told KNO that the frontline of disaster management in the Union Territory is the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)—the only specialised unit trained and equipped to deal with such emergencies. However, this crucial force today stands severely understaffed and under-resourced, raising serious concerns about its ability to respond effectively in times of crisis.

Currently, SDRF operates with just two battalions, one each stationed in Jammu and Srinagar; however, these battalions have witnessed no enhancement in sanctioned strength since their inception, despite growing challenges and in contrast, their manpower is far less than that of a typical armed battalion and pales in comparison to the capacity of an NDRF unit.

“Adding to the crisis, most of the existing personnel are over the age of 50, with little to no fresh recruitment taking place over the years. This ageing workforce is directly impacting ground-level service delivery, especially during high-intensity disasters like the recent cloudbursts that struck several parts of J&K,” an official said. “In many districts, SDRF has only 20–25 personnel, a number too meagre to provide meaningful intervention when thousands of lives and properties are at risk.”

The Commandant General of Home Guards, Civil Defence & SDRF has repeatedly highlighted the urgent requirement to strengthen the force. Proposals to create fresh posts and expand the force have been submitted, but the files continue to languish in the corridors of bureaucracy, he said.

During a review meeting of the Home Department in December 2024, the Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the urgent need to augment SDRF’s strength and called for immediate steps. However, the proposal remains stuck in the Finance Department, which continues to raise queries “in instalments”, delaying the process indefinitely, the official said.

Experts and officials said J&K needs at least four more battalions of SDRF to cope with its disaster-prone geography. Yet, the government has so far not even approved the creation of around 300 posts, let alone larger structural reforms, a senior official said. “This administrative apathy has left the force crippled, with its numbers dwindling each year. If the current trend persists, the SDRF could be left with only a handful of men in the next decade.”

Ironically, while the executive and armed wings of the J&K Police have seen the creation of thousands of posts over the past decade, the SDRF has not been granted a single new post in its executive cadre, the official said, adding that this neglect has left disaster preparedness in the UT hanging by a thread.

He said the SDRF has the potential to save countless lives and protect property during disasters, but instead of being strengthened, it is being allowed to wither away. The issue, he stressed, requires immediate intervention from the highest levels of government.

The onus, the official said, now lies on the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister to step in and ensure that the long-pending file for augmentation of SDRF strength is cleared without further delay. (KNO)

Trapped in Kullu rains, Kashmiris plead for rescue

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: For over a month, more than 30 Kashmiri labourers from Kangan, Tulail, and other areas of Kashmir, have been trapped in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, battling torrential rains, landslides, and blocked roads.

With no safe passage and no official rescue yet, their desperate appeals have now reached home. “We are stuck here without our children and families. On one side there is water and on the other there are broken roads. Where can we go? We appeal Jammu and Kashmir Government to rescue us so that we can return home,” one of the stranded men, Fareed Ahmad Khan told KNO over phone.

He said they left their rented quarters after repeated landslides and now have no shelter. “People who had relatives here moved in with them, but we are left with nothing except Allah. If anything happens, who will even know?” another survivor, Nasir Ahmad Khan, said.

Other workers described how relentless rains have worsened the situation. “It has been nearly two months of continuous rain, and in the past 15 days it has become even more dangerous. Just yesterday, a big patch of land collapsed near us. We live in constant fear,” they added.

Back in Kashmir, families are spending sleepless nights. Videos circulating on social media show relatives sitting together, eyes moist, praying for their safe return.

“Death is written for everyone, but at least if we are at home, our families will see our faces one last time,” said, Fareed Ahmad in a choking voice. (KNO)

Seven Kashmir workers feared dead in Himachal landslide, rescue on

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: At least seven residents from Kashmir are feared dead after a massive landslide hit Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, officials said on Thursday.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the landslide at Inner Akhara Bazaar in Kullu. Sukhu said rescue operations were being carried out by the local administration, NDRF, and relief teams, while MLA Sunder Singh Thakur and senior officials were present at the site. He confirmed that three people had been rescued so far, and two houses suffered damage in the incident.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the affected families. I pray for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” Sukhu said in his condolence message.

CM Sukhu said all possible measures were being taken to ensure swift rescue and relief.

An official told KNO that rescue operations are on and that many victims are residents of Tulail, Bandipora, who were working as labourers in Himachal.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said a landslide in Kullu led to the collapse of two houses, leaving around 12–13 persons feared trapped.

“An NDRF team carried out collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) operations, during which three injured persons were rescued and one body was recovered. Search and rescue operations are continuing to trace the remaining trapped victims,” the NDRF posted on X.

