Emphasising the conservation of water, forests and land for ecological balance, Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Tuesday acknowledged the crucial roles village forest management committees playing in this direction.

He was speaking at a felicitation event organised by the Forest Department in Ghatashni Gram Panchayat under the Dalhousie Forest Division.

The event aimed to honour village forest management committees that have excelled in environmental conservation and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to forest fire prevention.

The event saw participation from office-bearers and representatives of various rural forest management committees, along with officers, employees of the Forest Department, and a large number of local residents.

Highlighting the Himachal Pradesh Government’s commitment to forest conservation and expansion, Pathania said the state government had launched Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana in the recently presented 2025-26 budget.

Under this scheme, Rs 100 crore will be allocated to encourage community participation, benefiting self-help groups, women’s associations, youth groups, and rural forest management committees.

This initiative will not only create self-employment opportunities but also promote the conservation of water, forests, and land in the state.

Pathania stressed that government forests were the common property of all residents, and their preservation requires collective efforts from all sections of society.

He urged locals to refrain from setting forest fires and to report any such incidents immediately to the Forest Department. Additionally, he encouraged mass sapling plantation during the upcoming afforestation season.

During the event, village forest management committees were awarded for their exceptional work.

For the financial year 2021-22, the first prize was awarded to Chhabad, the second to Kadai, and the third to Taragarh. In 2022-23, Chhabad secured the first position, Kail the second, and Dhunera the third.

Earlier, Dalhousie DFO Rajneesh Mahajan provided key insights into the significance of the felicitation ceremony. He emphasised that protecting forest resources is an arduous task for the department without public cooperation.

However, the Dalhousie Forest Division has successfully tackled this challenge through community participation. Chamba Conservator of Forests Abhilash Damodaran underscored the importance of public involvement in preventing forest fires.

He said safeguarding forest resources and wildlife is not solely the responsibility of the Forest Department but also a duty of every citizen to maintain environmental balance. Several officials, including State Forest Corporation Director Krishna Chand Chela, also addressed the gathering.

The Oberoi Group will continue to manage the luxury Wildflower Hall hotel for the next three months under a new arrangement with the Himachal Pradesh Government, even as the original deadline for handing over the property expired on Monday.

The High Court had set March 31, 2025, as the deadline for the property’s return to the state government, marking the end of a two-decade legal battle that ruled in Himachal’s favour.

However, the court has been informed that both parties have agreed to extend the Oberoi Group’s operation for another three months.

The decision stems from the state government’s lack of expertise in managing a high-end hotel of this stature — one of the top properties being run by the Oberoi Group. Reliable sources indicate that the government aims at preventing revenue losses until the property is leased out to a new operator.

Meanwhile, the state has appointed a consultant to draft global bidding documents for leasing the property.

Facing financial constraints, the government is exploring all avenues to boost revenue, with tourism being a key focus.

In February 2024, the Supreme Court ordered the Oberoi Group’s East India Hotels Ltd (EIHL) to return Wild Flower Hall to the state government.

The state now seeks a top-tier hospitality firm to operate the property, ensuring substantial returns from this prime location nestled in pristine deodar forests.

This time, the government is proceeding cautiously, having learned from past missteps. Under the previous agreement with EIHL, the state didn’t get any substantial revenue despite the hotel being one of Oberoi’s most prime assets.

The conflict traces back to Mashobra Resorts Ltd, a joint venture between the EIHL and Himachal Government, formed to construct and operate the five-star hotel.

Before its destruction in a devastating 1993 fire, the century-old British-era building housed a hotel run by the HP Tourism Development Corporation.

The legal feud began in 2002 when the state government terminated its agreement with EIHL, citing breach of terms. What followed was a 20-year battle, culminating in court rulings and an arbitrator’s verdict in Himachal’s favour.

The Himachal Pradesh government has announced the separation of cadres of the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) to further strengthen the healthcare system in the state.

According to a spokesperson of the Health Department, employees across various categories, including nursing and paramedical staff, ministerial staff, radiographers, operation theatre assistants and drivers were given the option to choose their preferred cadre and 74.44 per cent of them opted for DHS.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson said 14,573 employees have chosen DHS, while 5,002 have opted for DME.

To address staff shortages, the government will now conduct recruitments separately for directorates, ensuring balanced staffing and improved healthcare services, the statement said.

The spokesperson said the strategic decision aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services across the state.

“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, several initiatives have been undertaken over the last two years to upgrade healthcare infrastructure.

In the coming months, outdated medical equipment in health institutions will be replaced with advanced ones to further improve medical facilities,” he said.

