Tourists from across the country, including Punjab, Chandigarh and Haryana, are flocking to Himachal Pradesh to celebrate the New Year, hoping to catch a glimpse of snowfall in popular destinations like Shimla and Manali.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted snowfall in several parts of the state, including Shimla’s higher reaches, Lahaul Spiti, Chamba, Kinnaur, Kullu, and Kangra, making it a perfect setting for a ‘white New Year’.

Kullu district is expected to receive good snowfall from the night of December 30 to December 31, with the possibility of snowfall continuing in the upper mountains on January 1 and 2.

The tourist season is currently at its peak, with thousands of vehicles arriving daily in Shimla and Manali. In the past week alone, over 13,240 tourist vehicles from other states crossed into Manali, while 34,426 vehicles passed through the Atal Tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway.

On December 27, 6,848 vehicles entered the scenic Atal Tunnel, with the number peaking at 7,237 on December 26, the highest so far this season.

Shimla is expecting around 8,000 to 10,000 vehicles daily till New Year, with over three lakh tourists expected to visit the capital city over the next seven days. The city’s nine-day Winter Carnival has added to the festive atmosphere, attracting tourists from across the country.

However, the surge in tourist influx has led to massive traffic jams across the hill region. Tourists are advised to begin their journeys early in the morning, as traffic congestion is most severe from afternoon till late evening at destinations like Shimla, Manali, Kasauli, Rohtang and Kufri.

The Left Bank Road in Manali, which previously served as an alternative route, has been severely damaged due to monsoon rains and is now single-lane in many stretches. In Shimla, the Shoghi-Anandpur-Mehli bypass is closed due to a landslide, diverting all traffic to the Kalka-Shimla road.

Despite the traffic chaos, tourists remain enthusiastic about celebrating the New Year in Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday termed the revamping of the MGNREGA as anti-poor.

The CM along with members of his Cabinet staged a protest near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Ridge, Shimla, opposing the Centre’s decision to replace the MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act.

He added that the Congress would intensify its protests at the district and block levels to expose the anti-people nature of the G RAM G Act.

Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh would be among the worst-affected states in the country. “Under the earlier arrangment, the Central Government met the entire wage liability under the MGNREGA, while the state government provided an additional incentive of Rs 80 per day to workers.

Under the revised arrangement, the Centre will bear only 90 per cent of the wages, leaving the state to shoulder the remaining burden,” he lamented.

He asserted that the MGNREGA must continue in its original spirit, driven by panchayat demands and local development needs.

“The MGNREGA, conceived and implemented by the Congress-led UPA government under the leadership of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had been a cornerstone of rural employment and inclusive growth,” he said.

He said works under the MGNREGA were planned and executed based on the resolutions of gram panchayats and sabhas, reflecting local priorities and ensuring grassroots participation.

However, the new mechanism sidelines panchayats, as planning authority has been centralised and funds would now be allocated directly by the Centre, with projects notified for selected areas.

Sukhu said salaries of officers and employees posted in zila parishads under the MGNREGA had also been discontinued, which would adversely impact the effective implementation of the scheme.

Dharna a political gimmick: Satti

Former BJP state president and MLA Satpal Singh Satti termed the protest by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and his colleagues against the Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act as a political gimmick.

Satti said the Congress party doesn’t know how to govern and it resorts to protests to distort facts and mislead the public. “The Centre has gone beyond the MGNREGA and implemented the G RAM G Act, which guarantees 125 days of employment to rural families instead of 100 days,” he said.

Satti said provision of more than Rs 1.51 lakh crore had been made for this, with the Centre contributing more than Rs 95,000 crore.

He said while the UPA government had spent Rs 2.13 lakh crore on the MGNREGA from 2006–07 to 2013–14, the NDA government has created nearly double the employment by spending more than Rs 8.53 lakh crore till 2024–25.

A special team deputed by the central government carried out a detailed field visit to the Mand region of the Fatehpur–Indora area to assess the damage caused by this year’s monsoon floods.

