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Ticket Refunds Are The Responsibility Of The State Association (UPCA): BCCI

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: After the fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned due to excessive fog and poor visibility, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said that the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) is the competent authority to oversee a full refund for ticket holders. The abandonment of the match sparked frustration among spectators, who are expecting a refund for their tickets. Under the BCCI's refund policy, spectators are eligible for reimbursement (minus fees) if a match is cancelled or abandoned before a single ball is bowled. That is under the domain of the state cricket association, which is UPCA. So, this games hosting state is the UPCA. So, they will be able to tell you about this, and they are the competent authority. Everything in ticketing is done by the state association, as the BCCI just gives them the hosting rights and all these things are taken care of and are under the domain of the state association, Saikia told IANS on Thursday. Repeated inspections by on-field umpires K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan and Rohan Pandit, along with reserve umpire J.R. Madanagopal, didnt yield the desired outcome as the game was eventually called off at 9.30 pm. Due to the match being abandoned at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, India holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, with the fifth and final game set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. The abandonment of the fourth T20I has reignited debate over the BCCIs scheduling of international games in winter months, particularly with this series against South Africa seen as a part of vital preparation ahead of the Mens T20 World Cup in February-March. This was the first time a T20I was staged in Lucknow in December, and it now carries the unwanted distinction of hosting Indias first major international match abandoned due to excessive fog. Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya was even spotted wearing a mask in the middle, underscoring the severity of fog and the Air Quality Index (AQI), which remained hazardous. The scheduling of fixtures in North Indian winters has long been a contentious issue, and Saikia felt Wednesdays game being abandoned in Lucknow was just an exceptional situation. No, it is a solitary weather situation. Normally we have this kind of weather in the month of January. This time it is quite early, number one, and number two, we had a match in Dharamsala also the other day. Dharamsala is a much colder place. So you cannot predict fog, and rain. Nowadays cricket is a throughout the year annual event for 12, and we have to have the matches. When we saw that there were big disturbances from fog in northern India in the month of January, we already restructured our domestic cricket matches. That's why there is a big gap between Ranji Trophy matches in North India. If you look at our schedule, we have bifurcated the Ranji Trophy matches into two parts. During the first part of January, we are not scheduling any matches in North India from last year onwards, if you follow that. This Lucknow incident is an exceptional weather condition. We had three matches in North India - one in Chandigarh, Dharamshala and one in Lucknow - all are in the same build, he elaborated. Saikia also gave an example of how prior advice on smog affecting New Delhi after Diwali had led to the national capital hosting the second Test against the West Indies in October, instead of the originally decided series opener against South Africa. If we had got any sense that there will be something like this, you can take the example of rescheduling or swapping of the Test match in New Delhi. If you look at the West Indies match, the second Test was played in New Delhi. In fact, the second Test was scheduled to happen in Kolkata. Saikia also gave an example of how prior advice on smog affecting New Delhi after Diwali had led to the national capital hosting the second Test against the West Indies in October, instead of the originally decided series opener against South Africa. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I don't think Lucknow always has this kind of fog at this part of the time. Maybe in the first part of January, it is normal, but we are still in the second or third week of December. We still have 15 days time to be in that situation. That is one of the tough things we saw yesterday, and for this, we cannot have any kind of rescheduling, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Fourth T20I Between India And South Africa Abandoned Due To Excessive Fog In Lucknow

