Heavy snowfall cuts off Lahaul Valley, Manali-Leh Highway closed
CHANDIGARH: The Manali-Leh Highway has been closed for vehicular traffic following heavy snowfall in higher areas of several districts in Himachal Pradesh, cutting off Lahaul Valley from the rest of the state and leaving both locals and tourists stranded. With snow accumulation reaching up to 60 cm on the road connecting the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel to Keylong-Jispa, the route has become impassable. The tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti is experiencing severe weather conditions. In response, the Lahaul-Spiti police have issued a travel advisory urging all travellers to avoid the Manali-Leh route until further notice. The closure has significantly impacted transportation, halting vehicular movement on the affected stretch. Road users have been advised to remain patient and stay updated through official channels regarding road conditions and weather. Tourists planning to travel in or out of the area have been urged to adjust their plans accordingly. Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti, Rahul Kumar, stated that efforts to restore road connectivity would begin as soon as weather conditions improve. The Border Roads Organisation and the PWD are on standby and will deploy their workforce and machinery to clear key roads once the weather permits, he said. Kumar also cautioned people against unnecessary travel, particularly into high-altitude areas prone to snow avalanches. Following heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Manali, roads beyond Nehru Kund have been closed to most vehicles. Additionally, National Highway 5 (Hindustan-Tibet Road) has been shut at Narkanda due to snow, with traffic now being diverted from Sainj to Shimla via Luhri. Since Wednesday night, Shilaroo recorded 5 cm of snowfall, followed by Gondla with 3 cm, Kalpa 1.3 cm, and Sangla 0.3 cm. The upper areas of Manali, Narkanda, Rohru, Chansal, and Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti also witnessed snowfall. Several areas across the state received light to moderate rainfall, with Dalhousie recording the highest at 22 mm, followed by Sundernagar with 21 mm, Bharmour 18.2 mm, Dharamshala 16.8 mm, Manali 16 mm, Mandi and Kangra 14.4 mm each, Bhuntar 13.6 mm, Bilaspur 13 mm, and Una 10 mm. The state capital, Shimla, was lashed by thunderstorms and received mild rainfall. The Met Office has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall, snowfall, and thunderstorms in the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi on Thursday. It also warned that a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from 24 February onwards. The state has recorded an average rainfall of 33 mm during the winter season from 1 January to 20 February, significantly below the normal of 154 mma deficit of 79 per cent.
IIT study: 40% of Himachal at high risk of landslides, floods & avalanches
CHANDIGARH: Forty-nine per cent of Himachal Pradesh is prone to medium-risk and 40% to high-risk landslides, floods and avalanches, according to a recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Ropar. The conclusions were presented at the Indian Cryosphere Meet (ICM) held at the IIT-Bombay last week, attended by 80 glaciologists, researchers, scientists, and other experts from around the world. The IIT is now conducting similar studies in the Northeast, J&K and Uttarakhand, adding another criterion to examine GOLF (Glacier Lake Out Burst Flood). MTech scholar Daishisha Lawphniaw conducted the study under the guidance of Reet Kamal Tiwari from IIT-Ropar, using GIS-based mapping, the study classified hazard-prone regions. Tiwari told this newspaper, The states upper reaches are more prone to avalanches, whereas the middle and lower parts of the state are more prone to flood and landslides. The study stated that high-altitude areas in Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti districts are highly prone to avalanches, while Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Chamba districts are prone to flood and landslides. The study highlights that steep mountain slopes and elevations above 3,000 meters are at the highest risk. Higher-altitude regions with slopes between 16.8 degrees and 41.5 degrees are more likely to experience both avalanches and landslides. Areas with mean slopes ranging from 5.9 degrees to 16.44 degrees and mean elevations up to 1600 meters are predominantly prone to both landslides and floods, whereas the combined occurrence of avalanches and landslides is most likely in regions with slopes of 16.86 degrees to 41.54 degrees at higher elevations, states the study. The study highlights importance of knowledge about the cascading effects of disasters. Hill tale 49% prone to medium-risk High-altitude areas in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti highly prone to avalanches Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Chamba prone to flood and landslides Steep mountain slopes and elevations above 3,000 metres at highest risk Higher-altitude regions with slopes between 16.8 degrees and 41.5 degrees more likely to experience both avalanches and landslides Areas with mean slopes and elevations predominantly prone to both landslides and floods
Took loan to send him abroad: Family of lone Himachal deportee
Rohit, the lone deportee from Himachal Pradesh, returned to his village in Kangra district after being sent back from the US. His family had borrowed Rs 45 lakh to send him abroad for a better future, but his journey ended in deportation due to illegal immigration. Rohit's mother, devastated by the debt, faced further distress after fraud by an agent who swindled money during his journey from India to the US via Mexico.
Jammu Athletes shine at Kangra Ultra Run
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 15: Athletes from Jammu made a significant impact at the first edition of the Kangra Ultra Run, organized by Big Foot Adventures India. Set against the picturesque yet challenging terrain of Kangra, the event attracted runners from all across the country. In the 25KM category, Jammu athletes delivered exceptional performances, securing podium finishes. Irfan Hafiz clinched 2nd place in the Male category, while Dr. Palak Malhi triumphed with a 1st place finish in the Female [] The post Jammu Athletes shine at Kangra Ultra Run appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Expansion Of Railways, Airports, Employment Opportunities: Himachal's Expectation From Union Budget
Shepherds and weavers in Baijnath, Kangra, seek more funds for rural employment and support for local cooperative societies.