In a post on X, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s office expressed grief over the loss of lives in Kullu and assured all possible assistance is being extended.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed grief over the unfortunate landslide incident in Kullu. The LG said that the landslide incident in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, is unfortunate and saddening. “A resident of J&K has lost his life, and many others are feared trapped under the debris,” he added.

“My deepest condolences to the bereaved family, and I pray for the safety and well-being of others,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma said he was deeply saddened by the tragic landslide in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, which claimed several lives, including those of residents from Jammu and Kashmir. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

“My heartfelt prayers are with those affected by this calamity. May the families find strength and the injured regain health soon,” Sharma said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary has spoken with the Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, seeking urgent intervention in connection with the landslide tragedy in Kullu district. MLA Gurez, Nazir Gurezi, also held a telephonic conversation with the Deputy Commissioner Kullu regarding the rescue operation.

Gurezi said he is in constant touch with the Kullu administration, which has assured him that the evacuation of the deceased will begin once rescue operations conclude.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Gurezi conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for peace for the departed. He assured that all possible support will be extended to the affected families. (KNO)

Amid rains, floods, Jammu Railway Division faces massive losses

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Torrential rains and the flooding of rivers and streams across the Jammu division have inflicted heavy damage on the infrastructure and revenue streams of the Jammu Railway Division, leading to a near-complete halt in train operations and mounting financial losses.

According to the details available with KNO, rail services in the region were severely disrupted from August 26 to August 31, with both passenger and goods trains coming to a standstill in the wake of relentless weather.

Railway officials said that the Jammu Railway Division has already suffered losses exceeding Rs 25 crore due to the suspension of rail operations over the past seven days. Some revenue estimates place the figure even higher, at more than Rs 50 crore.

“If the suspension continues losses could soar past Rs 100 crore,” said an official.

A senior railway official revealed that the prospects for resuming goods train services before September 30 look bleak, given the extent of track damage caused by floods and landslides. “It is not possible to operate goods trains till the end of September if the current situation persists,” the official said.

Indian Railways data indicates that the Jammu Railway Division earns an average of Rs 2.5 crore per day from passenger ticket sales, over Rs 1 crore from freight, and around Rs 3 lakh from parcel services amounting to a daily revenue of more than Rs 3.5 crore. The week-long suspension of train operations has therefore resulted in substantial financial setbacks, affecting everything from ticketing to freight and parcel revenues. Despite the disruptions, the Railways managed to run five special trains for stranded passengers during the crisis, including three that were free of charge.

Furthermore, the impact of the suspension of goods trains has been particularly severe. On an average day, about 45 goods trains arrive in the Jammu Railway Division with 35 inbound and 10 outbound, carrying raw materials, cement, iron rods, government rations, fertilizers, and other essential commodities to Jammu and Kashmir from across the country.

With 50 passenger trains, including premium services like the Vande Bharat Express, also affected, the logistical challenges have multiplied. The halt in goods train operations has led to acute shortages in essential supplies, with industries and traders bearing the brunt.

The disruption comes at a particularly critical time for the region’s apple growers. This is peak apple season in Jammu and Kashmir, and apples destined for markets across India have been stranded. Plans to operate goods trains between Delhi and Anantnag to support the apple harvest have been shelved due to the damaged railway tracks.

Parcel services have also been hit hard. Normally, around 300 parcels are dispatched from Jammu daily, while approximately 500 packages arrive from other stations across the country. The halt has not only delayed deliveries but also impacted businesses relying on timely shipments. In recent months, the railways had efficiently transported large consignments of cherries to Mumbai, a service now brought to a standstill.

Repair work, as per the officials, is underway, but they caution that restoration will take time, especially with more rain forecast and the risk of further flooding. The railways have deployed additional teams and resources to expedite repairs, but the focus remains on safety and infrastructure integrity. (KNO)

Kashmir University shines in NIRF rankings; Jammu University’s rank remains static

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The University of Kashmir has improved its standing in the National Institutional Ranking Framework’s (NIRF) ‘Overall’ category by securing the 59th position this year, up from 69th last year.

The NIRF rankings for 2025 were released by Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday, with the University of Kashmir climbing to 59th position from 69th in 2024 in the ‘Overall’ category.

According to the NIRF rankings, as per KN. , the University of Kashmir has also improved its performance in the ‘Universities’ and ‘Public Universities’ categories by securing the 34th and 8th positions, respectively, compared to 45th and 14th last year.

Jammu University has shown slight improvement in the ‘Universities’ and ‘Public Universities’ categories, securing the 50th and 21st positions, respectively. In 2024, it had ranked 51st and 23rd in these categories.

