Himachal Pradesh

Commonly observed during the monsoon season, it causes premature leaf fall and significantly deteriorates fruit quality, leading to major economic losses if not controlled in time

Bridge collapse and landslides leave villagers stranded

Hill cutting for four-lane road construction led to incident

Himachal Pradesh's political discourse is declining due to personal attacks between leaders like Jai Ram Thakur and Jagat Singh Negi. Supporters are mirroring this behavior, leading to unrest and a blurred line between rivalry and enmity. This trend undermines democratic values and decorum.

Heavy landslides in Chamba district damaged houses, schools, and roads, cutting off villages. Families were displaced, and livestock was lost. Roads remain blocked, and water and electricity services are disrupted. Officials advise residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to more rain.

Mandi district restored 61 roads, including the Chandigarh-Manali highway, after heavy rainfall caused 254 road closures. 193 roads remain blocked, with Seraj the worst affected. Water scarcity persists due to damaged infrastructure, affecting 58 water supply schemes, while power restoration is progressing with 45 transformers still out. Relief efforts are ongoing.

A physics lecturer, Rakesh Kumar, was fired from his teaching position at a government girls' school in Sirmaur due to sexual misconduct allegations. He was arrested in May 2023, charged with molestation and under the POCSO Act, and released on bail in June 2023.

PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh assessed damage in Mandi city after the rain disaster. He offered condolences and assured support to affected families, including financial aid. Relief efforts are underway, with road clearing using robo machines planned. New policies for sustainable development and early warning systems are being developed.

Apple growers and the Kisan Sabha in Bali Chowki demanded fair apple transportation rates based on weight and distance, improved road conditions, proper enforcement of APMC regulations in vegetable markets, and pending disaster compensation. The SDM promised prompt action.

Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says 43 OTT platforms blocked so far

The participating drone-makers cannot use any Chinese parts and will have to show how their machines perform over natural obstacles at an altitude of 10,700 feet

An official team comprising veterinary pharmacists, along with animal husbandry attendants, visited the site to assess the damage and document the loss

Potable water supply disrupted at nearly 50 locations

Apple growers protested in Shimla against land evictions and the cutting of trees. The demonstration, organized by farmer unions, disrupted traffic and included a minor clash with police. They cited environmental concerns and the importance of orchards for farmer livelihoods. While the High Court order prompted the protest, the Supreme Court has since stayed the order.

A Mahindra XUV300 caught fire and was destroyed near Dharwa, Himachal Pradesh. The four occupants escaped unharmed after smoke emerged from the bonnet. The car, en route from Shimla to Sirmaur, was registered to Lokendra Singh and driven by his father. Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

AICC Spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Rathore urged the Central Government to raise apple import duties, citing a promise to protect horticulturists. He criticized US pressure to lower duties and welcomed support from BJP MPs and the Supreme Court's decision on orchard land. Rathore also criticized the BJP over MIP claims and urged disaster mitigation planning.

#Hill View: Fraternal polyandry—where brothers jointly marry a single woman—has a long-standing history in India’s Himalayan regions, particularly in Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and parts of Sirmaur

Virtually inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

The 30th Himachal Pradesh State Shooting Championship will be held August 14-18 in Dhaulakuan, Sirmaur. Organized by the Himachal Pradesh State Rifle Association and Sirmaur District Rifle Association, the competition includes rifle, pistol, and shotgun events across all age and gender categories. Entries must be submitted online by August 13.

Heavy rainfall caused landslides and flash floods in Kangra district, isolating villages and blocking major roads. Houses are damaged, water and power supplies disrupted. The administration is working to clear roads, but the ongoing rain hinders restoration efforts.

Police in Hamirpur arrested a couple and seized 600g charas, 74g chitta, 5g opium, and over Rs 2.19 lakh in cash. The arrests followed a raid based on a tip-off. A separate arrest near Bhota town yielded 15g of narcotics, potentially leading to drug supply network investigations.

Infrastructure, homes and crops severely damaged, says DC

Heavy rains caused a flash flood in the Sal River, damaging Chamba town's water supply infrastructure. Supply is cut off, and repairs are underway. Water will be rationed once daily upon partial restoration due to high demand and damaged infrastructure. Residents are urged to conserve water and cooperate.

Children with special needs from the state won four medals at the National Bocce Championship in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Vikas Sharma won gold, Ritika and Karthik Sharma silver, and Anjali bronze. The team was led by coaches Surjeet Kumar and Archana Gautam. Four other children were selected for the National Football Competition in Kolkata.

Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayar laid the foundation for a new tribal hostel in Lagga, Himachal Pradesh, under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. The hostel, accommodating 50 students, aims to support tribal education, with the event coinciding with an education summit in Delhi.