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Daily Wager in Hamirpur Attempts Suicide as Lockdown Takes Away Job
Bilaspur-A complete lock down in the entire nation is the need of the time and it’s for the good of all. However, there is another problem that the government need to attend to immediately. Because if it is not done, then poor ones might survive COVID-19 but would definitely die of starvation.
Hardest hit due to lockdown are poor – people working in unorganized sector as laborers and daily wagers. Then there are migrant laborers, who had wandered to other states for survival. Factories or their employers have abandoned them due to lockdown. They have no shelter and no ration. Due to lockdown, migrants workers are compelled to undertake journeys of hundreds of kilometers on foot.
It might not be the intention of the government amid this emergency, but it’s an ugly truth that they are left in lurch. The workers of unorganized sector in Himachal Pradesh too are hit by lockdown.
Take a look at this video from Barotiwala in Paonta Sahib:
The rich and those who could afford have bought stocks of ration and essential for months, but the poor do not have this capacity. In case of major breakout, like it happened in China, Italy, USA, Spain, South Korea etc, not only the health system of India would crumble, but it would also lead to disruption in the chain of demand and supply.
Consider the case of a daily wager who had migrated from Uttar Pradesh to Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district in search of livelihood. He ran out of money as he was living hand to mouth. He tried to hang himself as it becomes difficult to afford ration for his family that include a wife and a kid.
Fortunately, his wife saw him timely and cut down the rope with which he was trying to hang himself. The wife said he had asked his family back in UP for financial help but did not receive it. As there was no work, there was no money, thus, no food.
The local police gave an immediate assistance of one thousand rupee to the family. Then there is a case of a disabled man who walked about 200 kms from Shimla to Nahan. He was trying to reach his home. When inquired by police, he told them that he is going to his native village in Shillai. The local police extended help and arranged a vehicle for him and also gave him some fruits to eat.
There are lakhs such migrant laborers who are currently stuck in different parts of the country, especially cities. They were earning and feeding their families on daily-basis. Due to the lock-down, they don’t have work and aren’t able to go to their native states. They are wandering at railway stations and bus stations with their families that include elderly and kids of all age.
The State Governments have not issued any clear guidelines regarding the issue of saving these poor from starving to death. In case, the government issues some relief then it would be based on the registration of individuals with state government. In unorganized sector, there is a huge chunk of workers who are not registered. They would not receive this assistance from the government.
The government and the people as volunteers need to chalk out plans to tackle this situation.
Himachal Watcher is trying to talk to volunteers, organizations and NGOs like Umang Foundation to make it possible to reach out to such people and ensure supply of ration to them.
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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