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Himachal’s cut in electricity duty to lure industrial investments and other cabinet decisions
SHIMLA- Himachal Pradesh Cabinet announced decisions on various matters during its meet yesterday.
In order to provide industrial friendly environment for attracting new investments in the State, the Cabinet decided to reduce electricity duty so as to facilitate the new industrial units fulfilling the announcement made by the Chief Minister in his budget speech.
It also approved amendments in H.P. Village Common Lands Vesting and Utilization Act, 1974 pertaining to conferment of proprietary rights to Chakotadars. A Scheme for Grant of Proprietary Rights over the land leased/allotted by Panchayats under the Punjab Common Land (Regulation Act), 1962 would be made effective after completing all formalities.
The cabinet gave approval for opening of Sub-Divisional Police Office at Jawalamukhi in District Kangra and at Paddar in district Mandi.
It was also decided to upgrade Police Post at Khundian to Police Station and start four new Police Posts at Jol under Police Station Bangana, Dadasiba under Police Station Dehra, Jangla under Police Station Chirgaon and Majheen under Police Station Khundian and to also create 46 posts of different categories therein. Approval was given to fill up 20 vacant posts of Sub Inspectors by direct recruitment in Police Department.
The Cabinet decided to cancel the allotment of Anni-II (1.50MW) and Anni-III(1.50MW) hydro- electric projects as the promoters failed to execute the projects in time, causing revenue loss to the Government. The projects were allotted to M/s ABB Power Private Ltd in the year 2000.
It was decided to permit transfer of Baspa-II and Karchham Wangtoo hydro-electric power plants from Jaiprakash Power Ventures Limited (JPVL) to its subsidiary Himachal Baspa Power company Limited (HBPCL) and sale of securities of HBPCL to JSW Energy Limited.
The Cabinet also decided to cancel as many as 20 projects and forfeiting their security for non-seriousness in carrying out the work on such projects.
It gave nod to transfer the land on lease basis to Director General, Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET) for establishing CIPET-Vocational Training Centre (VTC) at Sandoli Baddi in Solan district and also transferring of land for establishing Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Dhaulakuan in district Sirmour.
Approval was given to start B.Tech in Electrical Engineering with intake capacity of 60 seats in Rajiv Gandhi Government Engineering College , Kangra at Nagrota Bagwan along with creation and filling up of various posts.
Approval was also given by the Cabinet to declare Government Engineering College Kotla at Jeori in Shimla district as a constituent college of Himachal Technical University, Hamirpur on the same analogy.
It approved creation of six Courts of Mobile Traffic Magistrates in the rank of Civil Judge (Junior Division) along-with supporting staff.
The Cabinet decided to transfer government land in relaxation of Nautor Rules as a special case to as many as 36 effected persons of village Shmah, Paonta Sahib, whose houses were damaged and their fields destroyed due to heavy rains in the year 2013.
The decision was taken that the apple procured under Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) would be disposed of as per past practice and the decision for arrangement of sale of MIS apples near the procurement centres was withdrawn.
The Cabinet approved amendment in sub-rule (3) of Rule 56 of the Himachal Pradesh Co-operative Societies Rule, 1971, by enhancing the existing financial limit from Rs. 1000/- to Rs. 5000/- in respect of Primary Societies and Rs. 8000/- in respect of Secondary and Apex Societies per month for recruiting new employees without seeking prior approval of the Registrar, Co-operative Societies.
The Cabinet approved for upgradtion of three posts of Principal Secretaries to Additional Chief Secretary in the IAS cadre.
It decided for selection and imparting training to 242 candidates in order to fill up vacant posts of Patwaris in Settlement wing of Revenue department besides engaging retired Patwari/Kanungos on contract basis in the interim period to tide over the vacancy position till the availability of trained Patwari. Further, it also approved creation and filling of multipurpose workers in each Patwar circle of each district on part time basis.
The Cabinet gave approval to fill up 100 vacant posts of Ayurvedic Pharmacists on contract basis in Ayurveda Department, besides filling up three posts of Professors in Ayurveda College Paprola.
It decided to fill up 71 posts of Horticulture Development Officers on contract basis through H.P. Public Service Commission as per existing R & P Rules and also to fill 75 posts of Horticulture Extension Officers . It also approved to create one post of Principal Scientific Officer by upgrading post of Senior Scientific Officer in the State Pollution Control Board.
It gave nod to fill up 200 posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) on contract basis in Higher Education Department, besides creation of posts for smooth functioning of State Project Directorate of RUSA.
Approval was accorded to fill up 35 posts of Clerks on regular basis from Limited Direct Recruitment (LDR) quota as well as 70 posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) on contract basis in IPH Department.
The decision was taken fill up the post of PET and DPE in Plus Two School for Institute for children with Special Abilitiesat (Boys) at Dhalli in Shimla.
The Cabinet decided to create a new IPH Division at Nagrota Bagwan as well as a new IPH Sub Division at Tanda in district Kangra along with creation of different posts of categories.
The Cabinet also decided to fill 10 vacant posts of clerks from Home Guards volunteers in Civil Defence and Fire Services Department.
It was decided to fill up various 54 posts for smooth functional of Panchayati Raj Department through direct recruitment.
The Cabinet gave its nod to create different category of posts (Information and Technology) in newly created Sub-Division Election Offices at Jawalamukhi, Dharampur, Mandi (Rural), Sujanpur and Shilai.
Approval was accorded by the Cabinet to exempt Magical and Circus shows from paying entertainment duty for a period of ten years w.e.f. April, 2015 under Section 12(3) of the Entertainment Duty Act, 1968.
The Cabinet also approved amendments in H.P. Aero Sports Rules 2004.
It approved the proposal to reduced rate of VAT from 13.75% to 5% in respect of Bitumen and Coal-tar of all kinds.
The Cabinet also approved amendment in Himachal Pradesh Forest (Timber Distribution to the Right Holders) Rules, 2013.
It also approved for implementing Himachal Pradesh Court Fee (e-stamping) Rule 2015.Approved was given to build a new HP PWD Rest House House at Kwar in district Shimla.
The Cabinet decided to enhance the financial assistance to the Second World War soldiers and their widows from Rs. 2000/- to Rs. 3000/- per month.
The Decision was taken to enhance the compensation, relief and rehabilitation grants to the members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who are victims of atrocities under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
It was decided to issue UWIN smart cards (Social Security Cards) to un-organized workers including those who are presently enrolled under RSBY as per instructions of Government of India under Shram Shakti Pehchaan campaign for registration of unorganized workers.
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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