Srinagar: In a collaborative 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, Vice President NTTA Qari Zahoor Ahmad, RTSOI Kashmir Chpater President, Peerzada Fayaz Ahmad, Shahmeem Ahmad Shah President TAFI ,Yaseen Tumaan Member NTTA, 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.
While speaking to the media, 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. A 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 Chapter 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.”
TAFI President Shahmeem Ahmad Shah said, “The boats which are being stationed at Nigeen and Hazratbal by the SDRF, along with the hard work and follow-up by the NTTA are truly commendable. This will be helpful in case of any emergency. We thank the SDRF and NTTA for their efforts.”
Houseboat owner Yaseen Tumaan said, “The deployment of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) rescue teams at Nigeen Lake is a crucial step toward ensuring the safety of both tourists and locals, especially in light of climate change-induced extreme weather events.”
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.
Nice but what about security a line that all security measures are in place.