As per NIRF rankings, SKUAST-Kashmir has figured among the top 100 institutions in the ‘Overall’ category by securing the 94th rank. In the ‘Agriculture’ category, SKUAST-Kashmir climbed to the 7th rank from last year’s 10th, while SKUAST-Jammu slipped to 23rd from 20th.

In the ‘Engineering’ category, IIT Jammu has bagged the 56th rank this year, compared to 62nd last year. Similarly, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has secured the 73rd slot this year, improving from 79th in 2024.

In the ‘Management’ category, IIM Jammu has climbed to the 35th position from 42nd last year.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University has improved its standing in the ‘Architecture and Planning’ category by securing the 23rd position, up from 31st last year. (KNO)

NHM, SKIMS issue public health advisory amid flood crisis in J&K

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: As the flood-like situation in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir continues, the Health and Medical Education Department, in coordination with the Department of Community Medicine, SKIMS, and the National Health Mission (NHM), has issued a comprehensive Public Health Advisory.

The advisory highlights measures to prevent the outbreak of water-borne and vector-borne diseases, ensure food and water safety, and address mental health needs during this crisis.

According to KNO, health experts have cautioned that contaminated water and food sources pose a grave risk of diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis A and E.

They said the foremost priority should be access to safe water. “People should drink only boiled or chlorinated water (rolling boil for at least 5–10 minutes), sealed and packaged bottled water from reliable sources remains the safest option, if water appears muddy, it must be filtered through a clean cloth before boiling or treating and water should be stored in clean, covered containers, and hands or unclean objects should not be dipped into stored water, instead, a ladle or small vessel should be used.”

Doctors have urged that only freshly cooked, hot food should be consumed. “Raw vegetables, cut fruits, or uncovered food must be avoided. Any food that has come into contact with floodwater should be discarded immediately. Dry rations should be stored at elevated levels inside homes to protect them from contamination.”

According to the advisory, people must maintain strict hand hygiene – wash hands with soap and clean water after defecation and before meals, and avoid wading in floodwaters. If unavoidable, use rubber boots and clean and dry skin folds properly to prevent fungal infections.

In endemic areas, authorities have advised people to sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets, wear full-sleeved clothing in the evenings, use mosquito repellents and prevent stagnation of water in containers or surroundings.

“People must avoid walking in floodwaters, especially at night without adequate lighting, be alert for snakes seeking shelter in dry areas and in case of a snake bite, immediate medical care is essential,” they said.

Doctors have urged people to dispose of solid waste only at designated sites, avoid dumping garbage into water sources and use temporary latrines if regular sanitation facilities are submerged.

The advisory also highlighted the psychological toll of natural disasters.

Children and the elderly should be reassured and provided with emotional support, and for anxiety, depression, or trauma, people have been encouraged to seek help from mental health services.

The Tele MANAS helpline (14416) has been activated to provide mental health assistance.

The NHM advisory further urged residents to seek early medical help in case of fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, jaundice, skin infections, or injuries and continue routine immunisations and ensure patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension continue their treatments without interruption.

For emergencies, the helpline numbers 104, 102, and 108 remain functional.

Neglecting these precautions could lead to a secondary health crisis of preventable diseases, medical experts warned—(KNO)

Kashmir flood: ‘Over 98% power network functional’

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Following the floods in several areas of Kashmir, Power Development Department (PDD) Wednesday said that it has restored electricity in 98 percent affected areas.

Officials of the department further said that nearly a dozen DT transformers were washed away by the floods.

A top official of the department informed KNO that floods in several areas of Kashmir have caused a huge damage to the power infrastructure.

“Out of 1292 power feeders in Kashmir valley 1230 are operational. Some feeders have been closed as a precautionary measure mostly in those areas where flood water has entered the residential areas,” the official said.

The official further said that in district Anantnag six receiving stations were off. “Our team restored all the receiving stations in the district and they are all functional now.”

“Some other receiving stations in Shopian and Budgam districts are being restored and we are expecting their restoration by today late evening,” the official said.

In case of the flood hit areas of Budgam district, the official said that the Khadermoh feeder is the main network for the power distribution to Summerbugh, Lasjan, Shalina, Rakh-Shalina and adjacent areas. “The feeder is down due to the floods in the surrounding areas. But overall our 98 percent network is functional.”

On asking about the damage, the official added that “Nearly a dozen DT transformers were washed away by floods in Anantnag district and we are yet to make an final assessment of damage to power infrastructure.” (KNO)

Kashmir Remains Cut Off: Thousands stranded on Srinagar-Jammu Highway

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: More than 3000 vehicles, including 500 fruit-laden trucks, are stranded on the Kashmir side of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, officials told KNO on Thursday.

