CMlaunches adventure water sports activities at Kol Dam Reservoir
- Water sports to be developed along 35-km stretch from Aehan to Tattapani, creating new livelihood opportunities for local youth
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today virtually inaugurated adventure water sports activities at the Kol Dam reservoir in Aehan, Mandi district, from Shimla.
The Chief Minister said that the expansion of these activities across the nearly 35-kilometre stretch of the reservoir from Aehan to Tattapani will offer tourists exciting experiences while creating new employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth and strengthening the regional economy.
On the occasion, Sh. Sukhu said that recognizing the natural beauty of the Kol Dam reservoir and its immense tourism potential, the present state government has decided to expand adventure water sports activities in the area. Under this initiative, tourists will be able to enjoy a range of attractions, including speedboats, jet skis, banana boat rides, bumper rides and a mini cruise boat with a capacity of 20 passengers. These activities will allow visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the reservoir while experiencing thrilling water-based adventures.
The Chief Minister said the state government was making continuous efforts to promote tourism across Himachal, with water sports having an important role to play in this endeavour. He said the tourism sector provided employment and self-employment opportunities to lakhs of families and also contributed to an increase in the revenue of state.
He said that the government had already introduced similar activities in Bilaspur. The state's objective was to establish Himachal as a leading destination in the tourism sector.
Former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sohan Singh Thakur said the Chief Minister's vision had now been translated into reality. He said the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, was continuously working to promote tourism across the state.
Expressing confidence that the launch of these activities would boost tourism in the region and enhance the income of local residents, he said the Chief Minister was consistently working towards making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant.
On the occasion Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Vice-Chairman of the State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania and Advocate General Anup Rattan and other dignitaries were present in Shimla. Whereas Vice-Chairman of the Water Management Board Shashi Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan and other dignitaries were present in present at Aehan in Mandi district.
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CM flags-off Walkathon to mark launch of Sports and Cultural Club of Health Department
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today here flagged off a walkathon from his official residence, Oak Over to the Indira Gandhi State Sports Complex, Shimla, to mark the launch of the Sports and Cultural Club of the Department of Health and Family Welfare. Officers and employees of the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare participated in the walkathon.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the primary objective of establishing the club was to promote physical fitness, mental well-being, sportsmanship, cultural activities and a healthy lifestyle among officers and employees of the department. He expressed hope that the club would play a significant role in promoting teamwork, discipline, mutual cooperation and camaraderie among employees by organizing sports tournaments, athletic competitions, cultural programmes and recreational activities.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the club would also play an important role in identifying and nurturing sporting and cultural talent, promoting Himachal Pradesh’s traditional culture, encouraging healthy competition and strengthening unity and harmony among departmental personnel. These initiatives would help create a healthy, active and positive working environment while contributing to the welfare and all-round development of officers and employees.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Secretary Health Ashish Singhmar, Director Health Services Dr. Gopal Beri and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
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CM presides over 12th meeting of State Board for Wildlife
- Seeks panchayat-wise data of monkeys from Wildlife wing
The 12th Meeting of the State Board for Wildlife, Himachal Pradesh, was held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh here today. Detailed deliberations were held on proposals relating to industrial development, strategic border infrastructure, road connectivity, diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes and wildlife conservation. The proposals were discussed in view of developmental requirements, national security, environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
The Board approved establishment of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and Intermediates Manufacturing Unit by M/s CMG Biotech Private Limited at Plot Nos. 53 and 54, Phase-I, Industrial Area, Sansarpur Terrace, District Kangra.
The Board also deliberated upon the proposal for diversion of 1.78.20 hectares of forest land in favour of the 17th Battalion, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Reckong Peo, District Kinnaur, for the establishment of Border Out Post Lalung at Muhal Lalung and Dhar Chokula, Kaza, Tehsil Spiti, District Lahaul-Spiti. In addition, the proposal for diversion of 1.60 hectares of forest land in favour of the 2nd Battalion, ITBP, Babeli Camp, Kullu, for the establishment of Forward Post Nithal Thach in District Kinnaur was discussed.
