Hailstorm and thundershowers lash Himachal, mercury drops sharply
SHIMLA, May 4: Himachal Pradesh witnessed a sharp shift from the ongoing heatwave as widespread thundershowers, hailstorms, and strong winds lashed several parts of the state, disrupting normal life and bringing down temperatures significantly. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), hailstorms and thundershowers affected districts like Shimla, Kangra, Chamba, and Kullu, reducing visibility and causing inconvenience to residents and tourists alike. The State Disaster Management Authority also issued an advisory as gusty winds touched speeds of 50 kmph in [] The post Hailstorm and thundershowers lash Himachal, mercury drops sharply appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Tourists cancel Kashmir bookings, shift to Himachal after Pahalgam attack fallout
CHANDIGARH: Tourists now prefer vacationing in Himachal Pradesh over Jammu and Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 persons were killed. Approximately 15-20% of both domestic and international bookings have shifted from Kashmir to Himachal's popular destinations including Manali, Shimla and Dharamshala; however, the surge in footfall is not as expected as tourists have adopted a 'wait-and-watch' policy amid prevailing uncertainties and hostilities between India and Pakistan. Ashwani Bamba, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Kangra, told TNIE that, after the terror attack, tour operators and potential tourists inquired for booking in Himachal and Uttarakhand and that they expected the surge to be significant. But, actually only 15-20% of tourists shifted from J&K to Himachal and the rest probably prefer to not venture out during this summer season owing to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Thus, the occupancy of hotels across the state at present is around 40% only, the same as last year. Bookings that were shifted were that of tourist groups traveling from Maharashtra, Gujarat and other states, not the immediate bookings in Kashmir which had gotten cancelled, he said. Bamba added that, in Himachal, Manali had the maximum number of shifted bookings at about 20%, while Dharamsala, Dalhousir and Shimla had much fewer. He said that advance bookings had already been made for the IPL matches in Dharamsala. Kashmir tourism stumbles after Pahalgam terror attack, but industry leaders remain hopeful Mohinder Seth, president of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Stakeholders Association, said that tourists are adopting a wait and watch policy due to India-Pakistan tensions. On everyone's mind, there is only one question: What will the Union government do in the coming days? The common is just waiting for that. There were a lot of inquiries after the unfortunate incident as people got diverted from the Kashmir Valley, but the actual number of bookings are very less. In May, generally, there is about 30-40% occupancy across the state, after May 15 we are expecting that it may touch 60-70% as advance bookings are already been done, he said. This tragedy not only upended the tourism sector in Kashmir, but has also impacted the neighboring states of Himachal and Uttarakhand. Ex-President of Manali Hotel Association Mukesh Thakur said that after terror attack there was lot of expectation that the tourist rush will shift to Himachal and lot of queries had also come. But the number of booking which are less as, first, the tourists have to get their booking cancelled and take a refund and then again they will think where to go. Already as predicted that the summers will be hot this year so already there are lot of booking done in advance as far as Manali is concerned. At present around 30-40% occupancy in the hotels here and after May 15 as summer intensifies the occupancy is expected to touch more than 80% as already people have booked. Also is expected that in coming days more online bookings will be done. The tourism industry contributes 7.78 per cent to the GDP of the hill state. As per the Economic Survey report for Himachal Pradesh for 2024-25, the number of domestic visitors increased to 1.8 crore in 2024 from 56.32 lakh in 2021 while the surge in foreign tourists was 83,000 in 2024 from 5000 in 2021. On the other hand the tourism industry contributes 7.2 per cent to the GDP of Jammu and Kashmir.
