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HP Govt Postpones Exams and Practical, 144 Imposed in 5 Districts, Read More Updates
Shimla– With two positive cases of COVID-19 and its spread in neighboring states, Himachal Pradesh is seeing imposition of Section 144 to ensure social distancing. Earlier, Section 144 was imposed only in Kangra district . But now, the Section has come into force in five districts – Hamirpur, Chamba, Solan, Una, and Kangra.
An FIR has been lodged in Hamirpur district where people had organized a ‘Jagran’ despite imposition of Section 144. Another FIR was filed against the 63-year-old woman from Kangra who was tested positive yesterday. She has been booked for concealing information related to her COVID-19 infection and causing its spread.
In Shimla, the Vayopaar Mandal has today decided to keep the market close for next three days. All shops excluding those of daily needs like milk, bread, grocery, medical stores would remain closed till March 24. Hoteliers are closing hotels as the entry of tourists to Himachal has been completely restricted. The hotels have been directed to ask tourists to check-out by Saturday.
Further, Himachal Pradesh Government has postponed all examinations and practical exams scheduled upto 31st March, 2020 till further orders. A spokesperson of the state government informed that the decision was taken in view of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in the country and in continuation of the various advisory/directions issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department.
He said that all evaluation and related activities scheduled up to 31st March, 2020 are also postponed till further orders. All teaching staff at all levels would not attend the respective educational institutions till 31st March, 2020 and are advised to stay at home. Only staff or teacher/headmasters/principals assigned administrative work would attend office and also comply with the general instructions issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department.
The spokesperson said that respective District Magistrates can requisite the services of the staff of Education Department, for IEC activities. Teaching staff including those who have been ordered to not to come to the institutions and have been advised to stay at home, would make themselves available to the respective District Magistrates in case they are ordered to do so. He said that these orders would come into force with immediate effect.
HPTDC Lifts to Remain Close on 22nd March
A spokesperson of the HP Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) informed that lifts of HPTDC connecting cart road and mall road would remain closed on 22nd March, 2020 keeping in view the Janta curfew.
He said that the routine closing timing for lifts would now be 08:00 pm instead of 10:00 PM.
Training Programmes Scheduled at HIPA Cancelled Till 31st March
A spokesperson of the Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA) today informed that all the training programmes, workshops, seminars etc. scheduled at HIPA have been cancelled. He said that the decision was taken in compliance with the order of the state government due to COVID-19 till 31st March, 2020 with immediate effect.
HP Governor Stresses on Following Guidelines to Deal with Coronavirus
Governor Bandaru Dattatraya has emphasized to make people more aware of coronavirus. He said that wide publicity should be ensured of the guidelines issued by the state government, health department and security agencies so that the message could reach to the maximum number of people.
He said that the world was struggling with this crisis and Union Government has called for a Janata Curfew so that this chain of virus can be broken. He urged the people of the state to follow the instructions and comply with the precautionary steps taken by the state government to check the spreading of the virus.
He has also urged the people to ignore rumours and misinformation regarding COVID-19.
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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