The prolonged closure of the Koon Ka Tar bridge over the Beas in Mandi district has left thousands of residents in distress, severely impacting daily life, education and access to essential services.

The double-lane bridge, which collapsed during the devastating floods of July 2023, has yet to be restored, cutting off crucial connectivity for over 21 months for the residents of Mandi, Darang and Jogindernagar Assembly constituencies.

Amid mounting frustration, residents have renewed their appeal to the Public Works Department (PWD) to expedite the construction of the bridge.

A delegation led by the Himachal Kisan Sabha’s state vice-president and Zila Parishad member, Kushal Bhardwaj, visited the site along with former ward member Roop Lal Thakur and other local representatives to assess the ongoing work.

Bhardwaj expressed strong dissatisfaction with both the state and Central governments, criticising their lack of responsiveness.

“Despite repeated appeals, there has been no serious effort to understand or address the suffering of the people,” he said, adding that the original bridge had been a lifeline for residents across the Kotli, Jogindernagar, Mandi Sadar, Drang and Dharampur constituencies.

The Centre’s rejection of the bridge reconstruction proposal under the Setu Bandhan scheme has sparked outrage.

Bhardwaj accused BJP MLAs and MP Kangana Ranaut of turning a blind eye to the crisis. “Now, even pedestrian movement is restricted. Children are unable to reach schools and villagers are practically isolated,” he lamented.

Although the state government eventually sanctioned Rs 2 crore for a Bailey suspension bridge following persistent demands, the sluggish construction progress continues to worry locals. Bhardwaj also called for immediate repairs to the historical wooden pedestrian bridge as a temporary solution.

“The wooden bridge restoration should be completed within ten days,” he urged, warning of rising river levels as summer progresses.

Prashant Mohan, a resident of Kotli, said the area residents have been desperately waiting for the restoration of this road bridge.

PWD XEN DK Verma said the construction of the bridge had started from the Mandi side, while it was yet to begin from the from the other side. “Tender is being floated soon for the purpose. It is expected that within three months, this bridge would be ready for public use,” Verma added.

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, along with BJP office bearers and workers, listened to the 121st episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme at the BJP office in Nahan, Sirmaur. Following the session, Thakur addressed the media, emphasising the transformative role that the programme plays in modern India.

He said ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is a saga of a changing India and serves as a herald of Indian culture and values across the global stage.

Thakur noted that the programme has been instrumental in bringing recognition to projects and individuals working away from the mainstream, offering them a new identity and a broader platform.

Highlighting the Prime Minister’s deep affection for Himachal Pradesh, Thakur remarked that innovations from the state often find special mention in ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

This exposure, he said, has enabled many local entrepreneurs and initiatives to gain appreciation and branding opportunities not just nationally but also internationally, inspiring countless others in the process.

Citing examples discussed in the latest episode, Thakur mentioned the innovative practice of growing saffron along with apples in the Sangla Valley of Himachal Pradesh.

He expressed confidence that such initiatives would inspire many more farmers across the state.

He also highlighted the use of aeroponics technology — where plants are grown in air without soil — to cultivate saffron in Wayanad, Kerala and the expansion of litchi production in Rajasthan and South India, saying these efforts could significantly improve the lives of farmers by diversifying their agricultural practices.

Thakur stressed that ‘Mann Ki Baat’ encourages citizens to pursue new ideas and innovations, showing that determination and perseverance can turn the impossible into possible.

He further highlighted the opening of India’s space sector to private enterprises, noting the tremendous growth from just one company a decade ago to over 350 space startups today.

According to him, India’s space missions are now recognised as the most cost-effective and successful globally, promising even greater opportunities in the future.

Jai Ram Thakur extended heartfelt gratitude to the PM for providing a global platform to India’s neglected regions and hidden talents, thereby fostering a more inclusive and aspirational India.

The state government has decided to deal sternly with the protesting primary teachers, who could face severe action, including transfer, suspension and compulsory retirement.

