Many areas in the plains, low and mid hills of the state are enduring heat wave conditions.

At many stations, maximum temperatures have soared past 40 degree Celsius and Una is just shy of touching the 45 degree Celsius mark.

The weather department has issued an orange alert for heat wave and severe heat wave at isolated places in the districts of Una and Kullu and yellow alert for isolated places in the districts of Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Bilaspur, Solan, Hamirpur and Kangra.

“Weather will remain largely dry across the state till June 13, and several areas are likely to endure heat wave conditions,” said Sandeep Sharma, a senior scientist at Meteorological Centre, Shimla.

“Maximum temperatures are four to five degree higher than normal at most places in the state. Similarly, minimum temperatures are also significantly higher than normal,” he said.

Over the last 24 hours, Sundernagar, Bhuntar, Dharamsala, Una, Mandi and Manali have endured heat wave conditions.

Sharma further said that the state would get some relief from scorching heat from August 14 onwards as there’s a likelihood of light rain across the state until June 17.

Incidentally, it’s the first heat wave alert issued in June. No alert was issued in the month of May as the state experienced rainfall this month on regular basis.

The heat wave is unlikely to impact the agriculture sector much as the crops are at sowing stage and there’s no standing crop at the moment in the state. However, the heat wave conditions can cause some damage to the horticulture crops.

“Litchi has reached the maturity stage and the heat wave can crack up the fruit,” said a horticulture official from Kangra. In the apple belts, high temperature can increase the pest attack on the plants.

The weather department has issued advisory to avoid heat exposure and keep the head covered while out in the sun.

As for crops, the department has advised farmers to apply light and frequent irrigation to standing crops and provide mulching to conserve moisture in the soil.

Tourist footfall has picked up in the state in the month of June following modest arrivals in May. “The tourist footfall last month was quite low.

The conflict with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack was the major reason behind low the arrival. But now, the situation has improved a lot,” said Anoop Thakur, a hotelier from Manali. “Currently, the occupancy rate in Manali is around 80 per cent,” he said.

The tourist arrival has increased in Shimla as well over the past one week, but it’s not as high as in Manali.

“May was bad for us but the situation has improved over the past one week. Currently, the occupancy rate is around 50 to 60 per cent in Shimla.

As the heat increases in the plains, it will go further up,” said Prince Kukreja, vice-president of the Shimla Hoteliers Association.

In May, tourists come here mostly from southern states and Maharashtra. “Most bookings were cancelled in May because many people in the South see Kashmir and Himachal as one region.

So, they were a little scared to visit immediately after the terror attack. Currently, a majority of the tourists coming here are from North India,” said Kukreja.

The other reason for low arrival in May was the regular rainfall throughout the month. “Due to the rains, the weather was pleasant in the plains. But now the temperatures have started soaring, and the arrival has improved,” said Kukreja.

The rising footfall, though, is causing traffic jams, particularly in Manali where the arrival is quite high. “The flip side of the high arrival of tourists is the long traffic jams.

It takes about one-and-a-half hour to reach Rohtang from Manali, but these days the time could stretch up to four to five hours,” he said.

Thakur further said that tourism in Manali was primarily running on nature and the government needed to develop new destinations to sustain it.

“There’s a massive rush at Rohtang Pass and other places. We need to develop new tourist attractions to ensure people do not crowd up at one single point,” he said, adding that basic tourist infrastructure like parking lots and public toilets need to be ramped up.

“Tourism is probably the largest source of employment in the state. Even the government gets so much tax from this sector. The sector should be on top of the government’s priority list,” he said.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development SP Singh Baghel on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has laid a strong foundation for making India a developed nation by 2047.

He described the 11-year tenure of the Modi government as a golden period in the country’s modern history, dedicated to public welfare, good governance and committed service.

Talking to a section of the media in Dharamsala, Baghel highlighted the Modi government’s achievements across various sectors. He said that the defence budget has been significantly increased, ensuring national security that remains a top priority.

