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CM Inaugurates Auditorium and Library Hall of Seema College
The State Government was considering for the channelization of river Pabbar and the designs of the same have been prepared. The river will be channelized from Sandasu onwards towards Rohroo and work of channelization would be allotted to a reputed agency. This was stated by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh after inaugurating the elegantly constructed auditorium and library hall of the Government Post Graduate Degree College (Seema), Rohroo, constructed at a cost of Rs.7.25 crore today
He said that the road from Dodra Kwar to Rohroo would be further improved to pave the way for boosting tourism activities, adding that Chanshal slopes were more suited to skiing and other adventure sports activities and once developed will provide direct and indirect employment to the youth of the area.
He expressed happiness over dedicating the new block of the college to the coming generations, the foundation stone of which was laid by him in year 2005.
He said that the location was quite suitable for the college as it was centrally located and the students from as far as Dodra Kwar could pursue higher studies here. He said the Colleges at Seema in Rohroo and Saawra at Saraswati Nagar were started simultaneously and the Seema College had excelled in pursuing academic and sports. He announced for construction of an additional block for office and staff room for Seema College behind the present principal’s office. It would also house class rooms in the same complex, and the staff residences would soon be completed.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for playing ground in the college. He said that the people should not quote higher rates for the land whose land falls within the purview of the Government developmental surveys. Few development works were being hindered because of land acquisition problems. He exhorted the people to co-operate in carrying out the development works and other such activities.
He said that there was need to check that no hindrances were created in development activities. As much as 25 Bigha of land will be acquired by the Government for constructing play ground for Seema college and the adequate compensation would be paid to those whose land would be acquired for the purpose. He appealed to the people to donate land voluntarily.
Referring to the agitation in HP University, he said that the studies were going on well in all the colleges of the State adding that no union or association would be allowed to become a sub-branch of student politics and elections should be held in a peaceful and decent manner.
The Chief Minister said, “if anybody promotes mischief and violence it will not be tolerated at any cost”. He stressed for holding elections to the Students Association through common consensus and in a harmonious manner.
“If anybody tries to lock the gates of the colleges or restrict the students from entering into the classes, he should be ready to face the consequences.” said he, repeating that he was there to listen to them and their genuine demands, but the indecent behavior won’t be tolerated.
“We have not enhanced the hostel fee or the tuition fee but there was a little hike in examination fee due to which furore was being created by few who want to keep themselves alive in politics. The fee issue was the matter of the University to see. He said that only examination fee was enhanced and that too was quite nominal.
To provide quality higher education to the children at their very doorsteps the Government has opened as many as 15 colleges in the State and that too in rural and far-flung areas during its present regime. Emphasis is being laid on educating girl child in far flung and rural areas, he said.
Local MLA, Sh Mohan Lal Bragta and Block Congress President Rohroo, Sh Ishwar Dass Choharu thanked the Chief Minister for dedicating the auditorium complex to the students of the College and for the developments which had taken place during the regime of Congress party.
Earlier, Principal of the College Dr B.L. Vinta honoured the Chief Minister and other distinguished guests on the occasion. He also read the annual report of the college and said that this was the only college in the State where the studies were not disrupted due to recent agitations.
A colorful cultural programme was also organized on the occasion followed by Dance Drama.
The Chief Minister honoured the meritorious students both in academics and sports and also the staff and faculty of the college for dedicating themselves in teaching profession.
B. S. Thakur proposed vote of thanks.
District Congress President Shimla (Rural), Kehar Singh Khachi, Chairperson, State Child Welfare Council, Smt. Raj Kumari Soni, Member Women Commission Smt. Kiran Datta, General Secretary, Block Congress Committee and Member, Board of Directors, HP Marketing Board Vikram Sen Negi, Member , Board of Directors, HIMURJA Sanjay Singh, Ex- Pradhan Gram Panchayat Jangla, Pratap Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Dinesh Malhotra and other officers of the State Government 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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