Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu yesterday impressed upon the NITI Aayog to adopt a separate yardstick for the grant of funds to hill states. He also raised the demand for the grant of ‘green bonus” to Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu met Vice-Chairman of the NITI Aayog Suman Bery and member VK Paul and a panel of experts in New Delhi. He requested the NITI Aayog to study the peculiar needs of Himachal Pradesh and plead its case with the funding agencies and the Finance Commission accordingly. He elaborated the vision of a ‘Green Himachal’ that his government was pursuing.

He said, “Himachal must get ‘green bonus’ for conserving its forest cover, which is vital for the entire country. Himachal acts as the lungs of North India and hence must get ‘green bonus’ for protecting the forest cover and natural resources.” He urged the NITI Aayog to adopt a different yardstick while assessing the financial needs of the hilly states which were different from other states.

The Chief Minister also raised the issue of the grant of royalty in hydroelectric power projects being executed by the central public sector undertakings (CPSUs). He emphasised the need for better air and rail connectivity to the state.

He discussed the challenges the state was facing in terms of natural calamities and rising cancer cases and urged the NITI Aayog for a detailed study of the causes so that remedial measures could be taken.

Bery said that a panel of experts would study the case presented by the state. Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur, Chief Minister’s Principal Adviser Ram Subhag Singh and senior officers of the state government attended the meeting.

As pollution levels continue to rise in neighbouring states of Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR), the pristine mountain air of Himachal Pradesh’s capital, Shimla, is attracting a surge of tourists.

Under the clear blue skies, visitors are flocking to the region, drawn by the clean environment, fresh air and the stunning panoramic views of Shimla, the “Queen of the Hills.”

Environmental experts emphasize that the air quality in Himachal Pradesh is notably better than that in many urban areas of North India.

Dr SK Atri, a Scientific Officer and Environmental Expert in the Department of Environment Science and Technology Department of the state government said, “The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Himachal Pradesh is currently under control.

In Shimla, the AQI remains well below the standard limits and is classified as ‘very good.’ This is especially evident in places like Manali, Dharamshala, and Sundar Nagar, though there are some concerns in the industrial regions of the plains.”

Dr Atri further elaborated on the efforts being made to maintain air quality in the state, “The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board monitors air quality in almost all cities and industrial zones round-the-clock.

Parameters like PM 10 and PM 2.5, which can cause respiratory diseases, are closely observed, ensuring they stay within safe limits.

We also monitor gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen, which remain under control. This comprehensive monitoring helps ensure that the air quality remains beneficial for both residents and tourists,” said Atri.

Highlighting the state government’s proactive measures to maintain the air quality, he added, “Recently, under the orders of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, we have implemented automatic 24-hour air quality monitoring.

New monitoring stations are being set up to continuously assess 15 different air quality parameters. This will enable us to maintain and monitor the environmental quality effectively, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience for all visitors.”

Dara Singh, a tourist from Haryana, shared his experiences and said, “The weather here is very good. There is no pollution here at all. The greenery is great. Back home, pollution is so high that you can see the dirt in the air. Here, it’s peaceful, and the greenery is beautiful.

The air quality is so good that even after wearing the same clothes for a couple of days, they don’t get as dirty as they would back home. I am retired, and I keep visiting this place. The air here is refreshing, and people are very welcoming.”

Dheeraj, another visitor from Chandigarh, spoke about the stark contrast he noticed between Shimla and his home city and said, “Nowadays, pollution has increased a lot in Chandigarh.

But here, I could see the stars at night–something that is no longer possible in Chandigarh. The air is crisp, and the weather is cold. We hadn’t prepared for such a chill, given that it’s still warm in Chandigarh.

The air quality is so good here, and I think everyone should learn from how the locals maintain it. It’s inspiring to see how clean the surroundings are, unlike the litter-strewn streets of other cities. It’s a lesson we should all take back home.”

The influx of tourists is not only a sign of the region’s environmental allure but also a boost to the local economy. Many small businesses, including hotels and restaurants, benefit from the increased footfall during this pre-winter season.

The period from October to January, before the full-fledged winter season sets in, is particularly attractive for visitors seeking a more serene experience away from the bustling crowds that flock to the hills during the peak season.

Dr Atri emphasized the health benefits of Shimla’s clean air, inviting more tourists to visit. “The air in this region acts as a natural health enhancer.

Breathing in this fresh mountain air can be a rejuvenating experience, especially for those escaping the polluted urban centres. Himachal Pradesh welcomes tourists to come and experience this breath of fresh air, which is not just refreshing but also supports the state’s economy.”