AIMSS Chamiyana to become first hospital in HP to offer robotic surgery, says CM
SHIMLA, May 1: Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties (AIMSS) at Chamiyana near Shimla would be the first hospital in the state to offer robotic surgery, followed by Tanda hospital in Kangra, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday while inaugurating the In-Patient Department in the hospital. Also, to cope-up with the patient load at Indira Gandhi Medical College hospital (IGMCH) Shimla and provide better healthcare facilities, some of its departments, including gastroenterology, nephrology and plastic surgery, have [] The post AIMSS Chamiyana to become first hospital in HP to offer robotic surgery, says CM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab tutor held for abducting student; boy rescued from Darjeeling after over a month
HOSHIARPUR: A 13-year-old boy, who was allegedly abducted by his tutor about over a month ago, has been rescued by the police and the kidnapper arrested, officials said on Sunday. Model Town SHO Sub-Inspector Gursahib Singh said the boy, a native of Himachal Pradesh's Kangra, was currently living with his parents in a rented accommodation in Hoshiarpur. Studying in Class 7, the boy used to take tuition from Bhupinder Singh (51), a resident of Dashmesh Nagar, daily between 3 pm and 7.30 pm. According to the police, Bhupinder Singh somehow convinced the boy's parents to allow him to take the child to Shimla for two days. However, after taking the boy with him on March 12, he blocked all contact numbers of the family and prevented the child from speaking to anyone. The boy's parents searched for him on their own for around 18 days, but when they failed to trace the abductor and their child, they lodged an FIR. The FIR was registered at the Model Town Police Station on April 2 under relevant provisions of the law that deal with the punishment for kidnapping or abducting someone with the intent to secretly confine them. A hunt was launched for Bhupinder, who kept changing his location frequently to evade arrest. Eventually, police located him at a hotel in West Bengal's Darjeeling and arrested him two days ago. The boy was safely rescued. The police said the accused had taken the boy close to the Nepal border and there was a strong possibility that he could have crossed over into Nepal with the child. The rescued boy has been produced before the Child Welfare Committee, while the accused was presented before a court, which remanded him in four-day police custody for further interrogation. The police are investigating the motive behind the kidnapping.
Above normal temperatures in Himachal, Una records 40 deg C
Himachal Pradesh is experiencing unusually hot and dry weather. Una recorded a high of 40 degrees Celsius. The weather department forecasts rain in some areas on Sunday. The state has seen a deficit in pre-monsoon rainfall. Keylong was the coldest at night. High temperatures were recorded across several cities including Dhaulakuan, Bilaspur and Kangra.
Heart Attack Patient Dies In Ambulance As Ill-Timed Roadwork Causes Traffic Jam In Himachal
An ambulance carrying a heart attack patient in Kangra, got stuck in traffic, delaying access to Tanda Medical College and resulting in the patient's death
Kashmiri students assaulted, harassed across India after Pahalgam terror attack
SRINAGAR: After the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam , which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a resident, the J&K Students Association has alleged that Kashmiri students in different parts of the country are being harassed, abused and assaulted. We have been receiving multiple distress calls from Kashmiri students from Dehradun. The students feel threatened and insecure in the aftermath of a video released by Hindu Rakhsha Dal, warning Kashmiri Muslim students to vacate Dehradun by 10 am today, J&K Students Association national convenor Nasir Khuehami said. He stated that the situation is becoming increasingly grim and deeply concerning for Kashmiri students studying outside the region. The association has released a set of helpline numbers to support students in distress. We have received distress calls from Universal Group of Institutions, Derabassi, Chandigarh, where Kashmiri students were brutally attacked inside the hostel premises during the night, Khuehami said. He said Kashmiri students said local individuals and other students forcefully entered the hostel at midnight, targeting Kashmiri students with sharp weapons. Their clothes were torn, and at least one student sustained serious injuries. According to Khuehami, it is the 7th incident of Kashmiri students being at the receiving end after the terror attack on tourists in Baisaran, Pahalgam. He also alleged that a Kashmiri student was brutally thrashed in Amity University, Noida. In another incident, the Hindu Raksha Dal and other elements have issued written threats with to several colleges in Dehradun, demanding the expulsion of Kashmiri Muslim students within a set deadline. Pahalgam terror attack: Centre to brief leaders at all-party meet Many terrified Kashmiri students from BFIT College Suduwala Dehradun, have already fled towards Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun to save their lives, Khuehami said. He alleged that in Himachal Pradesh, Kashmiri students in Arni University, Kathghar (Indora) and Kangra have been harassed, abused, and physically attacked. The Kashmiri students are being intimidated, labelled as terrorists and coerced to vacate their accommodation under threats and violence, Khuehami alleged. We have also received distress calls from Kashmiri students and youth studying and working in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Landlords are asking them to vacate immediately, citing security concerns. Some have already left under pressure, he said. Pahalgam attack fallout: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, shuts Wagah-Attari border National President of J&K Students Association, Ummar Jamal, said the Association has established a dedicated response team to provide prompt assistance and coordinate with local authorities whenever necessary. The militant attack on tourists at Baisaran, Pahalgam, which is also known as mini Switzerland, has caused massive outrage in the Valley, and for the first time in 35 years of militancy in J&K, Kashmir observed a complete shutdown against civilian killings carried out by militants on Wednesday. Concerned over the incidents, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the J&K government is in touch with the governments of the states where these reports are originating from. Im also in touch with my counterpart, Chief Ministers in these states & have requested they take extra care, he said.