The Primary Teachers Federation held a demonstration at Chaura Maidan here today against the creation of the Directorate of School Education.

The government had issued a notice to the federation yesterday, warning it not to criticise the government decision to create the Directorate of School Education.

As per an order issued by Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar, all those who addressed the gathering, criticised the government policy and used derogatory language should be immediately suspended and strict disciplinary action be taken against them.

Those who took part in the demonstration, which was videographed, would not be paid one-day salary, as they did not avail of leave, as per the service rules.

The order stated that some federation office-bearers, who had spoken about not to do online work, not to mark online attendance and not to take mid-day meal, would also face action.

“If any teacher refuses to undertake these tasks, a case for compulsory retirement should be made for the violation of government directives,” it added.

The order stated that the teachers had been warned against taking part in the protest yet they participated in the demonstration and also made derogatory remarks against the government and some officials.

“All those who took part in the demonstration should be identified and disciplinary action be taken against them by declaring their absence from school as ‘Dies Non’ without break in service,” the order reads.

The order stated, “If any teacher refuses to undertake these tasks, a case for compulsory retirement should be made for the violation of government directives.”

The Deputy Directors have been asked to monitor all such cases of compulsory retirement under 56(j) of the CCS CCA Rules after following the due procedure.

The Primary Teachers Federation staged a protest against the creation of one Directorate of School Education by merging the Directorate of Elementary Education and the Directorate of Higher Education and urged the state government to take back the decision.

The teachers raised slogans against Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar and the state government.

Pramod Chauhan, president of the Primary Teachers’ Association in Shimla, said that while the government was making changes in the education sector, which teachers welcome, the merger of the Directorate of Elementary Education and the Directorate of Higher Education to form one organisation could damage the basic structure of education rather than bringing about qualitative improvement.

“Several discussions have been held with the state government on the issue but the outcomes have been disappointing. Our voices have fallen on deaf ears,” he added.

Chauhan said that the Directorate of Elementary Education was established after 1984 specially to bring about qualitative improvement in education, and since then, Himachal Pradesh had made significant strides in this field.

He said, “Today, we are holding a symbolic demonstration at Chaura Maidan but the state government is trying to suppress it.

We will not back out even if the state government takes disciplinary action against us or even suspend us.”

He added that if the state government continued to intimate teachers, they would stop administrative work from tomorrow evening and would only be available for the teaching job.

“Today we are holding a symbolic demonstration at Chaura Maidan, which the state government is trying to supress. However, we will not back down, even if the state government takes disciplinary action against us or even suspends us,” he said.

He warned that if the state government continues to intimidate teachers, then the they would stop administrative work from tomorrow and would focus only on teaching.

During the protest, the teachers raised slogans against the Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar as well as the state government.

Pramod Chauhan, president, Primary Teachers’ Association in Shimla, stated that while the government is making changes in the education sector — which teachers welcome — the merger of the Directorate of Elementary Education with the Directorate of Higher Education into a single body could damage the basic structure of education rather than bring about qualitative improvement.

“Several discussions have been held with the state government on this issue, but the outcomes have been disappointing and our voices have fallen on deaf years,” he said.

Chauhan said the Directorate of Elementary Education was established after 1984 specifically to bring qualitative improvement in education, and since then, Himachal Pradesh has made significant strides in that sector.

“Today we are holding a symbolic demonstration at Chaura Maidan, which the state government is trying to supress.

However, we will not back down, even if the state government takes disciplinary action against us or even suspends us,” he said.

He warned that if the state government continues to intimidate teachers, then the they would stop administrative work from tomorrow and would focus only on teaching.

Five persons, including an 8-month-old baby, lost their lives in a tragic road accident near Pandoh Dam in Mandi today. The accident occurred on the Bakhli road when a car veered off the road and rolled down in a deep gorge in the area.

