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.

Mahima Pundir, a talented hockey player from the remote village of Dugana in the trans-Giri area of Shillai, is making her mark on the national stage.

Coming from a humble background where agriculture is the primary livelihood, Mahima’s journey is a testament to perseverance and dedication.

One of six siblings, Mahima began playing hockey in Class VII at her village school. Her talent and passion led her to join the Girls Sports Hostel at Majra in Paonta Sahib after completing her Plus Two. She is currently pursuing her graduation at Government Degree College, Paonta Sahib.

Mahima has showcased her skills at the junior, sub-junior, and senior national levels. She made a significant impact as a goalkeeper at the National Games held in Hisar in February 2019 while representing Himachal.

The state team reached the quarterfinals in that tournament. Her consistent performance earned her a spot at the National Hockey Camp in 2019-20, making her the only woman from Himachal to achieve this feat. Now, she has once again been selected for the upcoming National Hockey Camp in Bengaluru from April 26 to June 9.

She credits her success to her family, especially her parents Deep Chand and Gulabi, her elder sister, and her physical education teacher Kamlesh Tomar.

She is also grateful to her coaches Chander Shekhar, Ashish Sen, and Ved Prakash, who played a crucial role in refining her skills at Majra.

A significant boost to women’s hockey in the region came with the construction of an AstroTurf hockey stadium at the Majra women’s hostel in March 2024, built at a cost of ?7.5 crore.

The foundation stone for this facility was laid by former Sports and Youth Affairs Minister and MP Anurag Thakur in May 2022. This facility has become a valuable training ground for aspiring players like Mahima.

While Mahima’s journey reflects the power of determination, the lack of proper sports infrastructure in rural Sirmaur remains a challenge for many young talents.

The district’s under-19 girls’ team demonstrated their potential by winning the state-level championship in Bilaspur last year, proving that rural youth are eager to excel given the right opportunities.

Mahima’s story stands as an inspiration for young girls in the region, showing that hard work and dedication can overcome any obstacle.

The federation of patwaris and kanungos has ended its two-week strike after a meeting with Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi in Shimla.

The strike, which involved over 4,000 revenue officials, was sparked by the government’s decision to shift them from district to state cadre, causing significant inconvenience to the public.

“We have been given detailed information about the move to change our cadre. We have been told that it would neither affect our recruitment and promotional avenues, nor harm any other interest of ours,” said Satish Chaudhary, president of the federation.

“As our doubts and apprehensions have been addressed, we are calling off the strike. All patwaris and kanungos will resume their duties starting tomorrow,” he said.

Cutting across party lines, the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday paid tributes to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and other members of the House who passed away in the recent past.

“It is due to his farsightedness and vision that Himachal Pradesh got several prestigious institutions including Medical College Ner Chowk, IIT Mandi, IIIT Una, Kangra Central University, and NIFT,” Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said.

Dr Manmohan Singh has been honoured for his exemplary work as an economist, politician, and social worker by internationally renowned institutions, the Chief Minister added.

The former Prime Minister started MNREGA to create livelihoods, especially in rural areas. “It is Dr Manmohan Singh who started the practice of setting up technology-based institutions.

It is in recognition of his exemplary work that we have named the Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA) after DR Manmohan Singh,” Sukhu said.

The Chief Minister also remembered Dharamsala MLA and former MP Kishan Kapoor, who passed away recently.

Kapoor became a Member of the Assembly for the first time in 1990. “He will be remembered for selflessly serving the poor and downtrodden,” Sukhu said.

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also paid tributes to Dr Manmohan Singh, stating that he enjoyed impeccable integrity and was respected across the political spectrum. “Normally former Prime Ministers are politicians, but he was one Prime Minister who held prestigious posts of RBI Chairman, Economic Advisor, Finance Minister, and then as Prime Minister,” said Thakur.

Dr Manmohan Singh was a very humble, down-to-earth, and modest person who remained Prime Minister for 10 years and was honoured by globally acclaimed institutions worldwide, Thakur added.

Paying tributes to Kapoor, Thakur said he remained an MLA for five terms and Lok Sabha MP from Kangra, winning by a record margin.

“Kapoor was a leader with a clean image and never hesitated to speak his mind,” Thakur said.