Kangra valley rail stations display artefacts to celebrate their rich history
NEW DELHI, Apr 20: Several railway stations in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra valley, which are nearly 100 years old, have displayed artefacts and archaic types of equipment used in train operations over the years since their inception in 1929. A week-long exhibition from April 14 to 20 was organised to commemorate World Heritage Day on April 18. Stations, such as Kangra, Palampur and Pathankot, held several events and activities to display rare types of equipment like signal lanterns for night-time [] The post Kangra valley rail stations display artefacts to celebrate their rich history appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Thunderstorm, hailstorm batter parts of Himachal Pradesh causing widespread damage
CHANDIGARH: A squall accompanied by heavy rain and hailstorms lashed several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday night, causing widespread damage and power outages were across the state. Shimla remained without electricity for several hours. The weather department has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning in parts of the state on April 18 and 19. Meanwhile, heavy rains also lashed Punjab and Chandigarh. The squall struck Shimla around 11:15 PM plunging the town into darkness, the power supply was restored 10 hours later. The thunderstorm uprooted trees causing damage to vehicles, and blew off the roofs of makeshift houses. In the upper Shimla region, high-velocity winds caused significant damage to apple and stone fruit trees like plum and apricot. In many areas, fruit was knocked off the trees. Apple growers in Jubbal and Rampur reported major losses. The weather office has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, Sirmaur and Kinnaur districts on April 18 and 19. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Lahaul-Spiti districts during this period. On April 20 light to moderate rains are likely at many places and at few places on April 21 and 22 due to fresh Western Disturbance, as a cyclonic circulation lies over the region. There was an appreciable fall in the minimum temperatures. Lahaul and Spitis Keylong was coldest at night with a low of 0.5 degree Celsius. As per MeT, Seobagh in Kullu district recorded the highest rainfall of 28.8 mm, followed by Lahaul-Spitis Kukumseri 23.8 mm, Narkanda 18 mm, Mandi 17.6 mm, Dharamshala 17 mm, Chamba 16 mm, Kalpa 15.6, Kufri 15 mm while the tourist resorts of Kasauli received 14.4 mm rain, Dalhousie 10 mm, Shimla 9.6 mm and Manali 6.8 mm. Heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, lashed many parts of Punjab and Chandigarh late yesterday night and in the early today morning. As per the MeT Department Chandigarh received 8.3 mm of rain, however, the sky became clear in the morning and residents woke up to sunny weather. While Amritsar received (4.5 mm), Pathankot (3.2 mm), Gurdaspur (18.8 mm) and Rupnagar (6 mm) and in neighboring Haryana, Ambala received a light shower.
Trees Uprooted, Roads Blocked In Shimla As Storm Hits Himachal Pradesh, IMD Issues Orange Alert
Himachal Weather: Yellow and orange alert have been in place for several districts across state including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, and Lahaul-Spiti.
Kangra Fort: Mind-Blowing Facts About One Of India's Oldest and Largest Forts
Ditch the usual tourist spots on your next trip to Himachal Pradesh, step into the past at Kangra Fort, where history, mystery, and grandeur collide.
Yellow alert for heavy rain, snow in Himachal on Friday: IMD
A 'yellow' alert has been issued in Himachal Pradesh for heavy rain and snow, with light rain and snowfall already occurring in some areas. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi districts, and heavy snow in Lahaul and Spiti district on Friday. Rain and snow are likely in various regions from March 11 to 17.
IMD issues 'yellow' alert in Himachal, heavy rain likely in 4 districts on Friday
The India Meteorological Department has issued a 'yellow' alert for heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts. Thunderstorms and lightning are predicted at isolated places from Monday to Friday. Snowfall is expected in the higher regions, including Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts, while police have advised caution near Rohtang due to snowfall near the Atal Tunnel.
Himachal govt in favour of reservation for women: CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasised the state governments support for womens reservations at an International Women's Day event in Kangra District. He highlighted various initiatives, including increased reservations for women in police recruitment, amendments to land laws for daughters, and financial support programs for widowed womens children.