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday due to excessive fog leading to poor visibility. Umpires Rohan Pandit and KN Ananthapadmanabhan delayed the toss and conducted multiple inspections, including one at 9:25 pm by looking at the floodlights from the batter's crease, before calling off the game at 9:30 pm local time. With no play possible in Lucknow, much to the dismay of a lot of enthusiastic fans at the stadium, India remain 2-1 ahead in the five-match series and cannot lose the trophy. The teams will now turn their attention to the fifth and final match scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. India vice-captain Shubman Gill will be eager to regain full fitness ahead of Fridays contest at the place where he has enjoyed prolific success with the bat, including his lone T20I century, and boasts a strong IPL record. But with the opener nursing a foot injury, it raises the likelihood of Sanju Samson featuring in the playing eleven. The first indications of a possible abandonment of the first T20I to be held in Lucknow in December came when the toss, scheduled for 6:30 pm IST, was initially delayed to 6:50 pm. But with the fog not going away, further inspections were scheduled at 7:30 pm, 8:00 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9:00 pm. Amidst the inspections, Jasprit Bumrahs participation in warm-ups provided reassurance after missing the third T20I in Dharamsala due to personal reasons. But with the fog not relenting, players from both sides indulged in warm-up routines but were eventually forced to go indoors, even as the ground staff used a light roller on the pitch. Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a face mask, underlining concerns about the hazardous air quality index, hovering above 400. The fog at the stadium was so thick that spectators were barely able to see the stands situated on the opposite end. Pandit and Ananthapadmanabhan did some visibility drills during the 8 pm inspection -- one of the umpires held the ball up at the far end of the pitch, while another umpire went to deep midwicket to see if the ball was visible. Once it was clear that the ball wasnt to be sighted easily, another inspection was lined up. Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a face mask, underlining concerns about the hazardous air quality index, hovering above 400. The fog at the stadium was so thick that spectators were barely able to see the stands situated on the opposite end. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Questions will be raised over the scheduling of the fixture. What is the peak winter time in North and Central India? For now, smile, you are in Lucknow - the familiar tagline of the City of Nawabs went missing as excessive fog took over the venue, leaving everyone dismayed. Article Source: IANS

4th T20I: Toss In Lucknow Delayed Due To Excessive Fog, Inspection Scheduled For 6:50 Pm

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: The toss for the fourth T20I between India and South Africa has been delayed due to excessive fog at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The next inspection by the match officials will take place at 6:50 pm. Toss in Lucknow has been delayed due to excessive fog. Next inspection at 6:50 PM, said an update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on their X account. Earlier on Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert for very dense fog in 13 districts of eastern and central Uttar Pradesh. It also issued a yellow alert for dense fog in 27 districts from the eastern to western parts of the state. The fog at the stadium has been so thick that spectators were barely able to see the stands situated at the opposite end. With fog set to get worse, there are concerns over whether the match will happen or not. It is to be noted that this is the first time Lucknow is hosting a T20I game in the month of December. Former India batter Robin Uthappa noted on the live broadcast that delaying play could prove counterproductive, as fog is likely to intensify as the evening progresses. Fortunately for India, ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah took part in the warm-ups ahead of the match, after he missed the third T20I in Dharamsala due to personal reasons. The fog at the stadium has been so thick that spectators were barely able to see the stands situated at the opposite end. With fog set to get worse, there are concerns over whether the match will happen or not. It is to be noted that this is the first time Lucknow is hosting a T20I game in the month of December. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India currently lead the series 2-1. After winning the first T20I, India lost the second match before winning the third to take the lead in the five-match series. Article Source: IANS

Varun Chakravarthy,Tilak Varma Prosper In ICC Mens T20I Player Rankings

Indias hard-hitting batter Tilak Varma has surged up two places to fourth in the ICC Mens T20I Player Rankings even as spinner Varun Chakravarthy has consolidated his position at the top of the bowling rankings. Varma followed up his score of 26 in the opening match against South Africa in Cuttack with 62 in New Chandigarh and 26 not out in Dharamsala this past week to overtake Pakistans Sahibzada Farhan and Englands Jos Buttler in the list led by Indias Abhishek Sharma. Varmas best ranking is the second position that he reached in January this year. South Africa captain Aiden Markrams knock of 61 in a score of only 117 in the third match has taken him eight places up to 29th while Quinton de Kocks match-winning 90 in the second T20I has lifted him 14 places to 53rd position. The T20I bowling rankings see Chakravarthy, who bagged two wickets each in the two T20Is played this past week, adding 36 rating points to his tally, which has gone up to a career-best 818 points. Seamers from both sides have moved up the charts. Indias left-armer Arshdeep Singh, who was named Player of the Match for his haul of two for 13 in Dharamsala, is up four places to 16th while South Africa pacers Marco Jansen (up 14 places to 25th) and Lungi Ngidi (up 11 places to 44th) have also progressed. In the ICC Mens Test Player Rankings, Devon Conways scores of 60 and 28 in Wellington helped his team to a nine-wicket win in the second match of their ICC World Test Championship series against the West Indies and lifted him seven places to 34th position among batters. Mitchell Hay made a fine debut, top-scoring with 61 as he started his Test career in joint-78th position while Jacob Duffy took five second-innings wickets for just 38 runs to move up 15 places to a career-best 48th position among bowlers. Also Read: Live Cricket Score

India vs South Africa, 4th T20I - Who will win today IND vs SA match?

