News
Fresh consolidated guidelines for opening new Fair Price Shops (FPS)
The Cabinet in its meeting held here today approved fresh consolidated guidelines for opening new Fair Price Shops (FPS) wherein first preference of allotment would be given to Ekal Naris, Widows raising children on their own, Mahila Mandals, Co-operatives of women or other collectives of women and physically handicapped persons.
Chief Minster Virbhadra Singh presided over the meeting.
The second priority for allotment of fair price shops would be to Ex-servicemen/unemployed education person with no family members in regular employment followed by Gram Panchayats and cooperative societies as third and fourth option respectively. The FPS is generally to be opened for a population of 1500 or above and in Tribal, remote and inaccessible/sub cadre areas of the State, the norms can be relaxed up to a population of 1000 or above or 150 ration-card holders.
For efficient operation of Targeted Public Distribution Scheme and to make availability of sufficient warehousing facilities for food grains in the State, the cabinet agreed upon for transfer of land belonging to Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to HP State Civil Supplies Corporation for construction of Godwons on token lease money of one rupee.
The Cabinet approved that 50% promotional avenues for appointment in HAS will henceforth comprise of 25% from Tehsildars and 25% from other categories based on inter-se seniority, out of which 17% will be from the BDOs cadre. It was also decided that appropriate training in revenue matters be ensured for all feeder categories on appointment in HAS.
The Cabinet approved the proposal of not allowing any Technical and Vocational educational Institutions to make admissions in any course in violations of the prescribed norms of Central and State Regulating bodies from the session 2014-15, failing which the regulating body will take action as per the regulations to ensure maintenance of academic standards which is a prerequisite for respectable placements of the students.
The Cabinet in its meeting held here today decided to enhance the honorarium of tailoring teachers from Rs. 1600 to Rs. 2000 per month thereby fulfilling the commitment the Chief Minister made in his budget speech.
The cabinet gave its consent for up-gradation of Kupvi Sub-Tehsil to Tehsil and opening of Sub-tehsils at Deha in Chopal and Haripur Dhar in district Sirmaur.
The Cabinet approved for starting three new trades in Government ITI at Shahpur in district Kangra from academic session 2014-15 which includes that of a Plumber, Mechanic (Refrigeration and Air Conditioner) and Digital Photographer. It was also decided to start one new course in each of Government Polytechnics at Rohru, Chamba and Kangra.
It also approved for inviting global bids for Jangi-Thopan-Powari (960MW) HEP. The Cabinet approved the extension in Commercial Operation Date (COD) of small Hydroelectric projects upto 5 MW capacity. Besides, the Cabinet cancelled the Baggi Nallah Small Hydel Electric Project (SHEP) and Ghayagi project falling in district Mandi and Kullu respectively. Apart from this, nod was given to restore the cancellation of Joiner II (3MW) SHEP in district Chamba.
The Cabinet allowed relaxation in the norms for the construction of Jakhu ropeway which includes 6 Nos Habitable floors besides the height of the building etc. under HP Municipal Act 94. The Cabinet also approved for the construction of multilevel parking at Tutikandi. The 11 storey building will have parking facility on its 8 floors besides two floors will be used for office and one for restaurant.
Consent was given to fill 12 posts of Lady Village Development Coordinators (LVDCs) on contract basis and also allowed the department of rural development to obtain the services of 15 Data Entry Operators on out-source basis.
The Cabinet agreed upon to issue NOC to open B.Sc. (Nursing) training institute of Shankutla Memorial Charitable Trust Chamba with annual intake of 40 students.
Cabinet also gave its nod for making Rajiv Gandhi Government Engineering College Kangra at Nagrota-Bagwan as a constituent college of the Himachal Pradesh Technical University, Hamirpur so as to avail grant-in-aid on the analogy of Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Engineering College, Sundernagar and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Engineering College, Pragatinagar.
It also agreed for inviting applications for allotment of SHEPs upto 5 MW capacity on the basis of identified and self-identified projects.
It approved to amend the rules for grant-in aid to non-Government colleges.
It also gave its nod to fill posts of District Treasury Officer through direct recruitment through the Public Service Commission. It also approved to fill up 30 posts of Junior Engineer in PWD Department on contract basis through direct recruitment.
The Cabinet approved for transferring the PWD Divisions of Sarkaghat and Dharampur, which are under the administrative control 8th PWD circle Hamirpur, under 1St PWD Circle Mandi. Besides, the Cabinet approved creation of additional Division for NH-305 i.e. Sainj-Jalori-Banjar-Aut road. The Cabinet agreed to set up Special Land Acquisition Unit (SLAU) at Pandoh in Mandi for four laning Ner Chowk-Kullu-Manali road.
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
Home Decor Ideas 2020