As the festive and winter season approaches, the hospitality sector in Shimla is gearing up to welcome more tourists, offering a chance to experience clear skies and clean air–luxuries that have become scarce in many other parts of the country.

With an emphasis on sustainable tourism and the state’s robust efforts in maintaining air quality, Shimla remains a top destination for those seeking a tranquil escape amidst

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for support in developing integrated tourist destinations across the state. The Chief Minister emphasised the need for assistance from the Central government, particularly under special Central assistance schemes.

During a discussion in the national capital on Thursday, Sukhu said the state planned to submit detailed project reports (DPRs) within the next few weeks, highlighting key projects, including a wellness centre-cum-health resort at Dehra in Kangra district, and an integrated tourism complex at Auhar in Bilaspur.

The Chief Minister also noted the state’s initiative to promote water sports, citing the significant potential of the Pong and Bhakra dams to attract tourists. He reaffirmed Himachal Pradesh’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, focusing on enhancing infrastructure and connectivity to cater to high-end tourists. As part of this effort, the state was developing heliports to connect all district headquarters and was expanding the Kangra Airport.

Sukhu also advocated for the construction of golf courses in the state and requested speedy funding for the Pong Dam reservoir, which had been designated as a tourist destination under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. He also said a revised DPR for the development of the Chintpurni Temple complex under the Prashad Scheme had been submitted to the Central government, seeking prompt funding approval.

Shekhawat assured the CM that he would expedite the approval process for the proposed iconic tourist centres and support Himachal Pradesh’s tourism initiatives, including the timely release of funds.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss vital infrastructure projects. Sukhu sought increased central assistance to enhance the state’s road, bridge, and ropeway networks.

During the meeting, Sukhu presented proposals for four new road projects, emphasising their importance for tourism and overall development in the hilly state. He stressed that roads are the state’s lifelines and suggested tunnelling options to reduce maintenance costs.

Sukhu also requested the review of the Solan-Parwanoo road realignment to address safety concerns, four-laning of remaining sections of the Shimla-Mataur national highway and new detailed project report (DPR) to tackle blind spots and sharp curves.

Gadkari assured full support for Himachal’s infrastructure initiatives.

Keeping in mind that Mandi district is in high-risk seismic zone, the district administration has initiated efforts to retrofit government buildings to minimise damage during seismic events.

26 buildings identified

The administration has identified 26 government buildings for retrofitting. This initiative follows a detailed survey conducted by the IIT Ropar, which assessed the vulnerability of these structures.
The buildings slated for retrofitting include key facilities such as the DC office, schools, hospitals and police stations, the DC said.
He stated that the proposal for retrofitting these buildings had been submitted to the State Disaster Management Authority for approval. “As soon as we receive the necessary permission, the retrofitting work will commence,” he said.
According to Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, Mandi falls in Zone 5, indicating a significant threat of destruction in the event of a major earthquake. In response, the district administration has commenced a comprehensive programme aimed at reinforcing the structural integrity of various government facilities.

“In collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) in Ropar and Mandi, the administration has identified 26 government buildings for retrofitting. This initiative follows a detailed survey conducted by the IIT-Ropar, which assessed the vulnerability of these structures. The buildings slated for retrofitting include key facilities such as the DC office, schools, hospitals and police stations,” Devgan said.

He added that the proposal for retrofitting these buildings had been submitted to the State Disaster Management Authority for approval. “As soon as we receive the necessary permission, the retrofitting work will commence,” he stated.

The district administration is not only focused on government buildings, but is also actively encouraging the local population to construct earthquake-resistant structures. Recently, a workshop was conducted to educate engineers on the principles of earthquake-resistant designs and construction practices. During the workshop, participants were urged to conduct thorough structural engineering assessments before embarking on any residential or commercial construction projects.

Mandi admn gets in proactive mode for earthquake safety
To retrofit govt buildings to minimise damage during seismic events

Keeping in mind that Mandi district is in high-risk seismic zone, the district administration has initiated efforts to retrofit government buildings to minimise damage during seismic events.

26 buildings identified

The administration has identified 26 government buildings for retrofitting. This initiative follows a detailed survey conducted by the IIT Ropar, which assessed the vulnerability of these structures.
The buildings slated for retrofitting include key facilities such as the DC office, schools, hospitals and police stations, the DC said.
He stated that the proposal for retrofitting these buildings had been submitted to the State Disaster Management Authority for approval. “As soon as we receive the necessary permission, the retrofitting work will commence,” he said.
According to Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, Mandi falls in Zone 5, indicating a significant threat of destruction in the event of a major earthquake. In response, the district administration has commenced a comprehensive programme aimed at reinforcing the structural integrity of various government facilities.

