SHIMLA -30^th August, 2025

Scale of destruction is much higher this year : CM

• CM conducts aerial survey of disaster affected areas of Chamba and Kangra districts
• Directs officers to expedite relief and rescue operations

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today conducted the aerial survey of Bharmour, Manimahesh and other disaster affected areas of Chamba district, besides Fatehpur and Mand area of Indora in Kangra district following excess water release from Pong Dam.

He took off from Pathankot air force station towards Bharmour but due to adverse weather conditions his helicopter could not land there.

Later, while interacting with media persons at Chamba, the Chief Minister stated that due to pre-emptive measures of the present State Government, loss of human lives was comparatively less to devastation occurred in the year 2023. But the scale of destruction was much higher. The roads, electricity and water supply, the communication services were badly hit as in comparison to 2023. This year, the entire State has been hit by the destruction attributed to incessant rains, landslides and cloud bursts. He said, "The rehabilitation was a challenge before the State Government, but with the support of the people of the State, we will overcome it courageously. It is our responsibility to rehabilitate the families who have been rendered homeless, lost all means of livelihood and will offer special relief package to support them."

Sh. Sukhu said that Speaker of Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh are reviewing the situation on ground. The government was committed to provide relief to the disaster affected people and to evacuate those who are stranded midway due to the roads which wiped out in floods en-route Chamba and Bharmour at various places. He said, "Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has proceeded for Bharmour on foot from Chamba. This demonstrates that the present State Government has adopted humanitarian approach and was sensitively dealing with the crisis.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government was vigorously working to restore road connectivity as poclains, JCBs and other heavy machinery have been deployed in the district. He said that the district administration has been directed to restore road connectivity as soon as possible, but the weather was posing a challenge to the relief and restoration works. He said that evacuation of the those stranded in Bharmour area was also dependent on favourable weather, although helicopters have been deployed for this purpose.

Criticising the BJP leaders, Sh. Sukhu said that they were busy in spreading rumours instead of extending support to the affected people. He said that this BJP was demanding to adjourn the Monsoon session of Vidhan Sabha, while in 2023, they were demanding to extend the Vidhan Sabha session. The decision to suspend Manimahesh yatra has been taken keeping in view the prevailing weather conditions, while some people are doing petty politics over this issue. He said, "Himachal Pradesh was the land of deities popularly known as 'Devboomi'. We have full faith in our deities and pilgrimages like Manimahesh, but it was unfortunate that the leaders of BJP were indulging in petty politics."

The Chief Minister said that it was only the State Government which was standing in solidarity with the affected people and expediting the relief and rescue operations.

He stressed on conducting the study to know the reasons behind the frequent occurrence of cloud bursts in the State. He said that during his recent meeting with Union Home Minister, he has asked the Central Government to form an expert group to look into this matter. He said that global warming and climate change was posing a bigger challenge causing extensive destruction, therefore, we must dig deep to tackle this problem effectively and save valuable lives.

Sh. Sukhu also held a meeting with the district administration Chamba at NHPC Bhawan, Karian and directed to expedite the relief and rescue operations in the disaster affected areas. He also asked the officers to make adequate arrangements of food, water, shelter and other essential amenities for those stranded. He also asked the district administration to open damaged roads on priority, particularly NH-154A connecting Chamba to Bharmour, and temporarily restore the electricity and water supply schemes to facilitate the people.

The Chief Minister visited Kalsuin from where the buses were available to drop the Yatris and also interacted with them.

He said that 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 to soon restore the Salooni- Khundimaral road so that the maximum number of devotees who have come from Kishtwar or Doda districts of Jammu can be facilitated to reach their homes. He said that additional HRTC and Private buses has been arranged. He said that on Friday almost 5000 devotees were dropped at Nurpur or Pathankot from Kalsuin. Small vehicles were also being arranged for the devotees to drop them beyond Salooni who have come from J&K side.

Earlier, before leaving for Bharmour, the Chief Minister, while at Pathankot Air force Station also enquired about the relief and rehabilitation operations being carried out in Kangra district from the Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa following excess water release from Pong Dam.

On the occasion, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, MLAs Neeraj Nayyar and Suresh Kumar, former Minister Asha Kumari and other district administrative officers were present.

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432 disaster affected drinking water schemes partially restored in Kullu district: Mukesh Agnihotri

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today reviewed the disaster affected drinking water projects with the officials of Jal Shakti Department in district Kullu. He said that Kullu district has been badly affected by the recent natural disasters, disrupting normal life. As many as 506 out of 708 schemes of Jal Shakti Department have been affected. He said that the officers and employees of the department were working 24x7 for restoration of these schemes, so that relief could be provided to the people of disaster affected regions at the earliest.

So far 432 schemes were partially restored by the department. He said that the work of restoration of the remaining schemes was going on war footing. The aim is to provide normal water supply to every affected area soon.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that in this hour of disaster, the state government was standing with the people. Necessary steps were being taken to ensure that the affected people do not face any kind of inconvenience.

