Shimla police have arrested a drug supplier near the India-Nepal border who was allegedly responsible for supplying heroin across various parts of the district.

The accused has been identified as Vijender Singh, 35, a resident of Sundha Bhonda village in Chirgaon, Shimla.

He was allegedly operating as a key distributor of heroin (chitta) in the Rohru and Chirgaon regions. Police said he procured the contraband from Punjab and ran a well-organised drug supply network.

Addressing a press conference, Shimla ASP Abhishek said, “On February 2, 2026, district police arrested two Punjab residents, Jashandeep Singh and Dharampreet Singh, from Mehandli in Rohru with 83 grams of heroin.

An investigation was initiated, during which police analysed their bank account details and digital evidence to trace the supply chain.”

Following the probe, three more alleged peddlers namely Ashish Chauhan (24), Naveen Shitta (31) and Diwan Chand (39), all residents of the Chirgaon region were arrested.

During further investigation, police said it was revealed that Jashandeep had been supplying heroin in several areas of Shimla district, including Rohru and Chirgaon, where Vijender was working as a major distributor.

According to police, Vijender would purchase heroin from Jashandeep and sell it through multiple conduits.

“Vijender is a habitual offender. Three cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, were registered against him in 2018, 2019 and 2022,” the ASP added.

To evade arrest, Vijender had allegedly fled to Nepal. A manhunt was launched on February 13. Within 48 hours, a team from Police Station Rohru, with assistance from Uttarakhand and Nepal police, arrested him from Banbasa in Uttarakhand, near the India-Nepal border.

Abhishek said that six persons involved in the network have been arrested so far and further investigation is under way. He added that this year, district police have arrested 94 accused in 48 cases registered under the NDPS Act, 1985.

Thousands of tourists from across the country are arriving in Shimla to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Tourists from Chandigarh, New Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh have reached in large numbers to celebrate this special day.

To make Valentine’s week special, several high-end cafes and restaurants have also made special arrangements of high tea, special cakes and chocolates so that the love birds can celebrate the day.

Besides, local artists have also organised a Valentine’s Special Art Exhibition at the historic Gaiety Theatre, which has emerged as a major attraction especially among the youth. The exhibition features paintings, traditional art works, miniatures, handicrafts and handloom products, crafted by talented local artists and artisans.

Puneet, a local artist, said, “This exhibition not only promotes the local talent but also encourages people to choose handmade, culturally-rooted gifts made with love. “The exhibition has been specially curated for the Valentine season to provide the visitors with high-quality, meaningful gifting options, all lovingly handcrafted by local artisans,” he added.

He said, “In this exhibition, products from small heartfelt gifts to exclusive artistic masterpieces priced between Rs 50 and Rs 30,000 are being sold.”

The Supreme Court on Friday extended the deadline for the completion of local body elections in Himachal Pradesh from April 30 to May 31.

Acting on a petition filed by the state government, a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant extended by a month the deadline fixed by the Himachal Pradesh High Court for holding the local body polls in the state.

The Bench — which also included Justice Joymalya Bagchi — extended from February 28 to March 31 the deadline for completing reconstruction work, delimitation and reservation fixed by the high court.
“No further application for extension of time shall be entertained,” it said.

The Bench, however, said, “The direction issued by the high court that elections to municipal corporations/panchayats/urban local bodies are required to be held after expiry of the term of elected bodies are over is a correct expression of law and does not warrant any interference by this court.”

The top court also agreed with the high court’s view that the delimitation exercise could not be used to indefinitely delay local body elections in Himachal Pradesh.

On January 9, the High Court had rejected the state government’s request to defer elections to panchayati raj bodies by six months and directed it to hold the polls before April 30.

The Himachal Pradesh Government has moved the Supreme Court against the High Court’s decision to hold elections to panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies (ULBs) before April 30.

The elections to PRIs and over 70 ULBs were due before March 31, but the matter ended up in High Court after a PIL was filed by some individuals.

The High Court ordered to conduct the elections before April 30, which has now been challenged by the state government.