NEW DELHI: Heavy rains and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh triggered landslides and caused roadblocks on Saturday, disrupting normal life in the state, as several other parts of north India received showers. In Uttarakhand, 50 workers trapped in an avalanche in the Chamoli district were rescued, but four of them died on Saturday as rescuers raced against time to save the remaining five. The strategic 270-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which was shut on Thursday evening following heavy snowfall and multiple landslides in the Ramban district, was reopened for light motor vehicles after the weather improved, and road restoration work was carried out. Parts of Delhi, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh received showers on Saturday. A day after an avalanche buried 55 labourers alive at a BRO camp in Mana village in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, 50 of them were pulled out of the snow, but four of them died. The search is on for the remaining five. The avalanche hit the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp between Mana and Badrinath between 5.30 am and 6 am on Friday, according to the Army. Thirty-three of them were rescued by Friday night. Rain and snowfall hampered the rescue efforts on Friday, and the operation was suspended as the night fell. As the weather cleared up on Saturday morning, the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel based in Mana resumed the rescue operation, District Disaster Management Officer N K Joshi said. Six helicopters, including three of the Indian Army Aviation, two of the IAF and one civil copter hired by the Army, are engaged in the rescue operations, an Army spokesperson said. Located three kilometres from Badrinath, Mana is the last village on the India-Tibet border at a height of 3,200 metres. Uttarakhand avalanche: Four laborers succumb to injuries, five still missing In neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, heavy rains and snowfall disrupted normal life in several parts of the state, triggering landslides, blocking roads and huge mounds of debris swept by gushing waters damaging vehicles in Kullu. A massive landslide triggered by incessant rains and cloudbursts at Rokaru in the Kangra district damaged several vehicles and endangered 12 houses. The affected families have been relocated to safer places, and restoration work is in progress, said Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hem Raj. One person was reported missing near the Shiva Hydropower project in Palampur, and a search operation has been launched to trace him, officials said. Tribal Pangi valley in Chamba was cut off following heavy snowfall, and electricity and telecommunication services have been disrupted. A landslide at Tohlu nullah blocked the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway, leaving tourists stranded. A total of 112 roads were closed in Kullu, and work is in progress to power 1,646 transformers. The Kullu-Manali Road was also closed, and traffic was being diverted via Naggar while the electricity supply was yet to be restored in Manikaran and Manali, officials said. Meanwhile, the state received moderate to heavy snowfall and rain during the past 24 hours. In Jammu and Kashmir, the restoration of the 66-km Banihal-Nashri stretch on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was intensified on Saturday morning after the weather conditions improved. Heavy rains had triggered shooting stones, mudslides and landslides at a dozen places, including Kishtwari Pather, Moum Passi, Hingni, Panthiyal, Mehar and Dalwas, while snowfall between Qazigund and Ramsu left the road slippery. A side of the road near Mehar has caved in, while a major landslide has blocked one tube of the Kunfer-Peerah tunnel. The road repair was hampered by continuous rains on Friday, officials said. Ramban deputy commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary said there are at least 16 locations along the 66-km road stretch that were rendered vulnerable by the rains. The national capital saw light rain on Saturday morning as the minimum temperature settled at 16.6 degrees Celsius, 4.1 notches above the seasonal average. Delhi recorded 2 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours till 8.30 am on Saturday. Rainfall measurements at various weather stations included 1.8 mm at Safdarjung, 1.0 mm at Palam, and 4 mm at Pitampura. Light to moderate rainfall was recorded in parts of Rajasthan on Saturday, where a maximum of 28 mm rainfall was recorded in Churu, followed by 18 mm in Chirawa (Jhunjhunu), the weather department said.
Heavy rains, snowfall triggers landslides in Himachal, 112 roads blocked in Kullu
Heavy rains and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh caused significant disruption, including landslides and roadblocks, particularly in Kullu, Kangra, and Chamba districts. Several houses and vehicles were damaged, and essential services like electricity and water supply were affected. Efforts are ongoing to clear the debris and restore normalcy.