Himachal CM Sukhu announces 25,000 new jobs, Rs 680 crore start-up scheme on 55th statehood day
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the government plans to create 25,000 new posts for which recruitment will start soon and added that the government has fulfilled six out of the ten promises made during the assembly elections on Saturday, Himachals 55th statehood day. He said that the financial situation is such that loans are being taken to repay the principal and interest taken by the previous government. Addressing the gathering at the 55th statehood day celebrations held at Baijnath in Kangra district on Saturday, Sukhu said, Although the current government has been in power for only two years, the situation is such that loans are being taken to repay the principal and interest of previous debts. In the last two financial years, the government has taken a loan of Rs 30,080 crore, out of which Rs 18,854 crore, approximately 63 per cent of the total, has been used to repay the principal and interest on loans taken by the previous government, he added. He said that during the BJPs tenure in 2021-22, the state received a revenue deficit grant of Rs 10,249 crore, which reduced to Rs 6,258 crore in 2023-24 and is expected to drop further to Rs 3,257 crore in the next financial year. Despite financial constraints, he emphasised the governments focus on resource generation rather than dependency on loans. He stated that the current government has generated an additional Rs 2,200 crore through reforms in excise, tourism, power, and mining policies, marking a first in the states history. Sukhu said that the previous government did not think about increasing Himachal Pradeshs revenue. Our government has initiated significant efforts to transform the state through Vyavstha Parivartan. By strengthening sectors such as dairy, natural farming, agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and the rural economy, we are creating opportunities for employment and self-employment at the village level, he said. Sukhu highlighted employment generation as a priority, with over 42,000 jobs provided in two years compared to 20,000 in five years under the previous BJP government. Over 12,500 posts have been filled in the government sector, including 3,202 posts in the elementary education department, and approximately 8,000 more will be filled in 2025. This includes 2,095 TGT, Shastri, and JBT positions, as well as 245 special educators and 6,297 NTT teachers. Whereas, the higher education department has filled 1,097 posts, and 1,337 employees have been regularised. Recruitment is underway for 769 computer teachers and others through limited direct recruitment, he added. He said that in the police department, recruitment for 1,088 constables has begun, and results for 2,061 forest guards have been announced. Additionally, 3,000 posts in the Jal Shakti Department have been filled. Sukhu said that previous recruitment, which was struck due to scams during the previous BJP regime has been cleared, filling 2,273 posts. Furthermore, the government plans to create 25,000 new posts across various categories, providing opportunities for unemployed youth with diverse qualifications to serve the state, he added. Sukhu said that the state government has fulfilled six out of the ten promises made during the assembly elections. The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) has been restored for 1.36 lakh government employees, while the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana has been launched, providing eligible women an honorarium of Rs 1500 per month in a phased manner. The guarantee of starting English-medium education from the first grade in all government schools has been fulfilled. Modern and well-equipped Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools are being established in all 68 assembly constituencies in a phased manner. Under the Dr Y S Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojana, students are being offered education loans at a 1 per cent interest rate for studies in India and abroad, he said. Sukhu said that the government has also launched the Rs 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-Up scheme for youth. A minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 40 per kg for wheat and Rs 30 per kg for maize grown through natural farming was being provided, while the MSP for cow milk has been increased from Rs 32 to Rs 45 per liter, and for buffalo milk, it has been raised from Rs 47 to Rs 55 per liter. To benefit small farmers and livestock rearers, the government has launched a scheme to purchase cow dung at Rs 300 per quintal, fulfilling another key promise of the Congress Pratigya Patra, he said. Sukhu stated that 2000 individuals have voluntarily given up electricity subsidies following the governments appeal. He said that the government is also developing Himachal Pradesh as a tourist destination in a big way.
CHANDIGARH : Himachal Pradesh will become the third state in India, after Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, to undertake controlled, legal cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal use. The state hopes to generate additional revenue of about Rs 500 crore per annum. Due to its suitable agro-climatic conditions, cannabis grows naturally in regions such as Kullu, Manali, Mandi, Chamba, Shimla, and Sirmaur. The state cabinet approved the proposal yesterday. The cabinet has authorised the revenue department to undertake controlled cannabis cultivation in the state and to conduct a pilot study on cannabis cultivation, which will be jointly carried out by two universities: Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalaya at Palampur in Kangra district, and Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture at Nauni in Solan district. The study will assess and recommend the future roadmap for this initiative, and the agriculture department has been designated as the nodal agency for cannabis cultivation. This decision was made during the state cabinet meeting held at Dharamshala in Kangra district on Friday. At present, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh are engaged in cannabis cultivation, primarily for use in the pharmaceutical sector to prepare medicines. Sources indicate that the agriculture department, designated as the nodal agency, will work out the modalities for beginning cannabis cultivation. The department has been given six months to prepare all the required guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs), including selecting the cannabis species most suitable for the pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, the department will establish seed banks to supply farmers who will be issued licenses, ensuring that the seeds provided contain a low narcotic content. Another significant challenge will be procuring hemp seeds with less than 0.3% THC content to prevent their use for narcotic purposes. The state will also need to create specialised labs to produce high-quality seeds suitable for the medicinal and industrial sectors, according to sources. Furthermore, the state government will need to amend the state Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Rules, 1985, for this purpose and ensure strict regulation, including specialised excise staff for monitoring and enforcement. Last year, the state assembly adopted a resolution endorsing the recommendations of the committee headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi to amend the NDPS rules for this purpose. The committee had submitted its report to the state government on September 22, 2023. The report recommended cannabis cultivation for industrial and medicinal use under Sections 10 and 14 of the NDPS Act. The committee suggested allowing the cultivation of cannabis for industrial purposes, such as obtaining fibre or seed or for horticultural purposes, in compliance with Section 14 of the NDPS Act, with cultivation limited to open areas. The committee prepared the report after visiting Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand to gather firsthand insights from experts involved in non-narcotic cannabis cultivation.
Opinion: Opinion | India Should Regulate Its Adventure Tourism Sector Before It's Too Late
In October 2024, two foreign nationals had reportedly died in paragliding-related incidents in Kangra district. At least seven paragliders, including foreigners, have been killed in the last 18 months in Himachal Pradesh alone.
Bus catches fire in Himachal's Bilaspur, passengers safe
Bilaspur: The passengers, driver and conductor of an HRTC bus en route from Himachal's Shimla to Kangra had a narrow escape after the bus caught fire near Kandraur in Bilaspur on Thursday.As soon as the driver noticed smoke coming from the engine, he immediately stopped the bus and instructed all the passengers to get out, preventing a major accident, said an official spokesman. The bus was on its way from Shimla to Nagrota Bagwan in Kangra and had eight people on board, including the driver and conductor. The bus conductor, Sandeep Singh, said, All the passengers were evacuated safely in time. A major accident was averted due to the presence of mind of the driver and the local people, he added. When the flames began rising from the bus, people from the nearby village quickly reached the spot. The locals brought water from a nearby hand pump and helped prevent the fire from spreading, he said. As soon as the fire brigade was informed, the team arrived at the scene and completely controlled the fire, the spokesperson said. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but it is believed to have occurred due to a technical fault in the engine, he added.
