A sudden ban imposed by Una district administration of Himachal on the movement of mining tippers during night hours has triggered an unexpected crisis in Punjab’s border town of Nangal, where long lines of heavy vehicles now choke local roads every evening.

Residents say the town has virtually turned into a night-time parking hub for tippers carrying mined material from Himachal Pradesh, creating traffic hazards and raising serious safety concerns.

The Una administration, which is facing political heat after the recent shooting of a Congress leader allegedly linked to mining rivalry, has prohibited tippers carrying mined material from using its roads between 5 pm and 6 am.

With movement banned during these hours, hundreds of tippers halt just before entering Himachal, spilling into Nangal’s road stretches.

Local residents and civic representatives say the situation has worsened in the past few days. Municipal councillor Paramjit Singh Pamma said the problem that once plagued Una had now been “dumped” on Punjab.

“Long queues of tippers filled with tonnes of mined material are parked on both sides of the road in Nangal every night. Hardly any space is left for regular commuters to pass. It is a massive traffic hazard,” he said.

Pamma urged the Ropar district administration to take strict action against illegal parking of mining vehicles and prevent Nangal from becoming a casualty of Himachal’s administrative decisions.

Residents say the danger extends beyond inconvenience. Raman Sharma, a local resident, warned that allowing such heavy vehicles to park in narrow stretches could lead to fatal accidents.

“The administration cannot allow Nangal to become a parking lot for Himachal’s mining industry. If one of these heavy vehicles loses balance or if visibility decreases at night, it can cause a serious mishap,” he said.

With little choice left due to the night-time travel restriction, tipper drivers are reportedly arriving in Nangal late in the afternoon and remaining parked until morning before resuming their journey towards Una.

The pressure of large-scale commercial mining traffic, locals argue, is too heavy for a peaceful border town to bear.

When contacted, Ropar Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Singh Walia acknowledged the issue and assured action. He said instructions would be issued to the Nangal administration and transport authorities to act against tippers parked illegally along public roads.

“The local administration will be directed to take necessary steps to ensure smooth traffic movement and prevent unsafe parking of mining vehicles in border towns,” he said.

Residents hope the enforcement begins at the earliest, as the nightly blockade of roads has already begun affecting movement of emergency vehicles, school buses, and commuters returning from work.

The third day of the winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on Friday witnessed intense political confrontation and sloganeering with the Congress and BJP MLAs staging parallel protests and creating uproar both outside and inside the House.

Before the proceedings began, Congress MLAs held a demonstration at the Assembly Gate accusing the central government of withholding financial assistance to the hill state. Congress MLAs alleged that despite the announcement of a Rs 1,500-crore disaster relief package, the Centre had not released the funds.

The ruling party members accused the Centre of adopting an indifferent attitude towards Himachal. They said that stopping financial aid was an attack on the state’s rights.

In the House, the opposition BJP stalled the Question Hour with continuous sloganeering. Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram insisted on discussing the issues pertaining to the demands of government, semi-government employees and ex-employees.

Speaker Kuldeep Pathania assured him of time later, but BJP MLAs entered the Well of the House and disrupted the proceedings. With the ruckus continuing, the Speaker adjourned the House for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, BJP MLAs staged a separate protest outside the Assembly, terming the Sukhwinder Sukhu government “anti-employees”.

BJP MLAs alleged delay in the release of gratuity to retired employees, irregular payment of medical allowances, and neglect of other employee-related issues.

The Shimla district administration has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to stop work on the twin tube tunnel following creation of a large depression on the Mehli-Dhali Road along with persistent leakage and structural cracks in several nearby residential homes

As a precautionary measure following the recent landslide at Bhattakufar, Mehli-Dhali Road, the district administration, Shimla, has stopped all excavation, blasting and related construction work on tunnel under National Highway-05 (Shimla Bypass Package-II).