Heavy Rains, Snowfall Cause Chaos in Himachal, Roads Blocked, Vehicles Swept Away
KULLU - HIMACHAL PRADESH: Heavy rains and snowfall have caused major problems in Himachal Pradesh, leading to landslides and road closures. Many highways and key roads were blocked on Friday, making it difficult for people to travel. For the third day in a row, the state has been experiencing heavy rain and snowfall, affecting normal life. Around 200 roads have been shut down, cutting off areas like Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Shimla from the rest of the state, officials said. Due to the bad weather, all schools and colleges have been closed in Chamba and Manali. However, CBSE board exams will still take place as planned. Authorities have also warned people about possible avalanches in higher regions above 2,300 meters and advised them to stay indoors and take precautions. Many major roads are blocked due to snow. The Hindustan-Tibet road (NH-5) is closed at Narkanda, while roads connecting Dodra-Kwar and Deha-Chopal are also not accessible. The Theog-Hatkoti Highway near Kharapathar village, which is at an altitude of 8,770 feet, has also been shut down. In Kullu, heavy rains have flooded areas like Akhara Bazaar and Gandhi Nagar. Water from overflowing rivers entered the streets, damaging parked vehicles. Authorities have stopped vehicle movement beyond Nehru Kund because of fresh snowfall in places like Solang Nallah, Gulaba, Atal Tunnel, and Rohtang. A landslide at Banala has also blocked the Manali-Kiratpur National Highway, and work to clear it has been delayed due to falling rocks, police said. Many roads in remote valleys remain blocked due to snowfall and continuous rainfall. View this post on Instagram A post shared by News Track Live (@newstracklive) According to weather reports, Kothi received the highest snowfall of 120 cm by 8:30 am, followed by Khadrala (115 cm), Keylong (75 cm), Kalpa (46 cm), Kukumseri (38.8 cm), Sangla (23.5 cm), and both Nichar and Moorang (15 cm each). Lower and mid-hill areas are also facing problems due to heavy rains. Seobagh recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 113.2 mm, followed by Bhuntar (113.2 mm), Banjar (112.4 mm), Jogindernagar (112 mm), Salooni (109.3 mm), Palampur (99 mm), Chamba (97 mm), Baijnath (75 mm), Kangra (74 mm), Rohroo (70 mm), Kufri (59 mm), and Shimla (54.5 mm). The sky remains dark and cloudy, and the meteorological department has issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall in Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, and higher areas of Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra districts. Light to moderate rain is expected, with heavy rainfall at some isolated places in Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra districts.
Heavy snowfall disrupts roads, power supply in Himachal Pradesh
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh has been severely impacted by heavy snowfall and widespread rainfall, leading to the closure of more than 200 roads and disruptions in power and water supply. Several areas, particularly in the districts of Lahaul and Spiti, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Chamba, have been cut off from the rest of the state. The weather conditions have also forced the closure of educational institutions in Lahaul and Spiti and Chamba districts. Due to heavy snowfall, several key routes, including Darcha-Shinkula, Darcha-Sarchu, Koksar-Manali via Rohtang, Koksar to Losar via Kunzum, and Atal Tunnel to Manali, Tindi, and Udaipur roads, have been blocked. Authorities have advised travelers to avoid these routes for safety reasons. An avalanche alert has been issued, and the general public is urged to refrain from visiting high-altitude areas prone to avalanches. The police in Lahaul and Spiti stated, The general public is advised to avoid unnecessary travel and refrain from visiting high-altitude areas prone to avalanches. In the Dodra-Kwar region of Shimla district, heavy snowfall continues, shutting down all roads leading to the valley. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange warning for Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba, Kinnaur, and areas above 2,300 meters, warning of an increased risk of avalanches in higher-altitude regions. The precipitation is expected to continue with the same intensity throughout the day. Meanwhile, panic spread among residents of Manikaran Valley in the Kullu district following the formation of an artificial lake in Jeera Nallah in Tosh village, which has created a flash flood threat. Authorities have evacuated people living downstream to safer locations. The state also remains on high alert for avalanches following fresh snowfall in the region. In Shimla district, 12 roads have been closed due to the harsh weather. The Hindustan-Tibet Road (National Highway 5) has been shut down near Narkanda due to slippery conditions caused by heavy snowfall. As a result, traffic has been diverted from Sainj to Shimla via Luhri and Sunni. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for light to moderate snowfall at most places, with isolated spells of very heavy snowfall expected in Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti, as well as in the higher reaches of Chamba, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur, Kangra, and Manali. Since last night, continuous rainfall has been recorded in Shimla. A yellow alert has been issued for more rain and light snowfall in the city and surrounding areas. However, educational institutions in the state capital have remained open. Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest temperature at night, dropping to minus 4.5 degrees Celsius, while Nahan was the warmest during the day with a high of 23.2 degrees Celsius.