The team from the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, inspected severely affected villages, including Badukhar, Riali, Mand Sanaur, Mand Bhowgrawan, Haled and Mand Mayani, all located along the Beas river, which witnessed a sharp rise in water levels during the monsoon, causing damage to buildings and crops.

During the visit, officials undertook a thorough inspection of damaged public infrastructure and interacted with local villagers and farmers to get first-hand information about the losses. The residents informed the team that continuous flooding and riverbank erosion had destroyed large stretches of fertile agricultural land.

The farmers said that standing crops were washed away and cultivable fields were lost due to the strong current of the Beas, causing heavy economic losses.

The villagers expressed serious concern over their livelihoods, stating that agriculture was the main source of income in the area and the loss of land had pushed many families into uncertainty. They urged the authorities to take urgent steps for compensation, river protection works and long-term measures to prevent further erosion during future monsoons.

The central team also observed that the floods had badly damaged drinking water schemes in the region. Many water sources, pipelines and supply lines were either washed away or damaged, disrupting the drinking water supply in many villages. The locals said that temporary arrangements were being made in some areas, but a permanent solution was urgently required to restore potable water supply.

Scientist Arun Kumar and Jyotsna Ambekar, who were part of the central assessment team, said that a detailed scientific study of the damage caused by the Beas river was underway. They stated that technical data related to erosion, infrastructure damage and impact on water supply schemes was being collected on the spot.

They added that after a comprehensive analysis, a detailed report would be prepared and submitted to the Union Government’s Jal Shakti Department. Based on the findings of the report, an estimate of the total damage would be finalised and further relief and mitigation measures would be initiated, they added.

In the frozen heights of Ladakh during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947–48, one of independent India’s most inspiring military epics unfolded under the leadership of Major Thakur Prithi Chand of the 2nd Dogra Battalion.

At a time when Ladakh stood isolated, vulnerable and under imminent threat from advancing Pakistani forces, Prithi Chand’s actions proved decisive in safeguarding this strategically vital region for India.

Between mid-February and early March 1948, under some of the harshest winter conditions imaginable, Major Prithi Chand volunteered to lead a small band of just 18 soldiers into Ladakh.

The force consisted largely of Lahauli Buddhists serving in 2nd Dogra Battalion, the men accustomed to hardship, but unprepared for the extremes that lay ahead.

Accompanied by his younger cousin Major Kushal Chand and their uncle Subedar Thakur Bhim Chand, Prithi Chand led this group across the treacherous Zoji La pass — 11,000 feet high and buried under more than 20 feet of snow — without specialised winter equipment. This perilous march alone stands as a remarkable feat of endurance and determination.

On reaching Leh, the trio immediately set about organising the defence of Ladakh. Major Prithi Chand took command of two platoons of Jammu and Kashmir State Forces and rapidly raised and trained nearly 200 local militia. By May 1948, the situation had deteriorated sharply.

Pakistani forces had overrun much of Baltistan, captured Kargil, and were advancing towards Leh through the Indus and Nubra valleys. With minimal resources, scant ammunition, and a vast front stretching across hundreds of miles, Major Prithi Chand adopted innovative guerrilla tactics to stall the enemy advance.

Displaying extraordinary mobility and leadership, he personally led raids and ambushes, often appearing in one valley one day and another many mile away the next.

Living largely on sattu and enduring extreme physical strain, Prithi Chand and his men succeeded in holding the enemy at bay until reinforcements could be flown in. Their efforts not only delayed the invasion, but preserved Ladakh for India at a critical moment in the conflict.

For his exceptional courage, leadership, and indomitable spirit, Major Thakur Prithi Chand was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra on August 15, 1948. Major Thakur Kushal Chand also received the Maha Vir Chakra, while Subedar Bhim Chand was honoured with the Vir Chakra and bar.