The historic Pathankot–Joginder Nagar narrow gauge railway line, one of the oldest railway tracks in India, awaits the attention of the authorities concerned as demand grows for its modernisation and conversion into broad gauge to meet the present-day transport needs.

Commissioned in 1926 during the British rule, the railway line was constructed primarily to facilitate the transportation of heavy machinery imported from London for the Shanan Hydel Power Project at Joginder Nagar.

At a time when road connectivity in the region was extremely limited, the narrow gauge railway played a crucial role in supporting one of the earliest large-scale hydroelectric projects in northern India.

Stretching across the scenic Kangra valley, the rail line later emerged as a key mode of transport for local residents, connecting remote hill areas with the plains.

For decades, it served passengers, farmers, traders and students, offering an affordable and reliable link between Pathankot, Kangra, Palampur, Baijnath and Joginder Nagar.

Railway historians describe the track as a notable example of early 20th-century hill railway engineering. The route includes multiple tunnels, bridges and sharp curves designed to navigate challenging mountainous terrain.

Owing to its age and historic relevance, it is also regarded as an important part of India’s railway heritage.

However, nearly a century after it was commissioned, the narrow gauge line faces operational limitations. Low speeds, restricted carrying capacity, aging infrastructure and frequent maintenance issues have reduced its efficiency.

Over the years, passenger footfall has declined as road transport has expanded, though the rail line remains in use.

Local residents and stakeholders have repeatedly highlighted the need for upgrading the track to broad gauge, stating that improved rail connectivity could enhance passenger movement, tourism and freight transport in the region.

They also pointed out that modern rail infrastructure would provide a safer and more sustainable alternative to road travel in the hilly terrain of Himachal Pradesh.

Despite its historical importance and continued relevance, no major upgrade plan has been announced so far. The future of the Pathankot–Joginder Nagar railway line remains uncertain, even as it approaches its centenary year, prompting renewed calls for a comprehensive assessment of its potential and preservation.

Earlier, seven trains were running on this track up and down. However, for the past three years, after collapse of the Chakki bridge, there are no regular train services on this track making the matter worse and resulting in an inconvenience to the public. At present, train services are operating only between Kangra and Joginder Nagar.

When contacted by The Tribune, Kangra MP Rajiv Bhardwaj said he was well versed with the situation. He said, “The survey for expansion of this rail track into broad gauge has already been completed.

Besides, a new railway bridge on the Chakki river will be opened for the traffic soon after completion of the technical formalities. And as usual, seven trains will run on this track up and own before March this year.”

Kangana Ranaut’s clothes in Parliament are getting a lot of attention. People say her style is a mix of traditional Indian clothing and modern designs.

Some have even compared her style to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was known for wearing simple but strong-looking outfits.

The BJP MP from Mandi often wears coats and woollen clothes made by local artisans from Kullu.

These clothes are made by a brand called Kullvi Whims. The artisans say they feel proud when Kangana wears their handmade clothes in Parliament because it helps promote Himachal Pradesh’s culture and local work, adding “all colours are vegetable dyed”.

Recently, Kangana wore a special Himachali coat in Parliament.

The coat was handwoven by women artisans from Kullvi Whims. The owner of the brand, Brighu Acharya, said that Kangana regularly buys woollens from them. He also shared that the coat she wore took about two months to make.

Kangana is also seen wearing handloom sarees, simple colours with checks. In one Parliament session, she wore a silk saree with an embroidered border and paired it with a black coat and a leather belt.

Fashion experts say her simple makeup, bold glasses, and strong clothing style show confidence and leadership. Her fashion is seen as a modern version of traditional dressing.

Now that the actress is active in politics, she is being noticed not only as a politician but also as a style influencer in Parliament. Her fashion choices have become a topic of discussion, showing how clothes can express confidence and authority be it a runway or politics.

The Budget session of the Vidhan Sabha is likely to be held in two phases, beginning with the Governor’s Address on February 16, said Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Pathania here today.

He said that the first phase of the Budget session would be of three days and would commence with the Governor’s Address. “As of now, as per the tentative business conveyed by the state government, the session is proposed to be held for three days on February 16, 17 and 18.

The session will continue in the second phase as the preparation of the Budget may take some time,” said Pathania. There would be a debate on the Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s Address, he added.

