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Ahead of HP Assembly Polls 2017, opposition seeks political chaos while Govt. woos voters with allowances and regularization moves
Another big announcement was the regularization period of contractual employees in Himachal that was reduced to three years from five.
SHIMLA-As Modi wave sweeps the country, politics in Himachal Pradesh has already heated up ahead of upcoming Assembly poll. Now, the blunder of the HP State Election Commission has fueled the fire. The draft voters’ list released for Shimla Municipal Corporation Polls 2017 has shocked people as it has missed names of as much as 18,000 voters. The voter list has shuffled the names and wards to add to the confusion of large number of other voters. Congress in Himachal is already suffering loss of reputation as the two top law-enforcement agencies, CBI and Enforcement Department, have grilled the Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh in disproportionate Assets case. The opposition is building pressure to resign on moral grounds. No doubt, opposition is too desperate to wait until November – assembly polls. So, opposition aims at creating political chaos and enjoy the show.
Rumors are spreading about possible arrest of the CM. Other politicians, who always lived their political career under dominance of Mr. Singh, are now hopeful of claiming control of affairs. The internal feuds of the party have become more visible recently. Moreover, the opposition knows that currently common people are very vulnerable to propaganda. In fact, BJP is exploiting greed of media to create noises so loud that logic and reason are no more audible.
This pressure has woken up the government in the last year of its tenure. Now, the government has begun to shower announcements. On the Himachal Day 2017, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh officially announced the launch of the un-employment allowance scheme. Another big announcement was the regularization period of contractual employees in Himachal that was reduced to three years from five. The announcement has sure cheered –up contractual employees.
As per the un-employment allowance scheme, that the CM claimed to be a historic move, the HP government is now providing unemployment allowance of Rs 1000 per month to unemployment youth having 10 plus two or above qualification where as the youth with disability would be given unemployment allowance of Rs 1500 per month. The Kaushal Vikas Allowance scheme would also be continued, he added.
The CM distributed cheques of Rs.1000 each to several beneficiaries under the scheme while presiding over the State Level 70th Himachal Day function at Chamba. The CM claimed credit for fulfilling promise of un-employment allowance made in its previous elections.
The CM didn’t forget to mention Rs. 500 crore Skill Development Allowance Scheme that was launched towards the end of 2016. As per the government, 1,52,000 youth in Himachal has received skill development allowance. Establishment of Rs. 640 crore Kaushal Vikas Nigam, the CM claimed, would provide employment to around 65,000 youth.
In every script of his speech, the CM repeatedly counts these schemes and announcements as achievements of the Congress government. BJP, at the same time, is trying to amplify anything that could go against the ruling party. Despite all these fact, the CM doesn’t seem to yield. He counters the money laundering case as a political trick to create chaos, nothing more.
The CM has been summoned by the ED in the money laundering case and asked him to appear before it on April 20. ED has already questioned his wife and son.
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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