State Disaster Management Authority Inaugurated as Yogi Recognises Rescue Heroes

Lucknow, July 19 — The Uttar Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) unveiled its new flagship building today, a project costing over 200 crore rupees, as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath used the occasion to honour eight extraordinary rescuers.

The ceremony highlighted the daring deeds of personnel from the SDRF, PAC and fire services. Subhash Chandra of the 11th National Disaster Relief Force pulled stranded pilgrims to safety from the Saryu River in Ayodhya. Shailendra Kumar, also from the 11th unit, orchestrated the safe evacuation of citizens from a multi‑storey building engulfed in flames in Lucknow.

Lalchand Yadav, a senior Disaster Management officer, led multiple successful relief drives, while platoon commander Nervejwar turned strategic plans into actionable ground‑level operations. PAC operatives Mahendra Yadav and Ram Jag Kumar rescued a drowning child at Prayagraj’s Arail ghats, and fire officers Yogiendra Prasad Chaursia and Ashok Kumar contained fires at industrial sites in Noida and Lucknow, respectively, even after sustaining injuries.

Chief Minister Yogi declared that financial resources would never be a barrier to effective disaster response. He announced the intention to extend similar recognitions to maritime rescuers and wildlife‑conflict teams in forthcoming events, reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s resolve to become a model for disaster resilience.

The new SDMA complex will serve as a command centre, training hub and exhibition space, reflecting the state’s ambition to provide swift, coordinated assistance whenever calamities strike.