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HP Govt Constitutes ‘General Category Commission’ Within Hours As Protestors Create High Voltage Drama in Dharamshala
Dharamshala-A Commission for General Category in Himachal Pradesh – Samanya Varg Ayog- was formed within a few hours by the HP Government on Thursday. Chief Minister Jairam Thakur yielded to the warning given by the people of the general category to press NOTA in the elections next year. What made him accelerate this process was the Gherao of Tapovan Vidhan Sabha, Dharamshala, on the first day of the winter session by thousands of protestors from the general category under the banner of Devbhoomi Swarn Morcha and Devbhoomi Kashatriya Sangathan.
The protestors had earlier warned to gherao the Assembly complex on the first day of the winter session, and they did do it. But the bigger concern for the Jairam Thakur-led government was the warning from the people of the general category to press the NOTA button in the next Assembly elections due to be held in 2022. In Himachal Pradesh, according to the 2011 census, more than 50% population belong to the general category, making it the majority vote bank. Moreover, these organizations had claimed that the reason for the defeat of BJP on the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in the recent by-elections was a result of pressing the NOTA button.
The protestors broke the police barricades and breached the security to gather outside Vidhan Sabha. Some of the protestors also tried to enter the complex. According to the reports, when the police force tried to scatter the crowd with water cannons, the protestors pelted stones in which a fire tender and the vehicle of the SSP were damaged.
The protestors had reportedly Gheraoed the vehicles of DGP and the Deputy Commissioner, Nipun Jindal. They also warned of blocking all the exit routes from the Assembly complex. They demanded the presence of the Chief Minister to address their demand.
Amid this charged up atmosphere, the police, as well as the state government, surrendered to the protestors. The protestors didn’t listen to the Director-General of Police, HP, Sanjay Kundu, or Ministers Suresh Bhardwaj and Mahender Singh who tried to calm them down. Ultimately, Chief Minister Jairam Thakur was made to come out and negotiate. The Chief Minister sought more time for the formation of the Commission. However, the protestors didn’t accept this offer and demanded a written assurance. This made the Chief Minister go back to the Assembly session and make an immediate announcement for the formation of a Commission for the people of the general category.
Within a few hours, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar issued a notification that said that permission was granted for constituting commission for the general category.
Earlier, the protestors had gathered one kilometre from the Assembly complex at Zorawar Stadium. The police failed to hold the protestors there owing to their huge number.
The Chief Minister justified that this demand was long pending, hence, the HP Government had to take the decision to constitute the Commission.
These organizations from the upper castes had recently carried out a “Shavyatra” over their demand for the formation of Commission on the lines of SC/ST Commission. They had also carried out a foot march from Shimla to Haridwar and back to Dharamshala. They brought “Ganga Jal” from Haridwar and were adamant that they would carry out purification of all legislators with it.
After the official announcement of the Chief Minister, the Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, was seen in a photo reportedly carrying a vessel filled with “Ganga Jal” into the Assembly.
This movement for the formation of the Commission for general category was ignited as a reaction to the reservation given to the SC/ST categories. Now, this decision is likely to intensify the rift between the above-mentioned categories. Now, Himachal Pradesh has become the second state in the country after Madhya Pradesh to constitute a Commission for the general category. For better or worse, the politics in the state has gained a new dimension under the current BJP regime.
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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