“The government has dealt with terrorism with an iron hand and Naxalism is now counting its last breaths,” the minister said, adding that incidents related to Naxalite violence have come down by 70 per cent.

Baghel also spoke on India’s remarkable progress in agriculture and allied sectors. “India is now the world’s largest milk producer and ranks second globally in fisheries,” he said, crediting the government’s farmer-centric policies for the growth.

The minister emphasised that these achievements were part of a long-term vision aimed at transforming India to a developed nation by its centenary of independence in 2047.

Baghel further said that India has recorded a 34-fold increase in defence exports since 2014, establishing itself as a significant player in the global defence manufacturing sector.

He added that the country’s defence production capabilities have grown tremendously under the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, which focuses on indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependency on imports.

Speaking on the country’s expanding digital network, Baghel said that India now has 116 crore mobile users, making it one of the largest telecom markets in the world and a key driver of the digital economy.

Highlighting India’s counter-terrorism efforts, the minister referred to Operation Sindoor, a major tri-service military operation launched in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Baghel revealed that Indian armed forces successfully destroyed nine terrorist camps located across the Line of Control and in interior areas of Pakistan.

The operation showcased the Indian military’s capability to respond swiftly and effectively to threats, reinforcing the country’s commitment to national security.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched border tourism activities at Shipki-La, a mountain pass at the Indo-China border in the tribal district of Kinnaur.

“We have eased restrictions for tourists to enjoy the beauty of Shipki-La. The tourism activities here would strengthen the economy of the local people,” the Chief Minister said while addressing a gathering on the occasion.

Sukhu said the state government had requested the Ministry of Defence to grant permission for starting tourism activities in the border areas of Lepcha, Shipki-La, Giu and Rani Kanda. “Following the approval from the Centre, the border tourism initiative has been launched,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that his government would approach the Centre to start the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki-La. “I will meet the Prime Minister and take up the matter with him. The Shipki-La route will be the easiest route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra,” he said.

Shipki-La, a centuries-old trade route between India and Tibet, was closed for trade in 2020. “There are immense possibilities of trade and cultural exchange through this pass. I will approach the Centre for reopening the route,” he said.

The Chief Minister revealed that this government had also urged the Centre to establish Himachal Scout Battalion, having a special quota for the local people of the border areas of the state.

“Setting up an airport to promote tourism in the border areas would also be pursued with the Union government. Besides, the government would urge the Centre to abolish the Inner Line Check Post of the military and paramilitary forces, which currently creates permit related obstacles for tourists,” he said.

In a significant move to preserve the fragile ecology of the cold desert region of Spiti in the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti, the Forest Department has introduced user fees for tourists entering and engaging in activities within eco-sensitive and protected areas such as Kibber, Pin Valley and Chandratal.

The initiative is aimed at minimising the carbon footprint of tourism and enhancing amenities for a better visitor experience
in compliance with directions from the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

For the first time, both domestic and international tourists will be required to pay a daily entry fee to access these sensitive zones.

Indian tourists will be charged Rs 150 per person, while foreign nationals will pay Rs 500 per head. This step marks a shift from the earlier open-access approach, wherein no entry fees were applicable.

In addition to the entry charges, specific daily fees have also been set for various tourism-related activities, including documentary filming, commercial shoots and tent pitching.

According to the Forest Department, the fee structure is as follows — Rs 4,000 per day for private documentary filming, Rs 2,500 per day for government documentary filming, Rs 7,500 per day for commercial filming/shooting, Rs 500 per day for personal shooting, Rs 200-Rs 500 per day for tent installation and Rs 400 per day for dhabha (roadside eatery) operation.

These charges are intended to not only generate revenue for maintaining ecological integrity but also control unregulated tourism that has been steadily increasing in Spiti Valley.

Kaza DFO Mandar Jeware said the fee implementation was in direct accordance with the Himachal High Court’s directives.