IND vs SA , 4th T20I , Cricket Tips :The third test match between India and South Africa in Dharamsala saw a disciplined bowling performance from the hosts. Team India recorded an easy win to take a 2-1 lead in the series. The visitors found it hard against the moving ball. India and South Africa are ready to take on each other in the fourth test. This game will start at 7 PM IST on Wednesday at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. Despite a lead in the series, India have been going through some issues. The form of Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill is India's biggest worry with only a few matches left for the T20 World Cup 2026. IND vs SA: Match Details Date : December 17, 2025 (Wednesday) Time : 7:00 PM IST Venue : Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow IND vs SA: Live Streaming Details To watch the live action of the fourth T20I, it will be provided on the Star Sports Network. The live stream of this game will be available on the Jio Hotstar app or website. IND vs SA: Head-to-Head Total Matches : 34 India : 20 South Africa : 13 No-Result : 01 IND vs SA: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in Lucknow is good for batting, which is expected to slow down with time. Slow bowlers will get more out of this wicket. The batters can score runs more quickly in the first innings. However, there can be dew in the second innings, so batting second can be a slight advantage. IND vs SA: Possible XIs India : Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy South Africa : Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman IND vs SA: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Abhishek Sharma made the difference in Dharamsala with a quick-fire cameo. He will be the big danger for South Africa. Quinton de Kock is a kind of batter who can take on Indian bowlers and will be a big wicket. Probable Best Bowler Varun Chakravarthy has been the most consistent bowler in all three games. He has been in good form with the ball. For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi has been the best bowler. Today Match Prediction : South Africa are changing and chopping a lot, which has hurt their combination. Hence, we predict India to win the fourth T20I. IND vs SA Match 4th T20I, Today Match IND vs SA, IND vs SA Prediction, IND vs SA Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between India vs South Africa Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

IND vs SA, 3rd T20I: India Beat South Africa by 7 Wickets in Dharamsala

India defeated South Africa by seven wickets in the third T20I at Dharamsala, with strong bowling and a blazing start from Abhishek Sharma leading the chase.

IND vs SA 3rd T20I Playing 11: Likely line-ups, venue and match timing

India vs South Africa 3rd T20I Playing 11 Prediction: India and South Africa are set for a crucial third T20I in Dharamsala. The five-match series is level at 1-1 after two exciting encounters. Suryakumar Yadav leads India against Aiden Markram's South Africa. Both teams aim to gain an advantage in this pivotal match. The contest promises to be thrilling for cricket fans.

Attention firmly on Gill, Surya as T20I action shifts to Dharamsala

India take on confident Proteas in 3rd T20I today with series tied at 1-1 DharamsHala, Dec 13: The countdown to save his place in the playing XI begins for a beleaguered Shubman Gill, who is likely to get three matches against South Africa to prove his worth before the Indian team management switches to a []

India vs South Africa 3rd T20I Live Streaming: When and Where to Watch Third T20I in US, Australia, England, Canada and New Zealand - Preview, Start Time, Squads and More

Shubman Gill faces immense pressure to cement his T20 World Cup spot as Team India confronts South Africa in the third T20I. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav's form is also under scrutiny. With a formidable Proteas pace attack and a bouncy Dharamsala pitch, India's top order must deliver. Coach Gambhir faces tough selection calls with limited games remaining.

'Hatred For Sanatana Dharma': BJP After Himachal CM Questions Children For Saying 'Radhe-Radhe'

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu sparked a political controversy after questioning schoolchildren who greeted him with Radhe-Radhe in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamsala.