2 Tourists Die In Separate Paragliding Accidents In Himachal
Two tourists died in two separate paragliding accidents in Kangra and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh within a span of 24 hours. The tourists were from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, police said on Saturday.
NABARD's Grameen Bharat Mahotsav Highlights Empowerment of Rural Women and Rural Entrepreneurs
Using traditional looms, including the durable Pit Loom, which enables intricate weaving with pedal operations. Organized into a Handicraft Producer Company Limited and supported by NABARD and Swami Rama Foundation Trust, the members have undergone specialized training and handholding at NIFT Panchkula and NIFT Kangra, with aspirations to expand their reach nationally. Today, they are onboarded on Amazon, Gatha, Exotic and they also have own website. Recently they also exported 5 dhurries to France opening a new horizon of world. The artisans earn an average monthly income of Rs. 10,000, reflecting the success of their efforts. Their work garnered significant attention when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited their stall at the Gram Bharat Mahotsav 2025.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned about fresh snowfall with rain in Jammu Kashmir, Ladakh, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of North India on January 5. Scattered rain with snowfall is predicted in these regions from January 2 to January 4. This might continue till January 6. Also, there will be development of cold day conditions in Northwest plains and Central India with moderate isolated showers. Regions to face cold weather and dense fog IMD notified that dense fog will occur in areas of Haryana, Odisha, Punjab and Chandigarh till early morning today. It is anticipated in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim and Madhya Pradesh for the next 24 hours. While, in the northeastern regions of Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, Assam and Meghalaya till January 6. Northeast will also face ground frost weather till tomorrow. Similarly, isolated cold day conditions will be observed in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The northwest India will have a rise in the minimum temperatures by two to three degrees in the coming five days. The central and eastern India will face a temperature change probably after three days. Fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh According to the Met Department, the mid and high-hill areas of Himachal Pradesh are likely to receive fresh snowfall and downpour from today. The snowfall can intensify from January 4 to January 7. Heavy rain will follow between January 5 and January 6. The low hill areas and plains will continue with the dry weather. The weather was dry yesterday, however cold wave was observed in Sundernagar, dense fog in Kangra and Mandi and a moderate fog in Una. Temperature will fall by 4-5 degrees. Weather in Delhi/NCR There will be a partly cloudy weather in the national capital with moderate fog and smog. The regions in the outskirts will have dense fog in the morning. At the time of evening and night, smog along with shallow fog will be there. Delhi is already experiencing intense cold weather conditions since three days. Rain and thunderstorms might hit the NCR region. These significant changes in weather are caused due to western disturbances. According to the IMD, the western disturbance can be seen as a cyclonic circulation over East Afghanistan in lower tropospheric levels. Due to which, isolated to scattered rainfall/snowfall is expected in the Western Himalayan region. Thus, the weather is likely to intensify for a couple of days with snow and rainfall in the north and cold waves in other regions.
Himachal likely to receive fresh snowfall, rainfall from Jan 2
Mid and high hill areas of Himachal Pradesh are expected to receive fresh snowfall and rainfall from January 2, officials said on Wednesday, while plains and low hills are expected to remain dry. As per the meteorological department, the state is expected to receive snowfall from January 4 to 7 with heavy rainfall on January 5 and 6. Mid and high hill areas are expected to receive fresh snowfall and rainfall from January 2 while plains and low hill areas are expected to remain dry. Meanwhile, the weather was mostly dry across the state during the past 24 hours. The minimum temperature in Shimla was recorded at 7.6 degrees Celsius, Dharamshala at 5.9 degrees Celsius, Manali at 2.4 degrees Celsius, Bhuntar at 2.9 degrees Celsius, Kalpa at minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, Nahan at 6.3 degrees Celsius, Kasauli at 9.2 degrees Celsius, Una at 4.4 degrees Celsius, Kangra at 5.2 degrees Celsius and Mandi at 17.9 degrees Celsius. With a 21.4 degrees Celsius maximum temperature, Sundernagar in Mandi district was the hottest place in the state while Tabo village in tribal district Lahaul and Spiti was the coldest as it recorded minus 16.7 C minimum temperature.
Himachal Police rescues 8,000 tourists, 1,500 vehicles stranded by snowfall at Kullu
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh Police rescued around 8,000 tourists and 1,500 vehicles stranded due to heavy snowfall at Solang Nala of Kullu district on the Manali-Leh highway. Sources said that heavy snowfall affected Lahaul Valley and the Manali area. Traffic was abruptly halted due to a snowstorm leaving vehicles and tourists trapped. The local administration swiftly began rescue operations, by deploying teams of the Kullu Police to ensure the safety of the tourists and other passengers. A senior police official confirmed that all the tourists and vehicles were safely evacuated from snow-bound Solang Nala and transported to a secure location in Manali, away from the affected area. Traffic towards Solang Valley and Lahaul Valley on the Manali-Leh highway beyond Nehru Kund will be restricted in view of public safety. Sources noted that the road is maintained by the BRO, but it lacks evacuation facilities for emergencies, as all-wheel-drive vehicles, snow-clearing equipment, and salt are required to manage heavy snowfall. The district administration had issued warnings to tourists and locals, urging them to avoid unnecessary travel in the area due to the ongoing snowfall and hazardous road conditions. The authorities have been working to clear the highway and restore normalcy, but have cautioned that similar disruptions may occur if the snowfall persists. The administration is monitoring the situation closely and is coordinating with weather agencies to ensure prompt action in case of further weather-related disruptions. Earlier in post of X, Kullu Police wrote, Due to fresh snowfall today on 27.12.2024, about 1000 tourists and other vehicles were stuck in Solang Nala. There were about 5000 tourists in these vehicles. The vehicles and tourists have been rescued by Kullu Police and taken to safe places. The rescue operation is still going on. Heavy rainfall and snowfall were recorded in at least six districts of the state on Friday, including Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, and Kinnaur. The IMD has issued an orange alert for snowfall and cold waves in the state on December 27 and 28. From December 29, a renewed cold wave is expected to impact the plains, including Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Una districts. These areas, along with Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba, are likely to experience severe cold conditions until January 1. The IMD also warned of dense fog in isolated areas on January 1, which could reduce visibility and worsen travel conditions. The IMD has advised residents and travellers to remain cautious and take necessary precautions, especially in snow-affected regions, where road blockages and disruptions are expected.
