The historic Lytton Memorial, a heritage landmark in Nahan, is steadily losing its grandeur and historical significance due to neglect by local authorities, the district administration and the Nahan Municipal Council.

This iconic monument, which has stood for 146 years, is a testament to the rich history of the Sirmaur princely state, yet it is suffering from lack of attention and care, posing a threat to its preservation.

The Lytton Memorial, also known as the Delhi Gate of Nahan, is modeled on the famous Gateway of India in Mumbai and the India Gate in Delhi.

Over the years, however, the once-pristine structure has become a canvas for local businesses to advertise their services, with numerous posters and flyers being pasted on and around the monument.

This disregard for its heritage status is a clear indication of the ongoing indifference by both the local civic body and district administration.

Astonishingly, neither the Nahan Municipal Council nor the police or local authorities have taken any action against the individuals responsible for defacing this historic structure.

Local residents and historians have expressed their concerns over the deteriorating condition of the monument.

Former MLA and historian, Kunwar Ajay Bahadur Singh, along with environmental committee have voiced their concerns about the lack of action to preserve the Lytton Memorial.

They argue that this monument is an important symbol of Nahan’s heritage and preserving it is a collective responsibility of every citizen.

The ongoing damage to the monument by the placement of commercial posters has raised alarm among locals.

Once, there was a fear of fines for such actions, but that deterrent seems to have vanished, as there has been no enforcement of penalties or public awareness campaigns to curb this issue.

Experts suggest that immediate steps should be taken to restore the monument’s dignity and ensure its protection.

They propose that the Nahan Municipal Council contact the individuals responsible for pasting posters by reaching out through their mobile numbers, issuing fines and penalties to discourage further violations.

These measures are essential to prevent the Lytton Memorial from losing its historical identity altogether.

If swift action is not taken, this 146-year-old heritage site, which has been a cornerstone of Nahan’s rich history, could fade into obscurity, losing its recognition not only in the local community but also among tourists and history enthusiasts.

The time to act is now, to safeguard this invaluable piece of history for future generations.

“The winter of 1984 and 1985 saw little precipitation. Majority of the apple plants in lower Kotgarh, Karsog and Rajgarh had dried up in those two years.

The current situation is even worse, apple cultivation is passing through the toughest phase at the moment,” said Pratap Chauhan, an apple growers from Kotkhai.

Most apple growers agree with Chauhan. Like the past two years, this winter, too, is approaching the end almost dry. From January 1 till date, the state has seen 74 per cent less than normal precipitation.

And as per the weather department, the precipitation is likely to be less than normal in the coming days. The three consecutive largely dry winters have pushed apple cultivation to the brink in the state.

“Apple growers are not even thinking of crop at the moment. Their entire attention and efforts are aimed at saving the plants, which are drying up without adequate snowfall and rainfall,” said Chauhan.

While the fresh plantation last year saw heavy mortality rate due to dry winters and dry summers (some growers claim the mortality rate was as high as 70 to 80 per cent), the growers fear the same this year too.

“If it doesn’t rain shortly, a lot of orchards are going to dry up, especially those in the sunny areas. The growers should avoid fresh plantations this year if they do not have water for irrigation,” said Dimple Panjta,” another orchardist.

Lokinder Bisht, a progressive grower from Rohru, feels it’s a wake-up call for the apple growers to get into water harvesting.

“Given how snowfall and rainfall is decreasing with every passing year, the growers will have to get into water harvesting. The government should facilitate growers by offering some subsidies for constructing water harvesting tanks,” said Bisht.

Usha Sharma, Senior Scientist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rohru, admitted that the dry spell had assumed serious proportions, putting the plants under severe stress.

“We have noticed a high mortality rate in the saplings planted last year. Also, the canker is spreading fast in older plants. These problems are particularly serious in the orchards located at the mid and lower altitudes,” she said.

She fears that the chilling-hour requirement of the Delicious varieties, especially at lower altitudes, might not be completed if the dry spell continues.

The Delicious varieties need over 1,000 chilling hours to have proper flowering and good fruit setting. “In current situation, the growers should go for water conservation measures like mulching, digging up small pits and holes in the orchards to retain water as and when it rains,” said Sharma.

Bisht, meanwhile, alleges that the government and the Department of Horticulture are hardly doing anything to help out the growers in such hard times.

The Department of Horticulture should at least do some damage assessment due to the drought-like conditions. “Both the growers and plants are under tremendous stress. The government and the department should lend some assistance in these difficult times,” he said.

The Congress’ failure to open its account in Delhi for the third consecutive time has left the party leaders disappointed in Himachal, which is the only state in north India where it is in power.