“In collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) in Ropar and Mandi, the administration has identified 26 government buildings for retrofitting. This initiative follows a detailed survey conducted by the IIT-Ropar, which assessed the vulnerability of these structures. The buildings slated for retrofitting include key facilities such as the DC office, schools, hospitals and police stations,” Devgan said.

He added that the proposal for retrofitting these buildings had been submitted to the State Disaster Management Authority for approval. “As soon as we receive the necessary permission, the retrofitting work will commence,” he stated.

The district administration is not only focused on government buildings, but is also actively encouraging the local population to construct earthquake-resistant structures. Recently, a workshop was conducted to educate engineers on the principles of earthquake-resistant designs and construction practices. During the workshop, participants were urged to conduct thorough structural engineering assessments before embarking on any residential or commercial construction projects.

Retrofitting involves upgrading existing buildings with new technologies and materials to enhance their earthquake resistance. This process includes adding specific components designed to absorb and dissipate seismic forces, ensuring the safety of the occupants.

By implementing these pro-active measures, the Mandi district administration aims to safeguard its infrastructure and community from the devastating effects of potential earthquakes.

A Full Court Address was held on the premises of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh to bid farewell to Chief Justice Rajiv Shakdher on his superannuation yesterday.

He had assumed the charge of the office of Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on September 25 this year.

Chief Justice Rajiv Shakdher said, “Judges have no agenda. Their duties, obligations and powers are delineated by the Constitution and some bit of common sense.

The Judges have no ideology and their natural instinct is to give a leg-up to the dis-empowered, the weak and the infirm, the aged and the young albeit, within the four corners of the law.

The Constitution provides us with the necessary wherewithal and also firewalls us against a possible blowback. The uniqueness of the job is that it allows us to choose our own path and beckons us to work within the framework of the Constitution”.

Chief Justice Shakdher thanked all his companion Judges, staff members and personal staff for their love, affection and cooperation. He thanked his family for its unwavering support throughout his career.

Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan said that Chief Justice Shakhdher had a very short tenure yet a fruitful and productive one. “He does not require any introduction of his acumen, skill and dexterity in handling even the most complicated legal issues,” he added.

Justice Chauhan said that after assuming the charge of the State Head of the Judiciary, Chief Justice Shakhdher had immediately convened a meeting of all District Judges with a view to resolving the problems and difficulties being faced by them and had effectively resolved the same.

Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan said that Chief Justice Shakhdher had a very short tenure yet a fruitful and productive one. “He does not require any introduction of his acumen, skill and dexterity in handling even the most complicated legal issues,” he added.

Justice Chauhan said that after assuming the charge of the State Head of the Judiciary, Chief Justice Shakhdher had immediately convened a meeting of all District Judges with a view to resolving the problems and difficulties being faced by them and had effectively resolved the same.

Chief Justice Shakhdher also showed keen interest in designating Senior Advocates and just two days ago, he successfully did the same. Himachal Pradesh National Law University was without a Vice-Chancellor since February, 2024, and Chief Justice Shakdher immediately took an initiative and now a Vice-Chancellor had been appointed there.

Justice Chauhan, on behalf of High Court of Himachal Pradesh and the entire legal fraternity, extended their best wishes to Chief Justice Shakdher for a very happy, healthy, prosperous and blissful life.

Judges of the High Court of Himachal Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, Justice Sandeep Sharma, Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua, Justice Satyen Vaidya, Justice Sushil Kukreja, Justice Virender Singh, Justice Ranjan Sharma, Justice Bipin Chander Negi and Justice Rakesh Kainthla were present on the occasion. Registrar General Bhupesh Sharma conducted the proceedings.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that it’s time for Punjab government to hand over Shanan Power Project to Himachal Pradesh. He visited the historic 110 MW Shanan Power House at Joginder Nagar in district Mandi on Friday.

During the visit, the Chief Minister inspected the power house and took briefing about it from the officials.

While addressing the media he said that the government of Himachal Pradesh rightfully deserves to take over the project following the expiration of the lease period.

CM Sukhu asserted that after a century of operation by Punjab, the time has come for the project to be handed over to Himachal Pradesh government.

He said that the Shanan Project does not fall under the Punjab Reorganisation Act and that the Punjab government has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court. The chief minister assured that the decision of the Supreme Court on the matter would be respected by one and all.