Orange warning issued for heavy snow, rains in parts of Himachal
The local MeT has issued an orange warning of heavy to very heavy rains and snow at isolated places in Mandi, Kangra, Kullu and Chamba districts
Orange warning issued for heavy snow, rains in parts of Himachal Pradesh
Light to moderate snow continues in isolated areas of higher Himachal Pradesh, with intermittent rains in the middle and low hills. An orange warning has been issued for heavy snow and rain on Thursday and Friday in several districts, including Mandi and Kangra.
Heavy snowfall cuts off Lahaul Valley, Manali-Leh Highway closed
CHANDIGARH: The Manali-Leh Highway has been closed for vehicular traffic following heavy snowfall in higher areas of several districts in Himachal Pradesh, cutting off Lahaul Valley from the rest of the state and leaving both locals and tourists stranded. With snow accumulation reaching up to 60 cm on the road connecting the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel to Keylong-Jispa, the route has become impassable. The tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti is experiencing severe weather conditions. In response, the Lahaul-Spiti police have issued a travel advisory urging all travellers to avoid the Manali-Leh route until further notice. The closure has significantly impacted transportation, halting vehicular movement on the affected stretch. Road users have been advised to remain patient and stay updated through official channels regarding road conditions and weather. Tourists planning to travel in or out of the area have been urged to adjust their plans accordingly. Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti, Rahul Kumar, stated that efforts to restore road connectivity would begin as soon as weather conditions improve. The Border Roads Organisation and the PWD are on standby and will deploy their workforce and machinery to clear key roads once the weather permits, he said. Kumar also cautioned people against unnecessary travel, particularly into high-altitude areas prone to snow avalanches. Following heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Manali, roads beyond Nehru Kund have been closed to most vehicles. Additionally, National Highway 5 (Hindustan-Tibet Road) has been shut at Narkanda due to snow, with traffic now being diverted from Sainj to Shimla via Luhri. Since Wednesday night, Shilaroo recorded 5 cm of snowfall, followed by Gondla with 3 cm, Kalpa 1.3 cm, and Sangla 0.3 cm. The upper areas of Manali, Narkanda, Rohru, Chansal, and Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti also witnessed snowfall. Several areas across the state received light to moderate rainfall, with Dalhousie recording the highest at 22 mm, followed by Sundernagar with 21 mm, Bharmour 18.2 mm, Dharamshala 16.8 mm, Manali 16 mm, Mandi and Kangra 14.4 mm each, Bhuntar 13.6 mm, Bilaspur 13 mm, and Una 10 mm. The state capital, Shimla, was lashed by thunderstorms and received mild rainfall. The Met Office has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall, snowfall, and thunderstorms in the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi on Thursday. It also warned that a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from 24 February onwards. The state has recorded an average rainfall of 33 mm during the winter season from 1 January to 20 February, significantly below the normal of 154 mma deficit of 79 per cent.
IIT study: 40% of Himachal at high risk of landslides, floods & avalanches
CHANDIGARH: Forty-nine per cent of Himachal Pradesh is prone to medium-risk and 40% to high-risk landslides, floods and avalanches, according to a recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Ropar. The conclusions were presented at the Indian Cryosphere Meet (ICM) held at the IIT-Bombay last week, attended by 80 glaciologists, researchers, scientists, and other experts from around the world. The IIT is now conducting similar studies in the Northeast, J&K and Uttarakhand, adding another criterion to examine GOLF (Glacier Lake Out Burst Flood). MTech scholar Daishisha Lawphniaw conducted the study under the guidance of Reet Kamal Tiwari from IIT-Ropar, using GIS-based mapping, the study classified hazard-prone regions. Tiwari told this newspaper, The states upper reaches are more prone to avalanches, whereas the middle and lower parts of the state are more prone to flood and landslides. The study stated that high-altitude areas in Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti districts are highly prone to avalanches, while Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Chamba districts are prone to flood and landslides. The study highlights that steep mountain slopes and elevations above 3,000 meters are at the highest risk. Higher-altitude regions with slopes between 16.8 degrees and 41.5 degrees are more likely to experience both avalanches and landslides. Areas with mean slopes ranging from 5.9 degrees to 16.44 degrees and mean elevations up to 1600 meters are predominantly prone to both landslides and floods, whereas the combined occurrence of avalanches and landslides is most likely in regions with slopes of 16.86 degrees to 41.54 degrees at higher elevations, states the study. The study highlights importance of knowledge about the cascading effects of disasters. Hill tale 49% prone to medium-risk High-altitude areas in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti highly prone to avalanches Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Chamba prone to flood and landslides Steep mountain slopes and elevations above 3,000 metres at highest risk Higher-altitude regions with slopes between 16.8 degrees and 41.5 degrees more likely to experience both avalanches and landslides Areas with mean slopes and elevations predominantly prone to both landslides and floods
Jammu Athletes shine at Kangra Ultra Run
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: Athletes from Jammu made a significant impact at the first edition of the Kangra Ultra Run, organized by Big Foot Adventures India. Set against the picturesque yet challenging terrain of Kangra, the event attracted runners from all across the country. In the 25KM category, Jammu athletes delivered exceptional performances, securing podium finishes. Irfan Hafiz clinched 2nd place in the Male category, while Dr. Palak Malhi triumphed with a 1st place finish in the Female [] The post Jammu Athletes shine at Kangra Ultra Run appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Expansion Of Railways, Airports, Employment Opportunities: Himachal's Expectation From Union Budget
Shepherds and weavers in Baijnath, Kangra, seek more funds for rural employment and support for local cooperative societies.
