Kashmir is set to launch a tech-driven rescue mission aimed at preventing drowning incidents, following a surge in cases across rivers, lakes, and canals in the Valley.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) will deploy smart Quick Response Team (QRT) vehicles, rescue water scooters, and advanced drones equipped with night-vision and payload capabilities to cut response times and improve efficiency.
Recent tragedies, including multiple drowning incidents in Lidder River and Nigeen Lake, have prompted authorities to modernize rescue operations and expand coverage to nearly 300 tourist locations in phases.
Currently, SDRF has around 550 personnel across Kashmir, but the new initiative will strengthen manpower and introduce faster, technology-backed interventions for emergencies.
Officials emphasize that community awareness and immediate reporting of incidents to SDRF helplines remain critical, as delays drastically reduce survival chances.
This mission is expected to transform water safety in Kashmir, combining modern equipment with expanded manpower to save lives during the high-risk summer season.