Chandigarh Diary | Haryana minister Vij forced to hitchhike

Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij was recently left stranded outside the Kurushetra Development Board Office and had to hitch a ride to reach the Kurushetra University for an event. The incident took place when the minister attended an inaugural event at Bharam Sarovar where Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performed a puja. After the event, Singh left for the university to participate in the International Gita seminar, leaving the transport minister behind. A viral video shows Vij standing alone on the road trying to stop Singhs cavalcade but Singh did not notice. Eventually, MP Naveen Jindal stopped and offered Vij a lift. Sukhu speaks to locals during morning walk During his routine morning walk on Thursday, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited Kachari Bazaar in Dharamsala and engaged warmly with the locals. He spoke with the daughter of a vegetable vendor and enquired about their business. Interestingly, she was the same girl whom Sukhu spoke last year after which he had announced a loan waiver scheme for small shopkeepers in the state budget. As few young girls were waiting for a bus at Kachari Chowk, he also interacted with them and asked for their well-being besides talking to passersby. The winter session of the HP Assembly began in Dharamsala on Wednesday. Himachal DCM Agnihotri slams Indigo over delay Himachal Pradesh DCM Mukesh Agnihotri slammed the IndiGo airline for the delay of its Delhi-Chandigarh flight on Saturday night. In a post on X in Hindi, Agnihotri said the flight, scheduled to depart at 8:30 pm, was rescheduled to 1:30 am due to the non-availability of a pilot. Terming the situation unacceptable, he said that the passengers were left waiting for hours facing significant inconvenience. AICC in charge for Himachal Pradesh Rajni Patil also criticised the delay in a social media post. She wrote, DelhiChandigarh Indigo flight delayed for an unusually long time due to unavailability of a pilot. Passengers deserve better coordination and communication. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com

Tejas crash in Dubai: IAF pilots village in Himachal mourns a life lost too soon

Dharamsala: For the people of Patiyalkar, a sleepy village in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district, the news of the death of local hero Namansh Syal the IAF Wing Commander killed after a Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Saturday, November 22 is yet to sink in. For Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Tejas crash: Patriot, outstanding athlete, IAF pilots village in Himachal mourns a life lost too soon

DHARAMSALA/HAMIRPUR, Nov 22: For the people of Patiyalkar, a sleepy village in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district, the news of the death of local hero Namansh Syal the IAF Wing Commander killed after a Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Saturday is yet to sink in. For most of them, Namansh, who was in his mid-30s, remains an outstanding athlete distinguished by his dedication to the country, who even set an [] The post Tejas crash: Patriot, outstanding athlete, IAF pilots village in Himachal mourns a life lost too soon appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

NSUI Files Police Complaint Against MLA Sudhir Sharma for Remark on HP CM

Hamirpur NSUI demands FIR against Dharamsala MLA for disrespectful comment targeting Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

Himachal welcomes seasons first snowfall

CHANDIGARH: The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, including Rohtang Pass and Dhauladhar ranges, received the seasons first snowfall on Sunday morning, leading to a drop in the minimum temperature. The Kullu district administration has suspended vehicular traffic to Rohtang Pass and advised commuters not to venture through this highway. A fresh spell of mild snowfall on the Dhauladhar ranges and overnight rainfall in parts of Kangra and Chamba districts brought a dip in temperatures across several hill towns of the hill state ushering in early winter-like conditions. As Dharamsala, McLeodganj, Kangra, Palampur, Dalhousie, Chamba and Bharmour witnessed a significant change in weather, with a sudden chill replacing the warm sunshine of the past few days. Intermittent showers continued through the morning in several parts of the region, leading to the formation of dense fog that blanketed the upper reaches of the mountains. Strong icy winds swept the higher and mid hills of the state followed by severe thunderstorm, lightning and intermittent rains. Also, there were reports of uprooting of trees due to storm and heavy downpour from several parts of the state. According to the Meteorological Department, Dharamsala and its twin town McLeodganj recorded 25.5 mm of rainfall during the night, while Palampur received 10.2 mm, Kangra 18.4 mm and Chamba 4 mm, Brahmani 26.4, Nangal Dam 23 mm, Malraon 22, Bilaspur 20.4 mm and Nainadevi 18.1 mm. Thunderstorm was witnessed in Kufri, Jot, Murari devi, Sundernagar, Bhunter, Kangra and Shimla while gusty winds with velocity of 30 to 61 Kmph lashed Reckongpeo, Tabo, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Sundernagar and Kukumseri. The minimum temperatures dropped by one to three degrees across HP and Tabo was coldest with a low of 3.1 degrees, followed by Keylong 3.6 degrees, Kalpa and Kukumseri 6.2 degrees and Kufri and Narkanda 10 degrees each. An orange alert has been issued warning of hail, heavy to very rain, thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places in six districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Lahaul and Spiti districts on October 6.

Ahmedabad Diary | CR Patil in BJPs national president post race?

