NABARD has granted Rs 109.3 crore for 10 rural road projects in six districts of Himachal Pradesh under RIDF XXX. This approval was made in the 141st meeting of NABARD’s Project Internal Approval Committee.

According to Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, these projects will significantly enhance rural connectivity, improve transportation facilities, and benefit thousands of people across the state. The government has been actively representing the state’s developmental needs at the central level, resulting in successful grants for various projects.

The approved projects include upgrading of key roads such as Junalla-Karloti-Chhat-Berthin road, Tikkar Manoh via Jakhyol-Ramehra-Sulkhan-Dhirwin road, and Rohru-Chirgaon-Dodrakawar road; link roads connecting Pirsaluhi (Kangra) to Kitpal (Hamirpur), Puyad to Tikkari via Dharli, and roads from Thathar Tripal to Mehwa Panchayat. Also, Saheed Tej Singh Smarak Jatta-Ra-Nallah to Kukrigalu via Harijan Basti Saloun, Katloun and Chhamyar has been included.

One of the key projects is the construction of a 35-metre span bridge connecting Nehwat, Nayaser, Ghaini, and Devidhar. The development of a road with culverts and metalling/tarring from Kanshiwala to Biroja Factory via Jable Ka Bag, Kanol Lag, and Batuni Morch has also been sanctioned.

These projects will play a vital role in strengthening the rural economy by ensuring better connectivity to remote areas and facilitating the smooth movement of agricultural produce, daily essentials, and public transport.

The minister directed PWD officials to initiate work within a month after completing all necessary formalities and instructed them to maintain high-quality construction standards while ensuring the timely completion of these projects.

The picturesque landscapes of the Trans-Giri region in Sirmaur district—comprising Nohradhar, Haripurdhar, Sangrah, Gattadhar and the dense forests of Churdhar—have turned into a mesmerising crimson spectacle.

The vibrant red flowers of Buransh (Rhododendron arboreum) have started blooming, adding a striking contrast to the snow-covered peaks, drawing nature lovers and tourists alike.

Buransh, also known as the state flower of Uttarakhand and Nagaland, holds national significance in Nepal. T

he flower is not only a visual delight but also possesses remarkable medicinal properties. However, its early blooming this year has raised concerns among environmentalists and climate experts.

Traditionally, Buransh has been used for its medicinal and culinary properties. Experts believe that the flower contains antioxidants beneficial for heart health and is used in treating serious ailments such as cancer.

The vibrant petals are processed into jam, pickles and chutneys, making it a valuable resource for rural economies.

In the Trans-Giri region, women associated with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) have successfully commercialised Buransh-based products. Despite the potential of this flower as a livelihood source, governmental support remains minimal.

The Churdhar, Nohradhar and Haripurdhar valleys, known for their dense Buransh forests, have been transformed into a sea of red. Covering approximately 50 sq km, these forests are home to a significant Buransh population, making up nearly 40% of the local tree cover.

For nearly three months, from March to May, these flowers add an unparalleled charm to the Himalayan landscape. Buransh thrives at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,600 metres above sea level.

Typically, it blooms in April and May, but this year, the flowers have appeared much earlier than expected, hinting at disturbing climatic changes.

Environmental scientists and researchers have expressed serious concerns over the premature flowering of Buransh. Usually, the bloom begins in mid-March, but this year, the flowers were spotted as early as February. Dr DR Bhardwaj, a forestry professor, attributes this phenomenon to rising temperatures.

“The temperature required for Buransh to bloom in April is now being recorded in January and February. This early flowering is a clear indicator of climate change,” he explained. The lack of sufficient snowfall and irregular rainfall patterns have further disrupted the natural cycle of plant growth. Experts warn that such trends could have long-term consequences on the region’s biodiversity.

With Buransh blooming early, scientists fear a chain reaction affecting the entire ecosystem. Buransh flowers are a crucial nectar source for bees, but premature blooming might lead to a mismatch between pollination and honey production. Climate scientist Surendra Paul emphasised, “This early flowering is a visible sign of global warming. The Himalayas are experiencing drastic climate changes, and the timing of natural cycles is shifting. If this continues, we may witness a complete disappearance of Buransh in certain areas.”

