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Politics delayed Bilaspur’s Baagchal bridge construction, will be completed by 2019: CM
In 2016, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh had slammed the state and centre government over such a long delay and wastage of public tax money. The court had asked why government wasted the money on the pillars without proper assessment of the strata.
Bilaspur -While addressing a gathering at Ghandir in Jhanduta Assembly segment in Bilaspur district, once again the Chief Minister Virbahdra Singh gave another assurance to the locals over the revival of abandoned construction work of the Baagchal Bridge over Sutlej in Bilaspur.
The Chief Minister had laid the foundation stone of the bridge in 2005 and the tender was allotted to the Gammon Indian Private Ltd. More than 18 crores were already spent by the year 2008. In 2017, the bridge is still far away from completion.
After allotment of tenders in 2005, the company worked for three years. The work was to be completed by 2008. But in 2008-9, the work was abandoned. As a matter of fact, the bridge was very crucial for the socio-economic development of the region. But both BJP and Congress government ruled the state during this period but none of them could complete it.
The villagers had no choice but to take the grievance to the court over the delayed construction of the bridge. In 2016, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh had slammed the state and centre government over such a long delay and wastage of public tax money. The court had asked why government wasted the money on the pillars without proper assessment of the strata.
The bridge was expected to connect Naina Devi and Jhandhuta. A population of over 20,000 of 17 panchayats located on left bank of Govind Sagar and 25,000 of 19 Panchayats on the right bank of the river were desperately waiting for the early completion of the project.
The bridge would have cut down about 70 kilometers from the distance between two destinations.Currently, people travel 100 kilometers to reach Bilaspur and Swarghat from Jhanduta. This distance would have shortened to only 13 kilometers – a huge relief to the population of over 45,000 people.
Currently, people travel 100 kilometers to reach Bilaspur and Swarghat from Jhanduta. This distance would have shortened to only 13 kilometers – a huge relief to the population of over 45,000 people.
The bridge was also meant to shorten the distance between Chandigarh and Shah Talai. He said that the delay in construction increased expenditure to Rs. 15 to 20 crore.
On Friday, in view of assembly elections, the CM again revived the hope of the people. He informed than an additional amount of rupees 16 crore was sanctioned for completion of Bagchaal bridge.
He said that Gammon India stopped decking work on the ground as strata around the pier was not the same as envisaged during designing the foundation. However, revised proposal for the foundation of bridge pier was submitted and now again the Gammon India Limited has taken up the job for completion of the bridge.
The Gammon India Private Ltd is given two years to complete the construction of the bridge, said the Chief Minister
The Chief Minister blamed politics played over the construction of Baagchaal Bridge for the delay in its completion.
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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