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‘SDM Saheb’ common man’s time is valuable too, don’t take it for granted
Apathy of SDM Shimla (Rural) and MVI, didn’t show up at driving test site while hundreds applicant put on hold, spend the day waiting for about 4-5 hours
SHIMLA-In what people alleged as a disgraceful gesture, SDM Shimla (Rural) Gyan Chand Negi and Motor Vehicle Inspector or any other official didn’t show up to conduct driving test scheduled on September 15, 2016. About 200 applicants waited for over four hours because they weren’t provided any information about cancellation at all. Applicants had to call up the SDM office. They were told the test was cancelled. Candidates included people who were applying for license, renewal of license, and upgrade of LMV license.
As per official notification, trial was scheduled to start from 9 AM near Taradevi in Shimla. However, applicants were kept on hold by assuring arrival of concerned officials by 10 AM or so. After a wait of hours, anger burst out among frustrated people who then shouted slogans against administration to express it. Still, no official bothered to attend to the people in unrest.
Official Notification on HP Department of Transport Website
A youth, who had travelled from Dhalli for the trial, told Himachal Watcher,
“They should at least issue some kind of notice in advance if trial had to be canceled.”
“There were people from SUNNI, two men had come from Chandigarh on leave, or some others had hired a taxi or drove their cars. Loss of time and money is an obvious issue here. Such sense of irresponsibility reflected on the part of officials is overwhelming,” the youth added.
“This is not the first time and trial was cancelled,” alleged another man. On Rakhsha Bandhan people had faced similar inconvenience. On another occasion, he alleged, “trail was cancelled abruptly for the Chief Minister was visiting the area”.
It is noticeable that similar instances have been reported regularly when driving tests were cancelled without bothering to disseminate timely information to candidates. ‘Saheb log’ take people for granted like time they waste in travelling to the site of trial and waiting for hours on a roadside doesn’t matter at all.
In the current instance, people who had travelled from various rural regions like Sunni, Basantpur, Mashobra, Koti etc. or those who had taken leave from office in order to take the test. Some candidates, who are living outside Himachal, had also reached Shimla to take the test for renewal of their license.
Truck drivers and others working on daily wages or facing deadlines apparently faced monetary loss for which administration is responsible.
“When people go by procedure, the officials should stick to it too. No wonder why so many people bypass the system and hire a middleman for some 4000 odd rupees and get the license without even appearing for the trial. It is an act that encourages corruption in government system,” said the youth.
SDM Saheb’s Justification
When asked about reason for such callous attitude towards public convenience and punctuality that reflect blunt disrespect to dignity of individuals, to value of their time, the SDM replied that officials were busy in a meeting. He further shifted the blame on people saying they should not wait for last date of driving test.The date of trial is decided by the HP Transport Department, he said.
The matter is highly condemnable and concerned officials are responsible for wastage of common man’s time and money. Moreover, such cases have also been reported in past when the officials didn’t show up, neither did inform people who waited for hours before returning empty-handed. It is the duty of officials to timely inform the people, even at the last moment. Being busy in meeting and keep so many people on hold for hours only to tell them that the trail was cancelled isn’t justifiable
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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