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Himachal: Over 4,900 New Cases, 53 Deaths in March; Educational Institutes May Remain Closed Until April 15
Shimla-Educational Institutes in Himachal Pradesh are likely to remain closed for at least two more weeks as the State Education Directorate yesterday recommended it in a meeting held to review the COVID-19 situation. Earlier, the government had announced closure of schools until April 4 due to the rising COVID-19 cases. But the scheduled examinations would not be cancelled, the Directorate clarified.
The Health Department was also said to be in favour of this recommendation by the Education Directorate, but the final decision was yet to be announced by the state government. The recommendations were made in view of the surging COVID-19 cases and fatalities. Further, the government has already admitted that the ongoing second wave is acute and more lethal.
Also Read: New Strain More Lethal & Acute, say Health Officials
While six COVID-19 deaths were reported on Tuesday, the virus claimed three more on Wednesday, March 31.
In March, the state reported 4,960 new COVID-19 cases and 53 fatalities. The fatality rate has remained higher as compared to the first wave of the novel coronavirus. The number of active cases jumped to 2,973 on March 31 in comparison to only 318 on February 28. From about 47 daily cases at the end of February, the state reported almost 150 cases daily in March.
While officials of the health department are in favour of taking quick preventive measures, the state government is showing a lax attitude in taking any concrete decisions. A delay, an official of the health department said, on the condition of anonymity, would prove to be lethal for the people of the state.
Recently, a report released by the State Bank of India had predicted that the second wave would be at its peak by mid-April.
While several other states, including neighbouring Uttarakhand, has decided to make a COVID-19 negative report mandatory to enter the state, Chief Minister Jairam Thakur is procrastinating as campaigning for the elections to four Municipal Corporations of the state is in full swing. The campaigning is making it only difficult to make people follow COVID-19 SOPs and adhere to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. Chief Minister is himself campaigning aggressively and attending public gatherings.
Some concerned officials of the health department and district administrations expressed fear that the lives of the people are being put at stake for political interest. Some of them suggested that testing is still low and the current situation asks for a manyfold increase in the rate of testing.
The people have also lowered their guards and showing laxity in following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. A large number of people can be seen carrying out election campaigning and attending public gatherings without wearing masks or maintaining social distancing.
Pertinent to mention that Chief Minister has been completely rejecting any possibility of a lockdown but had been suggesting strict restrictions in the coming days. Further, Chief Minister was not in favour of putting restrictions on tourist movement as it would foil the peak season for the industry on the second consecutive year.
Meanwhile, tourist influx has reported a drastic drop as the nation-wide surge in cases continues amid the second wave of the pandemic carrying deadlier variants of the coronavirus. Hoteliers in Shimla reported that almost 50 percent of tourists have already cancelled bookings. The industry stakeholders are yet again in dilemma over the fate of this year’s peak season. They fear that the industry can’t bear another setback.
According to the Union Health Ministry, six States – Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat – continue to report a surge in the COVID new cases daily. 78.56 percent of new cases are reported from these six states. India reported 56,211 new cases in the last 24 hours (from the time of writing).
Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 31,643. It is followed by Punjab with 2,868 while Karnataka reported 2,792 new cases.
A total of 6,24,08,333 vaccine doses have been given, as per the provisional report till 7 pm on March 31.
These include 82,00,007 HCWs who have taken the 1st dose and 52,07,368 HCWs who have taken the 2nd dose, 90,08,905 FLWs (1st dose), 37,70,603 FLWs (2nd dose), 2,90,20,989 1st dose beneficiaries and 36,899 2nd dose beneficiaries more than 60 years old and 71,58,657 (1st dose) and 4,905 (2nd dose) beneficiaries aged 45 and above with specific co-morbidities, according to the Ministry.
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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