1,500 vehicles stranded near Atal Tunnel amid heavy snowfall in Himachal; all tourists rescued
CHANDIGARH: Due to heavy snowfall, around 1,500 vehicles were stranded between Solang and the Atal Tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway in Himachal Pradesh. Rescue operations have been successfully completed, with all tourists evacuated. As of today, 174 roads, including three national highways, remain blocked in the state due to icy road surface conditions. Sources reported that a fresh spell of heavy snowfall in Manali yesterday left 1,500 vehicles stuck, stranding tourists for hours at Dhundi and at both the north and south portals of the Atal Tunnel. With a long traffic jam worsening the situation, the state police launched a rescue operation, shifting all tourists to safer locations. The rescue teams worked tirelessly throughout the night, assisting drivers in navigating their vehicles and ensuring the safety of all passengers. Most of the stranded vehicles were returned to Manali from the Lahaul side by late night. The rescue operation started at 2 PM yesterday and completed at 10 AM today, said a senior police official. It is learnt that most of the stranded vehicles were tourist cars, many of which were not equipped for snowy road conditions. Civil authorities, along with police officials from the district administration, were present at the site to coordinate rescue efforts. Authorities have advised tourists to travel in 4x4 vehicles designed for snowy terrains and equipped with snow chains for better traction. According to data from the state emergency operation centre, the total number of roads blocked in the hill state as of today stands at 174, including three national highways. Of these, 89 roads are blocked in Shimla district, 44 in Kinnaur, 25 in Mandi, two national highways in Kullu, one in Lahaul and Spiti, six roads in Kangra, three in Una, and one in Chamba district. All roads have been closed due to icy surface conditions. Earlier, Shimla was blanketed in a pristine sheet of snow, bringing hope and joy to the city. The snowfall, which began after a two-week gap since the first snowfall on 8 December, has not only delighted visitors but also rejuvenated the spirits of the local tourism industry, which has been struggling to recover from losses inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alternative route to Leh-Ladakh: MoD seeks transport ministry nod for tunnel
CHANDIGARH: The Union Ministry of Defence has recommended that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) approve the construction of the Bhubhu Jot tunnel. This tunnel will connect Jogindernagar in the Mandi district with the Kullu district via the Lag Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is proposed that this route be designated as a project of strategic importance, serving as an alternative route to Leh-Ladakh. In its communication, the Defence Ministry emphasized the crucial role that this highway and tunnel will serve as an alternative route to Leh-Ladakh, thereby greatly improving the operational readiness of the armed forces stationed in forward areas. In addition to its strategic importance, the tunnel is anticipated to provide significant socio-economic benefits to the region. Consequently, budgetary provisions for this project will now be made. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the path for the construction of the much-awaited tunnel in the state has been cleared. He reaffirmed the state governments unwavering commitment to the project. I personally met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 25 to request prioritisation of this project while considering its strategic importance. The issue was also raised with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. The construction of this tunnel would be a milestone for the development of the state. he said. The proposed Bhubu Jot Tunnel aims to reduce the distance between Kangra and Kullu by 55 kilometers. Once completed, it will also shorten the travel distance between Kullu and Dharamsala or Pathankot. The tunnel will start in Kullu and connect to the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway at Ghatasni via the Lag Valley, Bhubu Jot, and Shilh-Badhwani. This project is expected to provide significant benefits to the local population, boost tourism in the region, and strengthen the economy of the people.
Chief Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan A Towering Personality the Jammu Kashmir is proud of
By Ravi Rohmetra Mehar Chand Mahajan was born in a small village called Tika Nagrota in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and rose to the Chief Justice of India, the highest honour the country could offer. Rejected at birth on the grounds of weak Zodiac signs, he was brought up in a Rajput peasant [] The post Chief Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan A Towering Personality the Jammu Kashmir is proud of appeared first on Northlines .
Defence Ministry recommends MoRTH approval for Bhubhu Jot tunnel in Himachal
CHANDIGARH: The Union Ministry of Defence has recommended the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for approval of the Bhubhu Jot tunnel in Himachal Pradesh as an alternative route to Leh-Ladakh to be designated as a project of strategic importance. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the critical role the highway and tunnel would play, significantly enhancing the operational readiness of the armed forces in forward areas. Apart from its strategic significance, the tunnel was expected to bring substantial socio-economic benefits to the region and budgetary provisions for the project will now be made accordingly. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the he path for the construction of the much-awaited Bhubu Jot Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh has been cleared and he reaffirmed the state governments unwavering commitment to the Bhubu Jot Tunnel project. I personally met the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 25 to request prioritization of this project while considering its strategic importance. The issue was also raised with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. The construction of this tunnel would be a milestone for the development of the state, he said. The proposed Bhubu Jot Tunnel would reduce the distance between Kangra and Kullu by 55 kilometers once it is completed, the distance between Kullu and Dharamsala or Pathankot will be reduced. The road will begin from Kullu and join the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway at Ghatasni via Lag Valley, Bhubu Jot and Shilh-Badhwaniand and will deliver immense benefits to the local population and boosting tourism in the region thereby strengthening the economy of the people. The state government was prioritizing tunnel construction to enhance road connectivity, promote sustainable development and minimize environmental impact. The construction of the Bhubu Jot Tunnel would be a transformative step for the development of Himachal Pradesh. This project would not only strengthen strategic infrastructure but also catalyze socio-economic growth in the region, Sukhu added. Bhubu Jot remains covered with heavy snow during winter and the proposed tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity. The tunnel is strategically important as it will reduce the distance from Pathankot to Manali by around 63 km and lessen the travel time by two hours. Former Chief Minister PK Dhumal had announced its construction in 2009.