The chief minster highlighted that the foundation of the Shanan project was laid more than a century ago. The objective of his visit was to assess the current condition of this power project. He said that although the project was presently operated by the Punjab government but discussions are underway to transfer control to the Himachal Pradesh government.

Rajesh Kumar, superintend engineer, Shanan Project; Satish Kumar, executive engineer; Devender Singh, managing director, Uhal Project stage-3; Apoorv Devgan, deputy commissioner, Sakshi Verma, superintendent of police; Jeevan Thakur, Congress state secretary and Pawan Thakur, Congress district president were present on the occasion.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of eight projects worth Rs 76.31 crore in the Jogindernagar Assembly constituency of Mandi district.

He dedicated to the people of the area the B and D blocks of the mini secretariat building at Jogindernagar constructed at a cost of Rs 23.90 crore, an auditorium in Government College built at a cost of Rs 10.50 crore, a bridge on the Rana Khad on the Jogindernagar-Sarkaghat-Ghumarwin road constructed for Rs 8 crore and a drinking water scheme in Pasal gram panchayat and Sagnehad set up at a cost of Rs 3.70 crore.

Seven girls provided Rs 10K incentive each

The state government will provide the required funds for the construction of 32 roads in Jogindernagar, says Sukhu
Doctors to be appointed in the Jogindernagar Hospital and residential accommodation to be constructed for doctors and nurses
Sukhu launched the Dei 2.0 programme for the empowerment of the daughters of Mandi
He felicitated seven girls and provided Rs 10,000 incentive to each of them

The government has moved the apex court to get back the Shanan power project
The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of a project for the improvement and expansion of an old drinking water supply scheme for Dhelu, Nichla Garodua and Dart Bagla gram panchayats set up at a cost of Rs 13.66 crore in Jogindernagar.

He also laid the foundation stone of a project in Dol village to be set up at the cost of Rs 7.10 crore and the channelling of the Dol Nala, Chho Nala and the Gadyada Nala at a cost of Rs 7.21 crore. He performed the bhoomi pujan of a bridge to be constructed on the Sarohli-Sukkad Khad at a cost of Rs 2.24 crore.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur yesterday said that the government was committed to improving the quality of education and promoting sports in all educational institutions in Himachal.

He inaugurated the 39th State Level Sports Competition for Under-14 students organised by the Himachal Pradesh School Sports Organisation at Government Senior Secondary School at Dharampur in Mandi district.

Rohit extended best wishes to the 450 participating students and their coaches from all 12 districts of the state. He emphasised the importance of sports, reminding the students that both victory and defeat were part of the journey.

The minister highlighted the government’s efforts to provide quality education and conduct regular sports competitions to boost students’ physical and mental development. He said the Chief Minister was actively working to improve the quality of education in schools and colleges.

He announced the setting up of Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools in all Assembly constituencies and the allocation of funds for various educational infrastructure projects, including a multi-purpose building and science labs in local schools.

The minister assured the gathering that local MLA Chander Shekhar’s various demands would be addressed. He said that a budget of Rs 2 crore would be allocated for the construction of a multi-purpose building in Dharampur next year. He added that a computer lab and a basketball field would be provided at Government College in Dharampur.

He said that the budget approval would be granted for a science laboratory at Government Senior Secondary School, Choltara, and for the renovation of the science lab building at the GSSS, Dharampur.

The minister said funds would be provided for construction of a basketball sports hostel at Government College, Sarkaghat, and for the renovation of the hostel.

He called for collective efforts to combat substance abuse and urged students to engage in sports for their overall development. Dharampur MLA Chander Shekhar welcomed the minister and expressed gratitude for addressing the community’s educational needs.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today emphasised the need for reforms to improve the quality of education being imparted in government institutions.

He was speaking after inaugurating a newly constructed Block-C building of Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya (RKMV) constructed at a cost of Rs 9 crore here. He presided over the annual prize distribution ceremony of the college and honoured students who had excelled in various fields.

Sukhu said that the goal of the state government was not to merely open new schools and colleges but to ensure they were provided with qualified teachers and all essential facilities. He expressed concern over Himachal slipping to the 21st position in the country in terms of the quality of education.

He said that to ensure that the studies of students did not get affected, the government had decided to impose a complete ban on teacher transfers during the academic session. “The government is establishing Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools in all Assembly constituencies in a phased manner to enhance the quality of education in rural areas,” he added.

