Himtimes।। Himachal Pradesh Road Corporation or HRTC is the lifeline of public transport in Himachal Pradesh. HRTC roads link most inaccessible areas to the main stream. Geographical conditions as well as government negligence make roads dangerous in many areas. Besides this the expert drivers of HRTC are serving successfully in these routes.
Watch five most dangerous routes of HRTC, courtesy of DailyHimachal:
https://youtu.be/5h7S0bbMuuk
Himtimes|| Himachal Pradesh girl Jyotika Dutta has once again shone the name of the state in the national fencing contest. Jyotika has won gold medal in the finals of fencing competition held in Kannur of Kerala between 20th to 24th March. She is from Rohru in Shimla.
Himachali girl beat Vidyawati of Manipur by 15:8 to grab the gold. She also helped North India Sports Federation with securing second position in All India Fencing Competition. With this she also has qualified for the fencing competition of Himalayan Range Countries.
These competitions to be held in Manipur next month. Players of Himalayan Range countries will take part in this competition.
It is remarkable that Jyotika Dutta has won many medals in national and international fencing competitions. She has made Himachal Pradesh proud with her top class game.
Himtimes|| Song by Apurv Mridul has gone superhit. This song is trending #1 on Youtube in India which means it is being highly appreciated and viewed.
A web portal “In Himachal” had reported the release of Bekhabar song by Apurv Mridul. Kashika Patial from Bilaspur, Himachal has acted superbly in the video. This video is produced by Rajiv Thakur’s “Snow Leopard Productions” and has been shooted in valleys of Barot and Manali. This song is trending number one on Youtube.
Apurv Mridul is the composer of this song and Altmash Ali has sung it. Shariq Aasir has written this song. Once can view the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh in the video. See below:
https://youtu.be/lXe3IOLt9wY
Since the start of the year, 131 leopards have died across the country. Of these, 40% were killed by poachers. Wildlife activists said that while conservation efforts were largely focused on tigers, other big cats also needed protection.
The Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) said that 53 leopards were killed by poachers while 78 died of natural causes or in accidents. Uttarakhand had by far the highest number of deaths with 31, followed by Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh with 14 each. Himachal Pradesh had 13, Karnataka 10, and Rajasthan 8.
“After tabulating the data, we found that approximately two leopards have died every day year this. It is alarming that leopards are still killed for the illegal wildlife trade and that poachers are still active,” said Tito Joseph, programme manager, WPSI.
Leopards are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. According to a nationwide census conducted in 2015 — the first ever leopard census in India — there are approximately 12,000 to 14,000 leopards in the country. In 2016, there were 436 leopard deaths recorded – 282 died in accidents or of natural causes and 154 were killed by poachers. WPSI data also shows that poachers have killed 1,523 leopards since 2007.
WPSI compiled the data using information from police stations and wildlife sanctuaries within and outside protected forest areas. “Our field officers take stock of all deaths and the information is sent to our head office in New Delhi daily,” he said.
Vidya Athreya, a wildlife biologist, said, “Large-scale poaching continues but is swept under the carpet. There is a need to formulate policies regarding animals such as leopards that live outside protected areas.”
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) said gangs of poachers target leopards for their skin and teeth. “The figures are alarming. The problem of leopard poaching has resurfaced. We have found metal wires or trap snares, mostly outside protected forest areas and sanctuaries,” said M Maranko, regional director, WCCB.
On February 1, the Karnataka forest department recovered and dismantled 121 snares from a 17-km stretch along the Nagarahole National Park boundary. “In most cases, villagers and tribals who are supported by organised poaching gangs tie domestic animals near their villages in to lure leopards. Once they figure out the leopard’s trail, they place snares and kill the cat. Its skin and teeth are sold for $10,000-plus on the international market,” said Maranko.
He added that there was an urgent need to make forest officers aware of poaching techniques and to increase patrolling. “The reason Uttarakhand saw the most leopard deaths is that the terrain makes vigilance difficult. Poachers use this to their advantage. In Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, forest officers need to keep watch over areas that are not protected,” said Maranko.
Experts said the issue of leopard conservation needed more attention. “Leopards are easy targets for poachers. As efforts to save tigers have been ramped up, poachers have started targeting leopards instead. People are less tolerant towards leopards as they have heard of cases in which the big cats have attacked and killed livestock,” said Krishna Tiwari, a wildlife researcher and conservationist.
Story: Hindustan Times
Also Read:
Joginder Nagar/Ladbharol|| An axed dead body of an adult Leopard has been found in Bhabhouri Dhar Jungle of Ropri-Kaleharu Panchayat of Ladbharol Tehsil of Mandi district. Poachers chopped its head, four legs and tail and took them away and threw away its trunk in the Jungle. Forest department has taken dead body of leopard in custody and have started an investigation.
According to sources, on Wednesday, a villager of Ropari-Kaleharu Panchayat took his cattles to Jungle for grazing. He saw a be-headed body of a Leopard in the Jungle. When approached the body he found that all legs and tail were also missing. He instantly informed deputy pradhan Sanjay Kumar over phone. Deputy Pradhan informed forest department instantly.
