A cloudburst ravaged Thunag on June 30, destroying homes, shops, and livelihoods. Five people died, four are missing. Over 950 houses and 190 shops were damaged. Survivors face immense loss, financial burdens, and uncertain futures as the community rebuilds.
Thirteen days after the Seraj Valley disaster, families performed last rites for those still missing. Ceremonies included rituals for the lost across multiple villages, marking the acceptance of their loss. The inability to cremate and immerse ashes fully added to the grief.
The Forest Department is removing apple orchards from encroached forest land in upper Shimla, following a High Court order. The drive began in Kotkhai and Kumarsain, targeting Chaithla village. The local leader wants a state-wide removal and criticizes officials for inaction during the encroachment. She requests a delay until the harvest.
A landslide near Four Miles closed the Chandigarh-Manali highway for 26 hours. One-way traffic is now partially restored between Mandi and Kullu, causing delays. Stranded vehicles and tourists faced difficulties. Vegetable-carrying trucks faced spoilage risks. Tourists were rescued after getting lost trekking.
An SUV carrying travelers, including some from Punjab, crashed into the Shalvi river in Shimla. Two people died (one from Punjab), two were injured, and a 10-year-old boy is missing. The accident occurred near Batal village while en route to a religious ceremony. Police are investigating and searching for the missing child.
Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia inaugurated a new residential complex for judicial officers in Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh, costing Rs 3 crore. He also inspected the e-seva centre and modern judicial technology, providing guidance. Several high-ranking officials attended the event.
Solan police seized Rs 8 crore in assets from 28 individuals and accomplices in drug cases. Investigations revealed luxury assets acquired through drug trafficking, including a kingpin manufacturing and supplying cannabis. Since 2024, 184 NDPS cases led to 393 arrests, including key suppliers and nine Nigerians, and 57 inter-state smuggling networks were dismantled.
HPTDC is leasing out loss-making properties to private entities under an Operation and Maintenance (OAM) model, not selling them. Ownership remains with the state. The goal is to improve efficiency and guest experience through private investment and renovation, with no job losses.
Sanskar Bharti, Dharamsala, honored Himachali artists during Guru Purnima with the Kala Guru Samman. Awards were given to Dr. Dogra, Dr. Kartar, Pawanendra, and Dwijend. Publications on Himachali folk music were released. The event highlighted the need to document and preserve oral traditions and recognized the contributions of various scholars and artists.
Two Himachal Pradesh softball players, Kavita Thakur (23) and Krishika (19), were selected for the Indian team at the Under-23 Women's Softball Asia Cup in China. The tournament is a World Cup qualifier. The Softball Association of Himachal Pradesh congratulated them and expressed hopes for India's victory.
Two years after a devastating flood, Himachal's Sainj Valley remains vulnerable. Reconstruction efforts have been inadequate, with promised funds failing to materialize. Infrastructure is still damaged, and residents await compensation, fearing another disaster as monsoon season returns. Experts urge robust flood mitigation measures.
Minister Vikramaditya Singh turns to Facebook for public pulse on Kullu ropeway
Pro-Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu threatened Nalagarh MLA Hardeep Singh Bawa via phone, warning against hoisting the Tricolor on August 15th. Bawa reported the threat and vowed to proceed with the flag-raising. Police registered a criminal intimidation case, are investigating the UK-based phone number, and increased the MLA's security, informing intelligence agencies.
Anurag Thakur visited flood-affected areas in Hamirpur, assuring support and swift relief. He highlighted the central government's aid, including financial assistance and disaster relief efforts. He criticized the state government for fund delays and emphasized prioritizing basic necessities over politics.
Heavy rainfall is predicted across the state on July 14, with an orange alert for Kangra and Sirmaur. Yellow alert is issued for Shimla, Mandi, and Solan. Light to moderate rain will continue until July 19, with temperature decreases expected.
Kullu's tourist spots face a garbage crisis due to increased footfall and hospitality. Waste disposal infrastructure is inadequate, polluting areas like Manikaran and the Parbati River. Solutions include waste management plants, village committees, and community cleanup initiatives, supported by government directives and increased awareness.
Government Senior Secondary School, Nalti, raised Rs 1 lakh and essential relief items for flood victims in Seraj constituency. Students, staff, the Nalti Vyapar Mandal, and the community participated in collecting donations and raising awareness. NSS, NCC, and Eco Club members played key roles.
Jassur's sabzi mandi, crucial for Kangra's farmers, faces challenges. Unseasonal rains hurt yields, reducing trade. Poor infrastructure, including unusable toilets and a bad approach road, compound problems. Traders demand parking improvements and a mango Market Intervention Scheme to stabilize the market.
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Pathania met Lok Sabha Speaker Birla to discuss economic, political, and constitutional issues. Pathania requested financial aid for landslide-hit areas and discussed strengthening parliamentary systems, improving state-center relations, and financial autonomy. Birla congratulated Pathania on a successful conference.
Himachal's richest temple takes legal route to reclaim land
MLA Ashish Butail refuted BJP claims of stalled development in Palampur, citing ongoing projects worth over Rs 1100 crore, including a sewerage project. He highlighted infrastructure improvements, criticized the previous BJP government for an incomplete hospital, and praised the Palampur MC's waste management and road upgrades.
Dharampur MLA Chander Shekhar assessed landslide damage in Mandi district, aiding affected families. He inspected ongoing development projects and issued directives for road repairs, allocating funds for road construction, school upgrades, and a rain shelter.
Minister Dharmani assessed flood damage in Seraj, Mandi. The state released Rs 7 crore for relief, providing Rs 7 lakh for home reconstruction and Rs 50,000 for livestock losses. Road and power restoration are underway. Dharmani also reviewed construction projects and ITI infrastructure.
Two rock climbing camps, organized by 1 HP Air Squadron NCC, Kullu, concluded at Babeli. Sixty cadets from eight NCC groups received adventure and survival training, including technical climbing and navigation, under ITBP guidance. The camps fostered leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Advanced expeditions are planned.
Auckland House School for Boys won gold in both the under-17 and under-19 basketball categories at the CISCE Himachal Pradesh Zonal Tournament, defeating Bishop Cotton School in both finals. They also took second place in the under-14 category.
RMS Chail hosted the Captain GS Salaria Memorial Debate, focusing on 'Inclusion of religion in politics.' Students from various schools participated. Deepanshu (RMS-Chail) and Kanishak (RMS-Chail) won Best Speaker awards. The event celebrated RMS Chail's centenary and honored its alumnus, Captain Salaria.
HPSEBL pensioners in Nurpur are frustrated over delayed financial benefits, particularly arrears and DA for those who retired between 2016-2022. They demand immediate payment, accusing the government of neglecting elderly pensioners while prioritizing other expenditures. They also oppose restrictions on protests.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College held the 'Cochlear Brahmos' workshop. The event featured cochlear implant surgeries, including one on a 14-month-old child (the youngest in North India). The workshop provided education for ENT professionals through live surgeries and discussions.
APG Shimla University hosted a week-long faculty development program focusing on emerging higher education trends. The program, attended by 60 participants, covered NEP-2020 implementation, outcome-based education, soft skills, and multidisciplinary education. Key speakers included prominent academics and university officials.
Gets ‘Gaon ki Hatti’ and ‘Mahila Kitchen’ as new additions