Himachal Pradesh

Jammu-Jalandhar highway closed at Dhanghu Chakki bridge

Heavy rainfall caused widespread landslides and road closures across Mandi district, severely disrupting transportation and essential services. Hundreds of roads are blocked, isolating remote areas. Power and water supplies are significantly impacted. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors as emergency teams work to restore services.

Road connectivity between Nurpur and Chowari is repeatedly disrupted due to rain damage, cutting off Chamba's district and sub-divisional headquarters. Torrential rains also caused flooding, infrastructure damage, and power outages in the Kangra region, impacting residents and essential services.

Torrential rain caused flash floods and landslides in Chamba district, disrupting traffic and damaging infrastructure. The Manimahesh Yatra was halted due to a landslide. Several roads are blocked, villages isolated, and power/water supplies disrupted. Authorities advise residents to stay home and report emergencies.

The Kiratpur-Manali highway, meant to boost tourism and agriculture in Himachal Pradesh, is now plagued by landslides and flooding, especially between Mandi and Kullu. This causes travel disruptions, impacting tourism and leading to significant losses for farmers due to produce spoilage. Long-term solutions are needed.

Torrential rains have closed 484 roads, including two national highways, across Himachal Pradesh. Mandi is the worst affected. Numerous transformers and water supply schemes are disrupted. Yellow weather warnings are in effect through August 30, with heavy rainfall predicted in certain districts.

The Indian government will reopen border trade through Shipki-La in Himachal Pradesh, along with Lipulekh and Nathu La. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will also resume via Shipki-La. This follows the state's efforts to revive the Indo-Tibetan trade route and will boost tourism and economic growth.

Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri visited Jwala Mata Temple with family, seeking blessings. He announced a Rs 100 crore beautification project to improve facilities, preserve heritage, and boost religious tourism. He also visited Mata Baglamukhi Temple.

A 63-year-old retired woman was murdered and allegedly raped in Chamba district. Police arrested Rakesh Kumar (38) who confessed to the crime. Another suspect, Navneet (18), is at large. The victim's body was found at a school; both suspects were intoxicated.

Rajiv Bindal, Himachal BJP president, criticized the Sukhu government as inefficient, accusing it of derailing government schemes. He criticized the government for offering low-paying jobs as a response to the promise of providing employment. The BJP will observe a 'Sewa Pakhwada' with various public activities on PM Modi's birthday.

A driver sustained serious head injuries when shooting stones hit a car and bus near Sarsadi village on the Bhuntar-Manikaran road. Heavy rainfall caused landslides and triggered flooding in Kullu, prompting safety advisories. Authorities are on high alert due to the risks.

A two-day conference in Delhi commemorated Vithalbhai Patel's role in India's legislative history. Key figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, participated. The conference celebrated Patel's centenary as the first elected chairman and aimed to strengthen legislative institutions.

A five-year-old boy, Divyanshu, was fatally struck by a speeding Bolero in Paonta Sahib. The accident happened near his father's shop as he tried to cross the road. The driver, Praveen, took the injured child to the hospital, but Divyanshu died from his injuries.

A decomposed body was found near the Beas River in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, around 4 km from the district headquarters. Discovered by locals, the body was retrieved by police and sent for identification and postmortem. Authorities suspect it had been in the river for days and are urging the public to report missing persons and avoid riverbanks due to heavy rain.

Debt mounts as growers await crores in pending dues

Rs 100-crore NHAI project under scanner as floods wash away newly built wall

Once the jewel of Kangra art and devotion, the Sujanpur Tira Fort (left) and Nerveshwar Temples now stand abandoned, fading into rubble as history pleads for preservation

Five attend Sakura Science Programme blending experience, innovation

Himachal Pradesh is boosting afforestation and rural economies via the Rajiv Gandhi Van Sanvardhan Yojana. The scheme involves local groups planting and maintaining trees with government funding. Reforms in the Forest Department aim for greater conservation efforts, and additional funding supports local infrastructure.

Stakeholders warn reduced connectivity will cripple livelihoods, drive tourists away

Dr. Radha of Shoolini University filed four patents for plant-based health products. She developed nutrient-rich jam and a ready-to-serve drink from Bombax ceiba flowers. Additionally, she created eco-friendly extraction methods from Prinsepia utilis and Tinospora cordifolia leaves, validating their antibacterial properties.

The Rotary Club installed a water cooler at the Kangra District Library, inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner. The librarian lauded the addition for improving water purity. The library, with a large readership and membership, also offers extensive reading materials and facilities, including long operating hours.

Anurag Thakur criticized Rahul Gandhi and the opposition, accusing them of blaming institutions for electoral defeats. He alleged the Congress misused institutions and undermined their credibility. Thakur also attended social events and promoted blood donation and environmental conservation while promising development in Hamirpur.

National Highway 7, connecting Chandigarh and Dehradun, is severely damaged, particularly through Sirmaur's industrial area. The road is filled with potholes, causing breakdowns, accidents, and economic losses. Despite the situation, authorities seem unresponsive, though repair work has been ordered.

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