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Respite for Himachal as Active Cases Drop to 7, But Govt Faces Backlash Over Mass Entry of People into State
Shimla-The number of active cases in Himachal Pradesh has dropped to seven as more patients continue to recover. Kangra district, which had reported the first three cases, became COVID-19 free after the recovery of its last patient on Thursday.
Further, the State has received some respite from the pandemic as no case has appeared during the last 10 days. The Government expects that Himachal would soon become a COVID-19 free State.
However, the mass entry of people from various borders after the Government issued passes in large numbers but failed to ensure safety guidelines like social distancing and testing of all at borders has again made the State vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19.
The State Government faced a huge backlash from the people and oppositions over the alleged mismanaged scene at the Mehatpur-Una border Monday onwards. On April 28th, Himachal Watcher had reported it along with video clips showing a large number of people queued up with no heed to social distancing.
Himachal Watcher raised the issue through information collected by a journalist of Punjab who was reporting from the field and had talked to the people and officials of the Punjab police.
The officials blamed the HP Government for not making adequate arrangement of health officials for the screening and police for ensuring social distancing. They also suggested that the Government should have issued limited passes per day to prevent mass gathering.
A senior leader of Bharatiya Janata Party and former Chief Minister, Shanta Kumar, also criticized the mismanagement and flouting of safety guidelines. Shanta Kumar clearly said that it is not possible to conduct medical testing of people entering the State in such a large number, neither it is possible to quarantine them. He said crowds were scene on roads in Palampur.
The successful containment of the virus spread in the State through lockdown and curfew is at risk due to large gathering of people which worries him, Shanta Kumar said.
Through social media posts, he has even warned the Government of issuing unlimited passes earlier too.
Further, the opposition Congress has also condemned the Government for this management, which has again exposed the State to the spread of COVID-19.
After A Strict Curfew/Lokcdown of Over A Month, This Shouldn't be Happening
It would be frustrating for the people of #Himachal and Punjab to face a curfew and lockdown for over a month for nothing. To get a more clear picture of what we are talking about, watch this video showing the scene at the Mehatpur-Una boarder and listen to what people standing in crowded queues said. #HimachalPradesh #COVID19Himachal #HPGovt #Una #Punjab CMO Himachal
Posted by Himachal Watcher on Tuesday, 28 April 2020
The police on the other side of the border said that it was not informed regarding issuing of passes and entry through the Mehatpur-Una gate. Two police officials can be seen in the video, alleging HP Government of inappropriate arrangements.
But the Chief Minister Jairam Thakur claimed otherwise. “In a television interview, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that such a situation arose for only half an hour as the area lies in Punjab and the Punjab Police were supposed to coordinate but did not,” said an English Daily report.
So far, over 50,000 people have returned to the State through their own vehicles or transport arrangements. About 17,000 of them has entered Kangra district and thousands of more are likely to enter during next couple of days.
The government has not released any comprehensive data related to the total number of people who have returned to the State until now.
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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