He added that the state government remains committed to strengthening healthcare services and will continue to implement necessary reforms to ensure accessible and high-quality medical care for people of the state.

Voice of America (VOA) closes down operations in Dharamsala, Radio Free Asia to follow suit by April-end.

The Tibetan community in exile and the Association of Tibetan journalists have expressed concern over VOA shutting down its operations in Dharamsala, the seat of the Tibetan government in exile.

Besides VOA, Radio Free Asia is also set to close down its operations in Dharamsala in April, according to sources.

These US-government-funded media outlets served as vital sources of information regarding the state of Tibetans in Tibet for Tibetan media outlets in exile.

During the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s ongoing budget session, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) President Penpa Tsering informed the house that all VOA central headquarters staff have been placed on administrative leave, while regional reporters, including those in Dharamsala, have terminated operations. Similarly, Radio Free Asia’s central staff have been furloughed, with its regional staff being supported through reserved funds until the end of April.

The closures come in the wake of an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on March 14, instructing the reduction of operations for seven federally funded entities, including the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA and RFA.

The Tibetan media in exile have termed the closure of VOA and RFA as a major media setback to the Tibetan cause.

The Dharamsala-based Association of Tibetan Journalists (ATJ) strongly condemned the funding cuts, urging the US government to reinstate financial support for the Tibetan language services of both radio stations.

In a statement, ATJ warned that the closure of these stations would significantly undermine press freedom and democratic values in the Tibetan exile community.

ATJ emphasised the critical role these media outlets have played in providing reliable news to Tibetans inside Tibet and preserving Tibetan language and culture.

ATJ has held that over the years, VOA and RFA have served as vital sources of information on Tibetan life under Chinese rule, the activities of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan government-in-exile, and the plight of Tibetan refugees.

Chinese state-controlled media have celebrated the shutdown, portraying it as a victory against what they claim to be false reporting. The Global Times described VOA as a “so-called beacon of freedom” that has been discarded like a dirty rag by its own government.

Other Chinese media outlets, including Beijing Daily, accused VOA of spreading misinformation about China, Tibetan journalists said, adding that Tibetans in Tibet, and in exile, now face an information vacuum as these longstanding media platforms fall silent.

Many Tibetan MPs have called for restoration of funding for the two media outlets, describing them as lifelines for propagating human rights situations inside Tibet.

The Central Tibetan Administration, ATJ, and other Tibetan organisations have called on the US government to reconsider its decision and restore the critical services provided by VOA and RFA’s Tibetan language divisions.

Unchecked illegal mining in Baner river near Tanda Medical College, Kangra, has put another railway bridge on the heritage Pathankot-Jogindernagar rail track at risk.

Additionally, the rampant mining poses a serious threat to an adjoining Irrigation and Public Health Department water supply project, which serves nearly a dozen villages.

Despite repeated assurances from the local administration and Mining Department, illegal extraction of sand and gravel continues unabated.

Tractor-trailers loaded with mined material can be seen transporting sand and gravel to secret locations, where the mining mafia further loads it onto larger vehicles for sale, a local resident revealed.

Several residents, including Rakesh Kumar and Munish, told The Tribune that deep trenches dug on the riverbed have weakened the foundation pillars of the railway bridge.

They alleged that illegal mining operates round the clock, with no intervention from the authorities, making life miserable for nearby villagers.

This situation bears an alarming resemblance to the collapse of a colonial-era bridge over the Chakki rivulet near Nurpur three years ago, which was attributed to illegal mining.

That disaster led to the suspension of direct train services between Pathankot and Jogindernagar, which remain non-operational to this day.

As per the state government’s mining policy, mining within 100 metres of bridges is strictly prohibited. However, images captured by this reporter show illegal mining happening right next to the bridge in Baner River.

While a complete ban on mining has been imposed in the area, the mining mafia continues its activities unchecked, dangerously close to the bridge foundations.

Locals claim they have repeatedly reported the issue to mining authorities and the local administration, but no action has been taken.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured that strict action will be taken against those involved in criminal activities, including the recent attack on former Congress legislator Bamber Thakur on March 14.

Responding to Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur’s concerns in Vidhan Sabha, Sukhu said the matter is being investigated, and two of the four shooters involved in the attack have been arrested.

“A special investigation team (SIT) was constituted on March 15, and three persons involved in the crime have been arrested and are on remand,” he informed.

Sukhu assured that police teams are searching for the remaining persons from Haryana who were involved in the attack.