Speculation is rife in Gujarats political circles as BJP leader and Union Water Resources Minister CR Patil emerges as a contender for the partys national president post. Patils presence alongside Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent Surat visit has fuelled buzz among party workers, who believe his elevation would boost Gujarats clout after PM Narendra Modi and Shah. With JP Naddas term ending, Patils consistent electoral success in Gujarat, strong internal party grip, and close ties with top leadership strengthen his prospects. Enthusiasm is high in Navsari, where workers see this as Gujarats rising dominance in national politics. Viral clip sparks political storm in Gujarat BJP A leaked audio clip allegedly featuring Gujarat BJP chief C.R. Patil and Amreli MLA, Assembly Deputy Dandak Kaushik Vekaria, has ignited political turmoil in Saurashtra. Vekaria, already under scrutiny in the Amreli letter scandal, is heard discussing internal matters with Patil. In the clip, Patil reportedly scolds Vekaria for ignoring his calls and warns, A fort doesnt fall at once; it crumbles gradually. I raised you, but if you dont take care, there will be trouble you have many enemies. However there is no proof about the authenticity of the clip but it definitely has intensified factional rifts within the party, creating a fresh challenge for the BJP leadership. When a politician came clean about his lies In a sensational revelation, BJP leader Prithviraj Patel of Idar, Gujarat, publicly admitted to spreading false propaganda in 1995 against Congress Leader Karsandana Sasoneri, falsely claiming he owned a hotel in Goa, which led to Sasoneris election defeat. Speaking at a retirement ceremony, Patel also attacked Dharamsala member Ramana Lavo Rao, accusing him of planning to build a hotel without selling land worth `13 crore. Patel confessed mistakes are part of politics and discipline needed to win elections. Ironically, while Patel later downplayed his words, his candid confession went viral. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

10 pilgrims dead, eight missing, 6,000 devotees evacuated amid Manimahesh Yatra disaster

