SHIMLA-1^st August, 2026

CM expresses grief over demise of wife of senior journalist Dr. Baldev Sharma

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the demise of Surender Sharma, wife of senior journalist Dr. Baldev Sharma, who passed away at Shimla on Saturday morning.

The Chief Minister has conveyed his heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family members and expressed solidarity with them during this difficult hour.

He prayed to the Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.

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Chief Minister expresses grief over demise of former Chief of Army Staff General V.N. Sharma

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the demise of former Chief of Army Staff, General V.N. Sharma. He was 97 years old and hailed from Dadh village of Kangra district. He remained Head of the Indian Army from 1988 to 1990.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that General Sharma was an outstanding, visionary military leader and a true patriot who served the Nation with exemplary courage, dedication and distinction. He said that his invaluable contribution to strengthening the Indian Armed Forces and safeguarding the country's sovereignty would always be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.

The Chief Minister said that General V.N. Sharma's life was a shining example of selfless service, discipline and commitment to the Nation. His leadership and unwavering devotion towards duty inspired generations of officers and soldiers.

He prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss.

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CM Sukhu visits disaster-hit areas of Chamba

Inspects under construction Sultanpur heliport

Helicopter services likely to begin in Chamba by year-end: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today visited disaster-affected areas of Chamba district to take stock of the damage caused by heavy rains and landslides during the current monsoon season. During his visit, the Chief Minister inspected the affected areas on the ground and interacted with local residents to understand their concerns and difficulties.

The Chief Minister first visited Sheetla bridge and the Rana Mohalla area of Sultanpur, where significant damage has been reported during the ongoing monsoon. He met affected families, listened to their grievances and assured that the state government would extend all possible assistance to help them overcome the difficulties caused by the disaster. He directed the officials to ensure that essential facilities are restored at the earliest and that damaged infrastructure and roads are repaired on priority.

Sh. Sukhu said that Chamba district had suffered considerable damage during last year’s monsoon as well, and the district again witnessed significant losses this year. He said the state government stands firmly with the disaster-affected families and was making every possible effort to provide them relief and assistance. He added that restoration of damaged infrastructure and roads was also being undertaken on priority.

Later, the Chief Minister inspected the under-construction heliport at Sultanpur, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore. Once completed, it would give a boost to development in Chamba district and promote tourism in the region. He said the state government was making efforts to start helicopter services in Chamba district by the end of this year or the beginning of next year. The facility would improve air connectivity and provide further impetus to tourism and other developmental activities in the district.

Speaker, HP Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayar, former Minister Asha Kumari, District Congress Committee President Surjeet Bharmauri, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal, Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Saklani and other dignitaries accompanied the Chief Minister.