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Tuesday - April 15, 2025

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Essential Supplies Airdropped at Avalanche Hit Pangi Valley

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Avalanche Hits Kumar Village in Pangi Valley, Essential Supplies Airdropped

Shimla, March 6 – A massive avalanche struck Kumar village in Pangi Valley, Chamba district, triggering a road blockade and leaving residents cut off from essential supplies.

Acting swiftly, the district administration, on the directives of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, airdropped relief materials to aid the stranded villagers.

A government spokesperson confirmed that blankets, tarpaulins, kitchen utensils, solar lights, shoes, warm clothes, food items like flour, rice, pulses, oil, and essential medicines were delivered to the affected area.

The avalanche, which hit the village on Wednesday, disrupted connectivity, making immediate relief efforts crucial.

Following the Chief Minister’s instructions, the District Disaster Management Authority and local administration launched a rescue and relief operation on a war footing.

Sukhu is reportedly in constant touch with the district officials, monitoring the situation closely and ensuring that all necessary aid reaches the villagers without delay.

Authorities have been directed to provide all possible assistance to the residents and expedite efforts to restore connectivity to the remote village.

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HP CM Sukhu Takes Himachal Day to Pangi, Promises Galore and Vyastha Parivartan

Himachal Day in Pangi: Promises, Parades, and Political posturing..

Pangi/Shimla: In a first, the State-Level Himachal Day celebration was airlifted to the remote tribal belt of Killar in Pangi Valley, Chamba—78 years since the state's formation.

The move was painted as a gesture of inclusion by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, but behind the fluttering flags and flashy parades lies a valley still gasping for basic amenities.

Big Announcements, Bigger Gaps

From the helipad stage, CM Sukhu dropped a Rs. 45.50 crore promise for a 33 KV line from Thirot to Killar, and Rs. 5 crore more for an 11 KV line from Tindi to Shaur.

But locals know the drill—projects get announced faster than they get executed. Power outages remain routine and the terrain still suffers from darkness post-sundown.

He declared Udaipur-Killar road as a top priority and claimed the tender process is "almost complete".

However, the road continues to test every wheel and will of those who dare to drive it.

Administration from both Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba has been nudged to "expedite" paperwork.

Natural Farming – Buzzword or Backbone?

Pangi has now been branded Himachal’s first natural farming sub-division with a Rs. 5 crore revolving fund.

A Minimum Support Price of Rs. 60/kg for barley was also announced. But with erratic market access and poor transportation, even organically-grown dreams struggle to reach the mandis.

Tourism and Transport: A Bumpy Ride

The CM dangled 20 new bus permits and a 40% subsidy for bus purchases with four months of road tax exemption.

Yet, the valley remains underserved with only a handful of ageing buses plying across dangerous, landslide-prone roads.

A 50% waiver on home stay registration fees was also announced—welcome, but insufficient without internet, banking access, or tourist inflow.

Healthcare & Education: Patchy Promises

The Civil Hospital in Killar is to be made into an Adarsh Swasthya Sansthan, and a milk processing plant with 10,000-litre capacity is to be set up.

The promise of a Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School sounds noble—but remains hollow in a valley where even middle school students walk kilometres on foot daily.

Tribal Sentiment or Political Stunt?

Sukhu invoked former PM Indira Gandhi’s 1984 visit to Pangi, attempting to deepen the Congress connect in the tribal belt.

But while history was remembered, legacy leaders were conveniently forgotten.

Notably absent from the spotlight were supporters of late CM Virbhadra Singh—like senior leader Thakur Singh Bharmauri and his son.

Instead, Sukhu seemed more focused on propping up his own loyalist brigade, turning a government event into a clear signal of intra-party turf-building.

More Schemes, Fewer Solutions

From the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana (Rs. 100 crore) to solar energy subsidies and green state goals, the announcements kept flowing.

But implementation remains the Achilles' heel. A new policy to settle farm loans up to Rs. 3 lakh with a 50% interest subsidy might offer some relief—if red tape doesn't choke it first.

Cultural Colour, But Underlying Monochrome

The parade led by six contingents and cultural programmes brought festive flair. Officers and government employees were felicitated, including teachers and doctors.

But for locals, the takeaway wasn’t the spectacle—it was the Rs. 4,500 handout to 1,926 women under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, leaving others to wait “for paperwork to complete.”

Police Awards and Drug Crackdown

Police stations from Bilaspur, Mandi, Kangra, and Una were awarded for excellence.

Meanwhile, the CM promised to expand the Anti-Narcotics Task Force—a timely move, as even remote valleys like Pangi aren't immune to the growing menace.