CHANDIGARH: Ten pilgrims have died, and eight are missing in the ongoing Manimahesh Yatra, which was suspended on Monday due to heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods. Around 6,000 devotees stranded in the Bharmour region have been safely evacuated to Nurpur and Pathankot from Kalsuin. Meanwhile, Dharamsala and McLeodganj are facing a water crisis as the water level at the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark. The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has also been blocked again due to landslides. Sources report that seven rescue teams, comprising police personnel, home guards, volunteers, NCC cadets, local residents, and civil officers, have been deployed to aid in the rescue operations. The devotees, who had trekked approximately 14 km from the district headquarters to reach Kalsuin, were then transported by 39 buses and 25 taxis to Chamba and Nurpur. Authorities have arranged additional buses to evacuate the remaining pilgrims, with 40 more buses requested. To assist the evacuees, arrangements for food and shelter have been made in Chamba, with community kitchens (langars) set up in Kalsui, Dharwala, and Dakhog to provide meals to the stranded devotees. Despite the debris being cleared from the Kalsui-Rakh road, heavy vehicles cannot pass, making the road unsuitable for large-scale movement. Due to the heavy rains and subsequent flash floods, roads were washed away, and communication links were severed, leading to the deaths of ten devotees and leaving eight others missing en route to the Manimahesh Yatra. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-hit areas in Bharmour, Manimahesh, and other regions of Chamba district, as well as Fatehpur and Mand in Kangra district, following the excess water release from the Pong Dam. However, the adverse weather conditions prevented his helicopter from landing in Bharmour. The Chief Minister held a meeting with district administration officials in Chamba and instructed them to expedite the relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. He also stressed the importance of ensuring adequate arrangements for food, water, shelter, and other essential amenities for those stranded. Sukhu visited Kalsuin to oversee the transportation arrangements and interacted with the devotees. He said, The buses have been arranged for the devotees at Kalsuin near Chamba from where they could board the same for going towards Nurpur and Pathankot. He also directed officials to quickly restore the Salooni-Khundimaral road to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims, particularly those coming from Jammu's Kishtwar and Doda districts. Sukhu added that the State Governments pre-emptive measures had helped reduce the loss of lives compared to the devastation in 2023. However, the scale of destruction this year was far greater, with widespread damage to roads, electricity, water supply, and communication services. This year, the entire state has been hit by the destruction attributed to incessant rains, landslides, and cloud bursts. The rehabilitation is a challenge, but with the support of the people, we will overcome it courageously. It is our responsibility to rehabilitate the families who have been rendered homeless, lost all means of livelihood, and we will offer a special relief package to support them, he said. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the situation was being closely monitored by key government officials. Speaker of Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh are reviewing the situation on the ground, Sukhu said, highlighting the humanitarian approach being adopted by the government. He mentioned that, Revenue Minister Negi has proceeded for Bharmour on foot from Chamba. This demonstrates that the present government has adopted a humanitarian approach and was sensitively dealing with the crisis. Regarding road restoration, Sukhu mentioned that heavy machinery, including JCBs and poclains, has been deployed in the district. However, the weather has posed significant challenges to the relief and restoration works. The evacuation of those stranded in Bharmour is also dependent on favourable weather conditions, although helicopters have been deployed for this purpose. The Chief Minister also called for a study to determine the underlying reasons for the frequent occurrence of cloud bursts in the state, citing global warming and climate change as major contributors. We must dig deep to tackle this problem effectively and save valuable lives, he stressed. Before departing for Bharmour, Sukhu inquired about the relief and rehabilitation operations in Kangra district from the Deputy Commissioner, Hemraj Bairwa, following excess water release from Pong Dam. Meanwhile, the water level in the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark at 1,391.28 feet, slightly above the permissible limit of 1,390 feet. The inflow was recorded at 160,276 cusecs, and the outflow was 84,952 cusecs, of which 17,079 cusecs were released through turbines, and 67,873 cusecs through spillways. At the MHC, the discharge stood at 11,500 cusecs, and 73,452 cusecs were released downstream at the Shah Nehar Barrage, with six machines operational at the dam. The water shortage in Dharamsala and McLeodganj is also a growing concern, as several water supply schemes were disrupted due to heavy rainfall, which caused landslides and damaged pipelines. The main supply line from the Naddi water treatment plant to Dharamsala was damaged due to land subsidence, affecting several distribution networks. The Gajj Khadd scheme, one of the major sources of water for the city, has been non-functional for over a month, and both the Naddi-Bhatehad and Bhagsunag schemes were also disrupted, further affecting the water supply to large parts of the city. Once again, the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been blocked between Mandi and Kullu due to a massive landslide, just a day after it was reopened following a four-day closure. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed its workforce and heavy machinery to clear the blockage, but the disruption has left vehicles and tourists stranded. A flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall was reported at Katwadhi village under the Nandi Panchayat of Gohar subdivision in Mandi district. The sudden surge of water in the Naseni Nallah caused significant damage to local infrastructure, although fortunately, no loss of human life has been reported. As of this morning, 557 roads, including three national highways, remain closed for traffic. Of these, 213 are in Mandi district, 160 in Kullu, 28 in Shimla, 38 in Sirmaur, 60 in Kangra, 23 in Una, 14 in Lahaul and Spiti, 11 in Solan, and 9 in Bilaspur district. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, 936 power supply transformers and 223 water supply schemes have also been disrupted across the state. In Shimla, two individuals, Hemant and Pyare Lal, were injured after their houses were damaged by landslides in Thala village in Rampur Subdivision. Both were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

10 pilgrims dead, eight missing, 5,000 devotees evacuated amid Manimahesh Yatra disaster

