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Curfew Relaxed for Private Vehicles, Institutional Quarantine Only For Red Zone Returnees With Better Facility on Paid Basis: CM Jairam
Shimla-On Monday, Himachal Pradesh reported one new COVID-19 positive. This 63-year-old man had returned from Delhi on May 8th and was in home quarantine. On May 10th, he was taken to a hospital in Dharamshala on the appearance of symptoms. His sample was sent to Tanda Medical College & Hospital for testing. His report was found to be positive. Now, the total number of cases in the State is 59. The number of actives cases has risen to 18.
The Chief Minister Jairam today accepted that return of stranded people from other States has led to a rise in cases in the State.
“One lakh people have already arrived in the State from various parts of the country. This has resulted in an increase of COVID-19 positive cases in the State. The total number of patients in the State was 40 a week ago, but within a week it has gone upto 59, which is a matter of concern,”
said the Chief Minister.
However, despite this concern, he decided to further relax conditions on the movement of people and private vehicles. He decided to allow the intra-district movement of people on foot and in private vehicles without a curfew pass. Now anyone can come out and drive personal vehicles during the seven-hour curfew relaxation. But inter-district movement would be allowed with a permit, except from the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh area.
Institutional Quarantine Only for People Coming from Red Zones
Yesterday the Government had announced that institutional quarantine would be mandatory for all people returning to the State. However, today, the Chief Minister changed his mind and announced that only people coming from red zones and those with ILI symptoms would be placed under institutional quarantine.
“As many as 55 thousand people of the State have applied for e-pass for entering the State. As large number of these people would be coming from red zones, they would require institutional quarantine facility,”
said Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.
He also said that the decision of placing people under quarantine would be taken based on medical examination. Better institutional quarantine facilities would be provided to those who are willing to pay, the Chief Minister added.
About 68,000 people of other States stranded in Himachal Pradesh want to go back to their respective States, he said.
Special Trains to Arrive With Stranded People on May 13th and 15th
He said that a special train from Bengaluru would reach Una on 13th May at 6.00 AM and another special train from Thivim/Margao/Karamali (Goa) would be reaching Una on 15th May 2020. He directed the DC Una to ensure there is no chaos. He said that arrangements of food packets, water etc. should also be made to facilitate these people.
Thousands of people of the State have come back from various parts of the country having expertise in different fields, Jairam Thakur said, adding that the State Government has decided to undertake talent mapping of such people so that in case the lockdown prolongs and they wish to stay back home, their services could be utilized for benefit of the State.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur gave these directions to the Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police and Chief Medical Officers of the State through video conferencing from Shimla on Monday.
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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