Jai Ram Thakur cautioned against politicising the issue until the investigation is complete. There is an atmosphere of fear among people following the incident, he added.

He also criticised the former Congress MLA for casting aspersions on the treatment he received at AIIMS. “The manner in which he is making statements before the media and naming people is wrong when the investigation is still underway,” said Thakur.

Heavy rain and flash floods in Pahnala valley, Kullu district, have caused severe damage to trout farms, leaving farmers struggling with significant financial losses.

The natural disaster destroyed fish tanks, washed away thousands of trout and dealt a devastating blow to the livelihoods of the region’s fish farmers.

Despite their best efforts, the floodwaters overpowered their farms, leading to catastrophic losses.

Shakti Singh, president of the Trout Farmers Association Kullu, voiced his concerns over the destruction and its impact on the Valley’s economy.

“We have submitted a report detailing the damage and financial losses to both the Fisheries and Revenue Department.

However, we are still hoping for relief from the government side. Our biggest concern is not only the immediate financial losses but also the lack of government support in this crisis,” Singh said.

Trout farming in Kullu is not just a business but an integral part of the Valley’s identity and economy. Introduced from Norway, trout is a prized delicacy among tourists and dignitaries.

It thrives in clean, cold water streams, making habitat monitoring crucial for its survival. However, unpredictable weather patterns and frequent floods are making it increasingly difficult for farmers to sustain their farms.

Singh stressed trout farming’s economic significance, especially in the state’s tourism industry. “With tourism at an all-time high, demand for trout has surged, making it a major source of income for the state.

But without proper government support, the Valley may no longer be able to sustain its reputation as a hub for trout farming,” he warned.

Challenges for trout farmers in Himachal Pradesh are not new. Over the past two years, they have suffered losses exceeding Rs11 crore, primarily due to extreme weather conditions.

Despite this, they have not received any compensation or financial assistance from the government. Questioning the state’s disaster relief fund, Singh asked, “Where is the disaster relief fund going and does trout farming have any share in this?”

Many farmers have been forced to take loans to keep their businesses afloat, but with no response from the authorities, they are losing hope.

“If the situation does not improve, farmers may have no choice but to abandon trout farming altogether,” Singh added, emphasising the severity of their plight.

The lack of government intervention has left farmers feeling neglected, despite their contributions to Himachal Pradesh’s economy and cultural heritage.

“If the government fails to act, the Valley’s famous trout industry could face extinction, leading to a significant economic and cultural loss for the region,” Singh remarked.

In a strong criticism of the state’s Fisheries Department, Singh accused it of competing with local farmers by producing large quantities of trout and selling directly to consumers. “Despite suffering enormous financial losses, we have not received a single penny in financial relief from the state government.

The Fisheries Department is more focused on its own production, while the real stakeholders—the farmers—are left to fend for themselves,” he stated.

Singh and other affected farmers have urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take immediate action and provide relief to the devastated trout farmers in Kullu district.

“We urge the Chief Minister to look into this matter and take immediate steps to provide relief to the affected farmers. Without help, the future of trout farming in Kullu district is at serious risk,” he concluded.

As the situation remains grim, trout farmers in Kullu await a response from the state government, hoping their contributions to Himachal Pradesh’s economy and tourism industry will not go unnoticed.

A biker from Punjab, displaying a Khalistani flag featuring a photo of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, faced reprimand from locals in Manali on Saturday.

The agitated residents removed the flag from the wooden mast attached to the motorcycle.

The incident, captured on video, has sparked widespread criticism, with many condemning it as an anti-national act.

Manali Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) KD Sharma confirmed that action had been taken against the biker under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Group of tourists cause commotion at Kasol barrier

In a separate incident, a group of tourists from Punjab, riding approximately 20 motorcycles, caused a commotion at SADA barrier in Kasol, located in Manikaran Valley of Kullu.

The barrier, which charges a nominal fee for maintenance of the region, became a point of contention as the visitors reportedly refused to pay.

The situation escalated when they broke the barrier and proceeded to Manikaran. Kullu SP Karthikeyan Gokulachandran stated that a case has been registered against the group.

The growth rate of Himachal Pradesh for the financial year 2024-25 is expected to improve marginally to 6.7 per cent from 6.6 per cent in the previous financial year.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who also holds the finance portfolio, laid the report of the Economic Survey for 2024-25 in the Vidhan Sabha today.

“The Economic Survey presents an assessment of the challenges faced by all sectors of the economy and the government’s response in terms of new policy initiatives and the implementation of development plans,” he said.

