JAMMU, Jul 7: The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), 2nd Battalion Jammu, has intensified its public safety awareness campaign across vulnerable locations to ensure the safety of pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026) and the general public during the ongoing monsoon season.
The awareness campaign is being conducted under the overall supervision of Mohamad Aslam, IPS, Commandant, 2nd Battalion SDRF Jammu. The initiative aims to educate people about the dangers posed by swollen rivers, flash floods, and other monsoon-related hazards while urging strict adherence to official safety advisories.
At the Yatri Registration Point near the Tawi River Front in Jammu, SDRF personnel, under the supervision of Dy SP Lalit Kumar, carried out public awareness announcements through megaphones. Pilgrims were cautioned against venturing near or entering the Tawi River, as heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas could lead to a sudden rise in the water level, strong currents and flash flood-like situations. They were advised to remain vigilant, follow directions issued by the administration and security agencies, and discourage fellow pilgrims from taking unnecessary risks near water bodies.
A similar awareness drive was conducted by SDRF personnel deployed at CD Town, Akhnoor, along the Chenab River. Public announcements were made at various ghats warning residents, visitors and devotees about the increased water level in the Chenab due to continuous rainfall in the upper reaches of Doda and Kishtwar districts. People were urged to stay away from riverbanks and refrain from entering the river, as swift currents, slippery embankments and hidden underwater hazards could prove fatal.
Issuing a monsoon safety advisory, Commandant Mohamad Aslam appealed to citizens and pilgrims to avoid rivers, streams, nallahs, waterfalls and other water bodies during or after rainfall. He advised people not to cross flooded roads or overflowing bridges, avoid bathing or taking selfies near rivers, keep children under constant supervision, and rely only on official weather updates and advisories issued by the administration, the India Meteorological Department and disaster management authorities.
The advisory also urged people to immediately report emergencies, rising water levels, landslides or distress situations to the SDRF, Police or district administration and to cooperate fully with emergency responders, particularly during evacuation operations. Pilgrims were specifically advised to remain on designated routes and strictly follow the instructions of security and rescue agencies.
The SDRF said its personnel remain deployed round the clock at vulnerable locations to ensure prompt response to emergencies. It reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives through continuous monitoring, disaster preparedness, preventive awareness campaigns and coordinated rescue efforts during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and the ongoing monsoon season. The force appealed to the public to remain alert, act responsibly and extend full cooperation to the authorities in the interest of collective safety.