Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a Green Fund of Rs 50,000 crore for 11 hill states of the country which are the green frontiers, combating the adverse impacts of climate change.

“You are aware that North Eastern and other hill states act as Green Frontiers and are ecological power houses that deliver critical eco-system services to the entire nation,” he wrote.

He sought Rs 50,000 crore green fund for the hill states based on a study undertaken by the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, on the request of the Himachal Government.

He urged that the Rs 50,000 crore Green Fund for the hill states must be earmarked from the Special Central Assistance to the states for capital investment.

“We seek your support to invest in climate resilient and ecologically sensitive development with sustainable infrastructure,” he wrote.

He pointed out that hill states are increasingly becoming vulnerable to unplanned infrastructure expansion, deforestation and degradation of habitats and unsustainable tourism which are only intensifying the impact of climate change.

Sukhu cited that the dense forests of these 11 hill states absorb huge quantities of atmospheric carbon dioxide, making contribution to India’s climate change goals.

The IIFM has estimated the carbon and climate regulation value provided by Himachal alone at Rs 1.65 lakh crore.

“The adverse impact of climate change is not only posing a threat to India’s broader climate resilience and sustainable development objectives,” he emphasised.

The CM further pleaded that Himachal, being the origin of India’s major river system, ensures water security across the vast plains. The forests of Himachal alone contribute an annual flow value of Rs 15,132 crore, directly benefitting agriculture and hydro-power sectors in many downstream states, he wrote.

Sukhu pointed out that with the annual eco-system services of Himachal have been valued at Rs 68,981.43 crore, the state supports critical functions like flood control, sediment retention, pollination and reinforcing the ecological stability of the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan.

The other benefits listed due to biodiversity protection initiatives by Himachal include shaping monsoon patterns, shielding Himalayan glaciers, ensuring perennial water supply during lean season and maintaining temperature stability crucial for agriculture, hydro-power and forest sustainability.

The revered Shrikhand Yatra, widely recognised as one of the most challenging pilgrimages, is set to take place from July 10 to 23 this year.

On July 23, the final group of devotees will embark on the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra with their return scheduled for July 29. Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh announced that the pilgrimage will be organised into five sectors, with adequate security measures already in place.

Addressing concerns over last year’s damages, the Deputy Commissioner confirmed that trek routes affected by the previous disaster are currently being repaired.

“The administration is committed to ensure that all rest stops and accommodations are properly equipped for the passengers,” she stated. She also emphasised the need for swift action and close coordination among all relevant departments.

In a detailed video conference, the Deputy Commissioner engaged with members of the Yatra Trust as well as traders from the Chail and Juagi panchayats to discuss preparations for the Shrikhand Yatra.

During this discussion, Buddhi Singh Thakur, founder member of the Trust and Milkfed chairman, provided valuable suggestions aimed at enhancing the overall experience for the pilgrims.

According to Trust vice president and SDM Nirmand Manmohan Singh, registration is mandatory for all participants. “Devotees will join the journey only after registering online,” he explained.

He added that a health checkup will be conducted by medical teams, and the registration fee of Rs 250 will be charged. Additionally, a team from the Mountaineering Institute will accompany the pilgrims, while rescue teams will be strategically stationed along the routes to ensure prompt assistance, if required.

For the 14-day Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra, the trust is setting up base camps at key locations, including Singhgad, Thachdu, Kunsha, Bhim Dwari, and Parvati Bagh.

“At each base camp, sector magistrates along with police officers, representatives from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering Institute, Manali, Jal Shakti, the Forest Department, and the Health Department will be deployed to oversee operations. Specialised teams for medical assistance, revenue management, and rescue will also be on standby,” the Deputy Commissioner detailed.

Authorities have urged all enthusiasts to ensure they register before embarking on the yatra. Given the complexity of the routes, it is challenging to monitor and prevent unregistered entry.

“For your safety, unauthorised travel without registration and a mandatory health checkup is strictly prohibited,” the officials cautioned, underscoring the necessity of these precautions in light of the pilgrim’s challenging journey.

The Health Department has made wearing of masks mandatory for everyone in the health facilities of the state.