Other members of the House also paid tributes to the former Prime Minister and the Dharamsala MLA.

At least seven activists from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Students Federation of India were injured after a clash erupted between the two student groups at Himachal Pradesh University.

Tribune photo: Lalit KumarThe clash occurred around 10 a.m. on the university premises, quickly escalating into a violent situation.

As a result, students sustained injuries to their heads and hands. ABVP activists have alleged that while some ABVP members were heading to the university, they were ambushed by several SFI activists wielding sharp weapons, including a rod, resulting in injuries to the ABVP activists.

Police arrived at the university as soon as they received the information, and a complaint was filed at the Boileauganj Police Station.

The injured were rushed to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) for treatment. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shimla, Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, confirmed the report and stated that further investigation is underway.

This is an era where modernisation is reshaping lifestyles, traditional joint family systems are disintegrating and relationships are weakening.

This is not just the story of the Trans-Giri region of Sirmaur but a reality for many rural communities across India.

Determined to counter this alarming trend and preserve the rich hill culture of Sirmaur, talented young artistes of Naya village in the Shillai subdivision have taken an extraordinary step.

They have created the first-ever film in the Pahadi dialect of Sirmaur, aptly titled ‘Parivaar’ (Family).

This pioneering cinematic effort is much more than just a film—it is a movement aimed at social awareness and cultural revival.

The one-hour-long film addresses a growing concern in rural India: the rise of substance abuse among the youth. Alcoholism, drug addiction and gambling have infiltrated village life, pulling young individuals away from their families and jeopardising their futures.

Through the gripping narrative of ‘Parivaar’, the filmmakers aim to inspire youth to resist these vices and to strengthen the fading bonds of joint family life.

‘Parivaar’ paints a poignant picture of how addiction can disrupt families and lead to emotional and financial ruin.

It showcases the gradual erosion of familial values as young men and women fall prey to bad influences. At the heart of the film is a message of hope—a call for youth to reconnect with their roots, value their relationships, and choose a path of responsibility over self-destruction.

What makes this initiative even more remarkable is that ‘Parivaar’ was produced with zero budget—a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the local artists.

Driven purely by their passion for storytelling and social change, a team of 20 actors from a single village contributed their talent, time and effort to bring this vision to life.

The film was spearheaded by Anshul Sharma, who not only directed the film but also played a lead role.

The screenplay was crafted by Vicky Sharma and Naveen Sharma, while the cinematography was handled by Anshul Sharma and Manish Sharma. The editing was also completed by Anshul Sharma, showcasing his multi-faceted skills.

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Vicky Sharma, Rajesh Sharma, Karishma Sharma, Raveena Sharma, Rishu Sharma, Manit Sharma, Naveen Sharma, Manish Sharma, Sandeep Sharma, Kamlesh Sharma, Subhash Sharma, Roshan Sharma, Arvind Verma, Virendra Sharma, Geeta Negi, Kialo Devi, Deepika Sharma and Deepo Devi. Each actor contributed wholeheartedly, ensuring that the message of the film reaches every corner of the community.

Beyond addressing substance abuse, ‘Parivaar’ holds historical significance as the first-ever film produced in the Pahadi dialect of Sirmaur.

In a time when regional languages are being overshadowed by mainstream languages, this film serves as a bold step toward preserving and promoting local linguistic heritage.

By telling a socially relevant story in their native tongue, the filmmakers have not only made the film more relatable for local audiences but have also taken an important step in keeping their culture alive for future generations.

The initiative by the youth of Naya village is a shining example of how grassroots efforts can drive meaningful social change. Despite limited resources, their unwavering commitment has resulted in a film that resonates deeply with their community.

The impact of ‘Parivaar’ extends beyond the screen. It has sparked conversations about the importance of family, the dangers of addiction and the need to embrace one’s cultural identity.

The film has been screened in village gatherings, schools, and local events, where it has received overwhelming support and appreciation.

The success of ‘Parivaar’ serves as an inspiration for young artistes and social activists across India. It proves that cinema is not just a medium of entertainment but a powerful tool for education, awareness, and reform.

At a time when rural communities are grappling with socio-cultural challenges, initiatives like ‘Parivaar’ highlight the power of storytelling to rekindle lost traditions, strengthen relationships, and guide the youth towards a brighter future.