According to advance estimates, the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices for 2024-25 is estimated at Rs 146,553 crore against Rs 137,320 crore for last year.

The per capita income (PCI) for the state for 2024-25 has been pegged at Rs 2.57 lakh, indicating a growth of 9.6 per cent over last year.

The PCI in 2023-24 was Rs 234,782 compared to Rs 257,212 this year at current prices. It was Rs 87,721 in 2011-12. In Himachal Pradesh, inflation has remained relatively stable and has decreased from 5 per cent in 2023-24 to 4.2 per cent in this financial year.

The tertiary sector accounted for 45.3 per cent of the Gross State Value Added (GSVA) at current prices, followed by the secondary sector at 39.5 per cent and the primary sector at 15.2 per cent.

As per the advance estimates, the agriculture and allied sector is estimated to grow by 3.07 per cent against a negative growth of minus 2.63 per cent in 2023-24.

The industrial sector is expected to grow at a rate of 8.1 per cent during 2024-25 as compared to 6.5 per cent at the national level.

The tourism industry, which contributes 7.78 per cent to the GSDP, is also looking up and is inching closer to the pre-Covid pandemic tourist arrivals. In 2024, the tourist footfall was over 1.81 crore as compared to 1.51 crore in 2023. Of the total hydroelectric power potential of the state, 11,290 MW has been harnessed so far.

The unemployment rate in the state for persons of all ages was 5.4 per cent. A total of 675,671 persons are registered in employment exchanges in 12 districts of the state.

The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in Himachal for all ages is 60.5 per cent, which is higher than Uttarakhand (46.2), Punjab (43.7), Haryana (37.4) and India (45.1).

The reason for a higher LFPR is that agriculture is still the mainstay of the state’s largely rural economy and agricultural economies tend to have a higher LFPR.

The growth rate for Himachal Pradesh in the financial year 2024-25 is expected to see a marginal improvement, rising from 6.6 per cent to 6.7 per cent, according to the Economic Survey Report presented in the Assembly on Thursday.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented the report for 2024-25 in the Assembly.

According to advance estimates, the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices for 2024-25 is projected to be Rs 2,32,185 crore, up from Rs 2,10,662 crore in the previous year.

The state’s Per Capita Income (PCI) for 2024-25 is expected to reach Rs 2.57 lakh, reflecting a growth of 9.6 per cent over the previous year.

The PCI for 2023-24 was Rs 2,34,782, compared to Rs 2,57,212 in the current year at current prices. The PCI has risen significantly from Rs 87,721 in 2011-12.

Inflation in Himachal Pradesh has remained relatively stable, decreasing from 5 per cent in 2023-24 to 4.2 per cent in the current financial year.

As per advance estimates, the Agriculture and Allied sectors are expected to grow by 3.07 per cent, a notable improvement from the negative growth of -2.63 per cent in 2023-24.

The tertiary sector accounted for 45.3 per cent of the state’s Gross Value Added (GVA) at current prices, followed by the secondary sector at 39.5 per cent and the primary sector at 15.2 per cent.

The industrial sector is expected to grow at a rate of 8.1 per cent in 2024-25, compared to 6.5 percent at the national level.

The tourism industry, which contributes 7.78 per cent to the GSDP, is also showing positive signs, with tourist arrivals approaching pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, tourist arrivals touched 181.24 lakh, compared to 150.99 lakh in 2023.

BJP legislators left the House on Thursday amidst pandemonium, alleging that the government was not providing answers to their questions.

They left after the government stated that information regarding a question about funds disbursed to Mahila Mandals in the Dehra Assembly constituency by the Kangra Central Cooperative Bank between June and July 2024 was being collected.

Unsatisfied with this response, Ashish Sharma, MLA from Hamirpur, asserted that the information was being deliberately withheld, as obtaining it in the digital age should not be difficult.

He then proceeded to present the information he had sought from the House himself. Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, also commented on the situation, alleging that the government was attempting to conceal information on significant questions by claiming that it was being collected.

Thakur further questioned the legality of the bank’s disbursement of funds during the period when the model code of conduct was in effect.

He asked if the government would provide the information requested by Ashish Sharma during this session. Speaker Kuldeep Pathania declared the BJP’s protest unwarranted and against the rules.

However, he permitted Ashish Sharma to present the information he had gathered in the House, which would be investigated by the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat.

Meanwhile, Agnihotri stated that the information was being collected from the bank and would be provided as soon as it was received.

He also pointed out that the Opposition had faced similar situations when they were in power.