The Speaker said, “Since this will be the first Assembly session this year, it will begin with address by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on February 16, followed by obituaries to the past members of the House who had passed away since the last winter session.”

He added that this would be followed by legislative business and the passing of Bills.

Pathania said that the business from the state government was awaited. “In the changed scenario arising out of the recommendation by the 16th Finance Commission for the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), it may take some time for the preparation of the Budget for the next financial year.”

He added, “Most of the business for the session is related to the government and is awaited.

At present, very few questions have come from the legislators as only two days ago, the notification for holding the session was issued. But, hopefully, members will submit more questions,” he added.

The state government was keen to hold a one-day special session of the Vidhan Sabha to discuss the situation arising out of the recommendation for scrapping the RDG but the Governor declined the request. So, the government decided to hold the Budget session as routine.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today categorically said that his government would not discontinue the old pension scheme (OPS) being extended to employees, despite severe financial constraints.

While talking to mediapersons before leaving for Delhi here today, the Chief Minister said notwithstanding the projections given by the Finance Department, everybody would continue to get their salaries and pensions like before.

“My job is to generate resources and move forward with the money that we have,” he added.

“I assure that no scheme for the poor and needy will be stopped. I understand the pain and suffering of the poor and needy. I know how to struggle against odds and emerge victorious,” the Chief Minister said.

He said had BJP been voted to power in the 2027 Assembly polls, they would have discontinued OPS. “My father was an employee and I understand the pain of an ordinary family which depends on pension,” he said.

He also refuted statement of former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur that the invite for attending the presentation by the Finance Department had been extended by Secretary (Finance) which was not in accordance with his stature. He showed the copy of the letter sent by him to the former CM.

“While we are fighting for the rights of the state, the BJP is desperate to get back to power. It is shameful that while we are fighting for protecting Himachal’s interest, which is supreme, LoP is asking BJP cadres to gear up for the polls,” he said.

He added that BJP leaders from Himachal along with all seven BJP MPs must meet the Prime Minister to seek the continuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG).

The Chief Minister said the Congress regime got only Rs 17,000 crore RDG, but the government exercised fiscal restraints to run the state efficiently.

“While the BJP regime got Rs 5,4000 crore as the RDG in five years, our Congress regime got a mere Rs 17,000 crore in the last three years, despite which we have not let the development works get affected,” he said.

“We will move forward by generating our resources, the way we earned Rs 3,800-crore income from our own resources in the last three years,” said Sukhu.

He lashed out at Leader of Opposition and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur for making irresponsible statements.

“It is really sad that the BJP leaders are exhorting their workers to get ready for the elections. Governments will keep coming and going but what is important is that we understand the pain and problems of the people,” he said.

“The treasury was surplus when Jai Ram Thakur was CM despite that he did not pay pending arrears to the employees,” Sukhu said.

“I urge LoP and the BJP MLAs to join hands with us in the fight for protecting the rights of people of Himachal. “Governments keep changing but the withdrawal of RDG will affect all governments in future so it is time to rise above political petty considerations to protect the interest of Himachal,” he said.

Sukhu said the Centre was meting out a step-motherly treatment to Himachal by withholding the RDG.

Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh believes he is the bridge between the state and the Centre, even though both governments belong to different political parties, and that politics and ideology cannot be allowed to come in the way of progress.

In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, Vikramaditya talked about the politics behind the BJP-ruled Centre’s decision to stop shoring up the state’s finances by ending the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and why he believes Himachal Pradesh’s BJP politicians must rise above party politics to persuade the Centre to over-turn their decision.

“I am the bridge between Shimla and Delhi,” Vikramaditya said, adding, “I have told my party high command also that I go and meet the BJP’s Union ministers who are connected with the public works that I do in Himachal.”

“When we were granted statehood in 1971, everyone was aware that HP is not an economically viable state. So our case for getting RDG or financial assistance from the Centre is very justified,” he asserts.

While agreeing to 16th Finance Commission observation that states will have to become economically independent, he says efforts are underway in this regard.

