Mandi District Administration Receives Civil Service Award for Disaster Management Excellence
Recognition for Exceptional Governance in Kinnaur
Honoured in Kinnaur for exemplary disaster response and governance
Munish Sood
Mandi
In a significant achievement for Mandi district, the local administration and SDM Balh, Smritika Negi, were awarded the Civil Service Award during the Himachal Day celebrations in Reckong Peo. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the awards, acknowledging their remarkable efforts during the 2025 disaster and their overall excellence in governance.
The award was accepted by Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan on behalf of the district administration, while Smritika Negi received individual recognition for her leadership in the relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Effective Disaster Management Strategies
This accolade comes after the administration's adept management of the 2025 disaster that heavily affected the Seraj, Gohar, Karsog, and Dharampur areas. Despite road closures and communication failures, officials maintained a strong presence on-site, ensuring continuous rescue and relief operations.
Tehsildar Rajat Sethi spearheaded initiatives in hard-to-reach locations, while ASP Sagar Chandra Sharma undertook extensive treks to access isolated areas. Senior officials later utilized air support to reach remote regions, expediting evacuation efforts and ensuring the safe rescue of stranded tourists.
In Sundernagar's Ramvan, the Deputy Commissioner took charge of rescue operations, demonstrating a proactive administrative approach during emergencies.
Compassionate Leadership and Field Engagement
SDM Balh, Smritika Negi, received widespread acclaim for her role in coordinating multi-agency efforts involving the SDRF, NDRF, police, and local teams. Her regular visits to remote areas ensured the timely provision of relief and essential services.
Her notable humanitarian act during the disaster involved aiding an orphaned infant, where she facilitated necessary documentation, financial support, and institutional care, ensuring ongoing assistance for the child.
Innovative Governance and Community Initiatives
The Mandi district administration has also been recognized for enhancing governance through innovative programs. Initiatives like “Apna Pustakalaya” have improved access to educational resources at the grassroots level, while digital governance strategies have increased transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
Officials emphasized that the administration's approach effectively combined technology with strong field coordination, ensuring timely relief, rehabilitation, and the delivery of welfare benefits.
Team Effort Acknowledged by Officials
After receiving the award, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan credited the success to the collaborative efforts of administrative teams, emergency responders, and local communities who worked diligently during the crisis.
SDM Smritika Negi also expressed her appreciation for all supporting agencies and field staff, highlighting that coordinated teamwork and public cooperation were vital in effectively managing the challenging situation.
Details of the Award and Other Honorees
The Civil Service Award, presented by the Chief Minister on Himachal Day, is one of the highest recognitions for excellence in governance within the state. The award includes a traditional Himachali shawl, a cap, an official citation, and a cash prize.
Individual awardees receive ₹51,000, while teams or government organizations can be awarded up to ₹2,50,000, recognizing exceptional performance, innovation, and commitment to public service.
During the event, the state government honored 14 individuals and organizations across various categories:
Civil Service Awards
• Mandi District Administration under Apoorv Devgan
• SDM Smritika Negi
• Dr Nipun Jindal for contributions to digital governance
Inspiration Awards
• Charu Sharma
• Chonzin Angmo
• Ritu Negi
• Sakshi Sharma
• Pushpa
• Bhavna Devi
• Champa Thakur
Himachal Gaurav Awards
• Prem Lal Gautam
• Dr OP Sharma
• Dr Brij Sharma
• Sneh Lata