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Govt. committed for uniform development of all areas :CM
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh while presiding over the closing ceremony of Rajmata Shanti Devi under-19 district level Boys school sports Tournament, at Senior Secondary School, Taklech, in Rampur Subdivision of District Shimla, here today said that he was very much pleased to be amongst the students on the occasion and congratulated the teachers and other faculty members and people of the area for successfully conducting the tournament.
He said that he was well aware of the problems of the people of the area regarding road connectivity and directed the PWD authorities to complete the road to Kashapat as soon as possible, the work on which was going on war-footing. He said that the people of the State had an important place in his heart and he was committed for overall development of the State. He said that it was late Dr. YS Parmar, the first Chief Minister of the State, who dreamt of making Himachal a separate State and due to his initiatives and efforts of former Prime Minister late Pandit Jawahar lal Nehru and late Smt Indira Gandhi that Himachal Pradesh became 18th State of Indian Union. It was the Indian National Congress which gave impetus to the development in the State as opposite to the BJP, which was bent upon to divide the people of the State on the basis of caste, colour and region.
The successive Congress Governments have always taken care of the grievances of the people of the lower belts of Himachal Pradesh and took a decision to hold Vidhan Sabha sessions in Dharamsala in district Kangra”, he said adding that it shows the concern of the Government for all the people equally.
He said that it was painful that the opposition was not playing a constructive role and regular walkouts and hullabaloo during the budget sessions had become a routine affair, which affects the development policies.
“The opposition always abstained from attending the Vidhan Sabha Sessions and discussing the issues of development” he said, adding that it causes delay in taking important issues and decision to be taken for the welfare of the people of the State.
He said that the Sports should not be politicized but few people and politicians in the State committed many irregularities in the name of Sports under the garb of Cricket Associations, which won’t be allowed in our state. No body would be allowed to play with the future of our sports-person or budding players of the State in any game may it be cricket, hockey or any other game and the guilty would be brought to the book.
The Chief Minister cautioned that no one in the State will be allowed to play with sentiments of players by forming fraudulent companies or organizations which beats the true spirit of the games, if formed for self gains.
He said that the demand of taking up sub-tehsil issue would be looked upon depending upon the formalities to be completed and in consultation with the cabinet. The Chief Minister assured that the matter for setting up Gas agency at Taklech would be taken with the central Government and directed the Deputy Commissioner to take up the matter.
Later, he inaugurated Rehan Basera Guest House at Rampur constructed at a cost of Rs. 40 lakh.
The Chief Minister was accorded warm welcome by Rajinder Singh Rana, Principal of the Government Senior Secondary school Taklech who also detailed about the tournament in which as many as 700 students of eleven zones participated. The Chief Minister was also welcomed by Sports in-charge and Assistant District Physical Education officer, Joginder Singh and School Management Committee President Mohinder Thakur on the occasion.
The Chief Minister took salute of an impressive march-past and also distributed prizes to the students.
Nand Lal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, while welcoming the Chief Minister thanked him for dedicating projects worth crores in Taklech today and said that the people of Taklech and its surrounding seven to eight Panchayats were thankful to the Government and especially to Virbhadra Singh for carrying out development activities in the area. He said that the people of the State would ever remain indebted to the Chief Minister for undertaking massive development activities all over the State whether it be education sector, IPH, roads, electricity, health or welfare sectors.
The Theog Zone was declared as the all around best in the tourney bagging maximum prizes in different events.
Earlier, Pradhan of Taklech Panchayat, Nandlal Busheri, Pradhan of Taklech Congress Zone Kishan Mashtu and Congress Mahila Zone Smt. Sunita Thakur honoured the Chief Minister and other guests present on the occasion.
The delegation of Gram panchayat Kashapat, led by its up-pradhan Phula Singh, presented a cheque of Rs 21 thousand towards CM relief Fund. The Chief Minister appreciated their efforts and said that the contribution made by them from their well earned earnings will go a long way in serving the poor and the needy.
A colourful cultural programme was also displayed on the occasion.
Chairman Kailash Federation, Brij Lal, Vice-Chairman HPSIDC, Atul Sharma,District Congress President (Rural), Smt Chander Prabha Negi, Chairperson Mahila Congress, Kehar Singh Khachi, Block Congress President, Satish Verma, President Beopar Mandal Rampur, Harish Gupta, Representatives of Himachal Pradesh Physical Education Teachers Asociation, Pradhans and up-Pradhans of nearby Panchayats, Deputy Commissioner, Dinesh Malhotra, Superintendent of Police, D.W Negi and other senior officers of the district were also present on the occasion amongst others.
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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