For state Congress president Pratibha Singh, the drubbing is not only demoralising but also a wake-up call for the party.

“The election result is really disappointing for the party. It’s also a wake-up call for us. The party will have to analyse and think hard how to fight and win the next election,” she said.

While admitting that the embarrassing loss was a bitter pill to swallow, Pratibha said that the party leaders had worked hard in the Delhi elections.

“We were hoping that people will look at history as well. The Congress government under Sheila Dikshit had done really well in Delhi, but it seems with the passage of time, people have forgotten her good work. The central leadership will look hard into the reasons behind the defeat,” she added.

Another Congress leader said that the biggest reason for the party’s repeated poor showing in Delhi was the absence of a strong organisation on the ground.

Incidentally, the party was without an organisation in the state as well – it’s been more than three months since the entire Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), up to the block level, was dissolved. Only HPCC president Pratibha Singh had been asked to continue.

Some leaders are not only resenting the delay but are also not happy with the central leadership for sending 16 observers from other states to facilitate the reconstitution of the HPCC.

“How credible their feedback can be when they have little knowledge about the ground reality at the district and block levels,” he said.

Meanwhile, there’s no clarity yet whether Pratibha will continue as HPCC president or someone else will step in.

“Coordination between the party and the organisation is a must. The organisation carries the policies and programmes of the government to the people, and the government should hear what the organisation says. Only then workers remain enthused and party wins elections,” the leader said.

Asked about the delay in the reconstitution of the HPCC, Pratibha exuded confidence that it would be reconstituted shortly.

“Our leaders were busy with the Delhi elections. Now, we will discuss with them how to strengthen the organisation in the state,” she said. With the Congress facing electoral debacle, the BJP claims to have made 18 lakh new members.

Two persons were killed after a car they were travelling in plunged into a deep gorge in Shimla’s Chopal Tehsil, police said on Saturday.

The deceased Ram Krishan Sharma and Surjeet Singh Kalsaik, both residents of Badlaog village in Chopal, were on their way to home from Chambi village when the incident occurred.

The accident took place on Saturday on Chopal-Jhina link road when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Chambi, due to which the vehicle went into a deep gorge.

Acting upon the information, a police team reached the spot and recovered the bodies. The bodies were taken to Civil Hospital, Chopal, for postmortem.

Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi said police is conducting an investigation.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off a week-long international exposure trip for students of government schools in Shimla on Friday.

This marks the first-ever foreign exposure trip for government school students in the state, with 50 students being sent to Singapore and Cambodia.

“This is one of several initiatives we have taken to improve our education system. Several decisions have already been taken, and many more are in the pipeline,” said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Twenty students each have been selected from Class XI and XII based on their performance in the Class X board examination.

Ten spots have been allocated to students who have excelled in sports and cultural activities.

“We had never thought that we would ever be sent on a foreign trip by the education department. We are so excited and happy to go on this trip,” said one of the students going on the tour.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur said the idea was to reward children who excelled in academics and other co-curricular activities and offer them global exposure.

“We are facing a significant challenge in declining enrollment in government schools. The foreign trip, along with several other measures we have taken, is aimed at bringing students back to government schools,” said Thakur.

As per the directions of the state government, the National flag that has been hoisted at the historic Ridge in the heart of the state’s capital will soon be shifted to another suitable location.

The decision has been taken in view of recent widening and restructuring work of the Ridge, which has been completed. Additionally, the rain shelter at The Ridge will also be shifted.

MLA Shimla (Urban) Harish Janartha said that, on 26th January, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had directed to relocate the national flag to another prominent location and efforts are on to find out a suitable location by the Municipal Corporation as well as the Public Works Department.

“While the PWD will serve as the Nodal department, the Municipal Corporation, Shimla will serve as the monitoring body” he added. The MLA said this after he along with several other dignitaries visited the Ridge for inspection.

Built at the cost of around Rs 14 lakhs, the 100-feet long tricolour was installed at The Ridge in 2015 by then CM Virbhadra Singh.

Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla today expressed concern over the growing drug menace in the state, while emphasising his commitment to ensuring that every household remains free from substance abuse.

He said a drug-free home leads to a safer and healthier state.

While addressing an anti-drug awareness event at Chail today, the Governor highlighted the alarming spread of drug addiction, particularly among the youth and stressed the need for collective efforts to curb it.

He praised the efforts of Solan and Shimla police in tackling the issue and acknowledged their dedication.

He underscored the importance of reducing drug demand and ensuring proper rehabilitation of the addicts.

The Governor also raised concerns regarding the operations of certain private de-addiction centres.

