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HP Govt. to amend Hydropower Policy 2006 to allow Himachalis to sell shares to non-Himachalis
Honorarium of Water Guards enhanced, Tribal APL families to get 35 kilograms ration per month, 100 units free electricity to families affected due to HEPs, miscellaneous Adventure Activities Rules, 2004 approved
SHIMLA- Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, in its meeting chaired by Virbhadra Singh, decided to make amendments in Hydropower Policy 2006 in respect to transfer of shares by Himachalis to Non-Himachalis. The Himachalis can sell or transfer 49 percent equity shares to Non-Himachalis at any stage after allotment of projects upto 2 MW capacity and full disinvestment after two years of commissioning of the projects. Similarly, in case of bonafide Himachalis to whom projects upto 2 MW to 5 MW capacity are allotted, they can sell/transfer 51 percent equity share to non-Himachalis at any stage after allotment of projects and full disinvestment after two years of commissioning of the projects. However, subjected to the condition (in both the above cases), it was decided to levy some appropriate fee for transfer of equity.
Besides, the Cabinet gave its nod to cancel the four projects namely Joiner-II (3MW) in district Chamba, Kanda (0.80 MW) in district Sirmaur, Rawin (1 MW) in Shimla district and Chahod (2 MW) in district Mandi.
Cabinet also accorded approval for enhancement of honorarium of Jal Rakshaks (Water Guards) engaged through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) from Rs. 1350 to Rs. 1500 per month.
The Cabinet also accorded approval to 100 units of free electricity per month to the families affected by Hydel projects in the State as per the subsidized tariff determined by Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) from time to time with respect to Local Area Development Committees of the districts and the balance amount equivalent to the quantum of subsidy with the state government. This shall be done once in a year since the tariff is determined by HPERC.
Besides, it was also decided to provide 35 kilograms of ration to the Above Poverty Line (APL) families in Tribal areas of the State. A decision was taken to provide all three pulses to all the ration card holders irrespective of the number of units on the cards/scale as fixed by the state government.
Jobs/Posts Filled or Created
To filling up of 65 posts of Drivers in Irrigation and Public Health Department amongst the lower categories in the Department by relaxation of R& P Rules.
The Cabinet approved for creation and filling up of as many as 61 posts of various categories for new Government Polytechnic for women at Rehan in district Kangra.
It approved to filling up 50 posts of class-IV on contract basis in Co-operation Department besides filling up three posts of Driver in Co-operative Department.
Approval was accorded to create ten posts of Law Officers in H.P. Secretariat. It approved to up-grade four posts of Junior Assistant to Senior Assistant in the Directorate of Small Saving.
Decision was taken to fill two posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) on contract basis in Co-operative Department and filling up two posts of computer Operators by promotion from amongst Class-IV employees in Planning department.
Approval was accorded for creation of two posts of Protocol Officer with supporting staff in the establishment of District and Sessions Judges.
Approval was accorded to fill up two vacant posts of Statistical Assistant and two posts of Junior Office Assistant in Horticulture Department through direct recruitment and to fill up ten posts of Peons on daily wage basis in HP Election Department.
A special recruitment drive would be launched to fill the backlog posts against the new posts in every discipline for other Backward Classes (OBC) to overcome the shortfall of the category in the Government job.
Health Sector
The Cabinet also approved opening of PHC at Basantpur in Shimla district.
It also approved to open Health Sub Centre at village Mohal district Kullu along-with adequate staff.
Approval was accorded to upgrade Community Health Centre (CHC), Jawali to 50 bed Civil hospital Jawali along with creation of requisite posts. Besides, it approved CHC with 30 beds at Rey in Jawali.
It approved upgradation of Primary Health Centre (PHC) Chandi to Community Health Centre (CHC) and Health sub-centre (HSC) Baba Haripur to PHC in Solan district and PHC Kungrat to CHC, HSC Kuthar Beet to PHC in district Una alongwith creation of requisite staff.
It also approved Health dispensaries at Dhalaya, (Bathuwana Jabri), Gawahi (Kohbag) and in Gram Panchayat Okhroo in Shimla district
Other Important Decisions
It approved proposal to the scheme for awards for prisons personnel.
The Cabinet approved the proposal for grant of ex-gratia compensation amounting to Rs. 10 lakh on death and Rs. five lakh on permanent disability to the staff deployed on election duty by State Election Commission
The Cabinet decided to open HP PWD Sub-Division at Khundian in district Kangra.
It approved to regularize the daily waged workers of Nepali origin in relaxation of R&P Rules.
It approved construction of PWD rest house at Bhalei in Salooni Tehsil of Chamba district and construction of additional accommodation of PWD rest house Namhol in Bilaspur district.
The Cabinet gave its approval for declaration of Summer Festival Ghumarwin as a District level Fair.
The Cabinet approved upgradation of Veterinary dispensary Pali in Drang Sub-division of Mandi district
Approval was accorded to up-grade Veterinary Dispensary Majhwar to Veterinary Hospital in Mandi district and Veterinary Dispensary Goshani to Veterinary Hospital in Kullu district along-with requisite staff.
The Cabinet approved to take over the services of teaching and non-teaching staff of erstwhile privately managed Jawalaji Degree College, Jawalamukhi and Deen Dayal Mahesh Degree College, Sugh-Bhatoli in district Kangra which now would be named as Government Degree College Sugh- Bhatoli.
Amendments and Rules
The Cabinet approved amendments in section 3 of the Himachal Pradesh Tax on entry of goods into Local area Act, 2010.
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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