Read : Another leopard found dead in Mandi village
Forest guard and in-charge beat Daler Mangal Dass and forest division officer Daler block Pawan Kumar visited the spot along with local police post in charge Sandeep. Villagers helped them to take dead body of Leopard to the road.
Forest Guard Mangal Dass told that they were investigating the matter. The matter was serious and high officials have been informed about the same. The remains of Leopard would be cremated after a post-mortem. Marks are found on the neck of Leopard. In the first glance it is presumed that Leopard was trapped in the metal wire or trap snare by poachers and after that they axed his body parts.
With yet another incident of leopard hunting have left natives and forest department shocked. In another incident earlier this month a body of leopard was found in almost similar state in Sirmour district.
People are condemning this inhuman act with strong voice and are demanding a strict action against culprits as soon as possible.
Also Read:
All Images: Ladbharol.com
Pramila Devi was the most formidable candidate for the Bhoranj by-election and was selected by consensus by party leaders. This was stated by Transport Minister GS Bali here today. He said that the Congress would win the seat with a comfortable margin. Replying on the change of party candidate within 24 hours, Bali said that there may some mistake in the communication that led to the some confusion but it was rectified within no time.
Terming the election as important in view of the Vidhan Sabha elections later this year, he said he had all respect for the veteran BJP leader ID Dhiman who looked after the constituency for almost three decades but now the party had fielded a true Congress worker. The Congress candidate Pramila Devi had already succeeded in penetrating the BJP stronghold in the home Zila Parishad ward of former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal. The Congress had no doubts about her victory in the by-election.
He said that the party was united and every leader and worker in the constituency would drum up support for Pramila Devi. He said the results of this by-election result in drastic changes in the political scenario of the state politics.
He said that the Congress would go to the voters with its achievements and development works that the party had done for the constituency. By fielding a young woman leader the Congress had already taken lead among women and youth. Pramila Devi would be star campaigner in the election and every Congress men would be supporting her.
Bali, Transport and Technical Education Minister, said that during his tenure over 2000 buses were added in the fleet of HRTC. He said that sufficient funding had been given for the renovation of bus stand here and process of re tendering for the new bus stand had also been initiated as the company that had to construct the new bus stand under BOT scheme had withdrawn. He said action would be taken against the dhabawalas who were fleecing passangers.
Story: The Tribune
Gearing up to take on the BJP in its citadel of Bhoranj, the Congress today divided the Assembly segment into 10 sectors, each headed by a Cabinet minister and assisted by a team of MLAs and other senior Congress leaders.
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh is likely to campaign in the constituency which will go to the polls on April 9 after the winter session of the Assembly ends. Duties have been entrusted right up to the gram panchayat level. Sources said that the Chief Minister will campaign here for a day on March 26 and later for the last three four days before the polling but till then the Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS), MLAs, former MLAs, chairmen and vice chairmen of boards and corporations have been entrusted duties and that too gram panchayat wise under the overall charge of a minister.
The Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee has deputed a team of a minimum of at least six to eight leaders in each of the 10 sectors, comprising of 44 panchayats that form part of the Bhoranj reserved Assembly constituency.
After declaring Prem Kaushal as its candidate, the Congress finally allotted ticket to Pramila Devi, once Zila Parishad member from Samirpur ward and member of the State Commission for Women.
Each sector having up to three, four or five panchayats will as such witness aggressive campaigning by the ruling party leaders. Tomorrow is the last date for withdrawal of nomination and it is only after this that a clear picture will emerge.
Barring Industry Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, all the ministers have been made in charge of one of the 120 sectors. He is likely to be made overall in-charge along with some other senior leaders.
Even as rebels, both from the BJP and the Congress, continue to remain in the fray, efforts are being made to persuade them to withdraw in favour of the party nominee. There are chances that Congress rebel Ramesh Dogra, who had contested the 2012 Assembly elections on the Congress ticket, might withdraw. However, as far as the BJP rebel Pawan Kumar is concerned, he doesn’t seem to be in a mood to oblige. However, it is only tomorrow that a clear picture will emerge.
Fear of defeat haunts Cong: Bindal
The fear of defeat is haunting the Congress government and the statement of Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh that “if we lost the Bhoranj seat our faith in democracy would be shaken”, itself showed his pain. This was stated by BJP chief spokesperson Rajiv Bindal.
Story: The Tribune
With it’s abundant natural beauty Himachal Pradesh is one of the most visited tourist state for tourists around the year. It is famous for snow-capped mountains of Western Himalayas and free flowing freshwater streams and rivers, lush green landscape and forests, diverse and rich culture and friendly and exhibits very simple standard of living and lifestyle. In fact, there are numerous best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh. But, here we will list you only top 10 of these.