All five occupants of the vehicle died on the spot. The victims have been identified as Duni Chand (35), his wife Kanta Devi (30), their 8-month-old daughter Kinjal, of Taraur village; Dahlu Ram of Naun village in Mandi; and Meena Kumari from Nepal.

According to preliminary information from the police, the crash took place as they were on their way back from a wedding.

Upon receiving the alert, a police team from the Pandoh police post rushed to the scene and, with the help of locals, recovered the bodies from the gorge.

Mandi SP Sakshi Verma confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

The Pakistani flag on the historic table at Raj Bhawan here, on which the Simla Accord was signed, was conspicuous by its absence on Friday morning, a day after Pakistan suspended the agreement signed in 1972.

The suspension of the Simla Accord by Pakistan was in response to retaliatory actions taken by India in the aftermath of the massacre of 26 tourists in Pahalgam in a brutal terrorist attack on Tuesday.

The pact was signed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on the intervening night of July 2 and 3.

The glossy wooden table on which the agreement was signed is kept in the Kirti Hall of the Himachal Pradesh Raj Bhavan on an elevated red-coloured platform cordoned off with brass railings with a plate which reads — “Simla Agreement was signed here on 3-7-1972”.

A photograph of Bhutto signing the agreement and Indira Gandhi sitting beside him is kept on the table, while several other photographs of the India-Pakistan Summit of 1972 hang on the wall in the background.

While it is not clear when the Pakistan flag was removed, Raj Bhavan officials confirmed that the flag of the neighbouring country “is not on the table”.

A veteran journalist, who covered the signing of the agreement, told the PTI on Friday that the nearly 53-year-old agreement stressed settling all contentious issues bilaterally and maintaining peace at the Line of Control (LoC).

“However, it was frequently violated by Pakistan, and its suspension hardly has any relevance. Even if the flag is removed, there would be no repercussions as the agreement has been flouted by Pakistan several times in the past,” he said.

The pact was signed at a time when India was in full command, and agreeing to release 90,000 prisoners of war and returning 13,000 square km of land captured by India during the war was a major blunder, he said.

Referring to the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Pulwama and Uri, he said, “This is the price we are paying for this blunder.”

The HP High Court has directed the state government to revisit and thereafter revise the notification issued on March 12, 2004, whereby, it had introduced pension for non-official members of the State Public Service Commission.

A division bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja further directed the state to revise the above said notification after taking into consideration the Consumer Price Index.

While passing this order, the court observed that “It is not in dispute that the chairman and members of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission are entitled to pension in terms of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service (Members) Regulations, 1974.

This pension was introduced about two decades back for non-official members, vide notification issued on March, 12, 2004. Unfortunately, the same has not been revised till date even though the cost of living has drastically increased.”

The court passed this order on a petition filed by the former chairman of HP State Public Service Commission KS Tomar alleging therein that the government has arbitrarily fixed the pension at reduced rates in effect depriving of the fundamental rights of the petitioner under Article 14, 16 and 21 of the Constitution of India.

It was further contended in the petition that the chairman as well as the members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) are disabled from taking up any employment/office of profit on their retirement from the PSC.

The government chose to fix the pension in the case of petitioner and others similar situated persons at a reduced rate, without having any regard to the office which they held and in a constitutional body or the day to day rise in the cost of living.

The Congress has cancelled its ‘Save the Constitution’ rally to be held in Shimla on April 26 following the dastardly terrorist attack in Pehalgam.

Himachal Pradesh Congress president Pratibha Singh said the rally had been cancelled as a mark of respect to the victims of the attack.

All top Congress leaders of the state were scheduled to take part in the rally.

Next month, the Congress will hold rallies at the district and block levels.

In a proud moment for Himachal Pradesh and the nation, Deepika Thakur, a talented athlete from the remote village of Rahu (Rasta) in Sirmaur district, has once again brought laurels to the country.

Deepika has been selected to represent India in the senior women’s team at the upcoming 3rd Pesapallo Asia Cup, to be held in Bhutan in May 2025.

