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CM announces various development schemes for Shimla Rural constituency
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh while addressing a massive gathering at Sunni Mela ground on the occasion of closing ceremony of the Sunni district level Dussehra festival in Shimla district today said that our traditions and customs needed to be preserved at any cost and the coming generations must strengthen the same.
“In the absence of preservation of traditions and culture no Nation can prosper”, said he. Counting developments in the area he said that three industrial training Institutes had been opened in the Shimla Rural segment at Jalog, Dargi and Sunni besides four Primary Health Centres at Totu, Gulthani, Nehra and at Dharogra. Two Community Health Centres were also opened at Halog and Jalog.
The Chief Minister said that Rs 105 crore IPH scheme was coming up for the area which would benefit 41 Gram Panchayats and solve the drinking water and irrigation problems of the people. He said that nineteen roads amounting to Rs 40 crore had been sanctioned to connect the remote villages of the area and 13 roads were likely to be sanctioned soon on which a sum of Rs 40 crore were being spent. Besides, two bridges amounting to Rs four crore were under construction.
He said that 42 buildings amounting to 240 crore had been sanctioned to be constructed in the Shimla rural constituency, which also includes a Judicial Academy. He also said that the School hostel if reparable be renovated and if need, be constructed in the plus two school Sunni.
The Chief Minister announced a sum of Rs 20 lakh for the internal roads of the Sunni Nagar Panchayat and Rs 20 lakh for Nagar Panchayat Office. He also announced Rs 50 lakh for integrated development of Shalli Temple and to provide other basic amenities to boost religious tourism activities in the area, besides improving temple ground.
He also assured opening of Block Medical office at Sunni.
The Chief Minister also distributed Sewing Machines to the Mahila Mandal Sunni.
He also inaugurated the ‘Dussehra Kala Manch’ at Dussehra ground Sunni constructed at a cost of Rs 13 lakhs for which he announced to give the cost of entire completion cost.
He said that Shimla Rural was his home segment and he was working whole heartedly for the development of the area. He added that developmental works had been speeded up in the area during past one and half years and special emphasis had been laid on opening more educational, health institutions besides providing road connectivity to the left out villages.
He also released the Audio CD of Sh Dharam Pal Bhardwaj and Uma Kaundal on the occasion.
Earlier, the Chief Minister performed the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Sunni Bus Stand to be constructed at a cost of RS 8.53 crore and also laid foundation stone of multipurpose hall of Government Degree College at Sunni to be constructed at a cost of Rs eight crores. The Hall, when completed will accommodate as many as 700 people besides having other facilities.
The Chief Minister also inspected the ongoing work of the Civil Hospital, Sunni being constructed as a pilot project under pre-fab technology and will be having 30 bed facility besides 20 already existing and said that the inauguration of the same would be done on 25th Nov 2014.
The Chief Minister en-route Sunni inspected Old age Care home being constructed at Basantpur being constructed at a cost of Rs 2.45 crore and directed to complete it within a stipulated time period. He also directed for construction of Panchayat Hall in the premises’ of BDO office Basantpur with intake capacity of as many as 100 people and asked to spruce up the surroundings. He also asked the PWD authorities to take over the Reog road in Basantpur for maintenance and improvement.
Vikramditya Singh, President State Youth Congress while speaking on the occasion said that with the support of Punjab National Bank a Multipurpose Vocational Training Institute will be opened at Sunni. He recalled the development works undertaken in the area during the present Governments regime and exhorted youth to come forward and co-operate in the development of the State. He also demanded the shifting of Block Medical officers Office to Sunni and said that the Government should keep in mind the interests of the youth while framing the welfare policies.
Kehar Singh Khachi, DCC president (Shimla Rural) and Chandershekhar Sharma, Mandal President, Shimla Rural Congress also spoke on the occasion.
Pradeep Sharma, President Beopar Mandal and Vice-Chairman of the Dussehra Mela Committee welcomed the Chief Minister and placed the demands of the area. They thanked the Chief Minister for the development works being undertaken in the area.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Shimla Gian Sagar Negi welcomed and honoured the Chief Minister and other guest present on the occasion.
A colorful cultural function was also organized on the occasion and CM announced a sum of Rs 25 thousand for the children for performing cultural programme and for the dresses.
Chief Parlimentary Secretary Mansa Ram, Deputy Commissioner Dinesh Malhotra, Chief Engineer PWD MS Thakur were present amongst other dignitaries present on the occasion.
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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