They said that the landslides and roads caving in at many places along the 260-km highway have led to the blockade of this arterial road. “Efforts are on to make the highway motorable and restoration works are going on in full swing” an official said.

He said, “Vehicles, including 500 fruit-laden trucks, are stuck between Qazigund and Wanpoh. As soon as the highway reopens fruit-laden trucks will be cleared on priority.”

Pertinently, the highway has not been fully restored for almost ten days after it suffered massive damages at Udhampur on August 26. “A 10-kilometre stretch of the highway between Sarmoli and Udhampur has been sinking, posing a major challenge for road maintenance agencies. Multiple stretches of the 250-kilometre highway have also been blocked due to debris, boulder slides, and sunken patches, particularly in the Ramban-Banihal sector,” said an official.

“Clearance work is underway on the crucial Ramban-Banihal stretch. This stretch will be restored for vehicular movement by tonight,” they added.

Stranded for over ten days, drivers on the Qazigund side are pleading for assistance as the load in their trucks is about to perish and they are running out of resources. “We have neither rations nor money. We need facilities here and the highway should be restored on a war footing basis,” said a driver.

Meanwhile, the strategic Mughal Road, connecting Poonch and Rajouri with Shopian in south Kashmir, is also closed due to landslides and shooting stones at several locations, while the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road remains shut due to unstable conditions. (KNO)

‘Mission Mausam’: J&K to get four new weather radars, says Dr Jitendra Singh

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Thursday said that  J&K would get four additional weather radars under ‘Mission Mausam’ to strengthen district-wise forecasts and early warning systems.

Dr. Singh, who is also the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Atomic Energy and Space, according to KNO, convened a high-level review meeting via video conference with the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu and the Deputy Commissioners of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Kathua, and Udhampur.

The meeting reviewed ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures following unprecedented rainfall, cloudbursts, and flash floods across the districts.

Dr Singh said that Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, in collaboration with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), will install four additional weather radars in J&K.

Three radars are already operational in the region, and the new installations aim to provide more precise monitoring of extreme weather events.

Dr Singh directed the Ministry of Earth Sciences and IMD to issue dedicated, district-specific forecasts for North Indian states including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. He also instructed round-the-clock monitoring of weather patterns to ensure timely alerts and minimize loss of life and property.

The Minister commended the efforts of district administrations and civil society, noting that despite challenging weather conditions, officials have worked tirelessly to provide rations, medicines, and shelter to affected families.

Dr. Singh, who is also the Lok Sabha MP from Udhampur, confirmed that additional consignments of ration kits, advanced water filters, and essential medicines are being dispatched from his own MP funds to supplement government relief measures. He also highlighted measures taken to prevent water-borne diseases by ensuring access to potable drinking water and medical kits.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are closely monitoring the situation, with an inter-ministerial committee set to visit Kathua to assess damages and coordinate assistance, Dr. Singh added.

In Doda, DC Harvinder Singh said that timely intervention prevented large-scale inundation in Bhaderwah by clearing blocked culverts and diverting water channels during peak floods.

In Udhampur, 38 relief camps accommodate over 2,000 people, while around 190 of the 380 damaged roads have been restored. In Kathua, 26 relief camps shelter 1,900 people, with restoration of roads and water supply schemes ongoing. Ramban and Kishtwar also saw swift response operations, including the rescue of five people trapped in a landslide at the Rattle Power Project.

Dr. Singh assured that no effort would be spared in providing relief and rehabilitation across all affected districts, praising the role of local authorities and community volunteers as integral to a coordinated government response. (KNO)

Schools in Kashmir to reopen on Monday: Minister Itoo

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Amid floods and inclement weather, the government Thursday said that all private and government schools across Kashmir region shall reopen on Monday.

Speaking to KNO, Education Minister Sakina Itoo said, “All schools in Kashmir shall reopen on Monday.”

In the meantime, DSEK in an order said, “In the backdrop of the recent inclement weather conditions and the subsequent flood situation, along with gusty winds during which several school buildings were submerged and some structures sustained damage.”

The directorate further said, “It has become imperative to ensure the safety of school premises before the resumption of classwork.”

“Accordingly, it is ordered that the classwork in all Government as well as Private Schools in the Kashmir Division shall commence from Monday,” DSEK said.

The director further said that the incumbent Heads of Institutions (Hols) and staff shall ensure ensure proper cleanliness and sanitization of classrooms and school premises in advance so that the classwork is conducted in a safe, clean, and hassle-free environment. (KNO)

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