SHIMLA-9th September, 2025

CM expresses grief over loss of lives in Nirmand due to cloud burst

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over loss of lives at Shamarni village in Ghatu Gram Panchayat of Nirmand tehsil, district Kullu, last night due to a cloud burst. According to reports, five persons have died and three have sustained injuries in the incident.

The Chief Minister said that the government stands in solidarity with the affected families in this difficult time and added that all possible assistance would be provided to them. He said that relief and rescue operation was being carried out on a war-footing. He also wished speedy recovery to the injured.

Sh. Sukhu prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.

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Deputy CM mourns loss of lives in Kullu landslide

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has expressed grief over the tragic landslide in Shamarni village of Ghatu Gram Panchayat, Nirmand Tehsil, Kullu district, on Monday night. In this devastating incident, five members of one family lost their lives, while three others were rescued safely.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that this tragedy is deeply painful and the state government stands in full solidarity with the affected family. He directed to provide proper medical treatment to the injured.

He prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families to endure this irreparable loss.

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Education Minister presides over meeting on curriculum revision

  • Himachal’s history and heritage to be part of school curriculum

The Education Minister Rohit Thakur today presided over a high-level meeting to deliberate on revising the school curriculum, with special focus on incorporating the rich history, literature, culture and art of Himachal Pradesh.

The Minister directed to prepare a curriculum that must include ancient temples, monasteries, forts, heritage sites, traditional architecture, dialects, folk arts, handicrafts, fairs, festivals and historic movements of the state. He asked officers to contextualize NCERT textbooks for classes 6 to 12 with local Himachal references to help children develop a sense of pride and belonging.

He stressed the importance of highlighting freedom fighters like General Zorawar Singh, Wazir Ram Singh Pathania, Dr. Y.S. Parmar and martyrs such as Captain Vikram Batra, Major Somnath Sharma and Captain Saurabh Kalia. Such inclusions would strengthen student's connection with the State and prepare them for competitive examinations.

The Minister also directed that contemporary issues like disaster management, climate change, green energy and sustainable development be incorporated in new curriculum. Disaster education must be practical and activity-based to equip children to respond effectively to real-life challenges.

He said that the curriculum should enhance knowledge without increasing children’s burden. He suggested replacing irrelevant chapters with meaningful ones and promoting learning through workshops, field visits, visual aids and practical exercises rather than rote memorization. He also stressed on promoting local languages.

Rohit Thakur directed the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to provide open access to resources in Himachal Pradesh via their website and portal, with QR codes and digital links for easy access.

During the meeting a major decision was taken to constitute a Committee of Experts to develop the revised curriculum. The committee will review NCERT textbooks in the Himachal context, make necessary modifications and prepare supplementary material for balanced, locally relevant education. The committee will be notified shortly.

On the occasion Vice Chancellor HPU Prof. Mahavir Singh shared his views on the curriculum reforms and said the university was working to provide students better learning opportunities by including Himachal’s heritage along with modern subjects like disaster management, green energy and skill development.

Director of Higher Education Dr. Amarjeet K. Sharma, Project Director Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli and other senior officers of HPU, HPBOSE and SCERT were also present in the meeting.

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Parwanoo city ranked 2nd in Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan-2025

The Parwanoo city of Solan district has secured the 2nd rank in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan-2025 under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), in the category of cities with population less than three lakh. Along with this recognition, the State has also been awarded a cash prize of Rs. 25 Lakh, which will be utilized to further strengthen initiatives for maintaining clean and healthy air in the region.

A Spokesperson of Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board (HPPCB) today here informed that the award was conferred by EF&CC Minister Bhupender Yadav and EF&CC Minister of State, Kirti Vardhan Singh at the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Award Ceremony held on 9th September, 2025 at Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi.

He said that this remarkable achievement has been made possible under the vision and able leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, whose commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection has inspired collective action across the State.

He said that the award reflects the dedicated efforts of the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board, local administration and the citizens of Parwanoo who worked tirelessly to ensure cleaner air and a healthier environment.