Following the detection of a Covid-positive woman in Nahan on Tuesday, the department has issued another advisory, taking the precaution level a notch higher.

The advisory has strongly recommended the use of masks in crowded places, especially for senior citizens, children, and individuals with co-morbid conditions.

The advisory has also asked people to maintain adequate social distancing and follow hand hygiene.

Hailstorm followed by heavy rain struck Shimla on Monday evening, prompting the meteorological department to issue an orange alert for thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across four to five districts in the state.

Thunderstorms, along with lightning and gusty winds with speeds up to 40-60 kmph, are expected at isolated places in Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi on Tuesday and Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi on Wednesday, the forecast said.

An orange warning for gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph has also been issued for the tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Light to moderate rain has affected various parts of the state, with the following rainfall recorded: Dadahu in Sirmaur district received 27.4 mm, followed by Jatton Barrage (21.6 mm), Poanta Sahib (18.8 mm), Bharmour (18 mm), Kasauli and Rajgarh (14 mm each), Solan (8.6 mm), Agahar (5.2 mm), Palampur and Nahan (4.4 mm each), Sundernagar (4 mm), Chhatrari (3.5 mm), and Banjar, Mandi and Kasol (3 mm).

Thunderstorms were witnessed in Kangra, Sundernagar, Bhuntar, Murari Devi and Palampur while gusty winds with wind speeds ranging between 37 and 52 kmph lashed Seobagh, Tabo, Neri and Kotkhai.

Keylong was recorded to be the coldest location at night with a low temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, while Una reached the highest daytime temperature at 39 degrees Celsius.

Rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season from June to September is likely to be above normal in most parts of the state.

The average rainfall expected during this season is 101.1 mm, according to the meteorological department.

The government will develop 77 eco-tourism sites in different forest circles across the state. This is expected to generate Rs 200 crore in the next five years.

“The goal is to attract tourists in a way that protects nature, creates local jobs and helps the economy grow in a clean and sustainable manner,” said a government spokesperson.

The spokesperson further said that the state had always been a favourite place of nature lovers with its snow-covered mountains, thick forests, clean rivers and rich wildlife.

“The new eco-tourism policy aims to use this natural beauty in a responsible way. Eco-tourism means travelling to natural places without harming the environment.

The Eco-Tourism Policy, 2024, has been specially made to support this idea, keeping both tourism and nature safe,” he said.

Under this policy, 77 eco-tourism sites are being developed in different parts of the state like Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, Rampur, Solan, Nahan, Hamirpur, Nalagarh, Dharamshala, Palampur, Chamba, Dalhousie, Nurpur and Reckong Peo.

Out of these, eco-tourism operators have already been selected for seven popular sites — Potter Hill and Shoghi in Shimla, Solang Nallah in Kullu and Kasol in Parvati Valley.

“The rest of the sites are being developed in phases. Visitors will be able to enjoy eco-friendly activities like trekking, bird watching, forest camping, jungle walks, homestays and nature interpretation trails,” he said.

An important part of this eco-tourism push is involving the local people. Eco-tourism committees have been formed in each forest circle to take care of these projects.

Local youth are being trained as nature guides and workers. “So far, more than 70 guides and 135 Multi-Purpose Workers (MPWs) have been trained by HPECOSOC (Himachal Pradesh Eco-Tourism Society).

This is helping people get jobs and also encouraging them to take care of nature,” said the spokesperson.

To make travel and bookings easier for tourists, the government has made eco-tourism services available online.

Over 100 forest rest houses and camping sites can now be booked through the HPECOSOC website. “A trekking management system has also been introduced.

More than 245 trekking routes have been marked and listed based on difficulty levels. A mobile app is also being made to guide tourists better,” he said.

These efforts are already showing good results. In 2024, more than 181.24 lakh tourists visited the state, including 82,000 foreign visitors.

“It’s a rise of 13.24 per cent compared to the previous year. Since tourism contributes 7.78 per cent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product, this new policy is expected to further strengthen the state’s economy,” he said.

Five persons died and one sustained injuries in a road accident near Kataula in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district today.

The driver of the vehicle they were travelling in reportedly lost control, causing it to plunge off the road.

