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HP Govt Tweaks Quarantine Rules, Know Who is Exempted
Shimla-Considering the scarcity of labour for industries and apple orchardist in Himachal Pradesh amid COVID-19 crisis, the State Government has taken a very crucial decision to exempt migrant labourers alongwith persons from some other categories from quarantine requirements. The apple harvesting season is just a month away, and the exodus of migrant labourers who comprised a major workforce in orchards is haunting the orchardists.
But now the migrant labourers coming to the State can be sent directly to the worksite of the orchardist, agriculturist, contractor, project proponents. The labour can start working at these sites immediately, informed a Spokesperson of the Revenue department and Disaster Management on June 15.
“The person covered under SOPs for inter-state movement of industrial workers, industrialists, factory owners, traders, raw material suppliers, service provider, inspecting authorities will be exempted from the purview of home quarantine,”
he informed.
“The persons visiting the State for bonafide purpose of trade, business, job, project, service purpose, commission agents and arhtiyas with supporting documents and entering the State with valid permit/e-pass and not coming from high COVID-19 case load cities and other containment zones from rest of the country will also be exempted from the purview of quarantine,”
the Spokesperson said.
They would have to observe all the due precautions including social distancing/isolation and the constant monitoring for symptoms, as is being done for quarantined persons. The period of active surveillance will continue to be the same as per the period prescribed by the guidelines issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
He said that the management, incharge or head of any NGO or any charitable organisation, which has branches in the State and travels to the State of Himachal Pradesh in connection with its affairs have been exempted from quarantine requirement in the State.
These affairs will include a visit for an official meeting for a short duration not exceeding 48 hours. This exemption for the organizations in this category would be applicable only if the visitors do not mix with general masses, follows all social distancing and other COVID-19 prevention protocols/norms, does not organize any social/cultural or any other gathering of any sort.
In addition to the instructions in the original Order, use of Aarogya Setu app shall be mandatory in all cases, including the above-exempted categories.
People Coming to Himachal from High-Load COVID-19 Cities
The spokesperson said that all persons coming from high case load COVID-19 infected cities will be institutionally quarantined.
“Only for exceptional and compelling reasons such as cases of human distress, pregnancy, death in family, serious illness, persons above 65 years of age with co-morbidities and parent(s) accompanied by children below 10 years may be permitted to be home quarantined, instead of institutional quarantine, for 14 days, subject to satisfaction of the concerned District Magistrate about satisfactory arrangements being available for such home quarantine,”
he informed.
These changes came after the Chairman, State Executive Committee (SEC), ordered few additions and amendments in the orders and regarding quarantine requirements.
All the departments and organisations, District Magistrate, Police Officers, officials and local authorities of the State have been asked to ensure the implementation of the directions of the National Disaster Management Authority and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Though, indeed, the State, especially apple orchardists, facing a shortage of manpower right ahead of the season, the amendment in the rules to allow migrant labourers to go directly to the work field could introduce COVID-19 in rural areas.
Further, the State Government had been assuring the orchardists that there would be no paucity of labour in the season.
While presiding over a meeting at the Bachat Bhawana a few days ago, the Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj had said that Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur will be talking to the Nepal government and other states make labourers available.
Other than the shortage of labour, low-production, as compared to the previous year, is also causing distress among orchardists in the State.
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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