Vikramaditya also insisted that Himachal’s fragile ecology meant that public works, such as building roads and highways, had to be treated differently as compared to states in the plains and that he was happy to report that the Centre had agreed with his assessment.

“The manner in which roads and national highways were cut through the fragile Himalayan ecosystem exacerbated the enormous damage caused by severe rainfall last year,” Singh said, adding that Union minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had agreed that the government would need to change its policies in this regard for hill states.

Vikramaditya said in a parliamentary democracy it is imperative to have good state-Centre relations to keep the wheels of development moving, especially in a hill state like Himachal, facing severe geographical constraints, a mantra he learnt from his father Virbhadra Singh.

“We can have different political ideologies but we have to have a common ground in the larger interest of the state. Governments, Chief Ministers and ministers will come and go but protecting the state’s interest is of paramount importance,” he asserts.

There have been instances when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister and my father Chief Minister, HP got a financial assistance of Rs 500 crore, he said citing past incidents of cordial state-Centre relations.

Similarly, during the tenure of Manmohan Singh, PK Dhumal was the BJP Chief Minister and yet Himachal was given assistance, he cites.

He defends his image of being a devout Hindu, asking why BJP should be allowed to take all the credit.

“I have always been very open about my faith even though ours is a party which does not propagate religion but that does not mean we are any less Hindus.

I attended the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony at Ayodhya after apprising the party high command that I was going there in my personal capacity as a Hindu,” he says.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said today that it is the priority of the state government to establish “Himachal Tourism” as a premier global brand, and for which projects worth Rs 2,350 crore would be implemented.

The Chief Minister chaired a high-level review of various tourism development initiatives currently underway across the state.

Supported by Asian Development Bank (ADB), these projects represent a total investment of Rs 2,350 crore, with Rs 1,620 crore allocated under Tranche-1 and Rs 730 crore earmarked for Tranche-2.

The Chief Minister underscored the necessity of maintaining world-class construction standards and issued strict directives to officials to ensure that development works are completed within their respective timelines.

“This vision is being realised through a comprehensive suite of schemes designed to fortify the state’s economy while generating significant employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth,” he said. Sukhu said that to improve the overall visitor experience, the government is prioritising connectivity and infrastructure, which includes the ongoing construction of several heliports and the expansion of the Kangra airport.

He said that central to this master plan is the transformation of Kangra district into the state’s “tourism capital”. Significant investments are being directed towards Palampur and Nagrota Bagwan, where projects worth Rs 77.70 crore are already in progress.

In Palampur, focus areas include multi-level parking facilities, the renovation of Neugal Café, and the creation of modern amenities such as a library-integrated café.

The Chief Minister said that development extends across the state with diverse projects catering to both spiritual and adventure tourism. In Hamirpur, Rs 51.09 crore is being spent on the Shree Baba Balak Nath Temple complex, while Dharamsala is set to receive new ice-skating and roller-skating rinks costing Rs 33.78 crore.

“The government is also investing in wellness, with centres totalling over Rs 56 crore being established in Kullu and Manali. Additionally, the historic Naggar Castle is undergoing specialised conservation and renovation to preserve its cultural heritage,” he said.

The meeting concluded with detailed insights from RS Bali, Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar and Director Tourism Vivek Bhatia were also present.

The steep cut in import duty on US apples has left Himachal Pradesh’s growers worried, with many cautioning that lower priced imports from the US could impact the fruit sales.

While the duty has been reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent, the minimum import price (MIP) has simultaneously been raised from Rs 50 to Rs 80 per kg.

Under this new structure, US apples are expected to land in India at around Rs 100 per kg, nearly the same price that premium domestic varieties command.

“At this price, the US apple will pose huge competition to our produce since consumers are likely to shift towards the imported fruit,” said Harish Chauhan, convener, Sanyukt Kisan Manch (SKM).

He challenged the government contention that the US apple was landing in India at Rs 75 per kg prior to this deal, and now it would land at a higher price of Rs 100 per kg. “If the US apple was landing in India at Rs 75 per kg as is being pointed out, how come it is sold at Rs 200-250 per kg in retail,” asked Chauhan.