The young artistes of Naya village have set a precedent—proving that change begins at home, within one’s community, and through collective effort.

‘Parivaar’ is not just a film; it is a beacon of hope, reminding us all that families are the foundation of a strong and prosperous society.

Tibetan exiles in Dharamsala organised a protest today to commemorate the 66th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day.

The protesters, carrying placards and raising slogans demanding freedom for Tibet, marched from Mcleodganj to Dharamsala. At Dharamsala, they staged a dharna, raising slogans for Tibetan independence.

In a statement, the Tibetan parliament in exile said that today marks a pivotal moment in the Tibetan history, marking the 66th anniversary of the March 10, 1959 uprising.

On that day, Tibetans from all three provinces united in a non-violent, spontaneous action against the Communist Chinese government’s violent mentality and actions.

This day is deeply ingrained in the Tibetan people’s collective memory and remains an integral part of their identity. Today also marks Tibetan Martyrs’ Day, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Tibetan men and women who fought for their nation’s religious, political, and national freedom, often giving their lives for the cause.

The Tibetan parliament in exile stated that the tragedy of the Tibetan nation began with the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, followed by an armed invasion of Tibet.

China then launched various campaigns, including violent ones, against the Tibetan people. This ultimately led to China coercing the Tibetan government into signing 17-Point Agreement in 1951 under duress.

Despite this, the Tibetan government attempted to coexist with China through dialogue, but China ignored and disregarded the agreement’s provisions.

This led to growing protests by the Tibetan public, which escalated into a dire situation, threatening the Dalai Lama’s personal safety.

The situation culminated in the March 10, 1959, uprising, which Tibetans commemorate today.

Seven days later, the Dalai Lama was forced to flee to India, seeking refuge along with the Tibetan government and many citizens.

Meanwhile, China continued its repressive occupation of Tibet, launching campaigns like Democratic Reform and the Cultural Revolution.

These campaigns aimed to eradicate the Tibetan people’s religion, culture, and nationality, the Tibetan parliament in exile said.

The Yamuna, flowing through Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district, is facing a severe environmental crisis due to multiple factors, including excessive water diversion, pollution and rampant illegal mining.

Once a thriving water body, the Yamuna at Paonta Sahib’s Yamuna Ghat has now been reduced to a mere stream, alarming environmentalists, religious institutions and local communities.

The drastic decline in water levels and the increasing pollution have raised serious concerns, prompting activists and residents to demand immediate government intervention to restore the river’s natural balance.

Religious and social organisations, including members of the Radha Krishna Hanuman Temple located along the riverbank, have expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the Yamuna.

According to official agreements, it is mandatory to maintain a minimum flow of water in the main river basin to preserve its ecological balance.

However, the current situation clearly shows a blatant violation of these norms, as the river’s natural flow has been severely disrupted.

The primary reasons behind this crisis include the excessive diversion of Yamuna’s water for hydropower generation and irrigation, unchecked industrial and domestic pollution and large-scale illegal mining activities along the riverbed.

Illegal mining has emerged as one of the biggest threats to the Yamuna’s survival in the Paonta Sahib region.

Sand and gravel extraction, often carried out without proper environmental regulations, has severely impacted the river’s ecosystem. Large-scale mechanised mining has altered the natural flow of the river, eroded its banks, and disrupted the aquatic habitat.

The excessive removal of riverbed material reduces the water-holding capacity of the Yamuna, further exacerbating the already critical water scarcity. Additionally, deep mining pits create stagnant water pools, which lead to water contamination and pose serious risks to aquatic life.

Despite strict laws prohibiting illegal mining, the practice continues unabated, largely due to weak enforcement and political influence.

Reports suggest that illegal mining operations are often carried out during nighttime to evade authorities, with heavy machinery being used to extract sand and gravel from the riverbed.

Environmentalists warn that if this destructive activity is not curbed immediately, the Yamuna could face irreversible damage, leading to long-term consequences for both the ecosystem and the local population.

Another major issue compounding the crisis is pollution. Paonta Sahib’s untreated sewage and industrial waste are being directly discharged into the river, severely affecting its water quality.

The town’s drainage system lacks proper treatment facilities, allowing toxic pollutants to enter the Yamuna unchecked.