CHANDIGARH: Ten pilgrims have died, and eight are missing in the ongoing Manimahesh Yatra, which was suspended on Monday due to heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods. Around 5,000 devotees stranded in the Bharmour region have been safely evacuated to Nurpur and Pathankot from Kalsuin. Meanwhile, Dharamsala and McLeodganj are facing a water crisis as the water level at the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark. The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has also been blocked again due to landslides. Sources report that seven rescue teams, comprising police personnel, home guards, volunteers, NCC cadets, local residents, and civil officers, have been deployed to aid in the rescue operations. The devotees, who had trekked approximately 14 km from the district headquarters to reach Kalsuin, were then transported by 39 buses and 25 taxis to Chamba and Nurpur. Authorities have arranged additional buses to evacuate the remaining pilgrims, with 40 more buses requested. To assist the evacuees, arrangements for food and shelter have been made in Chamba, with community kitchens (langars) set up in Kalsui, Dharwala, and Dakhog to provide meals to the stranded devotees. Despite the debris being cleared from the Kalsui-Rakh road, heavy vehicles cannot pass, making the road unsuitable for large-scale movement. Due to the heavy rains and subsequent flash floods, roads were washed away, and communication links were severed, leading to the deaths of ten devotees and leaving eight others missing en route to the Manimahesh Yatra. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-hit areas in Bharmour, Manimahesh, and other regions of Chamba district, as well as Fatehpur and Mand in Kangra district, following the excess water release from the Pong Dam. However, the adverse weather conditions prevented his helicopter from landing in Bharmour. The Chief Minister held a meeting with district administration officials in Chamba and instructed them to expedite the relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. He also stressed the importance of ensuring adequate arrangements for food, water, shelter, and other essential amenities for those stranded. Sukhu visited Kalsuin to oversee the transportation arrangements and interacted with the devotees. He said, The buses have been arranged for the devotees at Kalsuin near Chamba from where they could board the same for going towards Nurpur and Pathankot. He also directed officials to quickly restore the Salooni-Khundimaral road to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims, particularly those coming from Jammu's Kishtwar and Doda districts. Sukhu added that the State Governments pre-emptive measures had helped reduce the loss of lives compared to the devastation in 2023. However, the scale of destruction this year was far greater, with widespread damage to roads, electricity, water supply, and communication services. This year, the entire state has been hit by the destruction attributed to incessant rains, landslides, and cloud bursts. The rehabilitation is a challenge, but with the support of the people, we will overcome it courageously. It is our responsibility to rehabilitate the families who have been rendered homeless, lost all means of livelihood, and we will offer a special relief package to support them, he said. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the situation was being closely monitored by key government officials. Speaker of Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh are reviewing the situation on the ground, Sukhu said, highlighting the humanitarian approach being adopted by the government. He mentioned that, Revenue Minister Negi has proceeded for Bharmour on foot from Chamba. This demonstrates that the present government has adopted a humanitarian approach and was sensitively dealing with the crisis. Regarding road restoration, Sukhu mentioned that heavy machinery, including JCBs and poclains, has been deployed in the district. However, the weather has posed significant challenges to the relief and restoration works. The evacuation of those stranded in Bharmour is also dependent on favourable weather conditions, although helicopters have been deployed for this purpose. The Chief Minister also called for a study to determine the underlying reasons for the frequent occurrence of cloud bursts in the state, citing global warming and climate change as major contributors. We must dig deep to tackle this problem effectively and save valuable lives, he stressed. Before departing for Bharmour, Sukhu inquired about the relief and rehabilitation operations in Kangra district from the Deputy Commissioner, Hemraj Bairwa, following excess water release from Pong Dam. Meanwhile, the water level in the Pong Dam remains above the danger mark at 1,391.28 feet, slightly above the permissible limit of 1,390 feet. The inflow was recorded at 160,276 cusecs, and the outflow was 84,952 cusecs, of which 17,079 cusecs were released through turbines, and 67,873 cusecs through spillways. At the MHC, the discharge stood at 11,500 cusecs, and 73,452 cusecs were released downstream at the Shah Nehar Barrage, with six machines operational at the dam. The water shortage in Dharamsala and McLeodganj is also a growing concern, as several water supply schemes were disrupted due to heavy rainfall, which caused landslides and damaged pipelines. The main supply line from the Naddi water treatment plant to Dharamsala was damaged due to land subsidence, affecting several distribution networks. The Gajj Khadd scheme, one of the major sources of water for the city, has been non-functional for over a month, and both the Naddi-Bhatehad and Bhagsunag schemes were also disrupted, further affecting the water supply to large parts of the city. Once again, the Kiratpur-Manali National Highway has been blocked between Mandi and Kullu due to a massive landslide, just a day after it was reopened following a four-day closure. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed its workforce and heavy machinery to clear the blockage, but the disruption has left vehicles and tourists stranded. A flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall was reported at Katwadhi village under the Nandi Panchayat of Gohar subdivision in Mandi district. The sudden surge of water in the Naseni Nallah caused significant damage to local infrastructure, although fortunately, no loss of human life has been reported. As of this morning, 557 roads, including three national highways, remain closed for traffic. Of these, 213 are in Mandi district, 160 in Kullu, 28 in Shimla, 38 in Sirmaur, 60 in Kangra, 23 in Una, 14 in Lahaul and Spiti, 11 in Solan, and 9 in Bilaspur district. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, 936 power supply transformers and 223 water supply schemes have also been disrupted across the state. In Shimla, two individuals, Hemant and Pyare Lal, were injured after their houses were damaged by landslides in Thala village in Rampur Subdivision. Both were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.