“Spiti is a highly sensitive ecological zone. These new charges will help manage human activity and ensure that tourism develops in a sustainable manner,” he said.

He added violators of the newly introduced rules would be subjected to double the standard penalty as a deterrent against unauthorised activities.

Tourism in Spiti Valley has surged in recent years, attracting both domestic and international travellers seeking adventure and tranquillity. However, this boom has also raised concerns over ecological degradation due to unmanaged human activity.

The authorities hope that the introduction of these charges will foster responsible tourism and help protect the region’s unique environment for future generations.

In a bid to ease traffic congestion on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has accelerated construction activity on the Mandi-Pandoh stretch, particularly around the challenging 4 Miles section in Mandi district, which is a landslide prone area in the region.

With tourist footfall rising sharply during the summer season, the under-construction stretch has become a traffic bottleneck, resulting in long queues of vehicles lined up on the road, especially during morning and evening hours.

Travellers report frequent delays as vehicles make their way towards or return from the hill stations, choking the narrow and uneven road.

In coordination with the district administration, the NHAI is actively engaged in speeding up the work.

Acting on a request by the NHAI, Deputy Commissioner of Mandi Apoorv Devgan has ordered scheduled traffic halts at 4 Miles — from 5 am to 7 am and again from 12:30 am to 2:30 am — to allow uninterrupted construction work. These restrictions will remain in force till June 10.

“The aim is to complete this crucial section as early as possible to restore smooth travel,” an NHAI official said. “The terrain is rocky and tough to work with, but all possible measures are being taken to speed up the process.”

Meanwhile, the recurring traffic jams have created discomfort for commuters and tourists alike, leading to a lot of inconvenience.

Hoteliers in the Kullu-Manali region, who depend heavily on tourist arrivals, are also feeling the pinch.

“We are desperately waiting for the road work to be completed. Once work done, it will boost tourism and make travel more pleasant for visitors,” said Hemraj Sharma, a hotelier in Manali.

Authorities have urged motorists to remain patient and adhere to traffic regulations during the ongoing construction work.

Upon completion, the upgraded highway is expected to significantly reduce travel time and enhance overall connectivity to tourist destinations of Kullu-Manali.

Himachal Pradesh is set to receive rainfall from June 12 onwards. According to the state’s Meteorological Department, light rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places over mid and high hills of the state on June 12 and 13.

The department has also mentioned that dry weather is very likely to prevail across the state till June 11. Maximum temperatures in the state are also very likely to rise by 3°C to 4°C while minimum temperatures are very likely to rise by 2°C to 3°C over many parts of the state during the next four to five days.

Meanwhile, weather was mostly dry across the state during the past 24 hours. Shimla, the state’s capital, recorded 25.2°C maximum temperature while prominent tourist destinations such as Dharamsala, Manali, Dalhousie and Kasauli recorded 32.1°C, 27.8°C, 24°C and 28.6°C respectively.

Similarly, maximum temperature in Solan was 31°C; 35.5°C each in Mandi and Kangra; Nahan 35°C, Bilaspur 36.8°C, Kalpa 26.7°C, Chamba 33.5°C, Bhuntar 34.8°C, Sundernagar 35.2°C and Keylong 25.7°C.

Tabo village in tribal district Lahaul and Spiti was the coldest as it recorded 4°C minimum temperature while Una was the hottest place in the state as it recorded 39.2°C maximum temperature.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a Green Fund of Rs 50,000 crore for 11 hill states of the country which are the green frontiers, combating the adverse impacts of climate change.

“You are aware that North Eastern and other hill states act as Green Frontiers and are ecological power houses that deliver critical eco-system services to the entire nation,” he wrote.

He sought Rs 50,000 crore green fund for the hill states based on a study undertaken by the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, on the request of the Himachal Government.

He urged that the Rs 50,000 crore Green Fund for the hill states must be earmarked from the Special Central Assistance to the states for capital investment.