According to initial reports, all victims are believed to be residents of Punjab. The group was heading towards IIT-Mandi when the mishap took place.

Preliminary findings suggest that the driver failed to negotiate a sharp turn near the hilly stretch of Kataula, leading to the fatal crash.

Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma said a case had been registered. “The identification process of the deceased is under way.

Further investigation is in on to ascertain the cause of the accident,” she added.

Emergency services and police officials rushed to the spot after receiving alerts. The injured individual has been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Buransh, state flower of Himachal Pradesh, as well as popular condiments like “tejpatta” can disappear if efforts are not made to conserve these plants, which have been listed as vulnerable by the state biodiversity board and faces a high risk of disappearing.

Also known as Rhodendron, this wild flower has been adorning the hills with its resplendent red. A slew of factors like over-exploitation for medicinal purposes, habitat destruction and changes in the flowering pattern are attributed as the key reasons for this status thus necessitating the need for conservation.

Its three species, namely Rhododendron anthopogon, Rhododendron campanulatum and Rhododendron lepidotum fall under this category.

The commonly used “bhojpatra” has been categorised as endangered as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Also known as Himalayan birch, it holds significant historical, cultural and ecological importance.

It was historically a writing material for sacred texts and scriptures and also finds use in traditional medicine and is part of Hindu rituals.

“The state biodiversity board has identified 60 medicinal species which are facing various categories of threat, as per the IUCN, with 12 of them having been assessed as critically endangered that face an extremely high risk of extinction,” said DC Rana, Member Secretary, State Biodiversity Board, which has been working for the conservation of these plants.

Besides, 21 among them have been categorised as endangered and face a very high risk of becoming extinct in the wild owing to various factors like habitat loss, climate change and human activities, including their over-exploitation.

Additionally, 27 of them fall in the vulnerable category and face the risk of disappearing in the state, said Rana.

“The board is creating awareness on the sustainable use of these plants while promoting their conservation,” he added.

Another key plant, “Brahma kamal”, has been assessed as critically endangered.

“Brahma kamal” has cultural and spiritual importance in the Hindu theology and is considered a sacred flower, believed to bring good luck, prosperity and divine blessings.

The flower blooms once a year, often at night and its association with Lord Brahma makes it a symbol of purity and divine beauty.

“Tejpatta”, which holds significance in both culinary and medicinal practices, is another vulnerable specie.

Its aromatic leaves are used as a flavoring agent in cooking, especially in curries and pickles while it is also has slew of medicinal values like aiding digestion, managing diabetes, etc.

“Khurasani Ajwain”, commonly known as “karu”, is believed to be the promoter of liver and digestive health also fall in the vulnerable category.

A paraglider crash-landed on a building near Joginder Nagar this morning, leaving the pilot seriously injured.

The incident occurred when Vijay Kumar, a resident of Bihar, lost control of his glider due to bad weather and high-velocity winds. He had taken off from Billing this morning at 9.30 am and was supposed to land at Chogan landing site near Bir after three hours but lost the route.

Soon after the crash, local residents assembled at the site and shifted him to Joginder Nagar Civil Hospital.

Later, he was referred to Tanda Medical College due to multiple fractures. It is learnt that he was serving in a multinational company but was residing in Bir for the last two years.

Paragliding has been banned in bad weather. However, learning no lesson from the past tragedies, which have claimed many lives, pilots continue to flout norms in Bir-Billing by undertaking flying activities in poor conditions.

The Special Area Development Authority (SADA) and Tourism Department, the two state agencies that monitor the paragliding activities in Bir-Billing, have turned a blind eye to the violations.

Bir-Billing is one of the best aero-sport sites in the world, drawing pilots from across the globe. But inadequate safety and rescue measures have raised a question mark over the viability of adventure sports activities here.

Over the past five years, 14 pilots have lost their lives in around 30 paragliding accidents, highlighting the need for strict regulations.

Two youths were electrocuted as the motorcycle they were riding got entangled in loose high-tension wires in Tikri Naryal area of Parwanoo in this district on Tuesday night.