Orange warning sounded in Himachal for severe cold wave in lower hills
Severe cold wave is likely to persist at isolated places in Una, Bilapsur, Hamirpur and Mandi districts, with cold wave in Kangra and ground frost in Kangra and Kullu districts till Saturday
Temperatures drop in Delhi, Punjab; slight respite from cold for Kashmir
NEW DELHI: Cold weather conditions persisted in parts of north and west India on Sunday with the mercury dropping several notches in Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan. Kashmir and the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh received some respite from the intense cold as minimum temperatures rose. The respite for Kashmir is likely to be short-lived as the meteorological department has predicted a cold wave in parts of the valley over the next three days. Delhi's minimum temperature dropped to 4.9 degrees Celsius, 3.1 notches below normal, but cold wave conditions did not prevail, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The mercury settled at a low of 8 degrees Celsius in the city on Saturday. The capital recorded a maximum temperature of 23.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 0.2 notches below normal, the IMD said. The weather department has forecast moderate fog in Delhi on Monday. The minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to settle at 5 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius respectively. Punjab and Haryana also remained in the grip of cold weather conditions with Faridkot recording the lowest temperature in the region at 1 degree Celsius, according to the meteorological department. Punjab's Gurdaspur and Bathinda recorded a minimum temperature of 2 degrees Celsius and 4.6 degrees Celsius respectively at night, it said. The mercury settled at a low of 3.5 degrees Celsius in Pathankot, 3.9 degrees Celsius in Amritsar, 6.8 degrees Celsius in Ludhiana and 3.8 degrees Celsius in Patiala. In Haryana, Hisar shivered at 1.7 degrees Celsius and Narnaul recorded a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius. Bhiwani recorded a low of 4 degrees Celsius, Gurugram 5.6 degrees Celsius, Rohtak 5.2 degrees Celsius and Ambala 5.7 degrees Celsius. The weather office said that Chandigarh, the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius. Temperatures rose by three to five notches in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh while cold wave conditions gripped the lower hills as the weather remained dry. Tabo was the coldest place in the state at night with a low of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius and Shimla was the warmest at 12.2 degrees Celsius, 6.5 notches above normal. The adjoining resorts of Kufri and Narkanda recorded a low of 9.8 degrees Celsius and 6.4 degrees Celsius respectively. In the lower hills, Una recorded a minimum temperature of 0.2 degrees Celsius and Sundernagar 0.6 degrees Celsius. The local meteorological office has issued a 'yellow' warning for cold wave at isolated places in the lower hills and plains till Thursday and predicted dry weather in the state over the next seven days. Cold wave conditions will prevail in Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and parts of Kangra districts, the weather office said. There was no significant change in maximum temperatures in Himachal Pradesh. Solan was the hottest during the day at 24.7 degrees Celsius followed by Shimla at 19 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal. Kashmir saw a slight respite from intense cold wave conditions as minimum temperatures rose across the valley, though they remained below the freezing point. The summer capital of Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, an improvement from minus 4.6 degrees Celsius the previous night, the meteorological department said. Gulmarg, a tourist destination popular for skiing, registered a minimum temperature of 3.8 degrees Celsius -- a rise of nearly four notches from the night before. Pahalgam, the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, logged a low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, three notches higher than the previous night. Konibal, a hamlet on the outskirts of Pampore town, was the coldest place in the valley with the mercury settling at a low of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature was minus 4 degrees Celsius in Qazigund, 3.7 degrees Celsius in Kupwara and 2.8 degrees Celsius in Kokernag. According to the meteorological office, the weather in the valley is likely to remain mainly dry till December 21. Minimum temperatures are predicted to drop and a cold wave is likely over many stations during the next three days, the weather office said. In Rajasthan, cold wave conditions prevailed in most parts and Fatehpur recorded sub-zero temperatures for the third consecutive day on Sunday. According to the meteorological department, the minimum temperature in Fatehpur settled at minus 1.2 degrees Celsius. Churu recorded a minimum temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius; Bhilwara 2.2 degrees Celsius; Sangaria, Pilani and Sirohi 2.6 degrees Celsius; Chittorgarh 3.2 degrees Celsius and Alwar 4 degrees Celsius. The mercury settled below 10 degrees Celsius at several other places in the state.
Himachal receives seasons first snowfall, 87 roads closed
Shimla, Dec 9: Himachal Pradesh witnessed its first snowfall of the season which led to the closure of at least 87 roads in the state, including Atari-Leh National Highway 3 near Manalis Rohtang Pass, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. A total of 58 roads were closed in Shimla, followed by 17 in Kinnaur, six in Kangra, two in Lahaul and Spiti, one each in Kullu and Chamba districts. Some parts of Himachal suffered power outrages as 457 transformers [] The post Himachal receives seasons first snowfall, 87 roads closed appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
800 people rescued from Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh amid heavy snowfall
CHANDIGARH: Around 800 stranded people were rescued from Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh after heavy snow on Sunday night. As many as 87 roads were closed for traffic following snowfall across the state. In the first in two decades, Shimla and adjoining tourist towns of Kufri and Fagu yesterday evening experienced the season's first snowfall in early December, with the hospitality industry eyeing a surge of tourists. The Lahaul-Spiti police rescued around 800 stranded people, among the rescued 489 vehicles, over 400 belonged to the tourists due to heavy snow on Sunday night. A thin layer of snow covered Lahaul, affecting traffic as slippery road conditions made commuting hazardous. Superintendent of Police, Mayank Chaudhary said,``The rescue was carried out by a team from Keylong police station, police lines, Keylong; Traffic Police Post, Sarchu and Police Post, Kokser with the help of local volunteers. The prompt and efficient action by the rescue team ensured the safe evacuation. While, intermittent snowfall continued in the higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti district and intensified cold conditions in the adjoining valleys. Of these 58 roads in Shimla district mostly in sub-divisions of Rohru, Jubbal and Kotkhai, were closed. In Kinnaur, 17 roads were affected, 12 in Pooh and Kalpa block. While the Rohtang Pass National Highway was closed beyond Gulaba check post for traffic due to black ice. Also electricity supply was effected due to the snowfall as over 457 lines were disrupted in Chamba, Mandi and Sirmaur districts. As per the weather department, significant snowfall was recorded at Khoksar (6.7 cm), Khadrala (5 cm), Sangla (3.6 cm), Keylong (3.0 cm), and Shimla (2.5 cm) and also light rain was recorded at many places and there is a possibility of light rain and snowfall in the districts of Lahaul and Spiti, Kullu and Kinnaur over the next few hours. Meanwhile, some areas of district Sirmaur are likely to get light rain. As per the forecast, there will be scattered to fairly widespread precipitation likely to occur over the state as light to moderate rain or snow fall very likely at few places over Lahaul and Spiti,Chamba, Kinnaur, Kangra, Shimla and Kullu districts and light precipitation very likely at few places over Solan, Sirmaur, Una, Bilaspur, Mandi and Hamirpur districts. Also Light rain and snowfall likely at isolated places over mid and high hills of the state on December 10. While the minimum and maximum temperatures will gradually fall by 3 to 4 degrees across the state. Also dense fog over some parts of reservoir area of Bhakra dam (Bilaspur) and Balh valley (Mandi) during early morning, morning and late night hours on December 10 and 11 besides thunderstorms and lightning in low and mid hills of the state.