Inspired by the Prime Minister, he launched the anti-drug campaign in Himachal Pradesh and noted positive changes within a year of his tenure.

He urged women to take an active role in this campaign, given their crucial influence in family and society.

Highlighting the severe consequences of drug abuse, including road accidents, he instructed university administrations to mandate an anti-drug pledge from students during admissions, with the provision of expulsion for violators.

Former Convener of the Drug Prevention Board, OP Sharma, stressed the importance of parental involvement and society in addressing drug abuse, advocating for increased social awareness.

Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College’s Principal, Prof Ravi Sharma, highlighted the fatal impact of synthetic drugs and the role of society in early detection and intervention.

Parwanoo Deputy Superintendent of Police Mehar Panwar, acknowledged the rising challenge of synthetic drugs and reported that Solan police had registered 139 cases, arresting 321 individuals and seizing large quantities of narcotics since July 2023.

Chail Gram Panchayat Pradhan Usha Sharma assured full support for the de-addiction initiative, while Chail Hotel Association President Devinder Verma welcomed the Governor and pledged the association’s commitment to the campaign.

Earlier, the Governor flagged off the Jeep Club’s annual Winter Spiti Expedition 2025, themed ‘Anti-Drug Rally’.

He lauded the initiative for not only promoting the beauty of Himachal Pradesh but also supporting tourism and social reform. He congratulated the Jeep Club and Chail Hotel Association for their efforts in driving social awareness through this rally.

The Himachal Pradesh Police have announced that the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for the recruitment of 1,088 police constables, including 708 men and 380 women candidates, will commence on February 6.

The tests will be conducted across various districts in the state, ensuring accessibility for all candidates.

According to the schedule, the tests will kick off in Mandi at the Police Ground, 3rd IRBn, Pandoh, and continue until February 16. In Una, the tests will take place at the Police Lines Ground, Jhalera, from February 11 to 15.

Kangra district will host the tests at the Police Lines Ground, Dharamsala, from February 20 to March 6, while Bilaspur will conduct the tests at Luhnu Ground from February 20 to 24.

Further, Hamirpur will hold the tests at the Synthetic Track, Sports Authority of India, Anu, from February 28 to March 5 and Chamba will host them at the Police Lines Ground from March 13 to 20.

The Kullu district tests will be held at Police Line Bashing from March 7 to 11, with the Lahaul and Spiti candidates scheduled for March 12.

In Sirmaur, the tests will take place at the Chamba Ground near Police Lines, Nahan, from February 11 to 20.

Additionally, Solan will conduct the tests at the Police Lines Ground from February 20 to March 6, Shimla at the Police Lines Ground, Bharari, from March 11 to 22 and Kinnaur at the Mini Stadium, Kalpa, from March 27 to 28.

IGP Armed Police and Training (AP&T)-cum-Liaison Officer Prem Kumar Thakur stated that e-call letters have been uploaded for provisionally admitted candidates on their user IDs by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.

The letters include detailed instructions regarding the PST and PET. Candidates have also been informed via SMS and email on their registered contact details.

At least 31 devotees from Solan, including six seriously injured, were hurt when their private bus overturned after being hit by a hydra machine in the Sirathu area of Kaushambi district in Uttar Pradesh.

The accident occurred on Tuesday morning while the devotees were en route to participate in the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj.

Deputy Commissioner Solan Manmohan Sharma confirmed that 31 persons were injured, including 75-year-old Tulsi Ram Sharma, who is undergoing treatment in ICU.

Fourteen injured persons are being treated at Community Health Centre Sirathu, while 10 others are receiving treatment at District Hospital Kaushambi.

The district administration of Solan is working closely with the Kaushambi administration to ensure proper treatment and care for the injured.

Monetary assistance is also being provided, and the devotees plan to return after the injured recover.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu instructed the Solan administration to coordinate with the Kaushambi administration to provide timely medical assistance to the injured.

Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi expressed grief over the accident and assured that he is working closely with the Kaushambi administration to provide proper assistance to the injured.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government would soon introduce a new policy for national-level players.

He made this statement while addressing the contingent of state players heading to the 38th National Games being held in Uttarakhand here yesterday. The 200-member contingent of the state will participate in the games scheduled from January 28 to February 14, 2025.

Extending best wishes to the players, the Chief Minister stated that the state government has taken several initiatives to promote sports and players and develop basic sports infrastructure at the district level.

The prize money for a podium finish in international sports events have been significantly increased.

The Chief Minister emphasised his commitment to the welfare of players, highlighting that he himself was a sportsperson and could not overlook the needs of athletes.