“We seek your support to invest in climate resilient and ecologically sensitive development with sustainable infrastructure,” he wrote.

He pointed out that hill states are increasingly becoming vulnerable to unplanned infrastructure expansion, deforestation and degradation of habitats and unsustainable tourism which are only intensifying the impact of climate change.

Sukhu cited that the dense forests of these 11 hill states absorb huge quantities of atmospheric carbon dioxide, making contribution to India’s climate change goals.

The IIFM has estimated the carbon and climate regulation value provided by Himachal alone at Rs 1.65 lakh crore.

“The adverse impact of climate change is not only posing a threat to India’s broader climate resilience and sustainable development objectives,” he emphasised.

The CM further pleaded that Himachal, being the origin of India’s major river system, ensures water security across the vast plains. The forests of Himachal alone contribute an annual flow value of Rs 15,132 crore, directly benefitting agriculture and hydro-power sectors in many downstream states, he wrote.

Sukhu pointed out that with the annual eco-system services of Himachal have been valued at Rs 68,981.43 crore, the state supports critical functions like flood control, sediment retention, pollination and reinforcing the ecological stability of the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan.

The other benefits listed due to biodiversity protection initiatives by Himachal include shaping monsoon patterns, shielding Himalayan glaciers, ensuring perennial water supply during lean season and maintaining temperature stability crucial for agriculture, hydro-power and forest sustainability.

The revered Shrikhand Yatra, widely recognised as one of the most challenging pilgrimages, is set to take place from July 10 to 23 this year.

On July 23, the final group of devotees will embark on the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra with their return scheduled for July 29. Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh announced that the pilgrimage will be organised into five sectors, with adequate security measures already in place.

Addressing concerns over last year’s damages, the Deputy Commissioner confirmed that trek routes affected by the previous disaster are currently being repaired.

“The administration is committed to ensure that all rest stops and accommodations are properly equipped for the passengers,” she stated. She also emphasised the need for swift action and close coordination among all relevant departments.

In a detailed video conference, the Deputy Commissioner engaged with members of the Yatra Trust as well as traders from the Chail and Juagi panchayats to discuss preparations for the Shrikhand Yatra.

During this discussion, Buddhi Singh Thakur, founder member of the Trust and Milkfed chairman, provided valuable suggestions aimed at enhancing the overall experience for the pilgrims.

According to Trust vice president and SDM Nirmand Manmohan Singh, registration is mandatory for all participants. “Devotees will join the journey only after registering online,” he explained.

He added that a health checkup will be conducted by medical teams, and the registration fee of Rs 250 will be charged. Additionally, a team from the Mountaineering Institute will accompany the pilgrims, while rescue teams will be strategically stationed along the routes to ensure prompt assistance, if required.

For the 14-day Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra, the trust is setting up base camps at key locations, including Singhgad, Thachdu, Kunsha, Bhim Dwari, and Parvati Bagh.

“At each base camp, sector magistrates along with police officers, representatives from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering Institute, Manali, Jal Shakti, the Forest Department, and the Health Department will be deployed to oversee operations. Specialised teams for medical assistance, revenue management, and rescue will also be on standby,” the Deputy Commissioner detailed.

Authorities have urged all enthusiasts to ensure they register before embarking on the yatra. Given the complexity of the routes, it is challenging to monitor and prevent unregistered entry.

“For your safety, unauthorised travel without registration and a mandatory health checkup is strictly prohibited,” the officials cautioned, underscoring the necessity of these precautions in light of the pilgrim’s challenging journey.

The Health Department has made wearing of masks mandatory for everyone in the health facilities of the state.

Following the detection of a Covid-positive woman in Nahan on Tuesday, the department has issued another advisory, taking the precaution level a notch higher.

The advisory has strongly recommended the use of masks in crowded places, especially for senior citizens, children, and individuals with co-morbid conditions.

The advisory has also asked people to maintain adequate social distancing and follow hand hygiene.