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‘Save Girl Child’ should be made a Global Campaign: Virbhadra Singh
On his two-day visit to Kullu on the occasion of International Dussehra Festival, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh started the largest Asia Folk Dance performed by as many as 8760 local women of the district at Rath Ground in Kullu today. The impressive dance performance was first of its kind in the State with women in traditional attires danced to the tune of folk music songs.
The theme of the festivity, ‘Save Girl Child’ was mainly based on spreading the awareness about the importance of Girl Child in the Society. Speaking on the occasion at Kala-Kendra and afterwards on the sidelines of the function, the Chief Minister said that this was a remarkable performance by the women and definitely a strong message to those who commit the sin of killing the unborn girl fetus in the womb.
The Chief Minister administered the pledge of saving the girl child to thousands of women present on the occasion and said that the “discrimination with the girl child will not be tolerated and we will work together for eradicating the evil practice of child infanticide”.
We should start a crusade to save the girl child and unless drastic measures are taken, as to give them better education, to create skills and capability amongst them for enabling them to stand on their own feet and care for themselves, it will be difficult for any Nation to prosper, said the Chief Minister.
He said the girl child, which was a beautiful creation, was one of the gravest concerns facing humanity, with a volley of summits, conferences and events held for the cause, with topmost world leaders at the helm. He said that efforts should be to make it a Global Campaign, particularly in the developing Nations and South East Asian Countries for saving the Girl Child. Selective sex abortions should be discouraged and the private clinics involved in detection of sex should be dealt with as per the laid down legal norms.
The Chief Minister said no Society can prosper without respecting the women folk, who were the strength of the society, adding that women was a friend, a mother, a sister who performs multifarious roles in society. “If due respect is given to women and if equipped with proper resources, they have the power to change the destiny of civilizations” he said.
The Chief Minster said that the need of the hour was to empower the women folk for a better tomorrow and there were millions of such women who were serving the Nations as equal to their men counterparts. The Rally to save the Girl Child and the Dance performance here was quite superb but the message of Saving the Girl Child, should not merely be symbolic, he said.He lauded the efforts of the local administration which was a appreciable step for preservation of the culture and custom of the Pradesh and the culture, customs and traditions of Himachal Pradesh were known world-wide.
The Chief Minister also honoured Kavita Thakur, from Jagatsukh Manali who received Gold Medal being a team member of the Kabaddi team in Asian Games at Incheon in South Korea and lauded her feat.
Rakesh Kanwar, Deputy Commisioner, Kullu welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed about the biggest ever event which is to be recorded in the Limca Book of records. He said that on the invitation of the district administration, the women and even girls from the entire Kullu district voluntarily agreed to participate in the Dance Performance.
Earlier, the Chief Minister and former MP Smt Pratibha Singh were given a warm welcome on reaching Kullu on the eve of Dussehra.
Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Nature Park at Mohal constructed at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh.
Present on the occasion were Sujan Singh Pathania, MPP and Power Minister, Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Forest Minister, Maheshwar Singh, Karan Singh and Ravi Thakur MLA’s, Atul Sharma, Chairman HPSIDC, Kewal Singh Pathania, Vice Chairman HP State Forest Corporation, Chairman and Vice Chairmen of various Boards and Corporations 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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