He said that earlier Under-17 and Under-19 players were receiving Rs 150 as diet money for state-level competitions and Rs 250 for national competitions. This amount has been increased by the present state government to Rs 400 and Rs 500, respectively.

Sukhu said the prize money for gold medallists in the Olympics, Winter Olympics and Paralympics has been raised from Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore. Similarly, for silver medallists from Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore and for bronze medallists from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore.

Similarly, for the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, the prize money for gold medallists has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 4 crore, for silver medallists from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 2.5 crore and for bronze medallists from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore.

The prize money for gold medallists of the Commonwealth Games has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 3 crore, for silver medallists from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 2 crore and for bronze medallists from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1 crore.

“For under-14 players, the diet money for state-level competitions has been raised from Rs 120 to Rs 250 and for national-level competitions from Rs 250 to Rs 400. The diet money for players residing in sports hostels has also been increased from Rs 150 to Rs 400,” he said.

Furthermore, the players participating in competitions outside the state are now entitled to AC three-tier train fare for distances up to 200 km and economy-class airfare for distances beyond 200 km.

Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLAs Harish Janartha and Bawa Hardeep Singh, Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan and representatives of various sports organisations were present on the occasion.

Three persons, identified as Bal Mohan (40) from Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, and Amrit Das (40) and Gaurav Ahuja (42) from Gurugram, have been arrested for allegedly duping a doctor of Rs 2.7 crore.

The accused promised the victim, Dr Ajay Goyal, exorbitant returns on trading through a leading financial market advisory service.

According to the complaint filed by Dr Goyal, the scammer contacted him in November 2024, shared a website link, and added him to a WhatsApp group offering investment advice.

The victim transferred Rs 2,70,19,316.50, which was then transferred to various anonymous accounts by the scammers.

Upon suspecting cheating, Dr Goyal approached the police, leading to the registration of a case on December 17, 2024, at the Cyber Crime police station in Southern Range, Shimla.

A CBI court here on Monday sentenced Himachal Pradesh Inspector General of Police Zahur Haider Zaidi and seven other police personnel to life imprisonment in custodial death of an accused in the rape-murder of a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Shimla’s Kotkhai in 2017.

The other convicted police officials include then DSP Manoj Joshi, Sub-Inspector Rajinder Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector Deep Chand Sharma, Head Constables Mohan Lal, Surat Singh and Rafee Mohammad and Constable Raneet Sateta.

During the arguments on the quantum of sentence, the counsels of the convicts prayed before the court for leniency on the basis of their age, family commitments and good service records.

CBI Public Prosecutor Amit Jindal argued for exemplary punishment due to the seriousness of the crime.

After hearing arguments, CBI Special Judge Alka Malik sentenced the eight police personnel to life imprisonment.

The court also recommended for awarding the compensation to family members of the victim Suraj Singh under victim compensation scheme.

On January 18, the accused were convicted under Sections 302, 330, 348, 218, 195, 196, 201 and 120B of the IPC for the death of a suspect, Suraj Singh. The court, however, acquitted former Shimla SP DW Negi.

The minor girl had gone missing in a Kotkhai village on July 4, 2017, while on way home from school. Her naked body was recovered two days later from a forest area and the post-mortem confirmed rape.

After massive public outrage, the Himachal government constituted a special investigation team (SIT) under IGP Zaidi on July 10. Negi was entrusted with the responsibility of “timely and sustained investigation” as the case fell within his jurisdiction.

The SIT, the CBI claimed, arrested six persons on July 13 “without any evidence” and Suraj was “tortured to extract confessional statement, which led to his death” on the night of July 18 at the Kotkhai police station.

After Suraj’s death, the Himachal Pradesh High Court handed over the investigation into both rape-murder and custodial death cases to the CBI. The central agency registered a case on July 22 and arrested Zaidi and other police personnel for the custodial death.

The CBI, which subsequently arrested one Nilu, said he was the lone accused in the rape-murder while those arrested by the Himachal police were innocent. In 2019, the Supreme Court transferred the custodial death case from Shimla to the CBI’s Chandigarh court to ensure speedy trial.

In its chargesheet, the CBI said the eight accused destroyed evidence relating to Suraj’s death. They were also accused of submitting fabricated reports to the DGP to prove Suraj was killed by another accused in police lockup following a scuffle.

The post-mortem showed over 20 injuries on Suraj’s body which, the CBI claimed, couldn’t have been sustained in a scuffle. Another report by a board of AIIMS doctors too confirmed torture.

Zaidi was reinstated in November 2019 after he was released on bail on April 5, 2019, by the Supreme Court.