Himachal Pradesh has many beautiful hill stations, pilgrimages, shrines and temples which attract large number of tourists and pilgrimages around the year. Especially in the summers hill stations like Shimla, Kullu-Manali, Chamba and Dharmashala are flocked by tourists in large number which contribute to the GDP of state in a big way.
Here we have summed up a list of 10 Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh. This list has been created after a long research around the web and also with consultation and opinion of our viewers, colleagues and friends.
Although Kullu and Manali are two different cities they are referred to as a single tourist destination as Kullu-Manali. In fact Kullu is a district and Manali is it’s second largest town after district Kullu itself and located 40 KM from Kullu town. Kullu-Manali is famous for beautiful hills and Deodar forests. Kullu-Manali is also famous for temples. Kullu is called ‘Valley of Gods’ and Manali is called ‘Queen of Valleys’. A week long International Kullu Dussehra festival is world famous and attracts large numbers of tourists. People who love nature, beautiful hills, snow capped mountains, snowfall, splashing rivers, beautiful forest of Deodar Kullu-Manali is perfect destination for them. First in our list of 10 Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh.
Best time to visit Kullu-Manali: In summers March to June and In winter October to February.
Ideal for: Kullu-Manali is ideal for all aged peoples. Kullu-Manali is famous honeymoon destination for newly married couples.
Ideal Tour Duration: 5 to 6 days.
The nearest airport is Bhuntar which is located on national highway 21. It is located 50 km South from Manali and 10 km from South of Kullu town. The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar some 130 KM. Kullu-Manali is well connected by roads. Buses and Taxies are easily available for Kullu–Manali.
See Also:
Shimla is the capital of state of Himachal Pradesh. Well known as the Queen of Hills, it is an all time destination for tourists, for lovers of nature and solitude. It has been the Summer Capital during British Rule of India. There are number of places worth visiting in and around Shimla.
Best time to visit Shimla: Throughout the year Shimla offers a pleasing climate. In summers May to July and in winters October to February.
Ideal for: Shimla is ideal for families and couples.
Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 days.
Nearest airport is Jubbarhatti, 23 km from Shimla. Shimla is connected by narrow gauge to Kalka 96 km from Shimla. Shimla is accessible throughout the year from all major cities and town by road, all kinds of services available on the road.
See Also:
Beautiful hill station Dalhousie is one of the Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh. Dalhousie is built on around five hills. The name of town is kept on the name of Lord Dalhousie who was a British Governor-General. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains in Outer Himalayas are also visible form Dalhousie. Dalhousie is famous for adventure sports like Trekking, Camping and Mountaineering.
Dalhousie is situated 52 km from Chamba district head-quarters. The altitude of Dalhousie is 2400 metres from sea level. Dalhousie lies between 32.53°N and 75.98°E.
Best time to visit: In summer March to May and In winter October to February.
Ideal for: Dalhousie is Ideal for newly married couple.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days.
The nearest airport is at Gaggal at a distance of 135 km. The nearest railhead is Pathankot which is 80 km away from Dalhousie. Dalhousie is well connected by roads. Taxis and buses are easily available for Dalhousie.
See Also: Dalhousie – Beautiful hill station in Chamba
Khajjiar is also called Mini Switzerland. Khajjiar is beautiful hill station situated in Chamba district. Khajjiar is situated 24 km away from Dalhousie. The height of Khajjiar is 6500 ft. The beautiful grass meadows and dense forests make Khajjiar famous destination among tourists. Khajjiar is also called Gulmarg. In 1992 Khajjiar was given the title of Mini Switzerland by Wiily Blazer, the Vice Chancellor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland. Khajjiar is also famous destination for Trekking. Trekking is the best way to explore Khajjiar.
Best time to visit Khajjiar: Summers May to June .
Ideal for: Khajjiar is Ideal for Friends and family.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days.
By Air: The nearest Airport is Gaggal which is 115 km away from Khajjiar.
By Train: The nearest Railway station is at Pathankot which is 104 km away from Khajjiar.
By Bus: Khajjiar is well connected from Chamba and Dalhousie. Buses and Taxis are available from all these places.
Kasol, another beautiful place in Kullu is one of the Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh. Kasol is also called mini Israel due to large number of Israelis visiting this place. It is situated on the bank of Parbati river in the Parbati valley. The height of Kasol from sea level is 1640 meters. Kasol is at a distance of 5 kilometre from Manikaran. The village is divided into Old Kasol on the Bhuntar side of its bridge, and New Kasol on the Manikaran side. Kasol is hub for backpackers for beautiful valley, untouched hills, adventures treks and picturesque views.
Best time to visit: In summer May to June.
Ideal for: Kasol is Ideal for Trekkers.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhunter.
By Train: The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar.
By Bus: Kasol is well connected by road. Bus and Taxis are available from Bhunter and Kullu.
