Lieutenant Colonel Seeta Shelke Honored for Heroic Flood Rescue Efforts

Lieutenant Colonel Seeta Ashok Shelke has been awarded the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026 for her exceptional leadership during the rescue and relief operations following the devastating floods and landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, in 2024. The announcement was made by the Union Home Ministry, highlighting her significant contributions to restoring essential services and connectivity in affected areas.

During the catastrophic events, which resulted in widespread destruction, Shelke, then a Major, coordinated extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts. Her leadership was instrumental in the rapid evacuation and distribution of relief supplies, ensuring that thousands of civilians received timely assistance. The construction of a 190-foot-long Bailey Bridge at Chooralmala, which she oversaw, played a critical role in re-establishing access to remote villages.

Shelke’s efforts included directing multiple high-risk rescue missions under challenging weather conditions. The ministry’s statement noted that she mobilized 150 tonnes of equipment, leading to the successful rescue of hundreds of individuals trapped by the landslides. One of her notable achievements was constructing an improvised footbridge within just four hours during nighttime, demonstrating her quick thinking and resourcefulness.

In addition to Shelke’s individual recognition, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) received the award in the institutional category. The SSDMA was acknowledged for its robust disaster preparedness mechanisms, which have become models for other states, particularly in the Himalayan region and Northeast India. The authority has deployed 1,185 trained Aapda Mitras as disaster management officials, enhancing response capabilities across three tiers of governance: village, block, and district levels.

The SSDMA’s proactive approach has led to improved community engagement in disaster risk reduction. Its initiatives have included participatory planning and capacity-building programs, which have significantly increased resilience to climate risks across all six districts of Sikkim. During critical events, such as the 2016 Mantam landslide and the 2023 Teesta floods, the authority’s real-time coordination facilitated the rescue of 2,563 people, minimizing loss of life and property damage.

The Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar was established in 2018 to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of individuals and organizations in disaster management. This year, the government received 271 nominations for the award, which is announced annually on January 23, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Lieutenant Colonel Shelke’s exemplary service during the Wayanad floods has not only earned her individual accolades but also set a standard for excellence in disaster management, inspiring future initiatives aimed at enhancing community resilience and preparedness.