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BJP Govt Celebrates Completion of 4 Years in Himachal, Congress, CPIM Question Unfulfilled Poll Promises
Mandi-Prime Minister Narender Modi today addressed a rally at the Paddal ground in Mandi. The occasion was to celebrate what Chief Minister Jairam Thakur claimed to be the “successful completion of four years of the government.”
The Prime Minister termed the State Government’s term as “four years of eventful tenure.”
A special emphasis was laid on creating a feeling of emotional proximity of the Prime Minister to Himachal Pradesh.
The event was organized to be a grand one with huge expenditure on its publicity, which the opposition Congress termed to be an extravagance in the use of public money to show-off political power.
The Prime Minister and Chief Minister counted various schemes and cited various statistics as the current government’s achievement.
However, the defeat on all three Assembly seats and one Lok Sabha seat in the recently held bye-elections contradicts the government’s claim that the public is satisfied with the working of the current government.
While the BJP-led government indulged in self-praise at the Paddal ground, the opposition Congress observed the day as “state-wide Virodh Diwas” against the alleged poor governance and incompetence of the current BJP-led government. In various districts, the opposition submitted a memorandum regarding the alleged failures of the government to the Governor through respective Deputy Commissioners.
In the memorandum, Congress highlighted four issues – poor governance, fiscal incompetence, rampant corruption, and Covid mismanagement.
Congress alleged that the government didn’t fulfil its poll promises. The inflation, rising prices of essential commodities, and unemployment haven’t been attended. The Opposition also alleged misuse of government machinery and corruption. The Congress termed the second round of investor meet as an eyewash. The state government has failed in procuring any central package for the industrial development in the state, the Congress said.
The opposition also condemned the inconvenience caused by taking over 1600 HRTC buses off their routes and deploy them for the rally. Also, the organization of such a huge rally amid the fear of the third wave of the pandemic was also questionable considering the precautions other states are taking.
Similarly, the Communist Party of India also carried out a protest march in Shimla city on Monday. Sanjay Chauhan, a senior party leader and former mayor of Shimla, alleged that the government hasn’t fulfilled several of the promises BJP had made before the elections.
“BJP had promised to ease the lives of the people by reducing inflation and generating more employment opportunities. It had also made a promise to ensure better prices to farmers for their crops and hike daily wages. The employees were promised the revival of the old pension scheme and a new policy for contractual and outsourced employees, Sanjay Chauhan said.
“BJP had also promised payment of proper compensation by implementing the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. But the state government is yet to fulfil any of these promises,” Chauhan added.
“The unemployment rate which was 0.5% in April 2017 had risen to 28.2% till May 2020, and 8.5 lakh educated youth is still registered with the employment exchange, waiting for employment,” Chauhan added.
He also said that the government has almost cut all the subsidies given to farmers on seeds, manure pesticides, insecticides, fungicides etc.
Projects Inaugurated by PM
The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones of projects worth about Rs 11,581. The main projects include the following:
111 MW Sawara Kuddu Hydro Electric Project
Prime Minister inaugurated 111 MW Sawara Kuddu Hydro Electric Project virtually from Mandi constructed by the HP Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL) at Rs 2082 crore.
Constructed near the Hatkoti temple on the Pabbar river in Shimla district, the government claimed that this project would generate 386 million units of power per annum and generate annual revenue of about Rs 120 crore to the State through HPPCL.
Renuka ji Dam on Giri, Sirmour, and 66 MW Dhaulasidh Hydro Electric Project
He also laid foundation stones of Rs 7000 crore Renuka ji Dam on Giri river in Sirmour district and 66 MW Dhaulasidh Hydro Electric Project, a joint venture between the Government of India and the State Government located on the Beas river in Hamirpur and Kangra districts, the government informed. This Project being executed by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. would be completed by spending an amount of Rs 688 crore.
210 MW Luhri Stage-I Hydro-Electric Project
He also laid the foundation stone of the 210 MW Luhri Stage-I hydroelectric project to be constructed by spending Rs 1811 crore on the Satluj river in Shimla and Kullu districts of the State.
Though the Hydropower projects are debatable and aren’t considered eco-friendly due to several reasons, the Prime Minister said the ones launched on Monday “reflects India’s commitment to eco-friendly development.”
“When the Shree Renukaji Dam project on the Giri river is completed, a large area will be directly benefited by it. Whatever income will be generated from this project, a large part of it will also be spent on development”, the Prime Minister claimed.
He claimed that India is meeting its environment-related goals with a remarkable speed.
“In 2016, India had set a target to meet 40 percent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil energy sources by 2030. India has achieved this goal in November this year itself.” the PM claimed.
He said that the State got AIIMS, Atal Tunnel and four Medical Colleges during the tenure of the present Government. But the Congress alleges that the BJP government is taking undue credits for several projects thought and initiated by the previous Congress government. Atal Tunnel is one of them, the opposition alleged.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also presided over the state government’s second “Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Himachal Pradesh Global Investors’ Meet” at Mandi. The government said that in the event, 287 investible projects worth ₹ 28,197 were grounded.
Amongst these projects were Renukaji Dam project worth ₹ 6,700 crores by SJVNL, State’s first Defence Park worth ₹ 2,000 crores by M/s SMPP Pvt. Ltd., API unit worth ₹ 850 Cr by M/s Kinvan Pvt. Ltd., State’s first Defence Park worth ₹ 510 Cr by M/s Indo Farm Equipment.
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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