News
Himachal Reports First Omicron Variant Case, HP Govt Yet to Step Up Checks
Shimla-Himachal Pradesh has reported its first confirmed case of the Omicron variant. The 45-year-old a woman hails from the Mandi district and had a travel history from Canada. On December 18 had tested positive for Covid-19. Seven samples, including her, were sent to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for genome sequencing. Now, the NCDC has confirmed the sample of the woman to be positive for the Omicron variant.
However, the woman has already recovered and her RTPCR report tested negative on Saturday. Her three contact also tested negative.
Reports of the remaining six samples were still awaited. The Department said that it would send more samples for sequencing to the NCDC.
She has received the both doses of COVID-19 Vaccine, informed an HP Government Spokesperson. He said the female found positive for omicron has a travel history from Canada and she arrived in Shimla on 3rd December 2021. Her RTPCR test was done on the 8th day after her arrival i.e. 11th December 2021. He told that her sample was sent for WGS to Delhi and positive report was received from the WSG laboratory on 26th December 2021.
The State Government on Sunday informed that 2167 International passengers have arrived in the State as per the number provided by the Government of India from 20th November 2021 till now. A total of 1747 International passengers were eligible for RTPCR testing. The remaining 420 International passengers were not eligible for testing as some of them were untraceable, some have completed 14 days of home isolation, some returned abroad and some are staying out of State.
The HP Government informed that out of 1747 international passengers eligible for testing, 942 RTPCR tests have been conducted. The testing is done on the 8th day after arrival or when the symptoms appear, so accordingly 805 passengers are due for the RTPCT testing.
The Government Spokesperson said that out of 942 RTPCR tests done, 10 samples have been found positive
The Spokesperson appealed to the public not to panic but follow COVID appropriate behaviours such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance, frequently washing hands or using sanitisers, maintaining good ventilation. He appealed to the people to get themselves vaccinated with both doses of COVID vaccine, if not yet vaccinated.
At the same time, the HP government appears to be following exactly the opposite of what’s required. The state borders are open for tourists without any check, there are no crowd control measures, the testing is low, and Covid appropriate behaviour is reduced to only a formality.
The state government isn’t capable of compensating the tourism industry stakeholders if restrictions are imposed on the tourist movement. Meanwhile, it also can’t afford to annoy these stakeholders considering the crushing defeat on all three Assembly and one Lok Sabha seat in the recently held bye-elections.
While neighboring states are taking preventive measures, like the imposition of night curfew and crowd control measures, in view of the spread of the Omicron variant, Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, along with the entire HP Government machinery, is preparing to create a massive gathering at the Paddal ground in Mandi district to impress Prime Minister Narender Modi. Prime Minister is expected to address a rally in the Mandi district on December 27.
During the peak tourists season, organization of such a huge rally could be a blunder – an invitation to the third wave in the state.
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