Kupwara, March 03, 2025 – In a swift and coordinated response, the District Administration of Kupwara, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Ayushi Sudan, successfully airlifted critically ill patients from the snowbound border area of Karnah in Jammu and Kashmir on March 2, 2025.
The operation, which garnered widespread appreciation, was executed following an urgent call for emergency medical assistance from local representatives.
The evacuation was prompted by severe weather conditions that had isolated Karnah due to heavy snowfall, closing key roads such as the Karnah-Kupwara route. Among the patients airlifted were Rohail Mir, a 15-year-old from Kharwapra, and Bibi Sana, an 18-month-old from Kona Gabra, both requiring immediate medical intervention. After being safely transported to Kupwara, the patients were shifted via ambulance to Srinagar for advanced treatment.
The initiative was set in motion after Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board and Minister of State, received a timely alert from Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir, the Constituency President of BJP Karnah. Dr. Andrabi expressed her gratitude to the Divisional Administration Kashmir and DC Ayushi Sudan for their prompt action, stating, “I heartily thank Divisional Administration Kashmir and Ms. Ayushi Sudan Ji for their quick response to my call for airlifting the critically ill patients from Karnah for emergency medical treatment. I also thank Mr. Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir for his timely contact with me regarding the issue. Coordinated efforts yield desired results.”
The District Administration had preemptively arranged helicopter services to address medical exigencies in snow-affected border regions like Karnah, Machil, and Keran, following recent snowfall that disrupted connectivity. The operation was overseen by a dedicated team, with Assistant Labour Commissioner Arshid Qadir Bhat appointed as the Nodal Officer to ensure seamless coordination.
Local residents of Karnah have lauded the proactive approach of DC Ayushi Sudan and her team, including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Karnah, Tehsildar, and other officials, for their swift and efficient response. “This timely intervention has saved lives and shown the administration’s commitment to the people of border areas,” a local resident remarked.
The successful evacuation underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between local leaders, administrative bodies, and emergency services in addressing critical healthcare needs in challenging terrains. The District Administration’s preparedness and rapid response have set a commendable example of governance in crisis.