Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Puraskar 2026: Lt. Col. Sita Ashok, SSDMA Honored

• The Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026 has been announced, recognizing contributions to disaster management.
• Lieutenant Colonel Sita Ashok Shelke received the award in the individual category for her rapid engineering efforts in disaster-affected areas, including constructing bridges and shelters.
• Lt. Col. Shelke led the construction of a 190-foot Bailey bridge in Churalmala, Wayanad, within 72 hours after a 2024 landslide, restoring critical connectivity.
• The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) was honored in the institutional category for strengthening disaster preparedness and response since 2005.
• SSDMA's 'Disaster Mitra' program has trained 1,185 personnel across village, block, and district levels, significantly reducing casualties during major disasters like the 2023 Teesta River floods.

Why It Matters: Lt. Col. Sita Ashok Shelke and SSDMA received the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Puraskar for exemplary disaster management.