Sukhu said that the state government was committed to the welfare and betterment of women of the state and had taken several steps in this direction. “The government has raised the marriageable age of girls from 18 to 21 years and amended the 51-year-old HP Land Holding Ceiling Act, thus allowing adult daughters to claim a separate 150 bighas of ancestral property. The state government has introduced 30 per cent reservation for women in police recruitment,” he added.

He lauded the RKMV for its rich history and for producing distinguished alumni such as Himachal’s first Indian Foreign Service officer Vijay Thakur and IPS officer Tilotama Verma.

The Chief Minister made several announcements for the college, including the conversion of all classrooms into smart ones, construction of a new hostel with full funding and a provision of Rs 50 lakh for building a digital library and the repair of the science block.

He said that the state government had provided Rs 6 crore for the construction of Block-C. Earlier, Principal of the RKMV Anurita Saxena welcomed the Chief Minister and presented the annual report of the college. MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal and Director Higher Education Amarjeet Sharma were present on the occasion.

The atmosphere at the historic Dhalpur ground has become divine with the arrival of over 300 deities in the Dev Mahakumbh, Kullu Dasehra festival.

The residents and devotees are paying obeisance at the camp temples of Lord Raghunath and other deities at Dhalpur. The deities were also visiting each other’s camp temples and various rituals were being performed. These deities will stay in their temporary camp temples till the conclusion of the festival on October 19.

Foreign and domestic tourists were overwhelmed to witness the rituals and traditions during the mega event.

The visitors were capturing various moments during the festival in their cameras. Cadrick and Sophia, tourists from France who came for the Dasehra festival, said their experience was remarkable.

Cadrick said that he has seen such a unique sight for the first time in his life. Sophia said, “It is amazing to see the deity culture and the people associated with it.”

Hundreds of spectators danced to the songs of Punjabi singer Kulwinder Billa during the second cultural evening at the open air auditorium Kala Kendra yesterday.

The evening started with a scintillating performance by police and Home Guard bands. Artistes from all over the state entertained the audience with solo songs, solo dance, group dance and classical dance.

The cultural team of Kullu attired in traditional Kullvi costumes gave an attractive performance of Kullvi Nati amidst melodious sound of traditional musical instruments.

Artistes of Haryana performed folk dance and Firdaus Band mesmerised the spectators. Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania attended the cultural evening as the chief guest.

However, the cultural evening was not able to attract a large number of viewers. A local Kuldeep lamented that the standard of artistes being invited for the festival was not up to the mark.

He alleged, “Earlier performers with international fame used to come but now regional artistes are being invited for the festivities. Due to this, the enthusiasm among the viewers was palpably missing.”

Another resident Amit alleged that the committee is concentrating more on having a new outlook for the festival and the tradition events and ways of amusements were being ignored.

He further alleged, “Maha Nati was introduced during the festival for a couple of years and Dev Dhun with Bajantaris (traditional bands accompanying the visiting deities) was also held once to please political leaders.

However, little effort has been made to maintain the grandeur of prevalent practices and standard of performances in the Kala Kendra.”

The state government is spending Rs 9,800 crore on education during the current financial year, Rs 1,000 crore more than the previous year.

Instead of increasing the number of schools, the government is concentrating on providing good quality education, said Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri here today.

He inaugurated Under-19 School State Sports Tournaments at Government School for Boys in the city. As many as 730 students from 11 districts of the state, barring Lahul and Spiti and five sports hostels in Nadaun, Paprola, Rohru, Sundernagar and Una, are participating in the four-day tournaments that will feature football, hockey, basketball and handball events.

He said that new schools would be opened where ever necessary and only those schools, which were registering zero admission, had been closed. He added that Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools would be set up in each Assembly segment and the government had given approval for opening 18 such schools in the first phase. Eight such schools were in the final stage of completion.

Agnihotri said that the government was providing 3 per cent reservation to sportspersons in government jobs. Besides, the award money given to players for winning medals at national and international levels had been enhanced, he added. “Nishad Kumar from Amb, who had won the silver medal at the recent Paralympic Games, was given a cash reward of Rs 3 crore,” he claimed.

Later, Agnihotri laid the foundation stone and inaugurated public works estimated at Rs 10.2 crore. He inaugurated the newly constructed office building of Senior Executive Officer of the State Electricity Board at Haroli and the new office building of the PWD Assistant Engineer at Tahliwal. He dedicated to the public a road bridge in Chandpur village. He laid the foundation stone of two bridges over the Swan river tributaries in Haroli and Chandpur.