Trekking above 3,000 metres in Himachals Kangra district temporarily banned
Dharamshala (HP), Nov 27: Trekking activities above 3,000 metres in the Dhauladhar range of Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district have been prohibited until further notice, announced Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hemraj Bairwa on Wednesday. The DC explained that the order was issued to ensure public safety, given the regions harsh topography and the risks associated with winter snowfall. As per the directive, prior permission from the Superintendent of Police (SP) Kangra is required for trekking on low-altitude routes such as Kareri, Triund [] The post Trekking above 3,000 metres in Himachals Kangra district temporarily banned appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Glaciers receding, glacial lakes increasing in Himachal's Dhauladhar mountain ranges
CHANDIGARH: Glaciers in Himachal's Dhauladhar mountain ranges are receding at a fast pace, indicating potential for water scarcity in the Kangra Valley, states a recent scientific study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Remote Sensing in March 2024. The study was conducted by scientists Shahi Kant Rai and Sunil Dhar of the Central University of Jammu, Rakesh Sahu from Galgotias university, and Arun Kumar from Himachal Pradesh University. The study noted that due to fast melting and fragmentation of glaciers, the number of glacial lakes has increased. The glaciers in the region which were spread over 50.8 square kilometres have reduced to 42.84 square kilometre between 2010 and 2020, and the number of glacial lakes in the Dhauladhars has increased from 36 in 2000 to 43 in 2020 due to fast melting glaciers in the region. The study examines glacial alterations that have occurred over the past 20 years (20002020) in the DMR region. The findings show that all glaciers in the DMR have been receding. Over the course of the last two decades (20002020), there has been a recorded loss of ~ 15.71 8.76 per cent in the glacier area ... By and large the proglacial lakes show an area increase compared to other lake types. In 2000, 36 glacial lakes were present, which increased by 43 in 2020, stated the study. The primary cause of the reduction of glacier cover is increased accumulation season temperature in winter time, said the study. Importantly, change in the LULC has significantly influenced the glacier cover and increases temperature in the region. Better comprehension of glacier dynamics, stored ice mass, and the assessment of glacial lake distribution in the area are crucial for future strategic planning and the implementation of disaster risk reduction measures in the downstream region of this part of Himalaya, it further stated. It stated that the total number of small-sized glaciers has shown an increase over the past two decades, while medium-sized glaciers have experienced a decline. On the contrary, no discernible alterations have been observed in the number of large-sized glaciers, it read and added that the increase in the number of glacial lakes requires the formulation of a risk assessment strategy for future lake outbursts in the region. The Dhauladhar region comprises of peaks ranging between 1000 meters to more than 6000 meters above sea level, with a mean height of 4000 meters. The mountain ranges originates from the east of the Rohtang Pass in Kullu district and ends in the northwestern region of Dalhousie in Chamba district, spanning the entire district of Kangra. The Dhauladhar glaciers are also a source of the Ravi River that originates in the Bara Bhangal region of the Kangra valley.
HP: Right-wing group harasses Imam, claims mosque was once a temple
A group of right-wing stormed a mosque in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra and confronted the imam (Islamic preacher) of a local mosque, claiming that the site was originally a temple. A video of the incident emerged on social media on Saturday, November 16 showing the group members fueled by extreme ideology aggressively confronting the imam, threatening 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 .
Chef Nitika Kuthiala brings authentic Himachali cuisine to Hyderabad
Golkonda Pavilion at ITC Kohenur is hosting a Himachali popup, showcasing the heritage flavours of the region. Chef Nitika Kuthiala, the brain behind the delectable spread, shared her passion for authentic Himachali cuisine, saying, I want to present it as such, without fusion or modifications. This commitment to authenticity was evident in every dish, carefully crafted to transport taste buds to the picturesque valleys of Himachal Pradesh. The chef is showcasing what is called dham food, which simply means daawat in common parlance which is usually a mid-day meal served during any big occasion. While Dham food is pure vegetarian, the chef added a few non veg specialties too to allow guests to get more from the food fest. ITC Kohenur's Chef Amar Jamaal aptly described the significance of this cuisine, Dham food is ceremonial, a mid-day feast that brings people together. He emphasized, It's not just about the food; it's about community dining, get-togethers, and sitting down together. This sentiment was palpable as guests savoured each dish, immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Himachal. The journey began with Kulthe ka Sorua, a hearty horse gram soup, reminiscent of mutton broth. Chef Nitika revealed, Horse gram is of different varieties; this one is a mix of black and red. This attention to detail was characteristic of every dish, showcasing the diversity of Himachali ingredients. I heard my food companions raving about the Macchi Ka Pakora, freshwater fish fritters. Chef Nitika shared, In Himachal, we have River Fish, Trout, Kullu, and Rohu. Paired with a refreshing Mooli (radish) salad, made with grated radish, salt, carom seeds, and lemon, this snack embodied the simplicity and elegance of Himachali cuisine. Button mushrooms, a specialty of Solan, dubbed the City of Mushrooms, were crafted into an irresistible Solani Khumb appetizer. Chef Nitika noted, Solan is famous for mushrooms; we have a variety of them. The earthy flavour of these mushrooms complemented the subtle spices, leaving guests yearning for more. The main course, an elaborate Dham spread, featured Aloo Channa Madra (potato and chickpea curry), Sepu Badi Madra (special spinach gravy), Tailey maah (Urad Dal with dry fruits), and Kaddu ka ambal (pumpkin in sweet and sour gravy). Each dish reflected the region's love for lentil-based and curd-gravy-based cuisine. Chef highlighted, Dham food doesn't include garlic, onion, or heavy spices; it's pure, vegetarian. This emphasis on simplicity allowed each ingredient to shine, demonstrating the harmony between flavours and textures. The festival also showcased non-vegetarian options, like Rara Meat (slow-cooked mutton) and Chicken wale Peele Chawal (chicken with saffron rice). These dishes, although not part of traditional Dham food, reflected the diversity of Himachali cuisine. In the entire Himachali thali, Chef Nitika's love for her native cuisine stood out. She shared, We don't have a concept of snacking in Himachal; these dishes are usually made for special occasions. Her dedication to preserving traditional recipes and techniques ensured an authentic experience for all. Those who still have an appetite could gorge on sweet treats like Budana Meetha (a unique sweet preparation from Kangra Valley) and Meethe Chawal, they carried with them a newfound appreciation for Himachali cuisine. In a world where fusion and experimentation often dominate culinary landscapes, this festival seems like an honest attempt to showcase authentic flavours. In Chef Nitika's thali presentation was a truly immersive experience, transporting attendees to the heart of Himachal Pradesh, where tradition, community, and cuisine intertwine. The Himachali food festival is on at Golkonda Pavilion in ITC Kakatiya, Hyderabad from November 15 to 24.
