Himachal Pradesh

Landslides at Chakki Mor on NH-5, due to delayed slope repair, cause frequent traffic disruptions. A vulnerable 200-250m stretch is particularly problematic. NHAI plans slope protection work after the rain, using approved engineering technologies and real-time monitoring.

The PWD Minister says even though NHAI does not come under the state government, his department was seeking details from NHAI officials to furnish information in the house

The damage of the wall within 15 months has put a question mark on the efficacy and the quality of construction work undertaken by NHAI through a highway construction company

Flashfloods in Miyar Valley displaced Karpat villagers. Solar power plants installed in days by MLA Anuradha Rana provide electricity to tents. While offering some relief, the broader situation remains dire, with criticism of inadequate disaster response, destroyed infrastructure, and lack of essential services.

Apple sales in Solan experienced a 27% increase this season. Over 1.1 million boxes were sold, generating Rs 64 crore in revenue. Good crop yields and high demand fueled the growth despite transportation challenges and concerns about rain affecting fruit quality.

Heavy rainfall is expected in the state until August 28, peaking on August 23 and 26. Yellow alerts for heavy rain have been issued for several districts. Road closures (316) and infrastructure damage (over Rs 2,300 crore) persist.

The Himachal Pradesh government will implement the Seraj disaster relief package statewide. Compensation for damages, including houses, has been increased. The government is seeking forest land allocation for those whose homes were destroyed. The Revenue Minister cited climate change and other factors for the high damage costs.

HPMC will shift focus to alcoholic beverage production from culled apples acquired under MIS. A company will purchase excess culled apples from HPMC at Rs 8/kg, replacing the previous auction at Parwanoo which yielded lower prices and caused environmental issues. This will also stabilize market rates.

BBMB employees protested a new Rs 70 toll imposed at Himachal Pradesh borders, deeming it unjust for those using BBMB-maintained roads. The Nangal Bhakra Mazdoor Sangh demands toll exemptions for employees and local residents, citing unfairness and the Ministry of Road Transport's fair system policy. They threaten to escalate the protest if the issue remains unresolved.

The HP High Court, in response to a PIL, has ordered state officials to explain delays in filling 124 vacant jail posts, including Medical Officer positions. The court noted the need for regular officers, not deputation, due to high inmate populations. The next hearing is scheduled for October 6.

Villagers set to march in national capital on August 29, pledging peaceful but unyielding resistance against controversial ropeway

The Himachal Pradesh High Court addressed illegal mining in the Neugal river, directing action after minimal enforcement against offenders. Rampant, unregulated mining, defying a Chief Minister’s ban, causes severe ecological damage and water pollution. Violations persist despite local resistance and NGT orders, threatening water security and the environment.

Kangra district won both boys' and girls' singles at the Himachal Pradesh Under-19 Badminton Championship. Devansh Rana and Karan Sharma won boys' doubles, while the Verma sisters won girls' doubles. Devansh Rana and Pragya Verma took the mixed doubles title.

Government PG College Nahan hosted a workshop with ISRO on advanced image analysis. The event, attended by 121, focused on remote sensing, GIS, and AI applications for disaster management and sustainable development. The workshop, enhancing academic learning and employability, also celebrated the college's recognition as an IIRS-ISRO Nodal Centre.

Rajiv Gandhi Government College in Shimla organized a tree plantation drive with the Forest Department in the Glen area, a catchment zone for the Ashwani Khad. The initiative, led by the Disaster Management Cell, aimed to educate students about the importance of planting trees to prevent soil erosion and improve river health.

Doon Valley Public School girls excelled at the CBSE Cluster Athletics Meet, with Ishroop Saini and Riddhi Kaushal qualifying for nationals. The school also hosted Colonel Rajeev Thomas, who inspired students with messages of patriotism and service.

Mehreen Dhillon, a 19-year-old from Chandigarh, drove solo across 13 Himalayan passes, covering 3,482 km in 14 days, earning an India Book of Records entry. She tackled treacherous terrain, including Umling La (world's highest motorable road). This achievement follows her record for driving the Winter Spiti Circuit in 2025.

Two young men died in separate road accidents in Sirmaur district. A motorcycle accident in Paonta Sahib killed Gopi Kishan and injured a pedestrian. Another accident on the Paonta Sahib-Kala Amb highway involving a truck claimed Kundan's life and injured the driver, Rakesh. Police are investigating both incidents.

Tribuneindia.com invites contributions to SHAHARNAMA. Share anecdotes, unforgettable incidents, impressionable moments that define your cities, neighbourhoods, what the city stands for, what makes its people who they are. Send your contributions in English, not exceeding 250 words, to shaharnama@tribunemail.com Do include your social media handles (X/ Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)

IIIT Una's seventh convocation will award 135 BTech and one PhD degrees. The institute has high placement rates, with a top package of Rs 31.5 lakh. It has established a Drone Technology Centre and is involved in skill development programs and research initiatives. It has also introduced smart laundry and plans solar power.

A Baddi eatery owner was booked after a video showed an employee spitting on food. A local resident filed a complaint citing public health risks and demanding action. Police registered a case under the BNS for potentially spreading infectious diseases. The incident caused widespread anger among residents.

A new Hindi book, 'Tum Keval Gudiya Mat Banana,' by Chaman Lal, was launched at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya. The book promotes women's empowerment, drawing inspiration from the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' movement. It also emphasizes love for nature, faith, and human values, while condemning injustice.

Sirmaur district officials are addressing traffic and environmental violations. A truck with a fake number plate and overloaded with goods received a ₹1.37 lakh challan. An agriculture tractor illegally dumped septic waste into the Markanda river, resulting in a ₹24,000 fine. Enforcement agencies are increasing scrutiny.

The Ladarcha Fair in Kaza concluded with a cultural evening. MLA Anuradha Rana emphasized the fair's role in preserving culture and fostering community. Farmers and competition winners were honored. Land deeds were distributed. The event featured performances and promoted Spiti Valley's cultural heritage.

Dharamsala dog lovers rejoiced at the Supreme Court's revised order allowing sterilized stray dogs' release, but banning public feeding. The decision reversed the earlier Delhi removal directive. Local activists emphasized sterilisation and vaccination, advocating for humane solutions like awareness drives and adoption incentives for stray dogs.