The effects of climate change are not limited to plants alone. A lack of proper snowfall affects soil moisture, leading to reduced water availability for agriculture and natural springs. With unpredictable weather conditions, mountain communities face threats to their livelihoods, which are closely tied to agriculture and forest produce.

Buransh has been an integral part of Himalayan culture for centuries. In regions like Kangra, Shimla, Sirmaur, Kinnaur and Solan, its petals are widely used to make juice, pickles, and herbal medicines. In Dharamshala’s Chinmaya Tapovan, nurseries cultivate Buransh flowers and supply them across India. The medicinal properties of Buransh make it a valuable asset in Ayurveda and traditional medicine.

Dr Manish Gupta, an oncologist, states, “Buransh flowers are rich in antioxidants, which benefit heart patients. Additionally, the petals have anti-inflammatory properties and are used to treat colds, fevers, and muscle pain.”

Local communities have long relied on Buransh as a natural remedy for various ailments. However, changes in climate could affect its medicinal properties. Environmentalists warn that if Buransh continues to bloom out of season, the chemical composition of the flowers might alter, reducing their effectiveness in traditional medicine.

Despite its ecological and economic importance, Buransh remains underutilised as a resource. With proper governmental intervention, the commercial potential of Buransh-based products could provide sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. Experts suggest that monitoring climate patterns, promoting agroforestry, boosting local economies through Buransh-based enterprises, and creating awareness about climate change are necessary steps to conserve this valuable resource.

Royal Holloway, University of London, and Shoolini University have announced the launch of a transformative Dual Master’s Degree Programme, set to begin in the 2025/26 academic year.

The two prestigious universities have signed a Memorandum of Agreement that will allow students enrolled in Shoolini University’s Master’s degree programmes to seamlessly transition to Royal Holloway after successfully completing the initial year of their studies in India.

The program will see postgraduate students spend one year at Shoolini University, followed by one year at Royal Holloway. Professor Atul Khosla, vice-chancellor of Shoolini University, stated, “The collaboration with Royal Holloway aims to provide our students with world-class education and research opportunities, which would prove to be a significant milestone in the learning environment at Shoolini University.”

Professor Julie Sanders, vice chancellor and principal of Royal Holloway, University of London, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “It’s a partnership driven by wanting to build brilliant research-infused learning opportunities for our students, and our fundamental commitment at Royal Holloway to thinking and working globally.”

The Memorandum of Agreement outlines a 1+1 Master’s programme in Biotechnology/Biosciences and Psychology, with plans for potential expansion to other fields in the future. Under the agreement, students will undergo English language proficiency assessments to ensure they meet Royal Holloway’s academic standards.

Professor Sanders added, “Being part of a global education community is such an important part of who we are and what we do – and something really exciting,

The Beas Aarti, held at the Panchvaktar Temple during the International Shivaratri Festival in Mandi, took on a deeper significance this year by blending spiritual devotion with environmental consciousness.

Held on the sacred evening of Mahashivaratri, the grand ceremony aimed to raise awareness about the escalating pollution in the region’s rivers and natural water bodies.

The aarti took place along the banks of the Beas, also known as the Vipasha river, and carried a strong message: urgent action is needed to address illegal dumping, plastic waste accumulation, and untreated sewage seepage that are increasingly threatening Mandi’s water sources.

These rivers are not only central to the region’s ecology but also hold deep cultural and spiritual importance.

The ceremony was led by renowned priests from Kashi, who performed the aarti on five specially created platforms at the confluence of the Beas and Suketi rivers.

The platforms, adorned with thousands of glowing diyas provided by local residents, symbolised the triumph of light over darkness.

The sight of flickering lamps reflected in the river served as a powerful reminder of the community’s collective responsibility to protect and preserve its water bodies.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Dharmpur MLA Chander Shekhar, APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, HPMC Board of Directors member Joginder Guleria, and Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan.

They emphasised the need for urgent and collective action to safeguard the environment, highlighting the importance of integrating ecological awareness into the region’s cultural traditions.

The silver jubilee celebrations of the festival provided an ideal platform to reinforce this environmental commitment.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the Beas Aarti marks a broader initiative by local authorities to address environmental challenges.

Efforts are already underway to combat illegal dumping, enhance waste management practices, and launch awareness campaigns on water conservation.

Officials stressed that the success of these initiatives depends on active community participation, as protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.