Malana is at a few kilometres distance from Kasol. In Malana one can still see the oldest democracy of the world where all inhabitants of the village participate in the village View of Malana Village administration. They have their own pattern of parliament that is Upper House (Jaistang) and Lower House (Kanishtang or Core). Jaistang has its own Executive and it works like Judiciary. If no solution comes out in the both houses , then the case is put forward to Jamalu Rishi (Devta) and then Devta decides the case through its ‘Gur’ and its decision is final and binding to all inhabitants of the village.
Best time to visit Malana: May to August .
Ideal for: Malana is Ideal for Trekkers.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhunter.
By Train: The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar.
By Bus: Malana is well connected by road. Bus and taxies are available from Kullu.
Source: Billingvalley
Bir Billing is famous for paragliding. Bir Billing is small village surrounded by beautiful mountains. Bir Billing is famous for adventure sports adventure sports like paragliding,camping,river crossing.
Best time to visit Bir Billing: The best time to visit Bir Billing is around the Year.
Ideal for: Adventure activities, Paragliding, Trekking, Hill Climbing, Fishing at Barot.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days.
By Air: The nearest airport is Gaggal.
By Train: The nearest broad gauge railhead is at Pathankot.
By Bus: Bir Billing is well connected by road. Bus and taxies are available from Pathankot.
Kasauli is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Kasauli height is 1927m from sea level. Kasauli is surrounded by beautiful pine forests. From Kasauli one can see the beautiful view of Chandigarh.
Best time to visit Kasauli: There is no bad time to take a tour to Kasauli. But, April To September is a ideal time for visit.
Ideal for: One day picnic tour with friends and family, especially in summers.
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days.
By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh.
By Train: The nearest broad gauge railhead is at Chandigarh.
By Bus: Kasauli is well connected by road. Bus and taxies are available from Chandigarh.
Source: Cloudfront
Dharamsala is a beautiful place in Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala is 18 kilometres from Kangra. Dharamsala is surrounded by dense Deodar and cedar forests. The residence of Dalai Lama is in McLeodGanj. The headquarters of Dalai Lama holiness are at upper Dharamsala. Dharamsala is also popular for multicultural community. Nearby places to visit are Triund Hill, McLeod Ganj, Bhagsunath temple and waterfall, Dalai Lama temple, Chamunda Temple, Kangra Valley and fort, Jawalamukhi Temple and many more. This is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh and one must not miss it.
Best time to visit Dharamsala: In summer May to July and In winter November to January for snowfall lovers.
Ideal for: Dharamsala is ideal for all ages peoples.
Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 days.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Gaggal which is only 13 km away from Dharamsala.
By Train: The nearest broad gauge railway station is Pathankot which is 85 km away from Dharamsala.
By Bus: Dharamsala is well connected by roads. HPTDC runs a regular Luxury coach from Delhi to Dharamsala and Dharamsala to Delhi.
Source: Darter
Spiti Valley is one of the recommended and best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Beautiful Spiti Valley is situated at the bank of Spiti river. Spiti Valley is surrounded by high mountain ranges. Spiti valley is a research and cultural centre for Buddhists and other scholars. Spiti valley has monastery like Ki Monastery and Tabo Monastery. Spiti Valley is desert mountain valley.
Best time to visit Spiti Valley: In summer May to July.
Ideal for: Spiti Valley is ideal for friends and family.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhunter in Kullu.
By Train: The nearest narrow gauge railway station is Shimla.
By Bus: Spiti Valley is well connected by roads. Taxies are available from Shimla to Spiti.
With an eye on the Assembly elections, the state government is planning to urge the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPSERC) not to recommend any hike in the power tariff. If the hike in tariff is announced, the Congress regime, in a bid to woo voters, could bear this burden itself.
An indication to this effect was given by Power Minister Sujan Singh Pathania here today. However, it is learnt that the HP State Electricity Board (HPSEB) has recommended a hike of 30 per cent in the power tariff this year but it is the HPSERC which will take the final call after holding a public hearing.
There are 16 lakh power consumers in the state. Being the election year, it was being expected that there would be a tax-free Budget as has been the case in the past but the power consumers can now be relaxed that there will be no additional burden on them even if it was nominal. Even though the hike in tariff made by the HPSERC is very nominal, the Congress regime in a bid to woo voters could bear this burden itself, notwithstanding its own poor financial health.
A budgetary provision of Rs 450 crore against Rs 410 crore in 2016-17 has been made in this year’s Budget for subsidy to domestic consumers. “We will request the HPSERC not to recommend any hike in the power tariff but if it still insists, the government will not put any burden on the consumers and provide a subsidy to cover the enhanced power tariff,” said Pathania.
The hike in power tariff, both for domestic and industrial consumers, is made by the HPSERC after seeking the opinion of the HPSEB and public suggestions are also invited.
Last year too, though the HPSEB had sought a hike of almost 33 per cent, a mere 3.5 per cent increase in the tariff was allowed by the HPSERC. The hike that was made last year for 2016-17 was 15 to 20 paise per unit for domestic consumers in the higher slabs.
