Munish Sood
Mandi
Mandi Administration, SDM Smritika Negi to be Honoured with Civil Service Award on Himachal Day Recognition for exemplary disaster response and public service initiatives
In a significant recognition of administrative excellence, the Mandi district administration and SDM Balh Smritika Negi will be conferred the Civil Service Award for their outstanding performance during the 2025 disaster. The awards will be presented on April 15 at the state-level Himachal Day event in Reckong Peo by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan will receive the award on behalf of the district administration, while Smritika Negi will be honoured individually for her leadership and service.
Relentless Response During 2025 Disaster
The recognition comes in the wake of the devastating disaster that impacted several parts of Mandi district, including Seraj, Gohar, Karsog and Dharampur. The administration maintained a continuous on-ground presence, ensuring relief and rescue operations under extremely challenging conditions.
Several regions remained inaccessible for days, with Seraj reconnected only after nearly five days. During this period, Tehsildar Rajat Sethi led operations in the cut-off areas, while ASP Sagar Chandra Sharma undertook long treks on foot to reach affected locations. Senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, later accessed the region via air routes, expediting evacuation and relief measures. Stranded tourists from other states were safely rescued as operations intensified.
In a separate incident at Ramvan in Sundernagar, the Deputy Commissioner personally supervised rescue efforts following casualties, ensuring swift coordination and response.
Leadership Marked by Coordination and Compassion
SDM Balh Smritika Negi played a central role in coordinating multi-agency operations involving SDRF, NDRF, police and local authorities. She personally visited remote and severely affected locations to assess ground realities and ensure timely delivery of assistance.
Her intervention in the case of an 11-month-old orphaned child, Nikita, drew particular attention. She facilitated the necessary documentation, ensured financial access through bank account formalities, and secured official support for the child, reflecting a strong humanitarian approach alongside administrative efficiency.
Administrative Innovation Also Recognised
Beyond disaster response, the Mandi district administration has been acknowledged for its public service initiatives, including the “Apna Pustakalaya” programme implemented at the local governance level. The initiative has contributed to improved access to educational resources at the grassroots.
Efficient coordination, field-level monitoring, and integration of digital systems enabled the administration to deliver timely relief, rehabilitation, and support to hundreds of affected families.
Other State Awardees
The Himachal Pradesh government has announced a total of 14 awardees across categories this year.
Civil Service Awards
• Mandi District Administration under the leadership of Apoorv Devgan
• SDM Smritika Negi
• Dr Nipun Jindal for contributions to digital governance and streamlining beneficiary systems
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