This prestigious international event will witness participation from top Asian nations including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India.

Deepika’s selection comes as no surprise, given her consistent and commendable performances in the past.

She has previously led the Indian team to one gold and two silver medals, and her leadership, skill and sportsmanship have earned her a well-deserved place in the national squad once again.

Speaking on her selection, Deepika expressed her determination and patriotism: “Our only goal this time is to bring home the gold for India. I will give my all, with full dedication and hard work, to make the nation proud on the Asian stage.”

Rising from a rural background, Deepika’s journey to the international sports arena is a shining example of what perseverance, talent and community support can achieve. Her story proves that excellence is not confined by geography or resources, but driven by determination and belief.

Her achievement has not only filled her home district of Sirmaur with pride but has also become a source of inspiration for youth across Himachal Pradesh.

Local leaders, sports enthusiasts, and the district administration have congratulated Deepika and extended their best wishes for her performance in Bhutan.

As she prepares to don the national colors once again, Deepika Thakur embodies the spirit of India’s emerging sporting talent—from the grassroots to the global stage.

In wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, a high alert has been issued and security beefed up along the 240-km boundary that Himachal Pradesh shares with Jammu and Kashmir in Chamba.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday has directed the Himachal Pradesh Police to remain on high alert to avert any untoward incidents in the state. He directed the police to step up vigil along the inter-state border with Jammu and Kashmir.

Director General of Police (DGP) Dr Atul Verma chaired a high-level meeting in Shimla today, where steps to enhance vigil along the border were discussed.

He directed ensuring close coordination with intelligence units to monitor and verify any threat inputs and preparedness by Quick Response Teams (QRTs), and anti-sabotage checks at vulnerable points.

The alert follows concern over past instances of militants seeking safe haven in the uninhabited higher reaches of Chamba, which borders Jammu and Kashmir.

Though Himachal Pradesh has seen very few such instances, the state remembers the killing of 35 road construction labourers by militants at Kalaban, Satrundi area of Chamba, on August 2, 1998.

The 1 HP Air Squadron NCC, Kullu, has initiated a pioneering drone training course in collaboration with premier institutions IIT-Mandi and NIT-Hamirpur.

Launched yesterday, the programme aims to enhance technological capabilities within the NCC framework. Organised under the NCC Directorate, the course features 20 trainees and will run until May 4.

Wing Commander Kunal Sharma, Commanding Officer of 1 HP Air Sqn NCC, highlighted the strategic vision behind the initiative.

“The course includes participation from Aero Modelling Instructors, Ship Modelling Instructors, Girl Cadet Instructors, and PI Staff from eight different groups of the Directorate,” he said.

“We’re using a cascading model — training instructors first so they can later train cadets in their respective groups. This ensures standardised and wide-reaching drone training.”

The collaboration brings significant technical value. IIT Mandi’s dedicated drone lab and NIT Hamirpur’s engineering expertise offer participants hands-on experience in drone assembly, operation, maintenance, and application in civil and defence sectors.

The programme has also attracted interest beyond the NCC. Organizations such as ABVIMAS Manali, Himachal Pradesh Police, HPPWD, Fire Services, and DDMA have shown enthusiasm.

“While many of these organizations own drones, they often lack trained personnel. The final three days of the program will address this gap with sessions at the DC conference hall in Kullu and practical flying at Dhalpur ground,” Sharma added.

The Wing Commander emphasised the relevance of drone technology in Himachal Pradesh’s difficult terrain, frequently impacted by flash floods, snow, and roadblocks.

“Drones can be used for geotechnical surveying, enabling rapid 3D mapping of affected regions. They are also effective for traffic monitoring and regulation.”

He further underlined their role in disaster response. “Drones can access cut-off regions post-floods or landslides, making them ideal for search and rescue.