The proposal for diversion of 00-27-50 hectare of forest land within the Rakcham-Chhitkul Wildlife Sanctuary in favour of 11 MAHAR Regiment/Headquarters 136 (Independent) Infantry Brigade Group for the development of military infrastructure along the northern border at Nagasti, Tehsil Sangla, District Kinnaur, was also placed before the Board.
The Board further considered the proposal for expansion of the existing secondary metallurgical unit of M/s Goyal Furnace Pvt. Ltd. The proposed expansion involves increasing the production capacity of MS ingots from 19,200 tonnes per annum to 96,600 tonnes per annum, along with the installation of an additional induction furnace, a continuous casting machine and a rolling mill for the production of 77,280 tonnes per annum of rounds, angles, channels, TMT bars and flats.
The proposal for diversion of 4.72 hectares of forest land within the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary in favour of the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department, Seraj Division, District Mandi, for the widening and upgradation of the Bhulah–Shikari Devi Road was also discussed.
After deliberations, all the proposals were approved, keeping in view the applicable statutory provisions and the requirements of wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
The Board also deliberated upon measures to mitigate the increasing incidence of wildlife mortality due to road accidents along the Pung–Bhuwana Tunnel stretch of the Kiratpur–Manali Four-Lane Highway (NH No. 154) in Suket Forest Division, District Mandi. The discussion focused on the need to ensure wildlife safety and implement appropriate measures to reduce wildlife fatalities on this stretch of the highway.
The Chief Minister also sought the panchayat wise data of monkeys and also reviewed the under construction Durgesh Arananya Zoological Park Bankhandi in Dehra of Kangra district and directed to expedite the construction work.
The Chief Minister also released two postcard series titled “HIMACHAL’S WILD ICONS” and “HIMACHAL’S WILD HERITAGE.” brought out by the Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Postal Circle, Shimla.
Sh. Sukhu also released the book 'Simplified Procedures for Analysis of Physio Chemical Tests in Water Samples' authored by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF) Sanjay Sood.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Chairman H.P. Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, MLA Sanjay Awasthy, Principal Secretary M. Sudha Devi, Members of the Board, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF) Sanjay Sood, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Alok Prem Nagar and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
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Government directs schools to strengthen security of school children across state
A Spokesperson of Himachal Pradesh Police today here informed here that, on the directions of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, all government and private schools across the state have been urged to strengthen security arrangements and install adequate CCTV surveillance systems on priority.
He informed that the Director General of Police, Ashok Tewari, has asked all school Principals and Headmasters to personally review security arrangements, particularly at entry and exit gates. CCTV cameras should cover both sides of school gates, approach roads and adjoining areas to monitor the movement of persons and vehicles.
He further informed that the schools have also been advised to ensure regular monitoring and maintenance of CCTV systems, safe preservation of recordings, proper identification of visitors and adequate supervision during school opening and closing hours. The required improvements should preferably be completed within 30 days.
The Spokesperson informed that the directions follow an incident last year involving the abduction of three students near the main gate of a school in Shimla. Although the children were safely rescued, the incident highlighted the need for effective preventive security measures, particularly around school entry and exit points.
He further informed that all district Superintendents of Police, SDPOs and SHOs have been directed to provide necessary guidance and cooperation to educational institutions in strengthening their security arrangements. A meeting with Principals of Shimla-based private schools will also be held at Police Headquarters in the first week of November 2026 to ensure effective coordination and follow-up.
He said that the Himachal Pradesh Police has appealed to parents to remain vigilant, educate children about personal safety and encourage them to immediately report suspicious activities. Schools and parents have also been advised to familiarise children with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) number 112 for immediate assistance during emergencies.
The Spokesperson said that the initiative focuses on prevention, cooperation and collective responsibility. School managements, parents and the Police must work together to ensure a safe environment for every child. The objective is to ensure that children can attend school without fear and return home safely.