Government Recognition of Disaster Management Excellence
Instituted under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guided by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, the award highlights India’s enhanced disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response mechanisms. Over the years, these initiatives have significantly reduced fatalities during natural disasters, showcasing the country’s commitment to efficient humanitarian and risk reduction practices.
For the 2026 edition, nominations were open from 1 May 2025, receiving 271 submissions from institutions and individuals across India. The selection process reflects rigorous evaluation of field impact, innovation, and effectiveness in disaster response.
Lieutenant Colonel Seeta Ashok Shelke of the Indian Army played a pivotal role in large-scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations during the 2024 floods and landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. Coordinating with civil authorities and local leaders, she ensured rapid evacuation, efficient relief distribution, and restoration of essential services. Her leadership included high-risk rescue missions, saving hundreds of lives under adverse weather conditions.
She supervised the construction of a 190-foot Bailey Bridge at Chooralmala to restore connectivity to remote villages, employing innovative engineering techniques including the use of a Komatsu PC210 excavator as a counterweight. Additionally, she implemented an improvised footbridge within four hours during nighttime operations. Mobilizing 150 tons of equipment, Lt Col Shelke’s actions benefited thousands and also involved training over 2,300 personnel in disaster response and humanitarian operations, demonstrating the growing role of women in operational disaster risk reduction (DRR).
Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) – Institutional Category
Established in 2005, SSDMA has been instrumental in strengthening disaster preparedness across Sikkim. Deploying 1,185 trained Aapda Mitras in three tiers Disaster Management Assistants at village level, Supervisors at block headquarters, and Coordinators at district level SSDMA has created a resilient, community-centred disaster response framework.
The institution has overseen real-time coordination and first responder deployment during major incidents, including the 2016 Mantam landslide and the 2023 Teesta floods, rescuing 2,563 people while minimizing damage and loss of life. SSDMA’s model focuses on early warning, capacity-building, and participatory planning, providing a scalable framework for disaster resilience in other Himalayan and North Eastern states.
Impact and Future Outlook
The recognition of SSDMA and Lt Col Shelke underscores India’s commitment to strengthening disaster management through innovation, preparedness, and community engagement. Their achievements highlight effective collaboration between military, civil authorities, and local communities, ensuring faster, safer, and more inclusive response during emergencies.