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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Presides over disaster review meeting

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over the disaster review meeting of five districts Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul Spiti, Kangra and Mandi through a video conference from New Delhi today.

He discussed in length the present situation with Divisional Commissioner, Kangra, stationed at Chamba besides with Deputy Commissioner Chamba and Superintendent of Police who both are stationed at Bharmour. The Chief Minister sought information about the stranded Manimahesh Yatris, the losses incurred due to flash floods and heavy rains besides the status of relief and restoration works being carried out.

It was apprised that all the stranded all the devotees were safe and secure and were being well attended and proper arrangement of  food, shelter, first aid etc has been made for them.

The Chief Minister  directed to restore the communication services in other parts of the district, particularly in Bharmour so that the people struck up there could connect to their near and dear ones. In addition, directions were issued to make arrangements for safe return of the devotees back to their homes who were sheltered in large numbers in Chamba Chaugan.  It was also informed in the meeting that Jio, Airtel and BSNL services has been restored in Chamba town. It was also informed in the meeting that the 25 Kms road towards Bharmour from Chamba has been opened. 

The Chief Minister directed the officers of district administration of Chamba and Bharmour to accord utmost priority to evacuate the Manimahesh Yatris, especially the women and the children. Directions were issued to airlift the ill and elderly. He directed to provide basic amenities besides providing food, shelter, first aid etc to those stranded and issued directions to facilitate them so that they could safely reach till their destination. Besides, he also directed to airdrop food at places not accessible easily and where devotees were stranded. He asked to acquire proper stock of ration, vegetables etc and to press air force helicopters in service and to assign responsibility to officers to ensure patch-wise restoration of roads, which were either washed away or  blocked due to landslides. He asked to rope-in additional manpower and machinery to clear the roads and stressed for swift restoration of roads and restore water and electricity schemes.

The Chief Minister  was also apprised about the status of roads blocked, disrupted electricity, irrigation and drinking water schemes, and about the communication services in the affected districts.

The Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioners of Mandi and Kullu to ensure smooth vehicular movement through other alternate routes and added that drinking water schemes and electricity should be restored at the earliest besides opening of the blocked roads. Inquiring about the situation of Bara-Bhangal in Kangra district the Chief Minster directed to airdrop food grains and other essentials for the people there.  He also asked to carry out speedy assessment of the land that had been washed away in the floods.

He also took stock of restoration works at Indora, Fatehpur and Pong dam. It was informed in the meeting that water level in Pong dam has decreased and people were relocated safely from areas submerged.

Sh. Sukhu directed Deputy Commissioner Lahaul & Spiti to make efforts to evacuate all the tourists by today evening. It was informed later  by DC Lahaul-spiti, that around 380 tourists who were stranded in Sissu have been evacuated safely today. The Chief Minister  asked to ensure evacuation of tourists through safe alternate routes. The Deputy Commissioner informed that Jio and Airtel services have been restored and further efforts were on for restoration of other networks. It was also informed that the power supply has been restored at many places and the generation has been started in Thirot electricity sub-station.  

He also asked the Chief Secretary to coordinate with the district administration for proper execution of the same.

It was also informed in the meeting that the Pathankot-Chamba road has been opened for all types of vehicles and small vehicles were plying via Kamand-Katola road towards Kullu. However, the Chief Minister directed that the district administration should ensure that this alternate route should be restricted to small vehicles and the heavy vehicles should be stopped at Mandi till the roads are cleared. It was also informed that as of now, the Kullu- Mandi NH-03  has been opened for small vehicles. As per reports all the major roads in Mandi has been through expect that of Mandi-Sarkaghat via Basahi/Dharampur

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena apprised the Chief Minister that he was monitoring the situation on daily basis and was taking appropriate steps to provide relief to the affected persons. Besides, Divisional Commissioner, DIG Kangra has been stationed at Chamba

Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police and officers of the five districts attended the meeting virtually.

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Biochar plant to be set up at Neri within six months: CM

Tripartite agreement signed in presence of Chief Minister at Shimla

India’s first State-supported Biochar programme will commence in Himachal Pradesh, with a biochar plant to be established at Neri in Hamirpur district within six months. A tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in this regard was signed today at Oak Over, Shimla, in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, between Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, and ProClime Services Private Limited, Chennai. The Chief Minister said, “This project was a step towards environmental conservation through intelligent mitigating forest fires, while also enhancing livelihood opportunities and awareness among communities.”

The collaboration aims to produce biochar by utilizing biomass such as pine needles, lantana, bamboo, and other tree-based material. Sh. Sukhu directed that the MoA be implemented within six months to benefit the people of Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Chamba, Bilaspur, and Solan districts, particularly areas with abundant pine forests. The initiative will not only create employment opportunities but also help the State to secure carbon credits. ProClime, through the Forest Department, will engage local communities in sustainable biomass collection and the participants will be paid           Rs 2.50 per kg of biomass collected, with performance-based incentives for maintaining quality and quantity.

