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CM urges people not to abandon livestock
Chief Minister while speaking on the occasion of the local Fair Tikkar at Naldehra in Kasumpti constituency of district Shimla organized by Mela Committee Tikkar and Jan Jagriti Manch said that it was against our traditions to abandon the domestic animals particularly the cows, after utilizing them. Instead they should take care of their livestock and also properly feed them in spite of leaving them alone on their destiny. He said that the local community should come forward and spread awareness amongst the people about the same.
“Today we see cows wandering on the roads and streets and in crowded areas and there always exists risk of accidents and the children being attacked by the stray cattle.” said he, adding that it was ungrateful and against the rich culture and tradition of the Pradesh where Cow Worship was considered sacred. There is need to change our mind-set and aware the people, especially the younger generation about the same.
He said that the State Government was committed to open ‘Gau Sadans’ for such stray animals and was also providing assistance to those who had opened such shelters for the livestock. He exhorted the people to voluntarily come forward for providing shelter to stray cattle and not to desert them.
On the occasion the Chief Minister assured to provide assistance for setting up the ‘Gau Sadan’ in the area and also enhanced the Nazarana of the Nanal Devta Temple Committee to rupees one lakh and announced rupees 25 thousand for Tikkar Mela Committee.
The Chief Minister also announced a sum of rupees four lakh for constructiing Sarai Bhawan at Barog. He also announced up-gradation of Tikkar School from Middle to High and primary School Sonthal to Middle.
After announcing the up-gradation of the schools the Chief Minister said that it was not in good practice that there were no exams for the students from first to eighth class in the school and the performance of the children was being assessed from grading them by the school teachers itself. He said that the Government had taken a decision that from the very first in all Government school subjects like Maths, English and Hindi would be mandatory and said that the Government was also considering to start Punjabi and Urdu classes in Middle schools onwards provided a batch of more than 30 to 40 children were interested to take up the subjects and the teachers would be made available accordingly.
The Chief Minister also announced a PWD Rest House to be constructed between Mashobra and Baldehan.
While listing the development taken place in the State he said that despite financial assistance from Government of India from time to time the credit of the development activities to the people of the State who had contributed a lot in the carrying out developmental works and had voluntarily come forward for making Himachal the most developed state.
On the demand of opening ITI at Mashobra the Chief Minister said that the matter would be discussed with the concerned department regarding the same.
Local MLA Anirudh Singh, while speaking on the occasion thanked the Chief Minister for the development works being undertaken in the area and placed the local demands before the Chief Minister.
Pratap Singh Bajwa, President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee was also present as a special guest on the occasion and was welcomed and honoured by MLA Anirudh Singh.
Earlier, Chairman Mela Committee, Kewal Ram welcomed and honoured the Chief Minister.
Former Minister, Roop Dass Kashyap, Pradhan GP Naldehra, Smt. Sushma Kashyap, President Block Congress Committee Bhupinder Kanwar Councillor, Chamyana ward Narinder Thakur, Member Zila Parishad Yogayata Sharma, former Pradhan Hem Singh Verma, Pradhans of various panchayats and BDC members, Sub divisional Magistrate Gian Sagar Negi, Tehsildar Shimla, Manjeet Sharma other officers of various departments were present on the occasion amongst the local people in large number.
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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