They are especially valuable for locating stranded or injured trekkers,” he said. Apart from this, drones offer significant advantages in aerial photography, videography, and infrastructure monitoring.

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot today alleged that the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate against Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case was purely ‘a political witch-hunt’.

“By targeting the Congress leadership and the Gandhi family through false and fabricated cases, the BJP government is trying to muzzle the Congress party,” Gehlot said in a press conference in Shimla today.

He was accompanied by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, state Congress president Pratibha Singh and other senior Congress leaders at the press conference.

Claiming that the Gandhi family or the other directors of Young India Limited have not got a single rupee, Gehlot alleged that the BJP government had made ED its election department and was using it for vendetta politics.

“Chargesheeting the Congress leaders is a direct assault on the very idea of democracy and Opposition.

It is a crude attempt at political intimidation, orchestrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah,” he said.

The Blind Persons Association of Himachal Pradesh once again staged a protest outside the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, demanding the filling of backlog vacancies reserved for the visually impaired in various government departments.

The protest caused a blockade on the Chotta Shimla-Sanjauli road, severely affecting traffic movement.

During the protest, a minor scuffle broke out between the demonstrators and police personnel as officers attempted to clear the road.

However, the protestors remained firm in their stance, demanding a meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu or Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena.

Rajesh Thakur, secretary of the association, said several government posts reserved for the visually impaired remain vacant despite repeated appeals to the government.

“We have been raising this issue for a long time. Though we have held multiple discussions and received assurances, no concrete action has been taken. This has left us with no option but to protest,” he said.

Thakur highlighted the prolonged nature of their struggle, revealing that the Association has been protesting for over 500 days.

“Every time we block the road, we are called for talks, but there is no follow-through. This pattern of delay is unacceptable,” he added.

This marks the third protest on the Chotta Shimla-Sanjauli road in recent weeks, with previous demonstrations held on April 7 and March 27, causing inconvenience to commuters.

The protesters asserted they would continue their agitation until their demands are addressed by top state officials.

The association has expressed deep disappointment over the government’s inaction, calling the lack of response to their long-standing demands both disheartening and unjust.

In a unique and eco-conscious initiative, the Municipal Corporation of Shimla has transformed dried-up deodar trees into aesthetically pleasing furniture as part of its “Waste to Wonder” project, aiming to beautify the hill town while putting unused natural resources to good use.

The MC has introduced a collection of tables and chairs crafted from deodar wood trunks, which will soon be installed at various tourist hotspots across Shimla.

This initiative not only enhances the town’s visual appeal but also reflects a creative approach to sustainable urban development.

Mayor Surender Chauhan said the project is designed to creatively utilise deodar trees that have dried up or fallen—many of which were left unused after natural disasters in the state.

“Around 300 wooden trunk chairs have already been made and will be installed across the town,” he said, adding that these pieces will feature artistic designs to attract both tourists and locals.

“This initiative not only adds an aesthetic value to the city but also helps boost the MC’s revenue,” Chauhan added.

He emphasised that Shimla has seen significant waste of deodar wood in recent years, and such projects present an opportunity to transform that waste into public utility.

The Mayor also urged other parts of the state to adopt similar practices. “We believe this can become a sustainable model.

People can even be allowed to purchase such wood, turning a liability into an asset,” he said.

Chauhan further said he plans to write to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, requesting a state-wide adoption of this idea and appealing for the systematic utilisation of unused deodar trees, which could turn into a valuable resource for Himachal Pradesh.

Despite the recent rain, the water level in all four reservoirs in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab — Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Kol Dam and Thein Dam — is less than last year.

According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), as of April 17, the storage level of Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam and Kol Dam in Himachal together is 41.46 per cent below normal, the average of the past 10 years, while the storage level of Thein Dam in Punjab is 47.28 per cent below normal.

The current storage level of the Gobind Sagar reservoir on the Sutlej is 1.222 billion cubic metres (BCM) against the 6.229 BCM capacity at the full reservoir level (FRL).