HC nixes appointment of 6 chief parliamentary secretaries
CHANDIGARH: The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday set aside the appointment of six chief parliamentary secretaries (CPS), declaring it unconstitutional and ordered their immediate removal along with the associated benefits and perks. Two petitions a PIL by Kalpana Devi and another by 11 BJP MLAs had been filed challenging the appointments. A division bench of Justices Vivek Thakur and Bipin Chander gave its verdict and set aside the Act under which the appointment of the CPS had been made. Terming the appointments wastage of public funds the bench ordered immediate withdrawal of all facilities extended to them. The office created by the impugned Act, in fact, performs functions ancillary to and incidental to those of the political executive. In fact, what is prohibited and limited directly by Article 164(1-A) of the Constitution has been sought to be done indirectly by the state legislature. If there is a constitutional provision inhibiting the constitutional authority from doing an act, such provision cannot be allowed to be defeated by adoption of any subterfuge, said the HC in its 33-page order. It ruled, Evidently, the distinction attempted to be portrayed between Chief Parliamentary Secretary/Parliamentary Secretary and Minister is artificial. The six CPS whose appointment has been ordered are Kishori Lal, MLA from Baijnath in Kangra; Mohan Lal Brakta, MLA from Rampur in Shimla; Ram Kumar, MLA from Doon in Solan; Ashish Butail, MLA from Palampur; Sunder Thakur, MLA from Kullu and Sanjay Awashty, Arki MLA.
Polish paraglider stranded in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra after mid-air collision
DHARAMSHALA: A paraglider from Poland was stranded in Dhauladhar hills in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh after a mid-air collision with another paraglider, officials said on Monday. Efforts to airlift the paraglider, who was identified as Andrew Babinski, failed due to tough terrain on Monday, they said. Babinski got stranded in Dhauladhar hills on Sunday after colliding with another paraglider mid-air, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Baijnath, D C Thakur told PTI. An attempt to rescue him on Monday using a chopper failed due to tough terrain. The land search party will soon reach the spot, the officer said. Babinski is in touch with paragliding organisers and the local administration, according to the officials. Meanwhile, an Australian paraglider participating in the Paragliding World Cup 2024 in Kangra's Bir Billing suffered a sprain in his leg before takeoff on Sunday. Australian paraglider David Snowden had a sprain in his leg before takeoff and did not fly. He was rushed to the hospital for an X-ray and is fine now, Billing Paragliding Association president Anurag Sharma told PTI. The eight-day Paragliding World Cup 2024 commenced on November 2 and 94 paragliders, including seven women, from 26 countries are participating in the event. As part of safety measures, two helicopters, seven health teams with ambulances, and six rescue and retrieval teams led by experts from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering Institute in Manali are on standby for the event, Sharma said. Last week, two foreign paragliders crashed to death in Himachal Pradesh. On Tuesday, a Belgian paraglider died after colliding mid-air with another paraglider in Bir Billing as his parachute failed to open after the collision. On Wednesday, solo paraglider Dita Misurcova (43) crashed into the mountains near Marhi in Manali after she lost control of the glider due to strong winds.
Two foreign paragliders die in two days in Himachal Pradesh, ahead of world cup
CHANDIGARH: A day after the death of a Belgian paraglider, another paraglider from the Czech Republic was killed on Wednesday in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, after she crashed into the mountainside. Thus, two paragliders have died in two days in the hill state ahead of the Paragliding World Cup 2024, commencing on November 2 in Bir Billing in Kangra district. The deceased solo paraglider, 43-year-old Dita Misurcova, who had been in the sport for the past six years, crashed into the mountains near Marhi in Manali, as she lost control over the glider due to strong winds. She was immediately rushed to a hospital in Manali, where she was declared dead. On Tuesday, the Belgian paraglider, Feyarets, collided mid-air with another paraglider from Poland in Bir Billing as his parachute failed to open. Both paragliders had taken off separately. Meanwhile, the Polish paraglider sustained injuries. Feyarets was a free-flying paraglider in his mid-sixties. While 10 paragliders were flying simultaneously and two of them crashed with each other mid-air, the Belgian paraglider died as his parachute did not open after the crash. The chances of accident increase when the free-fliers venture into high-risk zones or inner valleys with little knowledge of the topography and local wind conditions. We are in the process of documenting the thermals in the Bir Billing area with the help of experts to reduce the probability of accidents while flying, Tourism of Kangra Deputy Director Vinay Dhiman informed. Avinash Negi, Director of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali, said, A proposal to install special towers in high mountains to pinpoint crash sites in case of accidents is in the pipeline. Separately, a suspected heart attack claimed the life of 50-year-old Russian, Aleksei Kozlochkov, in his hotel room in Bir village. He had arrived on October 16 and was staying with friends in Bir and practicing during the day. On October 25, three foreign paragliders, Michael Karnik and Bernard Greg Collins from New Zealand and Rosie from the UK, were rescued after they crash-landed in the mountains of Kullu after having taken off from Billing.
