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Degree College and Sub-Tehsil for Jwali constituency
Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh today announced to open a Govt. Degree College for Nagrota Surian and sub-tehsil for Kotla area of Jwali assembly constituency.
Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh made these announcements during the last day of the first leg of winter sojourn at Jawali in Kangra district while addressing a mammoth rally, designated as the ‘Vijay Rally’. This rally was organised to commemorate the ‘Parivartan Rally’ which was held to commence a drive to gain power in the state and to overthrow the BJP led government.
Shri Virbhadra Singh said that “The proposed Food Security Bill was an ambitious and historical decision of the UPA government which is aimed at providing food security to the most deprived sections of the society across the nation. This bill would be made effective with a fund of Rs.80,000 crores and will be brought in the Parliament during the ongoing Budget Session”, he added.
The Chief Minister said that this bill would help the miserable sections of the society to live with dignity as they would get sufficient food. He said such a campaign was launched by his government during his last regime under which essential food commodities including pulses, edible oils and salt were being distributed to all the people in the state. The popularity of this program could be assessed from the fact that people stopped taking foodgrains from the open market.
Expressing his gratitude to the people of the State and Kangra in particular he said that the massive support of the public made their journey to return in power. He said Himachal was the land of gods and goddesses and had a unique distinction. He said that the people of the State had rejected the previous BJP Government as it failed in all fronts to deliver the goods. Corruption, and nepotism had become order of the day and problems and grievances of the people were ignored by the previous BJP Government. He said that no efforts were made for the development of the people and Benami deals were made to facilitate the persons in the power and their relatives.
Shri Virbhadra Singh said that State Police agencies were directed to get involved in phone tapping, which was a criminal offence adding that CID and Vigilance tapped about 750 telephones of opposition and the opponents in the ruling party. He said that telephone tapping could only be allowed in certain cases with the permission from the Home Ministry adding that his stay in Himachal Bhawan Chandigarh was also put under observation as bugging machine was installed in the room where he used to stay. He said that this move of the previous BJP government surpassed even Hitler secret force Gestapo. No person involved in the process would be spared after completion of enquiry so that such acts were not repeated in the State again.
The Chief Minister said that lands were purchased in the name of two drivers of a leader in Kasouli amounting to about Rs. 50 lakh. He said that his government would look into all such shady matters but would never indulge in revengeful activities. No innocent would be disturbed but no culprit would also be spared at the same time. His government wanted to maintain the high standards of democracy. He urged the people not to indulge in corrupt practices and earn rightfully and no looting of public money would be tolerated at all.
Forest Minister Shri Thakur Singh Bharmouri thanked the people for bringing the Congress Party back in power and urged them to reap full advantages of the schemes launched by the State Government for their welfare. He alleged that the previous BJP Government had ignored this area and no development was carried out during the last five years.
Shri Neeraj Bharti Chief Parliamentary Secretary welcomed the Chief Minister and thanked him for announcing Sub-Tehsil at Kotla and placed several development demands of his constituency. He said this area was neglected during the last five years, but as now the Government of the people had come into power and every effort would be made to develop it as an ideal constituency.
Shri Chander Kumar, Former Minister also welcomed the Chief Minister.
Sh. Kewal Singh Pathania Vice-Chairman,HRTC, Former MLAs Choudhary Surender Kaku, Shri Bakshi Ranjit Singh and Shri Bodh Raj including prominent Congress leaders and senior officers of the district administration were also present on the occasion.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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