With water levels already at an all-time low, the pollution levels have increased exponentially, making the water unsafe for human consumption and harming aquatic biodiversity.

The situation is further aggravated by the non-functional barrage at Yamuna Ghat, which was originally constructed to regulate water levels but has remained neglected for years.

Local organisations and environmental activists have called upon the administration to take immediate steps to restore the Yamuna’s health.

They demand a complete ban on illegal mining activities, stricter pollution control measures and the urgent reactivation of the barrage to regulate water flow.

Additionally, they emphasise the need for a reassessment of water diversion policies to ensure that the river is not entirely drained for industrial and agricultural purposes.

Experts argue that the declining state of the Yamuna is not just a localised issue but part of a broader pattern of environmental mismanagement affecting many rivers across India.

If immediate corrective measures are not implemented, the river could soon reach a point of irreversible damage, disrupting biodiversity and endangering the livelihoods of those dependent on it.

The local administration has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Paonta Sahib’s SDM Gunjeet Cheema has assured that he woyld raise the issue with senior officials in Uttarakhand.

Since the Yamuna’s water flow is largely controlled upstream, a coordinated effort between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will be necessary to find a sustainable solution.

Officials are also considering measures to improve sewage treatment facilities and enforce stricter regulations against illegal mining to minimise its destructive impact on the river.

Beyond government intervention, public participation is crucial in restoring and preserving the Yamuna.

Awareness campaigns, community-driven cleanup initiatives and responsible water usage can significantly contribute to conservation efforts. Local residents and religious institutions have already taken the first step by voicing their concerns, but continuous efforts are required to ensure that the issue remains a priority for policymakers.

The crisis at Yamuna Ghat is not just a problem for Paonta Sahib but a wake-up call for the entire region. If timely actions are not taken, the Yamuna may continue to deteriorate, leading to an ecological disaster that may become impossible to reverse.

The sacred river, which has been an integral part of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage for centuries, is now fighting for survival.

The once-thriving Yamuna Ghat, which attracted devotees, tourists and locals alike, now stands as a stark reminder of the destructive impact of human negligence.

This is a defining moment for both the government and the people. Will they step up to save the Yamuna, or will they allow it to dry up completely?

The answer lies in the actions taken today, for the future of the Yamuna and the communities that depend on it hangs in the balance.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today credited former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi with providing 33 per cent reservation to women in panchayati raj institutions (PRIs).

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was the first to support the Bill passed by the Rajya Sabha to provide reservation to women in the Vidhan Sabha and Parliament, he claimed.

The state government was also in favour of reservation to women, he said while addressing a public rally in the Chambi area of Kangra district on International Women’s Day.

Sukhu said that the state government amended the land law to give equal rights to daughters. Besides, the state government increased the reservation for women in recruitment in the Police Department to 30 per cent. Under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, the state government was bearing the entire cost of education of the children of widows so as to facilitate their studies, he added.

He took a jibe at Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and said, “What kind of doctor is he who treats but cannot give foresight.

Had you treated the vision of the Jai Ram Thakur government at the right time, you could have saved the wealth of Himachal Pradesh from being looted.

The state government will apprise the people of the state about how the previous BJP government looted their wealth and the rights of farmers and women.”

The Chief Minister said that central BJP leaders had stated that Himachal Pradesh would not be able to function if the Central Government did not provide funds to it.

“This is not the Central Government’s money but the money of the people of Himachal Pradesh, which is part of the federal system,” he added.

He announced the opening of a Sub Judge Court and a DSP office in Shahpur, conversion of Government Senior Secondary School at Rait into Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School, Rs 25 lakh for the construction of Guru Ravidas Bhawan, opening of a section of the Jal Shakti Department at Darini and setting up of a bulk milk cooler of 2,000 litres’ capacity at Rirkmaar.

He also announced that the primary health centre (PHC) at Rirkmaar would be upgraded to a community health centre, an oxygen plant would be set up and ultrasound and dialysis facilities would be provided in the Civil Hospital, Shahpur.

The Chief Minister said that the government would provide funds for the construction of the building of PHC at Lanj, sanction the posts of dentist in the Civil Hospital, Shahpur, and the PHC, Naganpat, a post of dental hygienist in the PHC, Chadi, and starting BCA, BVoc and PGDCA courses in Government College, Lanj.