The hike was to generate additional revenue of Rs 154.48 crore to the state exchequer. The lifeline consumers in the 0-60 units bracket had been spared of any burden. The tariff had remained unchanged for the industrial consumers.
Sources in the HPSEB confirmed that though they had sought a hike of almost 30 per cent to meet their revenue requirement, as was the case in the past, not much of hike was being expected.
As far as last year’s situation is concerned, the revenue required by the HPSEB is to the tune of Rs 4,966.05 crore against a total income of Rs 4,811.58 crore. The board had projected a revenue gap of Rs 1,556.70 crore and had sought a 33 per cent hike.
Story: The Tribune
At least five people were killed and 40 others injured when a terrorist suspect mowed down pedestrians on a bridge and stabbed a police officer outside parliament complex before being shot dead by Scotland Yard officers in an incident inspired by “international terrorism”.
The knife-man behind the attack in the heart of London was shot dead by armed Scotland Yard officers.
The Metropolitan Police named the police officer killed as 48-year-old Keith Palmer and also confirmed that the attacker was “known” to the police.
“I can also now confirm three members of the public also lost their lives in this attack. And I confirmed earlier, the suspected attacker was shot dead by an armed officer – therefore meaning we now have five people in total who have died, said Mark Rowley, national lead for Counter Terrorism Policing and the Acting Deputy Commissioner.
“I will not comment at this stage on the identity of the attacker, but our working assumption that he was inspired by international terrorism,” Rowley said.
“Also, at this stage, but it may change – we believe approximately 40 people were injured, some with serious injuries, including three police officers, two of whom are in a serious condition,” he said.
Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the terror strike as “sick and depraved” attack on democratic values, which was “doomed to failure”.
May also paid tributes to the “exceptional men and women” of the police force who responded to the attack.
“We will all move forward together, never giving in to terror and never allowing the voices of hate and evil to drive us apart,” she said.
Scotland Yard had earlier called on the public to “remain vigilant” and said a review of policing strategy across the city was underway, with additional police officers being deployed across London.
The Indian High Commission in London has set up a special “Public Response Unit” for any Indians caught up in the terror attack.The incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon as a man tried to gain entry into the British Parliament via the main entrance and stabbed a police officer.
Plainclothes armed officers shouted warnings at him before shooting a number of rounds. He was later seen being covered by blankets, presumed dead.UK Foreign Office minister Tobias Ellwood administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to the stabbed police officer but said he “died at the scene”.
In an incident just minutes earlier, a speeding grey Hyundai i40 mowed down several pedestrians on Westminster Bridge nearby before ramming into the iron railings of the side of the House of Commons building.
The driver of this vehicle then ran out of the vehicle to try and enter the Parliament building, where he attacked the police officer and was eventually shot dead.Dozens of injured people were rushed to hospital from the scene and one woman was confirmed dead by doctors at St Thomas Hospital near Parliament hours later.
“We are working closely with other members of the emergency services at the scene, with our priority being to ensure patients receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible,” London Ambulance said in a statement.
French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said French school pupils are among the injured and offered “solidarity with our British friends, and full support” for the wounded students and their families.
Commons Leader David Lidington, who suspended the Parliament session as this unfolded outside, told MPs the “alleged assailant was shot by armed police”.”It seems that a police officer has been stabbed, that the alleged assailant was shot by armed police.
An air ambulance is currently attending the scene to remove the casualties,” Lidington said.”There are also reports of further violent incidents in the vicinity of the Palace of Westminster but I hope colleagues on all sides will appreciate that it’d be wrong of me to go into further details until we have confirmation from the police and from the House security authorities about what is going on,” he added.
Witnesses said the attacker was shot by police as he approached a second officer clutching his knife during the incident.May, who had just completed her weekly Prime Minister’s Questions, was seen being ushered into a car as gunfire rang out at Parliament during the incident.
Downing Street said the PM was “safe” as an emergency services helicopter was seen landing in Parliament Square, which has been cordoned off and closed to traffic.”The Prime Minister was brought back to Number 10 from Parliament. She is currently monitoring the situation,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.
May chaired a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee at Downing Street.MPs and peers were in lockdown inside the Parliament building for an extended period before being walked down across the road to Westminster Abbey.Workers and members of public in buildings in surrounding areas were also held up behind the cordoned off area.
A number of schoolchildren were also held back until the police cordon was lifted. Tourists on the famous London Eye attraction were among those trapped in the pods as part of the lockdown.
There was chaos in the area as people were seen running and being pushed back by Scotland Yard officers.In a statement, Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “Reports suggest the ongoing incident in Westminster this afternoon is extremely serious.”Our thoughts are with the victims of this horrific attack, (their) families and friends.
The police and security staff have taken swift action to ensure the safety of the public, MPs and staff, and we are grateful to them.”
London mayor Sadiq Khan said his thoughts were with those affected and expressed his gratitude to the city’s police and emergency services who “work so hard to keep us safe and show tremendous bravery in exceptionally difficult circumstances”.