#HimachalDay #PangiValley #SukhuSarkar #RemotePromises #NaturalFarming #PowerPolitics #TokenismVsTransformation #VirbhadraLegacyIgnored #BharmauriOut #CongressCracks #PromisesVsReality #HimachalAt78 #PoliticalOptics #DevelopmentDrama #HillPolitics #KillarKaSawaal

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Forest Rights Denied: Farmers, Parties Lambast Forest Officials for Misguiding the State and Court on Act

Forest Rights Denied: Himachal Farmers Left in the Lurch. Farners, Parties, Lambasts HP Forest PrCF and Retired Forest Officials for their ill-conceived  Legal War from Urban Mansions

Shimla: As the Himachal government finally initiates workshops in Shimla, Mandi, and Dharamshala to sensitise officials on the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 — a long-pending demand by farmers and tribal rights groups — a fresh controversy has erupted.

The issue needs to be understood in all its context-,traditionally,  historically and Legally. The Forest Conservation Act 1980 has branded all wastelands as  Forests.  If Act sats so, then same Act, Forest Rights Act, 2006 also has uphold forest rights of  the communitues  including forest dwellers and tribals. If all wasteland are forest land  then in the same legal spirit, all village communities living around the forests are forest dwellers and hence have the Right to own the land and have rights to have over forest resources. 

Historically, the ruling elites had alloted best and fertile land to their kith and kin and majority of village communities live on the edge.

Due to cataclysmic plgue, droughts and natural disasters  over the centuries led the forest village communities to shift from one place to other safer places but near the forests.

These once cultivated tracts of land have traces of cultivation in Shimla, Kullu, Kangra, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts as well. Today these lands have forest grown-up there. 

Subsequently, government used to allot nautor land to the villagers, taking care of the expanded families, a practice that came to halt when the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 came into force. 

After independence, Bhoodan Andolan and land ceiling Act, and return of the land to Mujaras, changed the status of land insignificantly for the vast majority of poor villagers who used to eke out living from the forest, guchhi, Banaksha, herbs  and the like and graze their sheep and goats in the forests. 

The Notification issued by the HP Pr chief Conservator of Forests has created a piquant situation in the state willing to find a way out from the present morass.

Today, Central Committee member of the CPI(M) and former Rajya Sabha MP Brinda Karat has slammed the directives recently issued by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, calling them “completely illegal, unconstitutional and an insult to the genuine efforts” being made by the state government to extend forest rights to the most marginalised.

 

The CPI(M), which has now officially joined the protest, has demanded immediate withdrawal of the controversial guidelines that contradict the very essence of FRA.

The party reminded the government that the Forest Rights Act was born out of decades of struggle, with Left parties playing a crucial role during the UPA regime to make FRA, MGNREGA and RTI part of the national policy framework.

In her letter to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Brinda Karat pointed out that the said officer, by misquoting the Supreme Court and arbitrarily limiting FRA claims only to the landless or “economically vulnerable,” is blatantly rewriting the Act.

“Such directions are not just illegal; they’re dangerous,” she wrote.

“The Act doesn’t ask for Aadhaar cards for community elders verifying land use; such bureaucratic hurdles are being weaponised to deny the poor their rights.”

Retrospectively, it  was the then BJP government in 2001–2002 which had brought in the policy to regularise land occupied by farmers, under which over 1.56 lakh farmers had applied with hope and legal backing.

Now, these very farmers face the threat of eviction, after a self-styled ‘protector’ of Shimla forests and vocal critic of government policies moved the High Court, painting thousands as “encroachers.”

Farmers in Himachal have long protested being branded as ‘encroachers’ on their own land — land they’ve cultivated for generations, land that barely adds up to a few biswas and bighas today due to increasing family sizes and shrinking holdings.

Their relationship with the forest is one of coexistence, not destruction. These communities collect fuelwood for their hearths, fodder for their cattle, and herbs for traditional medicines — all while being the first responders to forest fires and natural disasters, not the retired Janglati  babus or serving conservators living in plush homes in metros and  cities.

Ironically, it is these very former forest officials, now far removed from the realities of mountain life, who have filed petitions in the Supreme Court questioning the legality of FRA — a law that could be a lifeline for lakhs of tribal and poor farming families in Himachal and other Himalayan states and across India.

“These bureaucrats enjoyed fat paychecks, continue to draw hefty pensions, and now act like self-styled guardians of forests,” says Sanjay Chauhan, from Seb Utpadak  Sangh , who is among leaders,  leading the  fight of the deprived farmers  in Himachal.

“But they have no idea what it means to be thrown out of your land, to watch your ancestral home sealed, or to fight every season to keep farming alive in fragile hills.”

Farmer organisations like Seb Utpadak Sangh, Himachal Kisan Sabha, and Himalayan Niti Abhiyan have warned the government that unless the FRA is implemented in its true spirit and encroachment cases withdrawn, protests will only intensify in days to come.