In addition to the Beas Aarti, the International Shivaratri Festival is featuring cultural performances from local and international artistes, further extending its message on a global scale.

Alongside the festivities, various sessions and discussions are being held to educate the public on sustainable practices, pollution reduction, and water preservation. These efforts aim to inspire long-term environmental stewardship while maintaining the rich cultural heritage of Mandi.

Light to moderate snow continued in isolated places in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh while intermittent rains lashed several parts of middle and low hills, the weather office said on Thursday.

The local MeT has issued an orange warning of heavy to very heavy rains and snow at isolated places in Mandi, Kangra, Kullu and Chamba districts for Thursday and Friday, while it has forecast (yellow alert) heavy snow in Lahaul and Spiti and heavy rain and snow in Shimla district for the same period.

The weather office has also predicted heavy rain in Una and Hamirpur districts.

Meanwhile, Keylong has received 20 cm of snow, Khadrala 12 cm, Kukumseri 9.6 cm, Hansa 8 cm and Kalpa 3.4 cm since Wednesday evening.

Sarahan received 29.1 mm of rain, Seobagh 22.2, Manali 19, Bharmour 17, Jot 16, Gohar 15, Karsog 12.1, Bhuntar 10.8, Palampur 8.4, Chamba 8, Dharamshala 6, while Shimla, Solan, Kalpa, Mandi Kufri and Kasauli received between 2 to 5 mm.

Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti district was the coldest in the night, recording a low of minus 4.5 degrees Celsius.

The state received 70.4 mm of rain during the winter season from January 1 to February 27 against normal rainfall of 181.7 mm, a deficit of 61 per cent.

The patwaris and kanungos of the Revenue Department in Himachal Pradesh will henceforth be state cadre employees.

A notification to this effect was issued by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today. Earlier, these employees were district cadre employees.

The notification declared that the divisional, district or settlement cadre of all naib tehsildars, kanungos and patwaris of the Revenue Department would be “State Cadre” for all purposes with immediate effect.

Consequently, the Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary and the Secretary would be the appointing and disciplinary authority in respect of naib tehsildars, while the Director of Land Records would be the appointing and disciplinary authority in respect of patwaris and kanungos.

The seniority of naib tehsildars, kanungos and patwaris would be maintained or disposed of at the level of the Director and till the time the recruitment rules are amended, the undergoing process of filling the vacant posts of naib tehsildar, kanungo and patwari through direct recruitment or promotion would be carried under the prevalent Recruitment and Promotion Rules, the notification added.

The Himachal Pradesh government has amended all caste-based provisions in the HP Prison Manual 2021 to ensure equality and eliminate caste-based work allocation among prisoners, an official said on Saturday.

The state government has inserted a paragraph in the manual prohibiting caste-based discrimination in prisons and correctional institutions.

The newly added provision (para 5.66) ensures that no discrimination, classification, or segregation of prisoners will occur on the basis of caste, a government spokesperson said.

Further, para 5.67 mandates that there will be no discrimination of prisoners in the allotment of any duty or work in prisons on the basis of their caste, he added.

Para 5.68 invokes the provision that prisoners will not be engaged in manual scavenging, sewer system maintenance, and septic tank cleaning.

Earlier, a provision in the Jail Manual allowed the employment of paid sweepers in the absence of female prisoners for cleaning tasks. This clause, previously under paragraph 214, has now been completely deleted.

The spokesperson said that jail records will no longer mention the caste, community, or religious affiliations of inmates of prisons. The state government has introduced these reforms through the Himachal Pradesh Prison Manual Second Amendment, 2025.

Furthermore, the amended Jail Manual also provides a clear definition of habitual offenders. A person will be classified as a habitual offender if they have been convicted or sentenced to imprisonment on more than two occasions for any one or more offences committed on different occasions and not constituting parts of the same transaction within a continuous period of five years, provided the convictions have not been overturned on appeal or review.

The spokesperson said that the government remains committed to upholding dignity, equality, and justice, ensuring fair and non-discriminatory prison operations in the state.

An FIR has been lodged against unknown persons for allegedly leaking Himachal Pradesh CID’s information and documents.

Sources said the Superintendent of Police (SP), State CID, had filed a complaint in the police station at Chotta Shimla in which it was alleged that someone had unlawfully leaked CID’s confidential information that was being used to defame the state CID as well as the state government.