He feared that if the US apple landed at Rs 100 per kg in India, the practice of storing premium apple in CA stores would become unviable.

“Why would any CA store owner buy our premium apple at Rs 85-90 per kg, incur the storage cost for nearly six months, and then bring it to the market at a price higher than the US apple. Who would buy it,” Chauhan asked.

Chauhan is among the growers who feel the US apple at this price will have a devastating impact on the local apple economy.

Lokinder Bisht, president, Progressive Growers Association (PGA), feels the premium quality apple will be hit, but the Rs 80 MIP and 25 per cent tariff will limit the damage to the local apple economy to some extent.

“The MIP should have been at least Rs 100 to offer more protection to the local growers,” he said.

The PGA is one of the largest apple growers’ bodies in the state. Bisht said the local premium apple would not get a higher price than the US apple.

“If the price of our premium apple goes down, the impact will be felt on the lower-quality apple as well,” said Bisht, adding that there must be restrictions on the amount of apple that could be bought with reduced tariff. “Unlimited imports will pose a big threat to the economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, some growers feel the deal will have little impact on the local apple economy. Dimple Panjta, president of the Himalayan Society for Horticulture and Agriculture Development, says the local premium apple is good enough to compete with any foreign import.

“We can’t run away from global competition forever. We should see this as an opportunity to improve our quality. Instead of demanding protection, we should seek subsidies and better planting material from the government to help us enhance our production and quality,” said Panjta.

Can the local apple growers compete with their US or European counterparts? Most growers say it’s a Herculean challenge, considering the generous subsides the US growers get and their highly mechanised cultivation.

“We lack the government support that is available to our counterparts in the US and New Zealand. Also, barring Kinnaur, we don’t have the exact temperate climate that is best suited for growing apple.

Having said that, we still need to improve our quality, not to compete but to survive,” said Deepak Singha, an apple grower from Kotgarh.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Sunday said the Himachal Pradesh government will move court against the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) to the state.

Sukhu announced this after a special cabinet meeting held to discuss the situation arising out of the situation.

The CM slammed Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and other BJP legislators for not attending the special presentation on the state’s finances, about which they had been intimated.

He said the BJP must rise above political considerations and urge the PM to restore the RDG or give a special grant to the state.

The CM said there was a gap of Rs 7,000 crore-8,000 crore between revenue and expenditure, which was being met through the RDG.

He said the state government will politically and legally fight for its rights.

The Himachal Pradesh Government has moved the Supreme Court seeking withdrawal of 45 cases lodged against sitting and former MPs/MLAs, including those lodged during the tenure of the previous BJP government against Congress workers for holding protests and rallies during the Covid pandemic.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday issued a notice on the state government’s petition challenging the April 26, 2024, order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court disallowing withdrawal of criminal cases against the lawmakers.

The top court will take up the matter on March 16.

The High Court had partly allowed the Congress government’s plea to withdraw only 15 cases recommended for withdrawal.

Out of the 65 cases recommended for withdrawal by the Home department, five, including one against Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, have been disposed of during the pendency of the petition, the High Court had noted.

According to Section 321 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the High Court’s permission was not needed for withdrawal of prosecution.

However, it became mandatory in view of the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Ashwani Kumar Upadhyay vs Union of India (2020) case involving sitting and former MLAs as accused.

The 2020 SC verdict said the public prosecutor may withdraw a prosecution not merely on the ground of paucity of evidence but also to further the broad ends of public justice.

On behalf of the Himachal government, senior counsel V. Giri, urged the top court to allow withdrawal of the cases in public interest after taking independent opinions of public prosecutors and district attorneys in consultation with the district magistrates and superintendents of police.

The High Court had refused to allow withdrawal of cases pertaining to offences under Sections 269 (negligent acts likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 353 (assaulting or using criminal force against a public servant to deter them from discharging their duties), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC, and sections of the National Highways Act and Disaster Management Act.

The High Court had noted that the top court verdict required the public prosecutor to formulate an independent opinion before seeking the consent of the court to withdraw from the prosecution and that the power vested under Section 321 of the CrPC is a responsibility which is to be utilised in public interest and cannot be used for extraneous and political considerations and has to be used with utmost good faith to serve the larger public interest.

