Maharashtra’s Lt Colonel Sita Shelke Announced for ‘Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award’

New Delhi, Jan 2026 : Lieutenant Colonel Sita Ashok Shelke, a native of Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, has been announced as the recipient of the ‘Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award 2026’ by the Central Government for her exemplary courage and effective application of technical expertise in the field of disaster management. The announcement was made on the occasion of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary, celebrated as Parakram Diwas. Lt Colonel Shelke was selected in the individual category from 271 nominations received from across the country.

Bravery and Engineering Excellence in the Wayanad Rescue Operation

Lt Colonel Shelke’s outstanding performance during the devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, in 2024 proved decisive for the award. At a time when nature was at its fiercest, she led rescue operations in extremely adverse weather conditions, saving the lives of hundreds of citizens. One of the most remarkable achievements of her mission was the record-time construction of a 190-foot Bailey Bridge at Chooralmala. This bridge restored connectivity with remote villages that had been completely cut off, enabling relief and rescue teams to reach affected areas.

In another feat of engineering ingenuity, she used a Komatsu PC-210 excavator innovatively to construct a temporary pedestrian bridge within just four hours, significantly accelerating relief operations. Along with her fieldwork, Lt Colonel Shelke has also provided specialized technical training in disaster response to more than 2,300 personnel to date.

From Gadilgaon to the Indian Army: An Inspiring Journey

A resident of Gadilgaon in Ahilyanagar district, Sita Shelke’s journey to the Indian Army is a story of determination and dedication. Her father, Ashok Bhikaji Shelke, is a practicing advocate. She completed her Mechanical Engineering education in Ahilyanagar itself. Initially aspiring to join the police force, she later chose the Indian Army to serve the nation.

Through sheer hard work and perseverance, she cleared the highly challenging SSB examination and, after completing her training at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, in 2012, she was commissioned as an officer in the Indian Army.