SRINAGAR, September 19, 2025 : Director of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Imtiyaz Hussain, on Friday lauded the unwavering commitment of SDRF personnel and Civil Defence volunteers, underscoring their frontline role in every major crisis, including floods across Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at the inauguration of a six-day disaster preparedness training programme, Hussain said the SDRF had consistently been the first to respond during calamities.
“During disasters, you saw SDRF everywhere — our people, our boats — always on the frontlines,” he remarked.
Key Points from His Address:
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Frontline Presence: SDRF and Civil Defence volunteers have been crucial in providing relief and instilling confidence among communities during emergencies.
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Training Relevance: Hussain stressed that disaster training is not only for large-scale crises but also for everyday incidents such as fires, kitchen accidents, or falls.
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Collective Responsibility: He called for greater participation from medical teams, social welfare departments, police, home guards, fire services, teachers, and Anganwadi workers to build community-level resilience.
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Climate Challenges: Noting the increasing frequency of disasters due to climate change, he emphasized preparedness as an urgent necessity.
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Institutional Support: Hussain appreciated the backing of the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) Department, expressing hope that stronger collaboration would empower SDRF to prevent and manage disasters more effectively.
The training programme is expected to enhance practical skills of participants, ensuring communities remain better equipped to handle both natural and man-made emergencies.