At present, it is 19.62 per cent of the FRL capacity, whereas last year, the figure was 25.36 per cent during the corresponding period. The normal storage level of the reservoir during the corresponding period is 28.98 per cent.

The current storage level of Pong Dam on the Beas is 0.736 BCM against the 6.157 BCM FRL capacity.

It implies that the current storage is a mere 11.95 per cent whereas last year, during the corresponding period, the storage level was 31.52 per cent. The normal storage level of Pong Dam is 26 per cent.

The current storage level of Thein Dam on the Ravi is 0.545 BCM against the FRL capacity of 2.344 BCM.

It implies that the current storage is 23.25 per cent, whereas last year, the storage was 42.15 per cent. The normal storage level here is 44.10 per cent.

The storage level of Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam and Thein Dam is not only lower than last year, but also lower than normal.

The current storage level of Kol Dam on the Sutlej is 0.069 BCM against the 0.089 BCM FRL capacity. It implies that the current storage is 77.53 per cent.

It is less than last year, when the storage level was 89.89 per cent, but more than normal, which is 63.52 per cent.

One of the reasons behind the fall in the storage level is scant rain. According to the CWC, Himachal received 97 mm of rainfall from March 1 to April 17, registering a shortfall of 36 per cent from normal.

Punjab received 11 mm of cumulative rainfall during the same period, seeing a shortfall of 67 per cent.

The reservoirs in Himachal and Punjab benefit neighbouring states too. The meteorological subdivision of Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi received 15 mm of rainfall, witnessing a shortfall of 32 per cent.

Jammu and Kashmir, however, received 114 mm of rainfall, but it is below normal by 47 per cent. West Rajasthan received a mere 4 mm of rainfall, registering a shortfall of 54 per cent.

There could be a shortage of water in the region in the coming days if the rain situation does not improve.

“There is a possibility of isolated showers in some parts of Punjab till April 19 afternoon. Thereafter, there is little chance of rain in Punjab and Haryana for the next five-six days. However, Himachal will receive rain.

No significant change in maximum temperatures is likely over northwest India in the coming days. Also, north-westerly winds will start flowing from April 19, bringing the much-needed relief from heat,” said Director, India Meteorological Department, Chandigarh, Surender Paul.

High-velocity winds accompanied by hailstones caused significant damage to apple and stone fruit growers in many parts of Shimla and Kinnaur districts. Besides, houses and vehicles were also damaged in the intense storm last night.

“Fruit growers have suffered significant damage at many places due to the storm and hailstones. At many places, trees have been uprooted and houses and vehicles have been damaged.

We will assess the damage caused by the storm,” said Jagat Singh Negi, Minister for Revenue and Horticulture.

The storm and hailstone caused damage to plum in the lower elevations of the Kotgarh area. The area had seen good fruit setting this season after two lean seasons and the growers were expecting a good profit this year.

“Much of the fruit has fallen off the trees. There’s hardly any fruit left on the trees. All our effort has gone waste,” said a fruit grower.

Deepak Singha, president of the Stone Fruit Growers Association, said the plum, especially the Santa Rosa variety, had been affected adversely across the state as it’s sensitive to storm and hailstone.

“The other stone fruits like cherry apricot have not been hit so much,” he said. According to Singha, stone fruit makes up around 10 per cent of the total fruit economy in the state.

Meanwhile, the apple growers have also suffered severe damage in some areas due to the storm.

In the Nankhari area of district Rampur, high-density orchards have been flattened. At some places, the anti-hail nets have been blown away or torn, the bamboos were broken. “Several apple growers have suffered massive damage in the apple growing districts.

The government should take serious steps to provide assistance to the growers,” said Harish Chauhan, president of the Fruit, Vegetables and Flowers Growers Association. Besides, several vehicles were damaged in Shimla when uprooted trees fell on these vehicles. At some places, roof of the houses were blown away, leaving some people without shelter.