He announced that Government College, Shahpur, and the ITI would be renamed after Rajiv Gandhi, Government High School, Bhanala, after martyr Pawan Kumar and the Pakka Tiyala-Chauri road after martyr Milap Singh Jamwal.

Under the Mahila Vikas Protsahan Yojana, the Chief Minister honoured the Saksham Cluster Level Federation (Basantpur), Shimla; Dolma Negi of Rekongpeo, Parul Minhas of Kumarsen, Anshul Malhotra of Mandi and Nikita of Kangra district with a reward of Rs 1 lakh each.

He also honoured the best anganwadi workers and assistants from 11 districts as well as the best self-help groups from 12 districts and gave away cash prizes to 10 topper students each of Class X and XII in Kangra district.

Sukhu also honoured 16 women and an NGO of Kangra district for their excellent work. Besides, he handed over a cheque for Rs 3 lakh for house building to Pragati, a resident of Shahpur, a beneficiary under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashray Yojana, and Rs 2 lakh for marriage to Mohini Devi.

He also honoured three national-level women kabaddi players.

Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Pathania today sought the cooperation of the legislators of both ruling and opposition parties for the smooth conduct of the 16-day budget session commencing on March 10.

Pathania, while addressing mediapersons here, said that all arrangements had been made for the smooth conduct of the budget session, which would have a total of 16 sittings and would conclude on March 28.

“The Vidhan Sabha secretariat has so far received 963 questions from the MLAs comprising 737 starred and 226 unstarred. Besides, requests for 24 debates under various Vidhan Sabha Rules have been received,” he added.

He said that the budget session would commence with the Address of Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on March 10. “Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will present the budget on March 17 and after a debate, it will be passed on March 26,” he added.

Pathania said that there would be two days for Private Members and an all-party meeting would be held on March 9.

“It will be my request to both ruling and opposition members to ensure the smooth conduct of the session so that maximum possible business can be taken up,” he added.

The Speaker said that the members must take this opportunity to raise issues concerning their constituencies in the Vidhan Sabha to draw the attention of the government towards them.

On a query regarding show-cause notices issued to nine BJP legislators for an alleged unruly behaviour in the Vidhan Sabha, Pathania said that the matter was pending.

“The issue pertains to the proceedings in the House. So, the final decision in the matter will be taken in the House,” he added.

Pathania said that regarding the pending notices for privilege he had received replies from the persons concerned.

“As far as the privilege regarding Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan is concerned, he has filed his reply. He has stated that he has not made any remarks which in any way lower the dignity of the office of the Speaker,” he added

A Class 12 student Akshita of the Bangana area in Una district had to apply for the medical entrance examination under the economically weaker section (EWS) category for which she required a certificate which was to be issued by the local authorities.

The certificate could only be issued as per the rules after verification by local revenue officials.

As lower revenue officials in the state are on strike, she failed to get the EWS certificate.

While talking The Tribune, Shakti Sharma, father of Akshita, said the process of filling application forms for the national level tests for medical education had started across the country.

“For filling the form under the EWS category, my daughter needs a certificate. Due to the strike, I failed to get the required certificate,” he said.

“Yesterday was the last day for submitting the application form. My daughter submitted the form under the general category instead of the EWS category,” he said.

He said many students were sufferings due to strike of lower-rung revenue officials. The government should resolve the issue or create alternative methods for people requiring certificates.

Lower revenue officials, including patwaris and Kanungos are on strike in the state since last fortnight.

They are protesting against the state government’s decision to convert their cadre from district to state level.

Earlier, patwaris and Kanungos had district cadre, which meant that they could be transferred within the district only. However, since their cadre was converted to the state level, they could be transferred across the state.

Patwaris and Kanungos are involved in a lot of activities linked with the common people. Besides maintenance of the revenue records, patwaris and Kanungos are involved in making various certificates such as bona fide certificates, agriculturist certificates and EWS, backward class and SC/ST certificates.

At present, students are filling forms for various entrance tests in the state and for government recruitments across the country. They are facing difficulties in getting certificates required for filling forms.

Meanwhile, patwaris and Kanungos Yesterday organised a protest in Dharamsala against the government’s decision to convert their cadre from district to state.

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,