In fact, Bhim Chand was the first in the country to get two Vir Chakras. Together, their actions in Ladakh remain a timeless testament to sacrifice and heroism, etched permanently into the annals of Indian military history.

Upon his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1950, Chand was given the command of the 3rd Battalion of the 11th Gorkha Infantry Regiment. He retired as a Colonel in 1962.

Born in the village of Khangsar Khar in Lahaul, Col Thakur Prithi Chand hailed from the distinguished house of Kolong, which governed the remote region of Lahaul during the British era.

He was the third son of Thakur Amar Chand, the Wazir of Lahaul and a World War I veteran who served in Mesopotamia and was honoured with the title of Rai Bahadur.

Deep historical ties bound the Thakurs of Lahaul to Ladakh through marriage, shared culture, language, and faith—connections that later shaped Col Thakur Prithi Chand’s commitment to the region.

Educated at Kullu High School and Shri Pratap College, Srinagar, Prithi Chand was compelled to leave his studies unfinished to shoulder family responsibilities following his elder brother’s illness. This early assumption of duty foreshadowed a life defined by service.

Married to Rukmani Devi, the couple had no issue. Presently, Shamsher Thakur and Milap are carrying the legacy of this brave heart who dedicated his life for the sake of his beloved motherland.

A devout Buddhist, Col Thakur Prithi Chand remained committed to social and cultural causes after retirement, serving as president of the Himalayan Buddhist Society in Manali. His life remains a powerful testament to sacrifice, resilience and unwavering devotion to the nation.

Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil said a simple apology could have averted the health crisis Himachal was currently confronting owing to a protest by doctors.

Demanding the reinstatement of Dr Raghav Nirula, dismissed for assaulting a patient at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, doctors went on an indefinite strike on Saturday, crippling healthcare services across the state.

“If the doctor had accepted that he reacted in a fit of rage and apologised to the Director, Medical Education, or the Chief Minister for the incident, the matter would have ended there,” the Health Minister said.

Maintaining that doctors should not get too angry or resort to strikes given the nature of their work, Shandil expressed hope that the deadlock would be resolved soon.

“Once the Chief Minister returns from Delhi, I will take the doctors to him to resolve the issue. In the meantime, we have taken measures to ensure emergency services run smoothly in hospitals,” he added.

While doctors have accepted the “misconduct” on the part of their colleague, they argue that the punishment was disproportionate to the offence and are insisting on his immediate reinstatement.

“We accept the misconduct was there, but how can suspension within six hours and termination of services in 48 hours be justified?” asked Dr Sohail Sharma amid slogans of “we want justice” raised by hundreds of resident doctors at IGMC.

“The termination order has sent a wrong signal to the medical fraternity. A career of 10 years has been finished just like that.

Doctors are feeling humiliated and insecure,” he said, explaining why they proceeded with the strike despite assurances from the CM of a fresh inquiry into the incident.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said the decision to terminate the doctor’s services was hasty and harsh.

Balbir Verma, BJP MLA from Chopal, however, thanked the government for the action taken against the doctor.

Two minor sisters, who have lost their father Jatinder Singh, a resident of Utrala village in Baijnath tehsil of Kangra district, are still awaiting assistance from the state government to survive and continue their education.

The sisters are still in shock following the death of their father, a daily-wage earner, who had single-handedly raised them after their mother left them around 10 years ago. Jatinder died after a prolonged illness.

After their father’s death, the sisters are being looked after by their elderly aunt, who herself survives on daily wages and lives in a dilapidated house. With her limited income and advancing age, she is unable to fulfil even the basic needs of the two minors.

A team from The Tribune visited the sisters at their aunt’s home on Thursday. They were in tears and spoke about their uncertain life and fear.

“We do not know how we will survive now. Who will pay for our education, books and clothes? No one from the government has come to help us yet,” they added.

The distraught siblings said, “My father took care of us ever since our mother left us about 10 years ago. After his death, we are worried about our future, as our aunt (Bua ji) is old and cannot earn enough to feed us and take care of our education.”

