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The day BCS junction stood still for all-woman police station inauguration
SHIMLA- Today morning life in Shimla, BCS and adjoining areas to be specific, came to a standstill for public, only VVIP were on the move. It was the occasion of inauguration of the first all- woman police station (at BCS) by the honorable chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri. Virbhadra Singh.
The traffic police was ultra- active due to the VIP movement towards BCS. The IPS, HPPS, the Mayor of Shimla, Deputy Mayor, all awaited the arrival of the CM under heavy deployment of police on multiple spots on all roads leading to BCS. BCS bus stoppage was just not for the public today, hundreds of policemen were seen hurled vehicles anywhere and anyhow they could.
One of the cops was seen literally pushing passengers into a bus asking them to climb-in hastily. The rain-shelter, opposite the police station, accommodated the Himachal Police Orchestra while the public were stranded on the road.
The scenario was such that the bus stoppage was transformed it a area of utter commotion and the public was found completely zapped.
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The whole area was looking cleaner, properly swept, and even the usual garbage heap on the routine waste disposal spot was also missing,which is otherwise an ugly sight, always stinking. The MC did not take notice even after HW had wrote regarding it many time along with some readers who had posted recent images of the condition. Take a look at the image above.
The policemen were in hyperactive state, around 8-9 of them restlessly cleared the traffic like their hands or head will be axed on possibility of any mistake. They are trying to show the best of their allegiance less towards the CM but more towards the person who holds the chair. The common crowd turned into insects crawling in the way of VVIPs, and nothing more.
When asked from the cops at Vikasnagar as why the traffic was disabled towards BCS, they simply denied having any information regarding it. That’s a very lame excuse!
Later, the whole traffic including public transport was brought to complete halt as the CM neared the destination. Vehicles on the way towards BCS from Vikasnagar or Chota Shimla (via Broc Hurst) were asked to stop and queue up in middle of Vikasnagar and BCS until the CM is done with the ribbon cutting and the pooja.
People started taking to the road on foot (to their offices and schools) as public transport was disabled. It’ll be useless to protest against the organization of unnecessarily exaggerated ceremonious inauguration of a police station, but we wonder why the inauguration was scheduled at the busiest hours of morning when Shimlaites are gearing to reach their offices, colleges and schools.
To us, the whole thing about inauguration in the busiest hours seems completely absurd. The politicians and bureaucrats are concerned about the pomp and show, they’re obsessed to make it into the inauguration news that the newspapers would carry on the following day. For them, such inauguration and shows off ceremonies are always worth a shot to impress the public.
How the CM would ever experience what it feels to move in the traffic of Shimla during the busy hours when the traffic of whole Shimla is brought to halt to facilitate his movement? There is no respect for common man’s time, but the VVIP’s time is always given preference. In democracy, the public is the real ruler; therefore, the public should be put on the top, and then comes these representatives they elect to serve them. But, seriously, the public has no sense of it at all. They are ruled instead.
Their representatives have secured VVIP status, fleet of luxury vehicles with police sweeping the routine traffic out of their way, heavy security arrangements, and even the public transport is checked to make sure that these VVIPs don’t have to spend even a second in the traffic.
Why this inauguration wasn’t organized on Sunday or at the later hours of the day when the traffic dilutes? This ceremonious affair caused huge discomfort to the public. Wasn’t it necessary to keep in mind that this inauguration show off doesn’t cause inconvenience to the public? Wasn’t it necessary to keep in mind the fact that the BCS chowk is one of the busiest spots in Shimla, and therefore, the event should have been wrapped up in a simpler way?
Well, the police isn’t at fault. Who would not fear the man (the CM) who had ordered on the spot suspension of CMO on seeing the name of health minister Kaul Singh, his political rival, on the inauguration board? Take a look at the video:
The VIP and VVIP culture is one the most unwanted privilege that is entertained in the name of dignity towards Indian constitution and on the cost of public inconvenience. Will India ever see a day when the deserving common men would get invitation for inaugurations instead of these VVIPs? Nothing seems to have changed in India even in 21th century. Now the caste system is being replaced by the lines drawn on the bases economical status or on the base of any power a group holds and enjoy in the society. The gap between the group of common men and that of VIP and VVIP categories is widening. The modern India is growing more discriminatory, but this time, it’s happening in disguise of VVIP culture.
To get the read beacons back, the HP MLAs are trying to play on sentiments associated with the Indian constitution. They talk of preserving the dignity of their highly responsible position while inside the assembly they behave no better than irked monkeys growling on the opposition, they take off their clothes in the parliament, use paper spray, brandish knives etc. About what dignity they talk about then.
More than the Govt., the public need to awake and question the preferences made up for the convenience of a few groups. Our society doesn’t need show offs. It needs decent, persistent efforts to serve the public on the part of its administrators and public representatives.
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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