Story: The Tribune
Mandi : To promote tourism in the Seraj valley of Mandi district, the local administration is going to organise two-day Paryatan Mahotsav (Tourism fair) at Deem Kataru in Mandi in June to attract more tourists to the area.
Despite having a vast opportunity for adventurous sport and other tourism-related activities, the area was lacking all these facilities to attract a considerable number of tourists towards it.
SDM, Janjehali, Ashwani Kumar said it was the first time that the local administration would organise the two-day festival in June to promote tourism in the area.
“During the fair, we will arrange a travel agents’ meet to explore the possibilities of promoting best tourist destinations of the area, introduction of mountain biking, beauty pageants, display of local products and dishes,” he remarked.
“Its motive was to provide livelihood opportunity to the people of the area. We have sent a proposal of Rs 1.44 crore to the state government to develop main tourist points like Janjehali, Shikari Devi temple and other places for tourism purposes,” he said. He said around 20 youths of the area had been trained at mountaineering institute, Manali, in adventurous sport. They formed an association to promote adventurous sports like paragliding, waterfall rappelling, heli skiing and others to facilitate tourists with adventurous sport activity in the coming days.
Story: The Tribune
SHIMLA: Waterman of India Rajendra Singh has opined that Himachal Pradesh needs to devise a mechanism for proper utilization of rainwater, which at present is going down the drain. Rajendra is a Magsaysay awardee in 2001 for rejuvenating the water sources in Rajasthan and other states.
He said that experiences revealed that promotion of water harvesting structures through appropriate institutional mechanisms and financial arrangements would be the best intervention or adaptive mechanism to reduce the adverse impact of climate change on groundwater resources as well as farm economy-based livelihood.
Governor Acharya Devvrat also underlined the need for active participation of common people in tackling the water crisis in an effective manner as the government schemes alone were not sufficient. He too expressed concern that both farmers and people residing in towns were facing the problem of water scarcity.
Story: Time of india
The Indian cricket team arrived at Dharamsala today afternoon. The team is scheduled to play the fourth Test match of the series against Australia from March 25 to 29. The team received a rousing welcome from fans at the Gaggal airport.
Sources said the Indian team would practice at Dharamsala international cricket stadium tomorrow. The team is staying at Pavilion Hotel
owned by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA).
The Dharamsala international cricket stadium will be hosting its first test match after it was given a test venue status in November last year.
The police have already made elaborate arrangements for security in Dharamsala due to the test match. Nakas have been set up on almost all roads leading to the city and vehicles are being checked.
However, there was not much enthusiasm among the public regarding the match. The sale of tickets was low at the local counters. However, general secretary of the Upper Dharamsala Hotel Association, Sanjeev Gandhi, said they were expecting tourist inflow to increase during the match days. The sources said the Australian cricket team would arrive in the city tomorrow afternoon.
Story: The Tribune
Restoration work of roads in tribal district Lahaul and Spiti which were cut off from the rest of the state due to heavy snowfall during winters was being undertaken on war footing, a spokesman of the state government said here today.
The Tandi-Keylong-Darcha, Samdo-Kaza-Gramphu and the Koksar-Rohtang roads were closed for traffic due to heavy snowfall.
He said as per the fresh report of the BRO, the Manali-Leh road had been restored from Manali to Gulaba whereas the snow had been completely removed from the Sisu-Jispa stretch and Darcha. Due to recent spell of snow, one kilometer road length between Tandi and Dalang was damaged badly. This has been restored.
The damage, however, had delayed the opening of road between Sisu and Koksar. Likewise, Udaipur road had been restored and snow had been removed on the Udaipur-Tindi road which has been reopened for traffic. The BRO has deployed adequate manpower and machinery at Manali, Koksar, Tandi, Udaipur and Stingri stations to restore roads in the district.
The work on opening Rohtang Pass from Koksar side would be started by the end of March, depending on the weather conditions. He said the restoration work on the roads under the control of Public Works Department was also under progress.
The department has reported that although there was more than six feet snow on the roads, 50 per cent roads have been cleared.
Story: The Tribune
With six of the seven liquor units remaining unsold in Solan Excise district in the auctions held today, officials of the Excise and Taxation Department face a Harculean task to sell the remaining units in the coming days.
The department had to do away with 40 liquor vends which were located within a 500 m distance from the national and state highways as per the apex court directions. The quota allotted to these 40 vends was merged with the remaining vends, thus increasing their value. There were 122 remaining vends in the six units in the Solan excise district which were put up for auction today.
A reserve price of Rs 78 crore has been fixed for the seven units as against the last year’s reserve price of Rs 68 crore. The lone Arki unit was sold for Rs 15 crore to the MRP Associates as the tender put up by it had a higher amount in comparison to a lone bid made by one contractor. No other tenders or bids were made for the remaining six units despite the presence of large number of old contractors at the auction today.
The contractors rued that instead of scaling down the reserve price after the lucrative vends close to the state and national highways had been done away with, the department had hiked the license fee by 15 per cent and this would adversely hit the profitability.
