Himachal Pradesh

Jai Ram Thakur visited disaster-hit areas in Mandi district, criticizing slow road restoration. He alleged authorities are hindering local efforts to rebuild roads, including the Pandav Shila to Dhaar route, where work was halted and equipment seized. He urged the government to act sensitively, citing court directives and medical emergencies.

The fourth evening of Kullu Dasehra featured performances by Kumar Sahil, Mamta Bhardwaj, and local artists, showcasing a blend of Bollywood, Himachali folk, and traditional Kullvi Nati. The event included the presence of the MLA and a vibrant celebration of music and dance.

Roads including Manali-Leh highway closed

Two Himachal Pradesh soldiers died and one was injured in a car accident near Chamkaur Sahib while returning home on leave for Karva Chauth. The soldiers' car collided head-on with a pickup truck. Police are investigating the incident.

Baljit Singh, a 28-year-old from Moga, Punjab, was arrested in Shoghi, Himachal Pradesh, with 30 grams of heroin. The arrest occurred during a police vehicle check on an HRTC bus traveling from Solan to Shimla. A case under the NDPS Act has been filed.

Himachal Pradesh's forest cover grew by 1,227.35 sq km between 2003 and 2023, reaching 28% of the state's area. This increase is attributed to policy commitment, scientific management, and community participation in afforestation, native species restoration, and land management.

SAMDCOT demands NPA restoration, transparent promotions based on seniority, and cancellation of irregular extensions. They oppose shifting the gynaecology wing and cite discriminatory policies and low salaries as reasons for faculty attrition. They threaten protest and legal action if demands are unmet.

Monsoon floods and Pong Dam water releases devastated fertile farmland in Indora, Kangra. Paddy crops are ruined, infrastructure damaged, and river courses altered. Villages like Ghagwan, Surdwan, and Ghandrah suffered greatly. Farmers face land reclamation challenges and seek government aid for electricity, irrigation, and future protection.

BJP MLA Vipin Singh Parmar accused Rahul Gandhi of being a 'vote chor' and the Congress of running a campaign based on lies. He alleged CM Sukhu and other Congress leaders engaged in voter fraud, possessing multiple voter IDs, and questioned if Rahul Gandhi would take action.

The accused was arrested while a special cell team of the police was checking vehicles at Shoghi barrier

This month so far, rainfall has been surplus by 415 per cent in Punjab

The deceased were part of a tourist group travelling from Shimla to Kalpa

Jammu & Kashmir schools shut amid rains, West Bengal sees floods and landslide

Rajiv Gandhi Government College (Kotshera) won the 51st Himachal Pradesh University Inter-College Cross Country Championship on September 30th. This victory marks the college's first win since 1988. College officials lauded the athletes' dedication and the institution's holistic development.

Forty-eight teachers from Tissa block completed a three-day life skills training. The program, part of NITI Aayog's initiative, equips students in 62 schools with eleven key life skills alongside academics. The training, facilitated by Magic Bus, aims for overall student development.

Connectivity restored after two-and-a-half months break

A pollution control board issued a final seven-day notice to a wastewater treatment plant for failing pollution standards repeatedly over a year. The plant faces potential penalties and environmental compensation due to non-compliance with the Water Act and NGT guidelines.

A sanctioned 2.275 km road in Nurpur, approved in 2021-22, remains unfinished due to bureaucratic delays and shifting governments. The project, crucial for Khazan villagers, faces ongoing tendering issues, damaging existing paths. Local politicians accuse the government of political neglect, while villagers suffer without proper connectivity.

Kangra police seized 1 kg and 6 grams of charas from a bus. Two suspected smugglers, Harish Kumar (45) and Rokkey (34), were arrested. The arrest followed a tip and surveillance, with charges filed under the NDPS Act. Police are increasing efforts against drug trafficking and encourage public information.

Bharmour's tribal residents lack basic amenities despite hydro projects generating significant revenue. Poor road connectivity hinders farmers and fuels migration. An NGO advocates for solutions, including a tunnel to Kangra to improve connectivity, tourism, and trade.

Three student teams from Mandi district will compete in Shimla on October 8 for a state-level safe construction model competition. The district-level event, overseen by the ADC, aimed to educate students on disaster management and safe building techniques. Sixteen models were presented by around 50 students.

The Chamba District Cooperative Development Committee discussed expanding Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) roles. Key decisions involved enabling PACS to manage rural water schemes, linking them with self-help groups/Farmer Producer Organisations, and exploring involvement in LPG, fuel, and generic medicine distribution.

FEARLESS TALES: The story of Ashok Chakra awardee Major Sudhir Kumar Walia, a commando whose courage roared loudest in silence

Early-stage Lyme Disease can be treated with a two-week course of doxycycline, while complicated cases affecting the heart or nervous system require a combination of doxycycline and ceftriaxone for up to four weeks

BSNL will upgrade its 4G towers in Himachal Pradesh to 5G next year. The company, celebrating its silver jubilee, is financially recovering and expanding Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) services. Secure e-SIM services will also be launched soon.