District Magistrate Shimla Anupam Kashyap has written to the Project Director, NHAI, Regional Office, asking him to stop the work with immediate effect till further orders. The blasting permit issued to M/s Gawar, Shimla Highway Private Ltd has been temporarily withdrawn until further orders.

According to the preliminary site inspection report submitted by the Geological Branch, a large depression has developed on the Mehli-Dhali Road, with cracks appearing in the rock mass.

There are issues like persistent leakage, exposed utilities and structural cracks in several nearby residential homes. The report also mentions that the axis of the twin tube tunnel under construction by the NHAI lies beneath the affected area and the impact of excavation activities at this level cannot be ruled out.

Based on preliminary findings, a detailed geotechnical and geophysical investigation by a specialised agency such as the Geological Survey of India (GSI), has been deemed necessary to determine the exact cause of the landslide.

“Therefore, considering public safety, risk to surrounding residential structures, and the recommendations of the Geological Branch, it has been decided to halt all tunnelling, excavation, blasting or related construction activities on the twin tube tunnel at Bhattakufar with immediate effect until further orders,” said Kashyap.

The district administration has directed that the affected area be continuously monitored for cracks, landslides and seepage. “Safety measures and barricading should be put in place to prevent any untoward incident.

The NHAI must ensure strict compliance with the instructions as violations will result in legal action,” Kashyap said.

The second day of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha’s winter session on Thursday descended into turmoil as the entire Opposition, led by Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, went into the Well of the House, forcing Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania to adjourn the proceedings until after lunch.

The uproar erupted during the ongoing discussion on an adjournment motion pertaining to the state government’s confrontation with the State Election Commission over panchayat elections.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, while responding to points raised in the motion, allegedly deviated from the subject and launched a personal attack on the Opposition, particularly targeting Jai Ram Thakur. Negi accused the former Chief Minister of plunging the state into a deep financial crisis and remarked, “Jai Ram ne Pradesh ko kabad kar diya.”

Thakur was in the Opposition lounge when these remarks were made but returned immediately to the House to register his objection, calling the language “unparliamentary” and demanding that the minister withdraw his statements.

However, Negi continued his criticism, accusing the BJP of dividing people “in the name of religion,” a comment that further escalated

Reacting sharply, all BJP MLAs stood up from their seats and marched into the well, chanting slogans including “rajasav mantri nahi chalega” and “jhootha mantri nahi chalega.”

The charged atmosphere prompted Speaker Pathania to intervene repeatedly, urging the protesting members to return to their seats and allow the business of the House to continue. His requests, however, went unheard as the Opposition persisted with the protest.
With no signs of order being restored, the Speaker finally adjourned the House, announcing that proceedings would resume after the lunch break.

The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha’s winter session opened on a tense note as Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania admitted an adjournment motion moved by BJP MLA Randhir Sharma.

The motion sought suspension of the Question Hour to allow an immediate discussion on what the Opposition described as an “unjustified and politically motivated” delay in holding panchayat and urban local bodies elections.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu responded by stating that the government was fully prepared for a “healthy and fact-based debate”.

He insisted that there was no attempt to evade discussion on PRI and ULB polls, stressing that the elections would be conducted strictly according to rules and within constitutional boundaries.

Randhir Sharma accused the Congress government of undermining public interest by attempting to postpone the elections despite the State Election Commission’s (SEC) readiness. He argued that the Cabinet’s decision earlier this week to reorganise panchayats was “clearly timed” to set back the election process.

Sharma noted that the SEC had already invoked a key provision of the Model Code of Conduct on November 17, barring any changes in the boundaries or structure of panchayats and municipalities.

Calling the use of the Disaster Management Act “unconstitutional”, Sharma questioned the logic behind the government’s stance. “If children are attending school every day, why can’t their parents step out to vote?” he asked.

Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur escalated the attack, accusing the government of “killing democratic traditions and constitutional norms” during its three-year tenure.

Speaking on Constitution Day, he reminded the ruling side that timely elections were a constitutional obligation. Thakur alleged that the government was intentionally delaying the polls out of “fear of losing”.