The programme is expected to generate nearly 50,000 person-days of income annually through biomass collection, along with direct employment in plant operations. Skill development programmes will also be organised in partnership with the university on safe collection practices, biochar applications in agriculture, and climate change mitigation. Over its 10-year operational period, the project is expected to generate about 28,800 carbon credits, giving a boost to Himachal Pradesh’s green initiatives.

Under the tripartite agreement, a collaborative framework has been established to mitigate forest fires, eradicate invasive species such as lantana, and ensure the sustainable use of pine needles, bamboo and other biomass residues for the production of biochar through pyrolysis technology. The initiative will enhance soil health, promote carbon sequestration, generate and monetize carbon credits under international standards, and create local livelihood opportunities through biomass collection and skill development. ProClime Services Pvt. Ltd. will invest up to one million US dollars in phased implementation of the project.

The Forest Department will coordinate and monitor sustainable biomass collection with community involvement, provide necessary permits and concessions, and ensure compliance with forest and environmental regulations. The University will provide about three acres of land at Neri, Hamirpur, for the plant and storage facilities, support necessary approvals, and undertake research on biochar applications in agriculture.

Biochar, derived from forest and farm-based biomass, has wide applications in agriculture, metallurgy, and other industries. ProClime Services Pvt. Ltd., specializing in biochar production, carbon credit generation, and climate mitigation projects, intends to make the necessary capital investment to set up and operate the project.

MLA Suresh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant, PCCF (HoFF) Sanjay Sood, Vice Chancellor of the University Dr. Rajeshwar Thakur and the representatives of the ProClime company were present. 

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Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla participated in a plantation programme organized today at Sipur in Mashobra block of Shimla district by the Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross Society in collaboration with the Forest Department, today. On the occasion, the Governor planted a deodar sapling.

the Governor said that Himachal Pradesh is truly a Devbhoomi, renowned for its lush green valleys, snow-clad peaks and pristine water streams. However, in recent years, the State has witnessed severe natural disasters, including landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts. He emphasized that these calamities remind us of the urgent need to maintain balance with nature, warning that unchecked deforestation, pollution of water resources and unplanned development are making the earth increasingly vulnerable.

He said that plantation is not merely an environmental initiative but a life-saving duty. “When we plant a sapling, it safeguards soil, conserves water and purifies the air for generations to come.

On the occasion, around 120 saplings were planted by students of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Mashobra, under the guidance of Principal Anita Gupta. Forest officials, Red Cross members and local residents also took part in the plantation drive.

Earlier, the Governor offered prayers at the Hanuman Temple at Sipur.

Secretary to Governor C.P. Verma, Chief Conservator of Forests K. Thirumal welcomed the Governor and honoured him with a shawl and cap.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Priyanshu, Additional Superintendent of Police Ratan Negi, district officials, Red Cross members and other dignitaries were present.

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Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla released the book “Ashadh Ka Pratham Diwas” at Raj Bhavan today. The book has been authored by Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation Prithi Pal Singh, which is a poetic Hindi rendering of the immortal classic Meghadootam by Mahakavi Kalidasa.

Through this translation, the author has sought to revive the timeless beauty, imagination and emotional depth of Kalidasa in a contemporary idiom, making it more accessible to present-day readers, particularly students and youth.

The foreword to the book has been written by former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and noted author Shanta Kumar, who has described it as an outstanding literary endeavour. Padma Shri Vijay Sharma of Chamba, an internationally acclaimed miniature artist has designed the book cover adding a unique artistic dimension to the publication.

The Governor said that Kalidasa’s writings was the very soul of Indian literature and culture. He observed that presenting Meghadootam in poetic Hindi was a remarkable achievement, which not only revives Kalidasa’s creative vision but also offers a fresh perspective to readers, scholars and students. He expressed confidence that the book would make a valuable contribution to the world of literature.

Author Prithi Pal Singh said the work was the outcome of his deep study and long-standing literary interest, expressing hope that “Ashadh Ka Pratham Diwas” would evoke in readers the same aesthetic delight and emotional resonance that lies at the heart of Kalidasa’s masterpiece.

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Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla offered floral tributes and paid his homage on fourth death anniversary of Padma Vibhushan Kalyan Singh at Raj Bhavan today. He said that Kalyan Singh served on various prestigious positions and remained as Governor of Rajasthan and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

He recalled Kalyan Singh’s significant contribution to the nation, society and public welfare, stating that his life and service would always be remembered with respect.

A two-minute silence was also observed in his memory.

Secretary to the Governor C.P. Verma along with officers and staff of Raj Bhavan also paid tribute to the Kalyan Singh .

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