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Rs 1464 crore Financial Restructuring Plan of HPSEB Ltd. Approved : CM
The Government has approved Rs 1464 crore Financial Restructuring Plan of the Board and it was committed to provide 24 hours subsidized power to the people of the State as well as to every household in the remotest corner of the State, stated Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, while speaking on the occasion of the 24th General Conference of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited Powers Engineers Association at Sundernagar in district Mandi today.
He said that subsidized domestic energy to consumers amounting to Rs 388 crore was being provided to the people of the State, adding that the Government has decided that the power producers would not be required to take no objection certificate from the Irrigation and Public Health Department, PWD, Revenue and Fisheries for setting up hydro projects in the State. He said that this was being done to promote the entrepreneurs to invest in Hydel sector in the State. He said that to promote the private participation in hydel generation sector, five new projects were given to HPSEB Ltd for further allotment to private bidders and the techno-economic clearance for three such projects have been accorded by the Government.
The power engineers should come forward to accept new challenges and continue to work with devotion and dedication so as to contribute in making Himachal a pioneer state in the field of power distribution and production, he asserted. “I want to see HPSEB emerging as a strong and economically vibrant power utility to deliver better service to the people of the State and I assure that my Government would always be there to meet out the genuine demands of the board” said the Chief Minister. He said that Himachal Pradesh had been blessed with 27,432 MW hydel potential and was able to harness 8432 MW of hydro potential in the State and was targeting to exploit 2000 MW of power potential in this fiscal.
Virbhadra Singh said that HPSEB Ltd. have completed targets under ‘Rajeev Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna’ and ‘Restricted Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme’. He said that the 10 MW Ghanvi-II in Shimla district has started generating power and 100 MW Uhl project in Joginder in district Mandi was in the final stage of execution. Both the projects were being commissioned by HPSEB ltd.
The Chief Minister said that the Board is also executing capital expenditure works amounting to Rs 440 crore per annum for improving voltage supplies and to manage increasing load in rural and industrial areas. “I am happy to learn that losses of the Board has been brought down to 14.5% and I hope that the Board will initiate measures to reduce it further to improve the Boards income and functioning” said the Chief Minister.
Virbhadra Singh said that for evacuation of power, the Government was considering to set up 220 KV electricity sub-station at Mandhala in Baddi and 132 KV sub-station at Gaura in district Solan has been recently energized, which would not only improve the reliability of electricity supply in Solan area but would also help in lifting adequate water supply for the people of the town.
Chief Minister said that the Government has allocated the Government share of equity power in Nathpa Jhakri to HPSEB to meet the necessary requirement of the Board and to increase its income. He said that the State Government was committed to take all possible measures to improve the financial health of HPSEB limited. He also advised the Board to take corrective steps to curb the unnecessary expenditure and try to fill functional posts as per the requirement in the fields and professional posts. The pattern of field staff has to be changed and it must be ensured that sufficient numbers of employees are deployed all over the State. He advised them to explore more resources of income generation.
He announced for restoration of one post of Chief Engineer (system Planning).
Chief Minister said that the State was not getting its due share from BBMB which was a major power producer in the State distributing power supply to other States. Many people mainly Bhakra oustees were not rehabilitated till date and were offered land in Rajasthan, Haryana and elsewhere”, he said. The BBMB was withholding the share of the State despite the State has won the case pertaining to its share in the Supreme Court. It is a right-full claim that Himachal Pradesh be a part of BBMB share and we will not accept the step-motherly treatment, he asserted.
He said that engineers were the backbone of the Board and the Government has taken numerous decisions to benefit its employees, During last more than 20 months of its regime as many as 24 Assistant Engineers (electrical) have been appointed besides around 25 more such engineers were being appointed soon.
The Chief Minister directed the Board to fill all the functional posts in the board in a phased manner so that the efficiency of the Board could be enhanced. He said that the Government was also providing timely promotion to the employees of the Board and had also created fresh avenues of promotion to them. He said that about 895 posts of different categories have been created in the Board.
He also released the souvenir on the occasion.
MPP & Power Minister, Sujan Singh Pathania while speaking on the occasion said that the rapid development in power sector has taken place and initially in the year 1971 where there were only 3279 electrified villages, today the State has achieved cent percent electrification target which was a stupendous achievement. He said that a vast network of transmission and distribution lines had been laid in the
State. Initially, it was 8800 kilometers in 1972, and now the length of these lines was 92,869 kilometers. Besides, the energy consumption has also undergone a tremendous growth which stands as one thousand and seventy two units as of date. He said that the Government was allowing preferential allotment of up to 5 MW projects to the bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh.
Sohan Lal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, Er Ram Parkash General Secretary of the Association welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present on the occasion and detailed various demands of the Association.
Health and Revenue Minister Kaul Singh Thakur, Excise and Taxation Minister Parkash Chaudhary, District Congress President Puran Chand, Deputy Commissioner Mandi Sandeep Kadam, Superintending of Police Mohit Chawla, Managing Director HPSEB Ltd Er. P.C. Negi, Director Finance and Administration Akshay Sood, President of the Association Er Rajesh and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
CM Visits Engineering College site at Sundernagar
Later, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh visited the construction site of Jawaharlal Nehru Engineering College at Sundernagar.
He directed the authorities to ensure proper architecture of the College building. He also directed them to make adequate provision of playground and other basic infrastructure in the College campus.
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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