Drawing a sharp comparison, he said the current approach resembled the Emergency of 1975, claiming that the Disaster Management Act was being misused to “avoid public scrutiny”.

Thakur pointed out that PRI elections had been conducted in 2020 under his government during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. “If elections could be held then, what is stopping the government now?” he asked.

He further accused the Chief Minister of misleading the public on issues such as the OBC roster and delimitation. “Delimitation of panchayats or urban wards is simply a tool to delay elections by a year,” he said. Urging the Chief Minister to show political courage, Thakur remarked: “Don’t delay. This is not healthy for the state.”

Congress MLAs Sanjay Awasthi, Nand Lal, Suresh Kumar, Kishori Lal, Chander Shekhar, Mohan Lal Brakta and Ram Kumar defended the government’s stance, saying that post-disaster restoration and restructuring of panchayats must precede polls.

BJP legislators Surinder Sohi, Jeet Ram Katwal, Rakesh Jamwal, Inder Singh Gandhi, Tarlok Jamwal and Dalip Thakur countered that the government’s only motive was to postpone elections fearing defeat.

The Assembly will resume the debate on Thursday.

The uncertainty surrounding the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections in the state has deepened, with the state Cabinet deciding to proceed with the reorganisation of panchayats even as the State Election Commission (SEC) has frozen their boundaries.

The move has once again brought the simmering standoff between the government and the SEC into sharp focus.

At its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Cabinet cleared the reorganisation plan despite the SEC’s directive restricting any alteration in the structure, classification or area of panchayats until the election process is completed.

The SEC’s order, issued on November 18 under the Himachal Pradesh Panchayats and Municipalities Model Code of Conduct, 2020, categorically bars any changes to existing boundaries.

Meanwhile, the Election Department has received 42 proposals for panchayat reorganisation across the state.

At the same time, Deputy Commissioners have begun collecting ballot papers and other election materials as per the SEC’s schedule, highlighting the administrative tightrope the state machinery is currently walking.

Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh reiterated that the Chief Minister has already assured timely elections. However, he noted that the situation remains complicated, with the Disaster Management Act still in force and the issue pending before the HC. The matter is slated for hearing on December 22.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi echoed this position, emphasising that any decision on conducting PRI polls must account for the ongoing enforcement of the Disaster Act.

He stressed that the government would continue to act within its legal mandate while navigating the present constraints.

The state government had invoked the Disaster Management Act on October 8, 2025, deferring the PRI elections on the grounds that road connectivity in several regions had not been restored adequately after recent calamities.

With competing administrative priorities and legal restrictions now converging, the path to the polls remains anything but straightforward.

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has approved a sweeping set of reforms across health, policing, disaster management, social security and infrastructure.

The measures reflect the government’s attempt to strengthen public services while addressing persistent gaps exposed in recent months.

A major highlight of the meeting was the decision to engage 1,000 Rogi Mitras to improve patient care in government health institutions. The government also cleared the recruitment of 800 constables in the Police Department.

In a significant move, the Cabinet enhanced compensation for disaster-affected families: assistance for loss of household items has been raised from Rs 70,000 to Rs 1 lakh, while families whose homes are completely damaged in fire incidents will now receive Rs 7 lakh as a special relief package.

The government approved 150 days of employment under MNREGA, extending a crucial safety net to rural households. It also cleared the construction of retaining walls up to Rs 2 lakh for individual works, a step likely to benefit vulnerable areas at risk of landslides or erosion.

Addressing environmental and mining-related issues, the Cabinet authorised the Forest Department to issue letters of intent for mineral concessions on forest land.

This is aimed at enabling dredging and lifting of sand and gravel from riverbeds, where excessive accumulation has been causing recurring damage during monsoons.