The Kullu-Manali Left Bank road was severely damaged due to heavy rain and landslides seven months ago but its condition at several stretches, especially at Aleo near Manali, has not improved.

Around Rs 4 crore has been spent on the repair of the road but its prevailing condition continues to be a cause for concern for locals and tourists alike.

The Left Bank road was extensively damaged at multiple locations due to heavy rain, landslides and flash floods.

To ensure uninterrupted road connectivity between Kullu and Manali, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had provided around Rs 4 crore to the state Public Works Department (PWD) for the repair of the Left Bank road via Naggar. However, the road has not been tarred and only one lane is open for vehicular traffic.

As a result, traffic congestion is witnessed on it every day. Tourists heading to Manali, along with thousands of residents from villages located in the Left Bank area, are facing long delays.

Tourism stakeholders say that the poor condition of the road is directly impacting business in the Left Bank area, which heavily depends on smooth seasonal traffic.

Tourism entrepreneurs such as Gajendra Thakur, Manohar Lal, Kishan Thakur and Mohan Lal say that the Aleo stretch of the Left Bank road is still kutcha and restricted to one-way traffic.

“It is shocking that even a 100-metre road stretch has not been properly repaired in seven months,” says a local trader.

NHAI Resident Engineer Ashok Chauhan says that they had released funds specifically to keep the Kullu-Naggar-Manali Left Bank route operational during emergencies. Meanwhile, PWD officials maintain that the entire road at Aleo was washed away during the last monsoon season.
According to Anoop Sharma, Executive Engineer, PWD, Manali, the road has been temporarily restored and RCC protection walls are being constructed along the Beas. He says that tarring will be done after the safety walls are constructed.

Besides temporary repairs, the widening of the Left Bank road has been discussed for years. In June 2021, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari had announced the widening of the Kullu-Naggar-Manali road stretch to two lanes on priority.

In January 2023, the NHAI started preparing a detailed project report (DPR). Recently, a Rs 5,621-crore proposal for the construction of four lanes along the Beas left bank was announced.

However, floods in 2023 and 2025 shifted focus back to restoring the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway, pushing the Left Bank road plan into limbo.

The current state of the Kullu-Manali Left Bank road highlights a troubling disconnect between policy announcements and execution. Locals and tourism stakeholders are now demanding immediate repair of the road.

The district administration, in coordination with the Health Department, has sent a detailed proposal to the state government for the establishment of a medical college in Kullu district.

According to official sources, more than 140 bighas have been identified at Bhulang near Bhuntar for the proposed medical college.

The Health Department has selected the site and the proposal was recently routed through the district administration to the state government for its consideration and approval. If sanctioned, the institution is expected to significantly strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in Kullu.

Residents, public representatives and civil society groups have consistently been raising the demand of a medical college in Kullu for years.

At present, the Regional Hospital, Kullu, caters not only to the local population but also to patients from several adjoining and remote areas, including the Balh and Bali Chowki regions of Mandi district, Lahaul and Spiti district and the remote Pangi valley of Chamba district.

For advanced medical treatment, patients from these areas often have to travel long distances to major referral centres such as the PGI, Chandigarh; Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla; AIIMS-Bilaspur or Medical College, Ner Chowk.

Health Department officials believe that the opening of a medical college in Kullu will drastically reduce the financial and travelling burden on patients while ensuring timely access to specialised healthcare services closer to home. It will also help decongest the existing tertiary institutions of the state.

Kullu Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Ranjit Thakur said that the Health Department had completed the land selection process and a proposal had been sent to the government.

He expressed optimism that the project would move forward in due course. He reiterated that strengthening healthcare facilities in the district was their top priority.

Besides the proposed medical college, the Health Department was also working to upgrade the existing facilities.

Dr Ranjit Thakur said that a cath lab (cardiac catheterization laboratory) was likely to be commissioned at the Regional Hospital, Kullu, soon. This facility would be a major relief for cardiac patients, who at present had to travel outside the district for procedures related to heart ailments.

If approved, the medical college in Kullu was expected to improve healthcare delivery and create new opportunities for medical education, employment and the overall regional development.