Social activist Parveen Sharma urged the state government to take note of the children’s plight and intervene urgently for their rehabilitation and education.

Neelam Sood, head of local NGO People’s Voice, said, “Their aunt is not in a position to earn enough through daily labour. The children are in despair. The district administration must take the responsibility of their care and education.”

SDM, Baijnath, Sankalp Gautam said, “We will take steps for their rehabilitation after discussing the matter with Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, Hem Raj Berwa. The local Tehsildar has been asked to submit a report. The government will ensure that these children are taken care of.”

He added that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had launched the Sukh Ashraya Yojana especially for orphaned children and they would also be provided assistance under this scheme.

Resident doctors of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, have decided to proceed on an indefinite strike from Saturday, December 27.

The announcement came after the government terminated the services of Dr Raghav Nirula, a senior resident at IGMC for allegedly assaulting a patient inside the hospital. After the incident, the medical fraternity came together to demand the withdrawal of the order.

All routine services, elective operation theatres and outpatient departments will remain closed during the strike. Only emergency services will remain functional at the hospital.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday inaugurated the Shimla Winter Carnival, organised by the Shimla Municipal Corporation, at The Ridge here.

The CM also flagged off a vibrant cultural parade featuring folk troupes from all districts of the state. He visited the painting exhibition, witnessed the Maha Nati performance and attended the Home Guards Inter-Battalion band competition held near the Town Hall.

Congratulating the organisers, Sukhu extended his best wishes for the successful conduct of the carnival, which is being held on the theme of a ‘Drug-Free Himachal’.

Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh’s serene and pollution-free environment not only offers peace and calm but also promotes good health. “The state has been richly endowed by nature with exceptional scenic beauty and its picturesque valleys attract crores of tourists every year,” he said.

Highlighting the economic significance of such events, the CM said they play an important role in strengthening the local economy, adding that tourist arrivals in the state are rising steadily.

He said keeping in view the vast potential of eco-tourism, the state government has notified a revised Eco-Tourism Policy.

Under the policy, 11 eco-tourism sites have already been allotted by the Forest Department, while the allotment process for 27 more sites is at its final stage. From 2023 to November 2025, nearly Rs 6 crore has been generated through various eco-tourism activities, he added.

To promote home-stays, Sukhu said an interest subsidy scheme has been launched and an online portal introduced for home-stay registration.

He added that a Tourism Investment Promotion Council has also been constituted to attract investment in the tourism sector.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, AICC secretary Vidit Chaudhary, MLAs Harish Janartha and Vivek Sharma, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, councillors and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The services of Dr Raghav Narula, Senior Resident, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla, has been terminated with immediate effect for assaulting a patient inside the hospital on December 22.

Director, Medical Education, issued the orders of the termination of his services today evening on the basis of the report submitted by an inquiry committee into the matter.

The doctor had already been suspended following the preliminary inquiry by a three-member committee immediately after the incident occurred.

As per the orders, the inquiry committee found both the patient and the doctor responsible for the incident, “which amounts to misconduct, misbehaviour, acts of commission and unbecoming of a public servant and the violation of the Resident Doctors Policy 2025”.

The video of the incident, which showed the 32-year-old doctor raining punches on the patient lying on the bed, had gone viral on the social media, leading to condemnation of the doctor’s behaviour by all and sundry.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, too, called the doctor’s conduct unacceptable. The family and friends of the patient, Arjun Panwar from Kupvi, had been demanding termination of the services of the doctor.

However, the Resident Doctors Association of the hospital had come out in defence of their colleague, claiming that the video clip did not show the entire truth and the doctor acted in self-defence.

Dr Narula had himself claimed that the patient misbehaved with him, abused his family and attacked him, which forced him to respond.

Earlier, the State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT) on Wednesday threatened to launch a statewide agitation if action wasn’t taken against the people inciting the crowd following the assault on a patient by a Senior Resident at the IGMC, Shimla.