In disaster response, the government approved the payment of Rs 4.32 crore to the Indian Air Force for helicopter services used during emergencies. It also sanctioned the opening of Sub Fire Centres at Kandaghat (Solan) and Rajgarh (Sirmaur)..

The Cabinet also gave a green signal to fill 150 posts of Junior Engineer (Civil) in the Jal Shakti Vibhag and the Public Works Department.

In the health sector, it approved the creation of nine super-specialty departments at the Government Medical College, Hamirpur, along with 73 teaching and specialist posts. Additionally, 27 Senior Resident posts will be added to the super-specialty wing of Government Medical College, Tanda.

A major welfare decision was the extension of social security pensions to all persons with 40% or above disability, scrapping the restrictive condition that excluded beneficiaries whose guardians were government employees or pensioners.

On the transport front, the Cabinet approved a 40% subsidy for converting 1,000 petrol and diesel taxis into electric vehicles under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarojgar Start-Up Yojna (2023), and cleared the purchase of 10 electric bikes for highway patrolling.

To strengthen the fight against drugs, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force will now be merged with the Special Task Force under the Home Department to create a unified body.

Small retailers also received relief as the government expanded the Mukhya Mantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojna to urban shopkeepers with annual turnover below Rs 10 lakh. Distressed shopkeepers with NPAs will receive a one-time settlement of up to Rs 1 lakh, fully funded by the state.

The Cabinet also approved reorganisation of Bamson and Hamirpur Development Blocks and decided to convert Government College, Hamirpur, into a dedicated science college.

It cleared a four-year integrated BEd programme for Government College of Teachers Education, Dharamsala, and at colleges in Nadaun, Chail Koti and Tikkar. Finally, it authorised the convening of DPCs to expedite promotions of 805 principals.

Unscientific and haphazard riverbed mining in Himachal Pradesh has severely impacted the river basin environment that needs immediate corrective measures.

The Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) have cautioned the state government many times that mining and its associated activities are responsible for the considerable environmental damage, flash floods and landslides that Himachal Pradesh had witnessed in the past two years.

Illegal riverbed mining all over the state, the lack of governance and the indifferent attitude of the state authorities towards the mafia have resulted in land degradation and an existential threat to rivers.

Sand, boulders, pebbles and gravels are extracted directly from active river channels or its banks in gross violation of rules.

There is a complete ban on all types of mining activities in all major rivers of the state but still large-scale mineral extraction is reported from Una, Kangra, Solan and Kulu districts.

The use of modern JCB and Poclain machines have quickened the pace of mineral extraction faster than than natural replenishment rate, leading to irreparable damage. The rivers play a significant role in the creation of the economic, social, religious and cultural heritage of the state.

However, the state authorities seem to have learnt no lesson from the flash floods in the past three years and the recent outburst of the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court had flagged the ecological imbalance in Himachal Pradesh while cautioning that the entire state may ‘vanish in thin air’ if the situation did not change. The court observed that the situation in Himachal Pradesh had worsened and climate change was having a “visible and alarming impact”.

We want to impress upon the state government and the Union of India that earning revenue is not everything. Revenue cannot be earned at the cost of the environment and the ecology,” a Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan had said.

The unplanned and unregulated large-scale mining of sand, gravels and stones from riverbeds and riverbanks has severe environmental and social impact. Riverbed mining in the Himalayan terrains has led to hill erosion and subsidence and left the river-plains much more vulnerable to flash floods because it allows loose landmass to be washed downstream, especially during the monsoon season. This has severely impacted the ecological balance of rivers and caused damage to the flora and fauna and the riparian habitats.

The large-scale unscientific mining has severely impacted the river ecosystems.

“The Himalayas and lower hills are a treasure house of minerals that people have been exploiting since time immemorial.

The lack of adequate scientific studies on this environmentally-sensitive activity is a major hurdle in proper decision making and creating awareness among people at different levels,” says KB Ralhan and Subhash Sharma, local environmentalists and members of NGO People’s Voice that is working for the protection of the environment in the Kangra valley.

