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CM stresses for preserving cultural heritage along-with development
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has stressed the need to preserve our rich cultural heritage and taking the State ahead towards development together by conserving rich traditions.
Speaking on the concluding ceremony of the International Kullu Dussehra Festival at Kala Kendra, he said Himachal was known as the land of Gods and was a treasure-house of many prehistoric temples. He said the ‘Dev Culture’of the State was unique and the life of the hill people revolve around the local deities.
He underlined the need to utilize the unlimited wealth which nature had endowed to the State without disturbing the ecology and environment. He remembered the first Chief Minister of the State Dr. YS Parmar for his contributions in making Himachal as 18th State of the Indian Union.
The Chief Minister said that Government was committed to provide best educational facilities in the rural areas many schools had been opened or upgraded in these areas to facilitate the students. He said the Mission of teaching fraternity should not be only to educate the students but also to make them intellectual, cultured well educated. He added if the children of the government Schools failed to give the desired academic results, the concerned teachers would be held responsible for the same.
He announced up-gradation of Government Primary School Rashol to Middle School, Primary School Punthal, GPS Bansha in Gram panchayat Kashladi, GPS Paah Gram Panchayat Kharihar to Middle Schools.
He also announced for constructing Outer Seraj Bhawan in Kullu for facility of the people of the Outer Seraj area visiting district headquarters.
The Chief Minister said that Rs 11.88 crore bridge would be constructed at Manali for which government of India had accorded sanction. He also announced construction of Bridge at 17 miles over River Beas with an estimated cost of RS 8.62 crore under NABARD, jeepable bridge over River Beas at Kalath at a cost Rs 1.17 crore and a bridge over River Beas at Nehru Kund in Manali to be constructed at a cost of Rs. nine crore.
He said that the National Highway Authority Of India (NHAI) was on job for widening the Kiratpur- Ner Chowk road and then till further to Manali. It would be made four lane later, with two lanes each on the left and two on the right bank of the Beas river till Manali.
He also announced 300 bed facility for regional hospital Kullu and a fire Station at Larji in Banjar assembly Segment.
The Chief Minister also honoured the Indian Kabaddi team members Ajay Thakur, Kavita Thakur and Pooja Thakur which won gold medals in the Asian Games at Incheon in South Korea.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the first of its kind district Library in Kullu with all modern facilities like wi-fi, book café etc. He said that it was an appreciable effort of the district administration and such more libraries were required to be opened in the each sub-division of the State. The library was first of its kind in India and had a unique collection of books suiting to the interests of people of all ages. He also appreciated the children section within the complex.
Virbhadra Singh also appreciated the efforts of the district administration for conducting the week-long festival with great fervor by adding many new attractions to the festival besides the mega dance show which marked its place in Limca Book of records. He said that such type of tradition and practice would be made a routine affair.
Maheshwar Singh, local MLA appreciated the efforts of the Chief Minister in preserving the culture of the State especially his concern for the deities of the Pradesh. He said the entire Kardar Sangh was grateful to the government for creating a revolving fund for the deities to the tune of rupees five crore. He also demanded licenses for chowkidars guarding the ancient temples of the State.
He also appreciated the steps taken by the Government for taking action against those who fleece the people along the road sides in the name of God by carrying palanquins of the local Gods. He thanked the Chief Minister for Trauma Centre at the district Hospital and for Community Health Centre at Tegubehar. He thanked the Deputy Commissioner Kullu for contributing Rs 40 lakh under Local Area Development Authority (LADA) for bridge over Sarvari Nullaha.
Karan Singh, MLA Banjar while welcoming the Chief Minister demanded opening a sub-depot of HRTC at Banjar and also to open a fire Station at Larji. He also demanded opening of PWD Sub-division at Banjar, IPH Subdivision at Larji and Electricity Sub-division at Sidhwa in Banjar Constituency.
Hari Singh Sharma, Zila Parishad Chairman, listed the development activities of the present congress regime.
District Congress President Budhi Singh Thakur, demanded 300 bed hospital for the district.
Earlier, Rakesh Kanwar Deputy Commissioner welcomed and honoured the Chief Minister.
Present on the occasion were Raghuvir Singh Thakur, Wool federation Chairman, Tek Chand Dogra, Vice Chairman SC/ST Corporation,Y.K. Mishr, Chairman APMC (Kullu and Lahaul Spiti) and other Chairmen Vice Chairmen of various Boards and Corporations and other dignitaries.
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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