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Read New Rules for Entry into Shimla & Who is Exempted from Quarantine Who’s Not
Shimla-New rules for entry into Shimla district were notified by the Deputy Commissioner on Aril 26, 2021. Now residents and visitors would have to go through the registration process. Those willing to return or visit the state would have to register at the COVID e-pass portal. The step was taken in wake of the surge in new cases and deaths, the district administration informed yesterday. Further, the administration said that the registration was made mandatory to ensure compliance with the quarantine requirements and facilitate contact tracing.
“It would be mandatory for all residents of the district returning from hotspots to follow the protocol of home/institutional quarantine for a period of 14 days since their entry into the district or earlier if a person tests negative for COVID-19 on the 6th or 7th day after entry,” said the notification issued in this regard from the Deputy Commissioner, Shimla.
However, there is no restriction on inter-district and intra-district movement, except from and to containment zones. Local/panchayat bodies, volunteers have been asked to ensure the supply of essentials to such families.
Family members or persons residing with a home-quarantined person who returned from a hotspot would also have to remain in isolation and there would be a restriction on their movement as well.
A task force has also been constituted, which will work under the supervision of the concerned Sub Divisional Magistrates to ensure regular checking and inspections of the gathering taking place in a Sub-Divison.
“Prompt action will be taken against the violators as per the related provision. It will be mandatory for the SDMs to personally inspect at least 10% of the gathering/events,” the notification said.
Further, the notification said that persons returning from hotspots would be treated as ‘high-risk contacts’. Hotspots also include religious congregations held outside the state.
Who is Exempted from Quarantine
- Persons returning from hotspots who have undergone RTPCR test within 72 hours before the entry into the state and reported negative for COVID-19.
- Persons who have undergone complete vaccination of COVID-19 and a period of minimum of 14 days has elapsed since the second dose of vaccine. However, they must have with them the final vaccination certificate issued to them.
- The residents who visit any hotspot for a short duration for medical, business or office purpose and return to the district within 72 hours, provided they are asymptomatic. Two barriers have been set up at Kuddu (Rohru) and Fedizpul (Chopal). Those willing to enter would have to provide proper verification of identity and COVID pass.
- Persons coming to the district from any hotspot for a short duration not exceeding 72 hours for medical, business or office purpose provided he does not mix with the general masses, follow social distancing and all other COVID-19 protocols and doesn’t take part in gatherings.
- Any persons who reported COVID-19 positive during the last six months and has fully recovered from COVID-19 infection provided the negative report should be of within the last 20 days. Such persons must also possess the COVID-19 positive report along with a valid ID card.
- Children under 10 years of age, if the accompanying adults have a COVID-19 negative report with them.
All would have to install Arogya Setu App.
Further quarantine facilities would be set up at the gram panchayat level and representatives would have to inform concerned officials regarding the movement of people into the district. They are also empowered to take action against those violating quarantine or isolation norms.
A health surveillance person would have to visit the quarantined persons at least once a day. In case of the appearance of symptoms, samples would be taken.
In case, a quarantined person is tested positive, she/he will be shifted promptly to the designated facility for treatment or advised home isolation, if the clinical condition permits to do so.
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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