Kangra is preparing to bid a tearful yet proud farewell to Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who lost his life in the LCA Tejas crash during the Dubai Air Show.

His mortal remains will arrive from Sulur Air Base, Coimbatore, to Kangra airport at 12.30 pm on Sunday.

According to Nagrota Bagwan SDM Munish Sharma, the last rites will be performed at his native village, Patialkhad near Yol, with full military honours.

The district administration has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure a dignified tribute to the officer. Col Gopal Guleria, Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, told The Tribune that the Air Force unit stationed at Yol is supervising all formalities, while the local ex-servicemen’s unit, led by Hony Captain KC Dhiman, will attend in full uniform to honour this ‘brave son of the soil’.

Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa confirmed that Yadwinder Goma, Minister for AYUSH, Youth Services and Sports, along with local MLA and HPTDC Chairperson Raghubir Singh Bali, will represent the state government.

Former Speaker Vipin Singh Parmar, former Minister Sudhir Sharma and several other political leaders are also expected to pay their respects as the region unites to honour its valiant son.

A wave of grief and solidarity swept through Mandi city last evening as large number of residents participated in a candle march to honour the young woman who lost her life in the tragic acid attack at Sain Mohalla in Mandi district.

The march, which began near the city centre and moved quietly through the main market streets, became a powerful expression of collective mourning, remembrance and an urgent plea for justice.

Participants included neighbours, local leaders and students. Many carried candles and placards bearing messages calling for stricter action against perpetrators of violence and stronger safeguards for women.

The somber atmosphere reflected the emotional impact the incident has had on the community, which continues to grapple with the sudden and heart-breaking loss of a woman.

Friends and neighbours who joined the march said they felt compelled to honour her memory not only as a victim of a heinous crime but as a warm and compassionate person who touched many lives.

Residents recalled her as a devoted mother who always looked out for her children. Her absence, they said, has left a void that cannot be filled, especially for her young son and daughter who now face an unimaginably difficult emotional journey.

Local leader Yadupati Thakur stepped forward to help the children cope with the trauma, partnering with local NGOs to ensure they receive psychological care and a safe, supportive environment.

DC Apoorv Devgan also directed the welfare department to include these affected children under any government welfare scheme, in which they can be benefited.

The march also highlighted the shared determination of the community to stand by the grieving family while pushing for accountability and systemic change.

Reena Thakur, an office-bearer of the Akhil Bhartiya Janvadi Mahila Samiti Mandi at the event, emphasised that the tragedy has once again exposed the urgent need to strengthen protections for women and deepen awareness about domestic violence.

She urged citizens to be more vigilant, compassionate and proactive in supporting those who may be suffering silently within their homes.

A fire broke out at the official residence of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Mahendra Pal Gurjar in Una on Friday morning, destroying property worth lakhs, including valuable items on the upper floor of the house.

According to the information received, smoke and flames were suddenly seen rising from the upper floor, prompting nearby residents to come out of their homes in fear.

The fire spread rapidly, engulfing a bed, an LED TV, furniture, and other household items in the room. The fire was brought under control in time, preventing a major incident, officials said.

Upon receiving the information, a team from the Una fire department, led by in-charge Ashok Rana, arrived at the scene and extinguished the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to adjoining areas.

Gurjar was not at home when the fire broke out; his family members were present on the lower floor. There were no casualties or injuries reported.

The ADC mentioned that everything in the room on the upper floor was destroyed by the fire. Initial investigations indicate that an electrical short circuit may have caused the fire. A detailed investigation into the incident is currently ongoing.

Efforts are being made to de-escalate the face-off between the state government and the State Election Commission (SEC) over the holding of the elections to the panchayati raj institutions (PRI).

Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta today met State Election Commissioner Anil Khachi, here. The Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Secretary C. Paulrasu also met Khachi. It was conveyed on the part of the state government that it would not be possible to hold elections before January 30, 2026.

