News
HP Govt Proposes Rs. 9405.41 crore Outlay Under Development Budget 2021-22
Shimla-The Himachal Pradesh Government has proposed an outlay of Rs. 9405.41 crore under the developmental budget for the year 2021-22. It was informed by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the morning session of MLA’s priority meeting for the financial year 2021-22 yesterday.
This meeting is held to offer elected representatives an opportunity to underline their developmental priorities.
Jai Ram Thakur said that as many as 251 projects worth Rs. 926.24 crore have been approved under NABARD under MLA priorities during the year 2020-21. He said that out of this, Rs. 565.52 crore has been provided for roads and bridges whereas Rs. 360.72 crore have been provided for minor irrigation and drinking water schemes. He said that a provision of Rs. 13,300 crore was made during the first three years tenure of the previous State Government under the annual plan outlay whereas during the first three years tenure of the present State Government a provision of Rs. 21,300 crore were made as annual plan outlays.
Chief Minister said that during the first three years tenure of the previous State Government, 433 MLA priority schemes worth Rs. 2033 crore were approved, whereas during the tenure of the present State Government 639 MLA priority schemes worth Rs. 2382 crore have been approved. He said that a provision of Rs. 1276 crore were made for implementation of the MLA priorities during the first three years tenure of the previous State Government, whereas a provision of Rs. 2221 crore has been made during the first three years tenure of the present State Government.
Further, under the Him Care Scheme, he claimed, 4.63 lakh families got registered and till date and 1.25 lakh families have been provided financial assistance of Rs. 121 crore. He said that financial assistance of Rs. 3000 per month was being provided to a family with the chronically ill patient under the Sahara Yojna.
Demands Put Forth by MLAs
District Sirmour:
MLA Pachhad Reena Kashyap urged for providing equipment and other facilities in the Hospital to facilitate patients of the area, develop the area from tourism point of view, IPH division be opened at Rajgarh as presently it falls in another constituency, PG classes be started in the Degree College Rajgarh, and work of 33 KV sub-station at Shilabagh be completed at the earliest.
MLA Nahan Dr. Rajiv Bindal said that three bridges must be sanctioned under CRF for Nahan Vidhan Sabha area, better sewerage facilities be provided in Nahan town, channelization of Markandye river should be taken in hand at the earliest under the Flood Management project, proper facilities and equipment must be provided in Nahan Medical College, Atal Adarsh Vidhalaya be opened in the constituency, Police Post be opened at Mata Balasundri temple in the constituency.
MLA Renuka Vinay Kumar said buildings be provided for two newly upgraded Sub Tehsils and one Tehsil, land be transferred for Degree College Dadahu, Development Block to be provided at Dadahu as about 40 panchayats falls under the area, bedsides Electrical subdivision at Sangrah. He also felt the need for plying more buses in the area to facilitate the commuters.
MLA Shillai Harshwardhan Chauhan said the delay in preparation of DPR under NABARD was a matter of concern, several water supply schemes need to be augmented and maintained, adequate staff be provided in the Degree College Shillai, the college has a strength of over 1000, out of which 700 were girl students, a girls’ hostel be constructed in the college to facilitate the girl students. He said that Paonta-Shillai-Menus Road must be upgraded to a double lane at the earliest.
District Una
MLA Chintpurni Balbir Singh said that adequate funds be provided for construction of bridge leading towards Baba Barbhagh Singh, Jhalera-Amb road be upgraded into a four-lane road.
MLA Gagret Rajesh Thakur said that DPRs of augmentation of water supply scheme under NABARD must be approved at the earliest, 19 villages of the constituency should be excluded from the Town and Country Planning Area, work on the construction of 20 tube-wells must to taken in hand soon, proper ground be provided for construction of Degree College Daulatpur.
MLA Haroli and Leader of Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri said that special thrust must be laid on timebound completion of DPRs under MLA priorities, expressed concern over the increasing cases of mining in Swan river. He said that 5th Phase of Swan River Channelization must be got sanctioned at the earliest and greater stress must be laid on setting up of tubewells in the area.
MLA Una Satpal Raizada said that building of PHC at Basoli village should be constructed at the earliest, better sewerage facilities must be provided for Una town to facilitate the people of the area, illegal mining on Swan Channelization must be stopped.
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
Home Decor Ideas 2020