Srinagar May 6 (KNS): In a landmark step towards enhancing safety and emergency preparedness across Kashmir’s vital tourist zones, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in collaboration with the Nigeen Tourist Traders Association (NTTA) inaugurated three dedicated SDRF units at Nigeen Lake and Hazratbal Srinagar.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Nigeen Lake and witnessed the formal launch of the 1st Battalion of the SDRF Nigeen unit. The event was graced by several dignitaries including SP Hazratbal Hilal Khaliq Bhat, who formally inaugurated the units. He was joined by DySP SDRF Faisal Khan, DySP Traffic Suhail Reshi, SHO Nigeen Police Station Showkat Hussain, River Police Nigeen Incharge Bashir Ahmad, Qari Zahoor Ahmad, Peerzada Fayaz Ahmad, Shahmeem Ahmad Shah, Dr. Touseef Bhat and other prominent personalities from the community.
These units are equipped with modern rescue boats and trained personnel to ensure swift response during emergencies—especially sudden weather changes, fire and other natural disasters that often impact the lake areas. The initiative aims to bolster the region’s disaster preparedness, particularly in tourist-heavy zones like Nigeen and Hazratbal, where safety remains a growing concern for locals and visitors alike.
Speaking on the occasion, NTTA Chairman Haji Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo said, "The establishment of the 1st Battalion of SDRF at Nigeen fulfills a long-standing and vital demand of the tourism stakeholders. We express our sincere thanks to the administration and SDRF for their prompt response and for recognising the pressing needs of the tourism community.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelA special note of appreciation goes to Team NTTA, Team NLCO and all stakeholders—houseboat owners, shikarawalas and local residents—whose unwavering support turned this vision into reality. NTTA remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with the administration to promote safe, secure and sustainable tourism in Kashmir."
Vice President NTTA Qari Zahoor Ahmad, while appreciating the efforts of SDRF and NTTA, remarked, "This initiative is not just about infrastructure—it reflects the collective will of the community to protect our people and our tourists. Safety must be the foundation of every tourism-related activity and today we have taken a big step in that direction."
RTSOI Kashmir Chpater President Peerzada Fayaz Ahmad also shared his views, stating, "The collaborative spirit shown here today proves what we can achieve when civil society, local traders and government agencies work hand-in-hand. These SDRF units will act as guardians of our lakes and reinforce confidence among tourists visiting our beautiful region."
The SDRF’s partnership with the NTTA, River Police Nigeen and the Nigeen Police Station has been hailed as a proactive model for other regions to follow. The inauguration sets a precedent for stronger disaster management frameworks in Kashmir’s tourist zones and highlights the importance of community-driven preparedness in the face of natural calamities.(KNS)