The move to merge the quota of the closed vends also drew flak from the contractors as they felt all vends would not be able to sell the earmarked stock as they were located far from the state and national highways. The move to relocate the closed vends to new locations also met with limited success and no suitable place could be found close to the national highway-22 which housed a large of vends earlier confided officials.
Additional Excise and Taxation Commissioner, DC Negi, under whose chairmanship the auctions were organized, today said another round of auctions would be conducted soon to sell the remaining units and added that they hoped to sell the remaining units soon. More than 700 vends have been closed across the state which were lying in the 500 m purview of the state and national highways following apex court directions.
Story: The Tribune
High on the party’s resounding victory in the recent polls, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda today said the stage had been set for the repeat of the BJP’s UP and Uttarakhand performance in Himachal.
Addressing party workers here, Nadda exhorted them to get into the election mode so that the BJP could wrest power from the Congress. “Let the wave of development under the BJP rule sweep the hills of Himachal,” he said. The local BJP unit welcomed Nadda even as the number of party MLAs, who turned up, was small, considering the wait-and-watch policy of legislators, as leadership issue in Himachal still remains open.
Those who welcomed Nadda included Shimla Lok Sabha MP Varinder Kashyap, MLAs Suresh Bhardwaj (Shimla), Mahender Singh (Dharampur) and Govind Ram (Arki). Former MLAs present there included Rakesh Pathania, Rajan Sushant and Khushi Ram Balnatah. Independent MLA from Chopal in Shimla Balbir Verma also met Nadda as he is all set to join the BJP.
Even as Nadda avoided making comments on any state issues, the enthusiasm among his supporters was more than evident as they tried to project him as the next Chief Minister.
However, the frequent visits of Nadda to his home state despite his pre-occupation with the affairs of the important Health and Family Welfare Ministry and national-level party matters is a clear indication of his interest in the state. He is scheduled to visit various parts at regular intervals with the Assembly polls due anytime after October.
“The foundation stone of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), proposed at Bilaspur, will be laid shortly as there are some legal wrangles in land allotment,” he said.
The Union minister said good performance of the Centre and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been appreciated by the people. “The people identify Modi with development and it will be for everyone else to see how Uttar Pradesh will witness unprecedented development under Yogi Adityanath. He also elaborated the highlights of the National Health Policy – 2017 unveiled by his ministry.
Story: The Tribune
With the end of March, the tourists visiting Kullu-Manali will not be able to get discount for hotel rooms under the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) in the district, which is offering lucrative discount to its customers till March 31.
Every year, the HPTDC provides discount in the lean season to woo tourists and this time it was up to 50 per cent for the customers.
Talking to The Tribune here today, HPTDC marketing manager at Manali Chhavi Thakur said the discount would be discontinued on March 31 and, thereafter, tourists would have to pay full to get the rooms booked.
During the winter season from January 3 to March 31, the HPTDC has been offering discount between 20 per cent to 50 per cent. “The HPTDC has around 60 hotels and log huts in Kullu district in which we provide the better lodging facility to our customers. The discount offer depends on the tourist season which vary from time to time,” he remarked.
According to official sources, the HPTDC has 60 per cent advance bookings in hotel rooms for April and May and they are hopeful that it will get momentum in the coming days as the weather will hot up in plain areas.
Story: The Tribune
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today said there is no question of undermining the importance of a historical city like Shimla and neither the secretariat nor any other office will be shifted from here to Dharamsala, where only new offices will be opened in the future.“Shimla is a city with great history and it is and will remain our capital.
Having an administrative set up at Dharamsala to facilitate the people of Kangra and the adjoining areas will not lower the dignity of Shimla in any way,” he remarked while replying to the debate on the budget proposals for 2017-18 in the Vidhan Sabha today in which 39 MLAs participated.
He said the Opposition should not instigate and mislead the public as the second capital has been declared for the integrity and unity of the state. He said the decision had been taken solely to benefit people of lower areas and not for political benefit. He said a grant of Rs 3,000 crore per annum, which Himachal used to get from Planning Commission, has been discontinued after the formation of the Niti Ayog.
He said the increase in debt was mainly due to sharp reduction in Revenue Deficit Grant during the years 2013-15 coupled with the increased salary burden due to pay scale revision by the Punjab Government followed by Himachal in 2012.
The Revenue Deficit Grant which was Rs 2,232 crore in 2010-11 of the award period reduced sharply to Rs 406 crore for 2014-15 of the 13th Finance Commission award period.Virbhadra said due to overestimation in the recommendations of 13th Finance Commission, the actual receipts in 2013-14 remained Rs 528 crore less as compared to the amount estimated by 13th Finance Commission.
“It is because of this that in 2013-15, we had to borrow more than three per cent of the GSDP to maintain the pace development works,” he justified.“The tax devolution will be Rs 4,343 crore during 2016-17 as against Rs 4,778 crore, resulting in Rs 966 less receipt in these two years,” he explained.