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Horticulture to be introduced as vocational subject in schools and colleges from next session: Education Minister

Stresses horticulture curriculum aligned with state’s topography

Education Minister Rohit Thakur today presided over a meeting with senior officers of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam to align new Horticulture as vocational subject in schools and colleges of the state.

Sh. Thakur said that horticulture was the backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s economy, contributing significantly through apples, mangoes, citrus fruits and other produce. He said that the integration of horticulture course from Classes 9 to 12 and further at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, would encourage children to develop scientific knowledge, practical skills and entrepreneurial aptitude in this vital sector. He said that this initiative would prepare students not only for higher education but also for direct employment and self-employment opportunities in fruit cultivation, processing, marketing and allied industries.

Rohit Thakur directed the Education Department to complete all necessary formalities required by the Ministry at the earliest, so that the course could be introduced from the next academic session. He underlined that starting horticulture early in schools would instill among children an appreciation for sustainable agriculture, environmental balance and the State’s rich agrarian traditions. He said that “With nearly 90 percent of Himachal’s population residing in rural areas, our children must be prepared to see horticulture not merely as a livelihood but as a modern, profitable and respectable career option".

Shri Thakur said that Himachal Pradesh has always been a frontrunner in education, as reflected in the encouraging results of ASER, PARAKH and NAS surveys. He stressed that the State must show similar commitment in integrating skill-based education with traditional strengths. The inclusion of horticulture would bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application and lay the foundation for a stronger rural economy and also set an example for other States,” he added.

The Minister also urged the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to design a curriculum best suited for Himachal’s unique topographic conditions. He further stressed on the need to impart Artificial Intelligence (AI) training to teachers so that they were well equipped to integrate new technologies in education.

Executive Member of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) under MSDE, Neena Pahuja, assured full cooperation to the State in this regard and highlighted that NCVET would support Himachal in developing the most suitable modules. A detailed presentation on NCVET was also given on the occasion.

Senior officers of the Higher Education Department, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, and School Education Department also shared their valuable suggestions.

Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, Rajesh Sharma, proposed the vote of thanks and outlined the implementation plans for launching the course.

Director of Higher Education, Dr. Amarjeet K. Sharma, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli and other senior officers were present at the meeting.

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HRTC ensures safe evacuation of Manimahesh Pilgrims: Deputy CM

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has ensured the safe evacuation of pilgrims stranded in the Kalsuin area of Chamba during the Manimahesh Yatra after heavy rains and landslides.

He informed that HRTC operated free bus services from Kalsui to Pathankot for the convenience of devotees. Initially, 36 HRTC buses were deployed to evacuate the stranded pilgrims from Chamera and Kalsuin and more buses would be pushed in services as per need. So far, around 2,250 pilgrims have been safely transported to their destinations in HRTC buses.

Sh. Agnihotri said that the State Government was fully committed to the safety and convenience of every devotee and providing smooth transport and better facilities during the Yatra was among the top priorities of the government.

He appreciated the dedication and prompt action of HRTC employees, who extended timely assistance to the stranded pilgrims with a spirit of service.

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Around 6000 Manimahesh Yatris evacuated and sent back in buses and taxis: CS

Communications services restored in Banjar region

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena who took a review meeting to enquire about the number of stranded passengers in Chamba, here today stated that as many as 6000 passengers have been picked up in both private and HRTC buses and taxis and have been sent to Nurpur and Pathankot.

He said that the HRTC buses were sent to Pathankot on Friday from Kalsuin carrying devotees and 20 buses were sent on Saturday viz: 17 to Pathankot and others to Kangra and Dehra. He said that 60 buses were stationed at Chamba and were being sent as per need and rush of the pilgrims.

He said that as per the latest reports approximately 5000 Manimahesh Yatris are left in Bharmour and only around 500 devotees were now left in Chamba who were mainly from adjoining districts of Jammu and Kashmir and would be sent as soon as the Langera road opens for the light vehicles, the work of which was going on war-footing.

He stated that the Chamba-Bharmour road had been opened till Kalsuin and Rajera. Apart from this, the 'Jot' road was opened to traffic upto 'Gate'.

As far as the situation in Lahaul-Spiti is concerned, the 'Pagal Nallah' has been opened for traffic and heavy vehicle movement was being done towards Kaza. The road to 'Aleo' has been opened and made through for Light vehicles through Rohtang Pass. Four oil tankers have also been moved from Atal tunnel to Keylong after the Pagal Nallah blockade was opened.

The road situation in Kullu-Manali is also improving. The left bank has been opened for Manali, the road leading to Banjar has been opened and the communication services restored in the Banjar area, stated Director-cum-Special Secretary, Disaster Management, D.C Rana. He said that by tomorrow truck movement would be started from Lahaul.

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