Himachal CM Sukhu announces 25,000 new jobs, Rs 680 crore start-up scheme on 55th statehood day
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the government plans to create 25,000 new posts for which recruitment will start soon and added that the government has fulfilled six out of the ten promises made during the assembly elections on Saturday, Himachals 55th statehood day. He said that the financial situation is such that loans are being taken to repay the principal and interest taken by the previous government. Addressing the gathering at the 55th statehood day celebrations held at Baijnath in Kangra district on Saturday, Sukhu said, Although the current government has been in power for only two years, the situation is such that loans are being taken to repay the principal and interest of previous debts. In the last two financial years, the government has taken a loan of Rs 30,080 crore, out of which Rs 18,854 crore, approximately 63 per cent of the total, has been used to repay the principal and interest on loans taken by the previous government, he added. He said that during the BJPs tenure in 2021-22, the state received a revenue deficit grant of Rs 10,249 crore, which reduced to Rs 6,258 crore in 2023-24 and is expected to drop further to Rs 3,257 crore in the next financial year. Despite financial constraints, he emphasised the governments focus on resource generation rather than dependency on loans. He stated that the current government has generated an additional Rs 2,200 crore through reforms in excise, tourism, power, and mining policies, marking a first in the states history. Sukhu said that the previous government did not think about increasing Himachal Pradeshs revenue. Our government has initiated significant efforts to transform the state through Vyavstha Parivartan. By strengthening sectors such as dairy, natural farming, agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and the rural economy, we are creating opportunities for employment and self-employment at the village level, he said. Sukhu highlighted employment generation as a priority, with over 42,000 jobs provided in two years compared to 20,000 in five years under the previous BJP government. Over 12,500 posts have been filled in the government sector, including 3,202 posts in the elementary education department, and approximately 8,000 more will be filled in 2025. This includes 2,095 TGT, Shastri, and JBT positions, as well as 245 special educators and 6,297 NTT teachers. Whereas, the higher education department has filled 1,097 posts, and 1,337 employees have been regularised. Recruitment is underway for 769 computer teachers and others through limited direct recruitment, he added. He said that in the police department, recruitment for 1,088 constables has begun, and results for 2,061 forest guards have been announced. Additionally, 3,000 posts in the Jal Shakti Department have been filled. Sukhu said that previous recruitment, which was struck due to scams during the previous BJP regime has been cleared, filling 2,273 posts. Furthermore, the government plans to create 25,000 new posts across various categories, providing opportunities for unemployed youth with diverse qualifications to serve the state, he added. Sukhu said that the state government has fulfilled six out of the ten promises made during the assembly elections. The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) has been restored for 1.36 lakh government employees, while the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana has been launched, providing eligible women an honorarium of Rs 1500 per month in a phased manner. The guarantee of starting English-medium education from the first grade in all government schools has been fulfilled. Modern and well-equipped Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools are being established in all 68 assembly constituencies in a phased manner. Under the Dr Y S Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojana, students are being offered education loans at a 1 per cent interest rate for studies in India and abroad, he said. Sukhu said that the government has also launched the Rs 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-Up scheme for youth. A minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 40 per kg for wheat and Rs 30 per kg for maize grown through natural farming was being provided, while the MSP for cow milk has been increased from Rs 32 to Rs 45 per liter, and for buffalo milk, it has been raised from Rs 47 to Rs 55 per liter. To benefit small farmers and livestock rearers, the government has launched a scheme to purchase cow dung at Rs 300 per quintal, fulfilling another key promise of the Congress Pratigya Patra, he said. Sukhu stated that 2000 individuals have voluntarily given up electricity subsidies following the governments appeal. He said that the government is also developing Himachal Pradesh as a tourist destination in a big way.
