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Barber Shops/Saloons in Shimla Allowed to Open, List of Several Mandatory Conditions Issued With Strict Directions
Shimla-As a relief to barbers and saloons in Himachal Pradesh, the State Cabinet on May 23 decided to allow them to open from Monday onwards on several conditions. In this regard, the District Administration, Shimla, has already issued several mandatory guidelines under the Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which the staff at barber shops/saloons would have to follow while providing service to customers. Any violation of these guidelines would be punishable as per the laws. Also, training was given to over 150 stylists/barbers in the district on what to do and what not during delivering services.
First of all, shops/salons would have to give an undertaking to the DC stating that they do not have any flu-like symptoms, have no travel history during the last 14 days, and did not come in contact with a COVID-19 positive person.
The hair-dressers would be allowed to give a hair cut only. Shaving, threading, etc. would not be permitted.
Every service provider will have to register each and every customer in a format provided by the District Administration. The staff will have to obtain information regarding every customer including name, age, gender, address, mobile number, and status of installation of Arogya Setu app, symptoms of flu with the date and registration number.
Customers with cough, fever or symptoms of breathing problems won’t be allowed to avail services of astylist/barber. Similarly, the staff showing the same symptoms is not allowed to provide service.
While it would be mandatory for a customer to wear a triple-layered mask, the stylist/barber would have to wear disposable cap and gloves in addition to a triple-layered mask.
Hand sanitizer containing at least 70 percent alcohol should be available at shops/saloons and hands of every customer would have to be sanitized on entry.
Barbers/stylist can only use disposable towel/gowns or apron, and gloves. They would have to discard them after use and wear new ones. Staff would have to open the packaging of a new apron in the presence of a customer.
After serving a customer, the shops/saloons would have to sanitize every tool/device used and door handles, service counter, chairs, railings and everything that comes in contact with a customer. They will have to wipe floors twice in day–in the morning and evening-with a sanitizer containing at least one percent sodium hydrochloride or lizol. After using them every time, tools must be first washed and then sanitized with a sanitizer containing 70 percent alcohol.
Staff can’t use tools/devices like hairdryer trimmer etc. which can’t be washed and sanitized.
The staff has been asked to refrain from walk-in service to prevent gathering to ensure social distancing. The customers will have to book an appointment online or telepathically. The owners would have to display phone/WhatsApp numbers outside their shops/saloons.
Only one customer would be allowed to enter at a time unless there are six or more chairs in a saloon.
There would be no waiting area and magazines, newspapers or other reading material. The staff has been directed to keep the conversation with customers to the minimum. Also, they can only converse while looking in the mirror and not directly.
Further, barbers/stylists would have to stick to the rate list with fixed charges for a service.
Further, the officials of the district administration have been asked to monitor the functioning of such shops/saloons and file a report daily. It is to be seen as to how the district administration makes barbers/saloons follow this long list of mandatory conditions.
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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