While expressing concern over the “scuffle” between the doctor and the patient, the association appealed to the public, administration and media to not reach any conclusion on the basis of the “selected and edited video clip”.

The association has expressed concern and objection to the commotion the hospital witnessed in the wake of the incident.

Alleging that hospital was under siege for several hours, which affected the treatment of admitted patients, the association said some people in the crowd made threats to the doctors during the commotion.

The association further alleged that photos of the doctor were shared on social media, leading to harassment and defamation. Besides, AI-generated images/videos are being shared to portray the doctor as a violent individual.

“The hospital premises were used for unlawful assembly, violating the orders of the High Court. This has put the safety of patients and healthcare professionals at risk,” the association said.

The association further demanded that adequate measures should be taken to protect healthcare professionals from violence and intimidation.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has suspended the life imprisonment of former Himachal Pradesh IGP Zahur Haider Zaidi in the 2017 custodial death case of an accused in the gang rape and murder of a girl in the hill state.

Zaidi, along with seven other policemen, was awarded life imprisonment by a special CBI court in Chandigarh in January in the custodial death case of Suraj, who was found dead at the Kotkhai police station in Himachal Pradesh on July 18, 2017.

A 16-year-old girl went missing in Kotkhai on July 4, 2017, and her body was found in the Halaila forests on July 6. The post-mortem report confirmed rape and murder.

Amid huge public outcry in the state, a special investigation team (SIT) headed by Zaidi was constituted. Suraj was among six people arrested by the SIT.

Justices Anoop Chitkara and Sukhvinder Kaur on Tuesday issued directions for the release of Zaidi and asked him to furnish a bail bond of Rs 25,000.

While granting him relief, the HC noted a lack of motive and prolonged period of incarceration undergone by the officer.

In his plea, the former inspector general of police (IGP) sought the suspension of his sentence, claiming that he was not present at the police station when the custodial death occurred. He said he was already on a pre-sanctioned leave to perform the rituals of his deceased father.

“It appears that the injuries noticed by post-mortem conducted by AIIMS or use of blunt weapons like lathi, iron rod etc. and the injuries on the sole point out towards the usual brutal and crude methods of the police when they (arrested accused) are tortured in custody but certainly accused (Zaidi) was not present in the police station at that time and he cannot be attributed such injuries which were not caused in his presence.

Further, there was no motive for the accused to have caused the death of Suraj,” the court order stated.

The court further observed that in the entirety of these prima facie analyses coupled with the period of custody already undergone, which is more than 5 years, the officer is entitled to suspension of sentence.

It also noted that the case set up by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for criminal conspiracy was that on July 13, 2017, Zaidi addressed a press conference in which he claimed to have solved the rape and murder case.

“The CBI’s allegations are that in that press conference, Zaidi claimed that they had sufficient scientific evidence to substantiate the arrest of the six accused. To justify the false claim made by Zaidi, a conspiracy was hatched to extract confessions.

“This story itself raises a doubt: even if the investigators were able to extract confessions as desired, such confessions could not have been construed as scientific evidence,” it said.

The HC clarified that the observations made hereinabove are only for the purpose of deciding the present suspension application, and it shall not be construed as an expression of opinion at the time of deciding the final appeal.

“Given the above, without commenting on the case’s merits and in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the matter, the execution of the sentence of imprisonment is suspended till the pendency of the appeal,” it said.

After Suraj’s death in custody in 2017, the then Himachal Pradesh government handed over the investigation in both cases to the CBI. The central agency then arrested Zaidi and other policemen in connection with the custodial death.

The CBI charge-sheeted the accused police officials for criminal conspiracy, murder, fabrication of false evidence, destruction of evidence, torture in police custody for extracting a confession and preparation of false records.

In May 2019, the Supreme Court transferred the case related to the custodial death from Shimla to Chandigarh.

In a bid to avert threats to law and order posed by the unauthorised mining mafia, the District Magistrate (DM) has banned all mining activities from 7 pm to 7 am in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh belt for two months.

