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Tourist Influx Worries Himachal as Deadlier Variant of COVID-19 Confirmed in 80% of Samples in Punjab
Shimla-Himachal Pradesh has reported seven COVID-19 deaths in the past two days with a surge in new cases. Four deaths were reported on Wednesday itself, taking the death tally to 1012.
A massive increase in new COVID-19 cases in neighbouring state of Punjab is concerning for Himachal Pradesh. The tourists from Punjab and other states continue to visit the state without any restriction and monitoring of any sorts.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amrinder Singh, revealed that 81% of the 401 samples sent from Punjab for genome sequencing tested positive for the United Kingdom (UK) variant of the coronavirus – the B.1.1.7 or SARS-CoV-2 variant.
Studies have shown that this new variant is deadlier; it has a higher mortality rate. The SARS-CoV-2 variant is also about 40 to 70 percent more transmissible than previous variants.
Singh said, the new variant is affecting the younger population and urged the Prime Minister to pace up the vaccination drive and include the younger population in it as well.
The Centre yesterday directed states to include all people aged above 45 years in the vaccination drive. The Centre has also rolled out new guidelines for April in wake of the spike in cases in as many as six states – Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu. These states together account for 80.90% of the new cases (40,715) reported in the last 24 hours.
Punjab and Maharastra each have reported 58 COVID-19 deaths in the past 24 hours, which is the highest among the six states.
However, the state government is still reluctant to comment on a strategy to take preventive measures against the entry of the new variant into the state.
On the condition of anonymity, an official of the district administration said, the government is concerned that any mention of the possibility of restrictions and conditions on movement of tourists ahead of the tourist season would enrage the tourism industry.
Although the Centre has directed states/UTs to increase testing, the rate is still not high enough in Himachal Pradesh, the official said.
Also Read: No Fairs, Restriction on Social Gathering, Strict Adherences to Masks and Social Distancing: HP Govt
The state government hasn’t made plans to make precautionary measures like producing COVID-19 negative reports or conducting rapid tests of those entering the state mandatory.
The Centre has already made it clear that no restrictions would be imposed on the inter-state or intra-state movement of people or goods.
Tourists from Punjab flock to Himachal daily, especially on weekends. With the summer -peak tourist season- likely to kick-off in April, the footfall of tourists is only going to rise manyfold. The officials are of the view that completely neglecting taking preventive measures on inter-state movement, especially from the states with a massive surge in new cases, would jeopardise the lives of the people in the state.
Further, the possibilities of more strict lock-downs appears to be thin, especially as India struggles to get out of the recession and unemployment crisis it’s facing. The Reserve Bank of India recently made it clear that another lock-down would be unbearable for the nation.
“There is a restless urgency in the air in India to resume high growth, and incoming data point to even contact-intensive services such as personal care, recreation and hospitality gathering traction,” central bankers led by Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra wrote in the Reserve Bank of India’s latest monthly bulletin. But “another outbreak, more lockdowns and restraints, will get unbearable in spite of learning from the initial experience of living with the virus.”
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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