The apprehensions being expressed by Opposition are unfounded and based on conjecture and wishful thinking, as what I have said is authentic and based on Central and state records”, he remarked.
Commenting on the walkout by the BJP, he said he already knew that they would stage a walk out as part of their pre-planned strategy. “They only know how to criticise as they suffer from a dictatorial mentality,” he said.
The budget was passed by the house in the absence of BJP MLAs.Earlier participating in the debate Sanjay Ratan said the BJP legislators were showing a lot of concern for the financial health of the state but when it comes to enhancing their own salaries and emoluments, they are more than happy.
“The Chief Minister has never discriminated with any part of the state and institutions have been opened even in your segments. If you have the guts go and say in front of your electorate that you don’t want them rather than criticizing in the house,” he challenged the BJP MLAs.Chief Parliamentary Secretary Jagjivan Pal defended the move to make Dharamsala second capital.
“I am shocked at the BJP mentality as party members are more appreciative of the British time and not what Virbhadra has done for the state,” he said evoking strong protest from the opposition benches.
Story: The Tribune
The unique initiative taken by the state government to convert Government Primary School at Bahri in Dharmpur of Mandi district into a model school has started yielding desired results.The idea behind the model school was to prove the fact that government schools could also impart quality education, besides addressing the issue of migration of families from villages to cities for quality education.
The school has 11 teachers now. At the time of its takeover, the number was just two. Seven teachers have been deployed by the Education Department as per norms of the Right to Education Act and the remaining four have been hired by the Dharampur Adarsh Gramin Vidyalaya Samiti, running the school.
For the first time, nursery classes have been started in a government primary school, the medium of instruction has been changed from Hindi to English and as a result the number of students which was 18 in 2015 has swelled to 300 at present. In the very first year, one student from the school went to Navodaya Vidyalaya and another to Sainik School.
Physical education and music have been added to the subject list and more sections have been created so that more attention can be paid to weak students. A sum of Rs 50 lakh has been spent on the development and of the infrastructure.
“Students have been provided congenial atmosphere for proper growth, mid-day meals are served on the dining table, they wear tracksuits on Fridays and Saturdays and the medium has been changed from Hindi to English,” said chairman of the society Chandershekhar.
For the first time, nursery classes have been started in a government primary school, the medium of instruction has been changed from Hindi to English and as a result the number of students which was 18 in 2015 has swelled to 300 at present. In the very first year, one student from the school went to Navodaya Vidyalaya and another to Sainik School.
Physical education and music have been added to the subject list and more sections have been created so that more attention can be paid to weak students. A sum of Rs 50 lakh has been spent on the development and of the infrastructure.
“Students have been provided congenial atmosphere for proper growth, mid-day meals are served on the dining table, they wear tracksuits on Fridays and Saturdays and the medium has been changed from Hindi to English,” said chairman of the society Chandershekhar.
Story: The Tribune
Gram panchayat of Naldehra has locked horns with the Naldehra Golf Club and revenue authorities over the transfer of the “defunct PWD road land” measuring about 35 bighas to the Tourism Department, which seeks to develop Naldehra into a national level golf facility.
The gram panchayat has charged that the land transfer move is backed by “powerful IAS lobby” that dominates the golf club and has turned the Naldehra Golf course into “an exclusive domain of elites”.“The land transfer was carried out without the consent of the panchayat denying entry of villagers into the golf course which as per revenue records is villagers’ ‘charagah’ (grazing land)”, asserted gram panchayat pradhan, Naldehra, Bhikan Chand and former pradhan, Hem Singh Verma.
“The villagers have been enjoying the traditional ‘bartandari’ rights in the land of golf course ever since the time of the British, who had set up the course here in the early 20th century”, they claimed.
The panchayats have demanded a written assurance from the state government saying that the villagers of both Naldehra and Baldeinya panchayats would continue to get their rights over the land of the golf course.The Naldehra gram panchayat has slapped notices to the state revenue authorities seeking clarification as to why gram panchayat consent was not taken before transferring the land to the Tourism Department, said Bhikam Chand. “Villagers go to jungle through the paths in the golf course to collect fuel woods.
The villagers pay obeisance at the temple located inside the golf course, which has nine bighas of land in its name”, he claimed.Captain-cum-of inchrage of the Naldehra Golf Club Brig (Retd) BS Kanwar has termed the allegations baseless saying that the land was transferred from one government agency to the other.
“This has been done to help develop Naldehra Golf Course, world’s oldest, to a national level course so that international golfers come here. This will also promote it as an international tourist spot in the vicinity of Shimla, a former capital of the erstwhile Raj”, he claimed.
Brig Kanwar said the villagers would continue to have their rights over ‘charagah’ of the golf course. “Tourism has generated local employment. We have laid three paths for villagers to enter the course so that they can perform puja at the temple and allow grazing in rainy season. We donate Rs 1 lakh every year to the temple”, Brig Kanwar said.
Story: The Tribune