It is reliably learnt that Chief Secretary in his meeting with the State Election Commissioner explained that under the present circumstances, in some parts of the state which suffered damage during the monsoons, road connectivity had still not been restored and restoration work was still underway.

The issue of deferment of the PRI elections will come up for hearing before the High Court on December 22 next month. Gupta is learnt to have also conveyed to the SEC that delimitation of some of the panchayats as per the decision of the Cabinet may be allowed.

As such it is being expected that the issue may now be resolved between the state government and the SEC and the PRI polls may be held a little later than scheduled. It was on October 8 that the state government had issued an order under Section 24 (e) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 that the PRI polls would be held only after the restoration of proper connectivity of roads throughout the state.

Ashu Puri, a resident of Santoshgarh in this district, was allegedly shot dead by some youths at a hotel in Lalsingi in Una on Wednesday night.

Three other youths were injured in the incident.

As per a copy of the FIR, Puri’s friends were celebrating his birthday at the hotel, where several other youths were also partying. Around 1 am, the two groups emerged from the hotel and an altercation ensued in the parking lot.

Parminder, a resident of Sanoli village, allegedly shot Puri in the head, killing him on the spot.

According to the FIR, a case has been registered against Parminder and his two accomplices, Gurjeet Mann and Purjinder.

Superintendent of Police Amit Yadav said the youths involved in the altercation knew each other.

The matter is also being linked to the criminal gangs active in the district and their rivalries.

Deceased Puri was a Youth Congress activist, while one of the accused Gurjeet Mann is a former president of the Una Block Youth Congress.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will begin a two-day tour of Kullu district on November 20 and 21, combining a key national workshop with a comprehensive review of disaster-affected regions across Manali, Lug Valley and Banjar.

As per the official itinerary, the Chief Minister will take off from Annandale helipad in Shimla at 9 am and arrive at the SASE Helipad in Manali by 9.30 am.

He will then travel to Span Resort, Patlikuhl, where he is scheduled to inaugurate the ‘National Workshop on Adoption of Modern Technologies in Land Administration in India’ at 9.55 am.

The two-day workshop, hosted by the Directorate of Land Records under the Himachal Pradesh Revenue Department, will bring together senior officials from 15 states.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who recently reviewed the arrangements, said the conference will dwell on land reforms, digital land records, transparent governance and emerging technologies.

He noted Himachal Pradesh’s significant strides in digitisation and expressed confidence that the event will push the state’s land governance initiatives further.

After the inauguration, the CM will leave Span Resort at noon for Bagan village in Lug Valley to meet families affected by recent natural disasters and take stock of the situation. At 1.15 pm, he will depart Bagan for Bhuntar Airport, arriving around 1.35 pm for a brief stop and lunch.

At 2.15 pm, he will take a helicopter to Dhameuli Helipad in Banjar and reach Gada Durga Temple Ground in Gushaini by road to interact with residents hit by disasters in Banjar Valley, including victims of the recent fire in Jhaniyar village.

During the visit, the Chief Minister will inspect the damaged Gushaini School, review the condition of the Bathad road and assess affected areas in Bandal and Sarchi villages. After a halt at Sai Ropa, he will return to Manali by helicopter, reaching the Manali Circuit House around 5.05 pm for an overnight stay.

The visit underscores the government’s dual focus on accelerating recovery in disaster-hit regions and strengthening land governance through modern technological interventions.

A case has been registered against a man for allegedly raping a woman from Haryana on the pretext of marriage.

According to the complaint filed by the victim, the accused allegedly promised to marry her and started living with her in a rented accommodation in Dhalli, Shimla.

The woman claims that during their relationship, which lasted from September to November, the accused sexually assaulted her.

The victim further stated that when she asked the accused to fulfill his promise of marriage, he refused, causing her extreme mental distress. Following this, she approached the police and filed a complaint against the accused.

The police have taken prompt action, registering a case under Section 69 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. An investigation into the matter has been initiated.