Two fatal paragliding accidents in 48 hours ahead of Paragliding World Cup in Manali
SHIMLA: In a tragic incident on Wednesday, a paraglider from the Czech Republic was killed in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, after she crashed into the mountainside. This marks the second death of a foreign paraglider within 48 hours, officials confirmed. The deceased, identified as Dita Misurcova, 43, was an experienced paraglider with six years of flying experience. Misurcova reportedly lost control of her glider due to strong winds and crashed into the mountains near Marhi in Manali. She was immediately taken to a hospital in Manali, where she was pronounced dead, officials said. This fatal accident follows the death of a Belgian paraglider on Tuesday, who collided mid-air with another paraglider in Bir-Billing, ahead of the upcoming Paragliding World Cup set to begin on 2 November in Bir-Billing, Kangra districtoften regarded as a paragliding paradise. Belgian paraglider killed after mid-air collision in Himachal Pradesh The Belgian paraglider, identified as Feyaret and described as a free-flying enthusiast in his mid-sixties, died after his parachute failed to open post-collision, while the other, a Polish paraglider, sustained injuries. According to Vinay Dhiman, Deputy Director of Tourism in Kangra district, The chances of accident increase when free-fliers venture into high-risk zones or inner valleys with little knowledge of the topography and local wind conditions. To mitigate risks, the authorities are in the process of documenting thermals in the Bir-Billing area with the aid of experts. A proposal to install special towers in high mountains to pinpoint crash sites in case of accidents is in the pipeline, noted Avinash Negi, Director of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) in Manali. The latest fatalities add to a concerning list of paragliding incidents in the region, with three paraglidersRussian, Polish, and Indianlosing their lives in October alone. The Paragliding World Cup, scheduled from 2 to 9 November, will host 130 participants from 50 countries.
Kangra: Paragliders collide mid-air, Belgian man dies
A Belgian paraglider was killed after colliding mid-air with another paraglider in Himachal's Kangra district, five days ahead of the Paragliding World Cup 2024 set to take place in Bir-Billing, police said on Wednesday.
Himachal: Belgian paraglider killed after mid-air collision in Bir-Billing
International paraglider Steven T Hines from Califonia tests paragliding in Vizag. (DC Image) International paraglider Steven T Hines from Califonia tests paragliding in Vizag. (DC Image) Shimla: A Belgian paraglider was killed after colliding mid-air with another paraglider in Himachal's Kangra district, five days ahead of the Paragliding World Cup 2024 set to take place in Bir-Billing, police said on Wednesday. Feyarets, a free-flying paraglider in his mid-sixties, had come to Bir-Billing for practice, ahead of the World Cup. Although both paragliders took off separately, they collided mid-air on Tuesday. Feyarets crashed into the forest, while the other paraglider got entangled in trees and suffered injuries. He was later rescued. Police said that Feyaret's body is yet to be recovered from the forest. This incident follows another fatality on October 23, 2023, when Polish paraglider Andrez died during a solo flight from Bir-Billing. Avinash Negi, Director of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) in Manali, had earlier emphasised the need for enhanced safety measures in adventure sports, particularly paragliding. A proposal to install special towers in high mountains to pinpoint the crash sites in case of accidents is in the pipeline, Negi said. While paragliders use devices to send distress and crash-landing alerts, the GPS-enabled systems provide vague location data (within 50-100 meters), which can hinder rescue efforts, an expert noted. A total of 130 paragliders from 50 countries are expected to compete in this year's World Cup, scheduled from November 2 to 9 in Bir-Billing.
Rise in human-wildlife conflicts in HP as black bear, leopard populations thrive: Wildlife census
CHANDIGARH: Human-wildlife conflicts are increasing in Himachal Pradesh, with Asiatic black bears and leopards being major contributors, according to the recent wildlife census titled Population Estimation and Assessment of Human-Wildlife Conflict released by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). The report highlights that these animals, whose primary prey consists of sheep, goats, cattle, and occasionally dogs, are increasingly coming into conflict with humans, particularly in the districts of Kullu, Chamba, Mandi, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, and parts of Sirmaur. The census identified approximately 529 black bears and 510 leopards across the state, with 307 bears and 333 leopards being individually recorded. The study reveals that leopards are responsible for conflicts in 30.85% of the affected areas, while black bears account for 18.65%. Among the attacks, 83.79% target sheep and goats, followed by cattle at 13.20%, and horses at 4.75%. Leopards also occasionally prey on dogs, with 3.40% of such incidents reported, though there are no records of dog predation by black bears. The report states, The human settlements constructed in isolated areas near forests are a key factor behind attacks, highlighting that the growth of human population around protected areas, encroachment, and increasing reliance on forests are significant contributors to these conflicts. Seasonal variations also influence conflict patterns. Leopards predominantly attack livestock during spring (highest in Bilaspur at 32.6%), with fewer incidents in autumn (14.2%). Bear attacks are most frequent in summer in Chamba (31.55%), followed closely by autumn (31.18%). According to the census, Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kullu report the highest number of bear attacks, while leopard attacks are most common in Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Una, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Kangra. In terms of bear populations, Kinnaur has the highest number with 90 bears, followed by Kullu (76), Shimla (71), Chamba (32), Kangra and Mandi (15 each), and five bears in both Sirmaur and Solan. Only one bear each was recorded in Lahaul and Spiti. For leopards, Shimla leads with 58, followed by Solan (56), Mandi (50), Sirmaur (48), and Kinnaur (44). Lower numbers were recorded in Bilaspur and Kangra (13 each), Chamba (5), and Hamirpur (4). The ZSI report further suggests that educating local communities on wildlife conservation is crucial, especially in conflict-prone districts such as Chamba, Mandi, Kullu, and Kinnaur, where 1,298 residents surveyed cited leopards as the primary threat to their livestock.