Excavation, transportation of mined material and movement of vehicles have also been prohibited during these hours as a preventive measure, according to a notification issued on December 20.

The Baddi SP and the SDMs of Nalagarh and Baddi have been directed to ensure effective implementation of the order and take necessary steps to maintain peace and tranquility. Any violation will invite punitive action.

The move follows reports of persistent illegal mining and unauthorised transportation, particularly at night and especially near the inter-state border. Porous stretches along riverbeds, khads and rivulets have reportedly enabled easy cross-border movement.

Officials from the mining and police departments have frequently faced aggression from an emboldened mining mafia operating along the Himachal-Punjab-Haryana boundaries.

Despite an existing ban on excavation machines between sunset and sunrise, Baddi police have regularly confiscated earth-moving equipment used for illegal mining on government land in the Nalagarh region, which has emerged as a hub of environmentally destructive activity.

The DM’s order notes that perpetrators have not only resisted enforcement action but have also obstructed officials in the discharge of their duties, creating law-and-order problems and endangering public safety.

Although the Baddi SP has continued operations against illegal miners, SDMs report being flooded with night-time complaints.

Reduced visibility and limited manpower have constrained enforcement efforts, allowing anti-social elements to exploit the situation, heighten tensions and threaten law and order in this vulnerable border belt.

DM Manmohan Sharma said while the night-time ban remains in force for two months due to threats from “unruly elements,” legal mining activities may continue during daytime as permitted under existing regulations.

A young resident doctor at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) allegedly assaulted a patient on Monday, triggering public outrage and protests on the hospital premises. The doctor has been suspended and a high-powered committee has been constituted to probe the incident.

A video recorded by an attendant shows the doctor repeatedly punching a patient lying on a bed. The clip went viral, drawing widespread condemnation on social media.

IGMC Medical Superintendent Dr Rahul Rao said the patient, a resident of Kupvi in Shimla district, had undergone bronchoscopy earlier in the day. “He was advised rest and asked to return after two hours for an X-ray. He went to the pulmonary ward, where he and the resident doctor had an altercation,” Dr Rao said.

The patient, Arjun Panwar, alleged that rude behaviour by the doctor triggered the incident. “I was struggling to breathe and lying on the bed. The doctor spoke to me in a rude tone. When I asked him to mind his language, he attacked me,” he claimed.

Following the assault, attendants and members of the public gathered outside the hospital, demanding the doctor’s suspension and arrest. The patient’s family also lodged a police complaint.

The hospital administration formed a three-member committee to submit a report by evening, but protesters refused to disperse. Police were deployed in large numbers to control the situation.

“The Chief Minister took note of the matter and sought a report. Based on the findings, we received orders to suspend the doctor till further instructions,” Dr Rao said. The crowd dispersed only after the suspension was announced.

Under its “Gift of Smile” project, Rotary Club celebrated Christmas with children of Bal Ashram Salyana at the Rotary Bhawan in Palampur. The children were warmly welcomed by the Rotarians, creating a feeling of affection and togetherness.

Winter jackets and other gifts were distributed to the children. The children cut a cake and the Rotarians shared a meal with them, making the occasion all the more memorable.

While highlighting the objective of the programme, Rotary Club president Ajay Sood stated that the aim of the “Gift of Smile” project was to make underprivileged children feel loved and supported. He emphasised that the smiles on the faces of children is the greatest achievement for Rotary.

Club secretary Raghav Sharma said Rotary Club has always worked with the values of service, compassion, and humanity, and such programmes help strengthen the spirit of cooperation in society.

On the occasion, St Paul School principal and Rotarian Virender Pal Singh spoke about the significance of Christmas, stating that the festival conveys a message of love, service, sacrifice and brotherhood. “It inspires us to share our happiness with the needy,” he added. Members of Rotary Club reaffirmed their commitment to continue with such activities in future.