They suffered severe burns and were rushed to the ESI Hospital, where the doctors declared them dead on arrival.

Basant Kumar, 35, was a resident of Rae Bareli and Brajesh Kumar, 22, a resident of Kushinagar, both in Uttar Pradesh.

The two after work at a printing press were returning to their rented accommodation.

The police have registered an FIR under sections of a reckless act endangering the safety of others and culpable homicide.

SP Gaurav Singh said the loose wires were live; had the power supply been cut after the wires got loose, the accident could have been averted.

Executive engineer Vikas Gupta said the pin insulator of a regulator had burst causing a blast that left the wires loose. Since the incident took place at night, the loose wires scattered on the road could not be spotted, he added.

A viral video circulating on social media showing a popular Bollywood actor allegedly violating traffic rules in Lahaul-Spiti district has prompted swift action from the district police.

According to a senior police officer, the video appears to be from the year 2023, though its authenticity is still under verification.

The investigation has been entrusted to the DSP Headquarters in Keylong. “Appropriate legal action will be taken as per the findings of the inquiry,” the official stated.

Following this incident, the District Police of Lahaul-Spiti has issued a strict advisory to all rental bike operators in the region.

The advisory mandates all rental agencies to educate and caution their clients about adhering strictly to traffic laws.

Riders are required to wear helmets at all times—both drivers and pillion riders—and must carry valid documents, including a driving licence, vehicle registration, insurance papers and government-issued ID.

Tourists have been warned against reckless activities such as overspeeding, stunt riding, dangerous overtaking, off-roading, and other forms of negligent behaviour. The police have emphasised that such actions will invite strict legal consequences.

In addition, travellers are urged to stay updated on real-time weather conditions and road advisories via the district police’s social media platforms.

Lahaul-Spiti’s weather can change unpredictably, particularly in high mountain passes and remote areas, posing risks to unprepared travellers.

In emergencies or mechanical breakdowns, tourists can contact the District Disaster Management Authority (Mob: 94594-61355) or the Police Control Room (Mob: 89880-92298) for assistance.

Actor Sonu Sood wrote on his Facebook wall: “Safety First. We always abide by the laws, an old clip without the helmet was a part of our script. So kindly ignore. RIDE SAFE. RIDE SMART. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET.”

Rain, thunderstorm, lightning and hailstorms are likely at several places in Himachal Pradesh from May 27, the local Meteorological Station (MeT) stated on Monday.

The Meteorological Station issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, lightning and hail in Shimla, Kullu and Mandi districts on May 27 and 28 and in Kangra, Solan and Sirmaur districts on May 27. The weather remained mostly dry across the state today.

Light to moderate rain is likely at many places in the state with heavy spells at isolated places on May 30 and 31. Light showers are expected at isolated places in lower, mid and higher hills from May 27 to June 1, the MeT office added.

The Meteorological Station issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, lightning and hail in Shimla, Kullu and Mandi districts on May 27 and 28 and in Kangra, Solan and Sirmaur districts on May 27. The weather remained mostly dry across the state today.

Light to moderate rain is likely at many places in the state with heavy spells at isolated places on May 30 and 31. Light showers are expected at isolated places in lower, mid and higher hills from May 27 to June 1, the MeT office added.

The MeT office also issued yellow warning of thunderstorms accompanied with lightning, gusty winds at isolated places in all 12 districts on May 29 and 30 and predicted a wet spell in the state till June 1.

Meanwhile, there was no significant change in the minimum and maximum temperatures. Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti district was the coldest in the state at 8.6°C, while Una was the hottest at a 39.4°C.

Light rain occurred at a few places, including Chopal (6.4 mm), Dharampur (6.2 mm), Dhaula Kuan (6 mm), Narkanda (5.5 mm), Murari Devi (5.4 mm), Solan (5.3 mm) and Shimla (3.3 mm).

The maximum temperatures are likely to rise by 2°C to 5°C during the next three or four days while the minimum temperatures will rise gradually by 2°C to 4°C over the next two days.

The state received 167.1 mm of average rain during the pre-monsoon season from March 1 to May 26 against the normal rainfall of 231.7 mm, a deficit of 28 per cent.