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Chief Minister announces Girls Hostel at Sanjauli College
Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh while presiding over the concluding ceremony of the three day mega HP University Inter-College Youth Festival-2014 at Government College, Sanjauli today announced construction of a hostel for the girl students of far-flung areas of the State. He also announced a sum of Rupees Four crore for a new block with parking facilities and the classes. He accorded permission for constructing over-bridge near the Sanjauli College connecting IGMC road with the National Highway.
He said all students of this college of ‘Centre of Excellence’ should definitely go beyond the sky heights in academics. “Sky should be the limit for them and they should not waste time indulging in undue politics”, he said, adding that more such colleges of excellence would be opened in times to come. He expressed happiness over the constitution of SCA of the Sanjauli College and said that similar procedure should also be adopted for electing office bearers in other colleges of the State as well. He had all praise for the SCA President Ms. Shaksharta.
Expressing concern of the growing incidents of violence in the HP University and in various educational institutions of the State, the Chief Minister said that such indiscipline would not be tolerated in the educational institutions of the State. He said that he was happy to learn that the Sanjauli College Students Central Association (SCA) was unanimously nominated. He said that many colleges in the State had been adopting the same pattern of nominating the SCA from amongst the meritorious students. He said that a committee headed by a retired Judge of the High Court had been constituted to look into the fee pattern and its report was awaited.
He said that the State Government had opened as many as 15 colleges in the far-flung and remote areas of the State during the present Government’s regime adding that the many new schools were also either opened or upgraded in the remote corners of the State facilitating the students, especially the girl child to pursue higher education at their doorstep. He appealed to the teachers to voluntarily serve in the colleges and schools in the far-flung and remote areas of the State so as to educate each and every child towards making a Himachal a strong and vibrant State. He exhorted the teaching fraternity to themselves opt for teaching in remote corners instead looking for postings in and around the cities.
Virbhadra Singh said State Government was making concerted efforts to provide technical and professional education to the students as these were the doors for opportunities for the youth in any developing Nation. Moreover, it will also ensure employment opportunities in various sectors including self-employment, added he. Expressing happiness that the Government Degree College Sanjauli has emerged as the ‘Centre of Excellence’ and had produced many luminaries who are bringing laurels to the State by serving as either high government functionaries, in defense services or were the successful entrepreneurs.
Such festivals should be encouraged so as to promote fraternity and to inculcate discipline amongst the youth, said the Chief Minister. He added that together with promotion and preservation of our traditional culture these festivals play an important role in inculcating the ethos and values.
The Chief Minister also distributed the prizes to the winners of the competition.
Shashi Bhushan Shekhri, Director, Higher Education thanked the Chief Minister for honouring the event.
Earlier, Joginder Singh Negi, Principal Government College Sanjauli welcomed the Chief Minister and honoured him and the other dignitaries present on the occasion. He also detailed about the event and the other college activities, besides the academic excellence of the college. He said that as many as 750 students from 45 colleges participated in the Youth festival which began on 16th October, 2014. Besides, classical shows, folk dance and folk songs of the State remained attractions of the event, he said. He also demanded adequate space for constructing the ground for the students and a hostel for girls in or around the college.
A colourful cultural competition display was also organized by the students of different colleges.
Ms Shaksharta, President of the SCA proposed vote of thanks.
Harish Janartha, Vice-Chairman HP Tourism Development corporation, Dinkar Burathoki , Advisor Education, PC Dhiman, Principal Secretary, Education, , Shushant Khapret, Councillor, Smt Meera Ahluwalia, Chairperson, HPU Cultural and Co-Curricular Council & Principal RKMV College, Dinesh Malhotra, Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, D.W Negi, SP Shimla, Office bearers of the HP Government, College Teachers Association, college faculty, staff members and students were 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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