Himachal Pradesh govt approves study on cannabis cultivation
Dharamshala: The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Friday, January 25, approved a pilot study on cannabis cultivation to evaluate and recommend the future roadmap for the products industrial and medicinal use. The pilot study would be jointly undertaken by Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, district Kangra and Drb YS Parmar University of Horticulture, Nauni, district Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
CHANDIGARH : Himachal Pradesh will become the third state in India, after Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, to undertake controlled, legal cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal use. The state hopes to generate additional revenue of about Rs 500 crore per annum. Due to its suitable agro-climatic conditions, cannabis grows naturally in regions such as Kullu, Manali, Mandi, Chamba, Shimla, and Sirmaur. The state cabinet approved the proposal yesterday. The cabinet has authorised the revenue department to undertake controlled cannabis cultivation in the state and to conduct a pilot study on cannabis cultivation, which will be jointly carried out by two universities: Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalaya at Palampur in Kangra district, and Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture at Nauni in Solan district. The study will assess and recommend the future roadmap for this initiative, and the agriculture department has been designated as the nodal agency for cannabis cultivation. This decision was made during the state cabinet meeting held at Dharamshala in Kangra district on Friday. At present, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh are engaged in cannabis cultivation, primarily for use in the pharmaceutical sector to prepare medicines. Sources indicate that the agriculture department, designated as the nodal agency, will work out the modalities for beginning cannabis cultivation. The department has been given six months to prepare all the required guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs), including selecting the cannabis species most suitable for the pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, the department will establish seed banks to supply farmers who will be issued licenses, ensuring that the seeds provided contain a low narcotic content. Another significant challenge will be procuring hemp seeds with less than 0.3% THC content to prevent their use for narcotic purposes. The state will also need to create specialised labs to produce high-quality seeds suitable for the medicinal and industrial sectors, according to sources. Furthermore, the state government will need to amend the state Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Rules, 1985, for this purpose and ensure strict regulation, including specialised excise staff for monitoring and enforcement. Last year, the state assembly adopted a resolution endorsing the recommendations of the committee headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi to amend the NDPS rules for this purpose. The committee had submitted its report to the state government on September 22, 2023. The report recommended cannabis cultivation for industrial and medicinal use under Sections 10 and 14 of the NDPS Act. The committee suggested allowing the cultivation of cannabis for industrial purposes, such as obtaining fibre or seed or for horticultural purposes, in compliance with Section 14 of the NDPS Act, with cultivation limited to open areas. The committee prepared the report after visiting Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand to gather firsthand insights from experts involved in non-narcotic cannabis cultivation.
Opinion: Opinion | India Should Regulate Its Adventure Tourism Sector Before It's Too Late
In October 2024, two foreign nationals had reportedly died in paragliding-related incidents in Kangra district. At least seven paragliders, including foreigners, have been killed in the last 18 months in Himachal Pradesh alone.
Bus catches fire in Himachal's Bilaspur, passengers safe
Bilaspur: The passengers, driver and conductor of an HRTC bus en route from Himachal's Shimla to Kangra had a narrow escape after the bus caught fire near Kandraur in Bilaspur on Thursday.As soon as the driver noticed smoke coming from the engine, he immediately stopped the bus and instructed all the passengers to get out, preventing a major accident, said an official spokesman. The bus was on its way from Shimla to Nagrota Bagwan in Kangra and had eight people on board, including the driver and conductor. The bus conductor, Sandeep Singh, said, All the passengers were evacuated safely in time. A major accident was averted due to the presence of mind of the driver and the local people, he added. When the flames began rising from the bus, people from the nearby village quickly reached the spot. The locals brought water from a nearby hand pump and helped prevent the fire from spreading, he said. As soon as the fire brigade was informed, the team arrived at the scene and completely controlled the fire, the spokesperson said. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but it is believed to have occurred due to a technical fault in the engine, he added.
2 Tourists Die In Separate Paragliding Accidents In Himachal
Two tourists died in two separate paragliding accidents in Kangra and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh within a span of 24 hours. The tourists were from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, police said on Saturday.
