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HP Cabinet Decisions: Stipend to MBBS and BDS interns enhanced, nod to operationalise Medical University at Ner Chowk
Shimla: The Cabinet, in its meeting held today, decided to operationalise Medical University at Ner Chowk in Mandi district for effective management and monitoring of all the medical colleges of the State.
The Cabinet gave the approval to enhance stipend to the MBBS interns of IGMC Shimla, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda and BDS interns of H.P. Dental College, Shimla from Rs. 10,000 to Rs.15000.
The Cabinet gave its nod to provide Rs. 500 per month to nursing personnel working in the Health and Family Welfare Department as daily diet money.
The Cabinet decided to fill up 75 vacant posts of Agriculture Extension Officers in Agriculture Department by direct recruitment through H.P. Staff Selection Commission on a contract basis.
It also gave its nod to fill up 40 posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT) on contract basis in Agriculture Department through H.P. Staff Selection Commission on a contract basis.
The Cabinet also decided to purchase 28 vehicles in Irrigation and Public Health Department for the smooth functioning of the department at field level.
Mukhya Mantri Lok Bhawan Yojna
It also decided to implement Mukhya Mantri Lok Bhawan Yojna in the State under one community building would be constructed in each assembly constituency to facilitate the people for organizing various social, welfare and cultural activities etc. at a cost of Rs. 30 lakh.
Mukhya Mantri Madhu Vikas Yojna
In another decision, it gave its nod to the guidelines for implementation of Mukhya Mantri Madhu Vikas Yojna. The scheme will be implemented by the Horticulture Department, and it is expected to benefit all the beekeepers engaged in commercial beekeeping besides the beekeepers willing to adopt beekeeping as a source of their livelihood.
Likewise, the Cabinet agreed to enhance the number of days under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act from 100 to 120 days which will benefit thousands of such persons.
It gave nod to notify the Himachal Pradesh Energy Conservation Building Code 2018 (HPECBC) and Himachal Pradesh Energy Conservation Building Rules, 2018.
The purpose of HPECBC is to provide minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design and construction of buildings in Himachal Pradesh. The Code also provides two additional sets of incremental requirements for buildings to achieve enhanced levels of energy efficiency that go beyond the minimum requirements.
The code is applicable to buildings or building complexes that have a total built-up area of 750 square meters or more and an intended to be used for commercial purposes.
The private residential building shall not come under the ambit of the Code.
The Cabinet approved enhancement of borrowing limit of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. from Rs. 5000 crore to Rs. 7000 crore.
It agreed to open B. Pharmacy College at Rakkar in district Kangra along with the creation of various posts of various categories to manage the institute.
The Cabinet gave its approval to open Fire Post at Thunag in district Mandi along-with creation of various posts of different categories and purchase of two fire-fighting vehicles to man the Post.
It gave its nod to create new Division Seraj at Janjehali and new Sub Division of Public Works Department at Bagsiad in Mandi district.
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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