On the basis of the complaint, an FIR has been registered under Sections 59 (Public servant concealing design to commit offence which it is his duty to prevent), 60 (concealing plans to commit a crime), 61 (criminal conspiracy), 305 (theft of a government property), 336(4) (forgery with the intent to harm someone’s reputation) and 353(2) (punishing individuals who make, publish, or circulate false information, rumors, or statements) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), 2023.

The action came after a confidential information and documents of CID department were leaked and were widely published in the media at state and national levels a few months ago.

The state government’’s efforts to promote tourism are beginning to bear fruit as Tattapani in Mandi district has transformed into a thriving adventure destination, often referred to as “Mini Goa”.

The state government is making significant strides in positioning the region as a premier tourism destination, with particular emphasis on water-based adventure tourism. With the introduction of still water activities in lakes and reservoirs, the area is rapidly becoming a hotspot for adventure and thrill-seeking tourists.

Tattapani is located 55 km from the state capital, Shimla, and is renowned for its natural beauty, hot springs, and serene lakes.

Situated on the banks of the Sutlej river, this area offers a unique blend of scenic mountains, religious places, and now, exciting recreational water activities. Tourists flock to Tattapani not only for its spiritual heritage, linked to the meditation of sage Jamdagni, but also for the revitalising experience of bathing in its sulphur-rich hot springs.

Thanks to the state government’’s tourism policy, a range of thrilling water activities have been introduced at Tattapani lake.

Visitors can now enjoy jet skiing, speed boating, bumper boating, banana rides, e-foiling, water skiing and ATV bike rides. As of now, the lake is equipped with eight jet skis, 10 speed boats, one bumper boat, one banana ride, two jetovators, four e-foils, two water skis, and two ATV bikes, all operated under the supervision of trained guides and instructors.

These activities have not only added to the region’s appeal but have significantly boosted the local economy.

Around 200 to 250 people have found employment directly or indirectly due to the surge in tourism. Out of these, approximately 35 individuals are employed directly in the water sports activities, while over 200 more have secured indirect employment, including in hospitality and services for the growing number of tourists.

Local business owners have also benefited from the increased footfall, as more visitors are spending on accommodation, food and other services.

Historical significance and growing popularity

Beyond its natural beauty, Tattapani holds historical and cultural significance. It is a revered religious site, with a long-standing belief that sage Jamdagni meditated here.

The area’’s hot spring, rich in sulphur, has been used for centuries for its supposed healing properties. The area’s importance was underscored when Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, inaugurated the hot spring in September 1952.

Additionally, Nobel laureate, world-famous poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore also visited Tattapani in 1938, cementing its place in India’s cultural history.

Tattapani draws visitors from across the country. Previously, tourists visiting Shimla, the ‘Queen of Hills,’ would only travel as far as Kufri, Naldehra, Mashobra, or Narkanda, but now many are extending their trip to include a visit to Tattapani.

The introduction of water sports activities at the Tattapani reservoir has led many visitors to extend their stay by an extra day, which benefits the hospitality sector in Shimla and surrounding areas.

Surge in tourist traffic and economic impact

Local businesses have seen a marked increase in footfall, with approximately 100 vehicles arriving daily during peak tourist season, bringing 400 to 500 visitors to Tattapani each day. As a result, both local hotels and restaurants have experienced a boost in business, and the state has also benefited from additional revenue.

According to Prem Raina, secretary, Tattapani Water Sports Association, the area now attracts over 50,000 to 60,000 tourists annually, further establishing Tattapani as an emerging adventure tourism hub. The growing number of visitors has also led to increased interest from tour operators and service providers in the region.

Tattapani’s transformation began in 2015 when the Kol Dam created a reservoir on the Sutlej, which then led to the formation of the lake.

Following the government’s initiative to promote still water activities, regulations were put in place and Tattapani Travel became the first registered agency in Himachal Pradesh to offer water sports activities.

Trained pilots, certified by the National Skill Training Institute in Goa, ensure that all activities are conducted safely and professionally.

With a combination of adventure sports, natural beauty, historical significance and employment opportunities for the local community, Tattapani is quickly becoming one of Himachal Pradesh’’s most sought-after tourist destinations, marking a new era for the state’s tourism industry.