The state government has moved the Supreme Court against the High Court’s decision to hold elections to panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies (ULBs) before April 30.

A special leave petition has been filed in this regard by Principal Secretary Urban Development, Secretary Panchayati Raj and the Chief Secretary. Now, the polls to the PRIs and ULBs have come under the cloud of uncertainty.

The elections to PRIs and over 70 ULBs were due before March 31, but the matter ended up in High Court after a PIL was filed by some individuals. The High Court ordered to conduct the elections before April 30, which has now been challenged by the state government.

Meanwhile, the BJP has slammed the government for moving the Supreme Court. Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said the Congress was running away from elections due to its plummeting popularity.

Thakur asked why the Chief Minister and his Ministers kept saying that elections would be held on time when they were questioned about the delay. “The Congress, which keeps raising hue and cry about democracy and constitution, is itself trampling upon democracy and constitution,” said Thakur.

The Leader of Opposition said even though the government keeps complaining that it is not receiving cooperation from the Centre, it is blocking the very avenues through which it could receive substantial support from the Centre.

“If there are no elected local bodies, how will development take place? How will the hundreds of schemes being run by the Centre be implemented? Without elected representatives, how will the Union Government schemes reach the grassroots,” asked Thakur.

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh yesterday here informed that Public Works Department (PWD) has formulated a new comprehensive Draft Road Drainage Policy to address the recurring damage to the state’s road infrastructure caused by intense monsoon rain.

He said the policy was prepared after detailed technical assessment by the department and has been approved for placement before the forthcoming Cabinet meeting for final endorsement.

“This drainage policy is not just about drains. It is about protecting roads which are the lifeline of the state. We are putting an end to the old cycle of ‘damage and repair’ every monsoon.

Our government is committed to building climate-resilient roads with scientific planning, strong enforcement and dedicated funding so that people get safe, all-weather connectivity in every region of the state,” said the minister.

He said, “Recent monsoon seasons have posed unprecedented challenges to road connectivity across Himachal Pradesh. In 2023 and 2025, the state suffered estimated losses of nearly Rs 2,400 crore and Rs 3,000 crore respectively due to extensive road damage.

Technical evaluations conducted by the department revealed that inadequate drainage systems, combined with slope instability, were the primary factors behind repeated road failures.”

While January brought slight relief to Himachal Pradesh from prolonged dry spell, weather conditions in the state are expected to remain dry in February.

As per the state’s meteorological department, there is a 35 percent to 55 percent probability that most parts of the state will witness below normal rainfall. However, there are also 30 percent to 40 percent chances that tribal districts Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti will receive normal rain in February.

The department has also forecasted that there is a 65 percent to 75 percent probability that minimum temperatures in most parts of the state will be above normal throughout the month.

Also, there is a 45 percent to 60 percent probability that maximum temperatures will also be above normal in most parts of the state.

Additionally, the state will also experience 15 percent to 25 percent less number of cold wave days in February as compared to average with the exception of isolated parts of Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, and Bilaspur Shimla districts, which will experience 30 percent to 50 percent lesser number of cold wave days during February.

Meanwhile, light snowfall and rain is very likely to occur in the middle and high hills of the state on February 3 while the weather will be dry in most parts of the state.

The department has forecasted dry weather conditions for the state till February 8. However, higher reaches are expected to experience light snow and rain on February 6.

The state also experienced light snowfall and rain in the last 24 hours. Kothi village in Kullu district received 15 cm snow, Kalpa 13.6 cm, Gondla 12 cm, Sangla 10.5 cm, Khadrala 7.5 cm, Jot 6.5 cm, Kukumseri 4.8 cm, Keylong 3 cm and Manali 2.5 cm.

Significant rainfall was also observed in the state during the past 24 hours, with Bhattiyat in Chamba district recording 21.2 mm rain, which was the highest in the state.

Sujanpur Tira received 18.4 mm, Dharmshala 16.3 mm, Rampur 14 mm, Jogindernagar 13 mm, Bhuntar and Sundernagar 11.6 mm each, Mandi 7.2 mm and Kangra 6.6 mm.