They have lauded the CM’s assurance during the Vidhan Sabha budget session that the state would plead the case in the Supreme Court in support of farmers — but question why forest department officers continue to sabotage those efforts from within.

Will the Supreme Court listen to these urbane-bred few voices of privilege, or will it stand with the villagers and forest dwellers — the real conservators of Himalayan ecosystems — whose livelihoods depend on this very land?

This is no longer just about land. It’s about dignity, justice, and the survival of a people who’ve nurtured nature, not looted it.

Do the court want village communities as stakeholders in the ecosystems or uprooters and destroyers? 

By alienating the villagers from the Forests will go a long way in the destruction of forests. 

The court and the government have to make choice right here,  right under the Forest Righrs Act, 2006. But, yes,  they need to bridal the greedy few. There is no other wayout. 

#ForestRightsNow

#HimachalFarmersFight

#EndEvictionsInHills

#BabusVsPeople

#ImplementFRA2006

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Lions Club Shimla Distributes Eco-Friendly Jute Bags to Promote "No Plastic " Campaign

Shimla, April 14: In a commendable step towards environmental conservation and civic responsibility, the Lions Club Shimla, under District 321A2, carried out an impactful awareness drive to curb plastic pollution in the city.

Staying true to its motto, “We Serve,” the club has been consistently working for the civic, cultural, and social upliftment of society, while addressing the urgent need to reduce mindless exploitation of natural resources.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and sustainable alternatives, the club distributed 150 eco-friendly jute bags at the bus stand near IGMC.

The initiative aims to encourage locals and tourists alike to avoid littering and instead collect waste such as wrappers and other disposables in these reusable bags, for proper disposal in designated dustbins.

Lions Club President Man Mohan Verma emphasized that the multi-pronged campaign focuses not just on distribution but also on educating the public about the harmful impact of plastic waste.

He highlighted that jute bags offer a sustainable solution, promoting cleaner surroundings and reducing the reliance on plastic.

The event saw active participation from several club members, including Project Chairperson Lion Ravi Sood, Secretary Lion M.K. Sharma, Lion Sufal Sood, Lion D.K. Chauhan, Lion J.P. Sharma, Lion Sunil Sood, Lion Dr. Rajesh Chanana, and others.

The team engaged with passersby, spreading the message of “No to Plastic” and encouraging the use of reusable alternatives to help maintain Shimla’s natural beauty.

The Lions Club continues to lead by example, integrating community participation with environmental responsibility to build a cleaner, greener future for Shimla.

Hydro Power

SJVN Should Get Most Power Projects in Himachal Pradesh on Equity Participation

It is wiser for Himachal not to  Squander  Its Hydropower Potential: A Golden Opportunity is Slipping Away? 

Shimla— Himachal Pradesh, once hailed as the potential powerhouse of India with an estimated 25,000 MW hydropower capacity, has achieved only a fraction of its promise.

In the last five decades, state-built projects have added less than 500 MW, raising concerns over policy inertia and missed economic opportunities.

It was only through the visionary leadership of Kailash Chand Mahajan that Himachal Pradesh managed to secure a meaningful stake in the hydropower sector.

Under his guidance, Nathpa Jhakri Power Corporation (now Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. — SJVNL) was established as a joint venture, with the state holding 25% equity.

This strategic move led to the construction of landmark projects such as the Nathpa Jhakri project in 2003 and the Rampur project in 2014, which together boast an installed capacity of about 2,000 MW and generate 10 TWh of electricity annually.

Thanks to its equity participation, Himachal Pradesh today receives approximately 1.2 TWh of free power annually, along with a proportional share of 2.5 TWh from SJVNL's production.

Moreover, SJVNL has emerged as not only a green energy leader but also a significant employer in the state, providing more jobs to local residents than all other companies operating in Himachal combined.

Yet, despite this success, experts argue that the state has largely failed to capitalise on its immense hydropower potential.

The pace of new project development has slowed to a crawl over the past decade, hampered by bureaucratic red tape, shortsighted political decisions, and lack of strategic direction.

Hydropower, once a golden goose, is now facing stiff competition from rapidly advancing solar and wind energy sectors.

In this context, industry voices and policy experts strongly recommend that the state government should proactively allow SJVNL to execute major power projects within Himachal Pradesh.

With its proven track record, strong state partnership, and deep-rooted local employment, SJVNL is well-positioned to revitalise the sector and bring much-needed momentum to Himachal’s energy ambitions.

There is still time, they say, to salvage this opportunity — but swift action is critical before the hydropower era fades completely from the state’s growth story.

News

Himachal Day in Pangi: Pangwals Await for Better Connectivity, Assured Markets and Prices for Their Organic Produce

Shimla / Pangi, April 13 — The remote and rugged Pangi Valley in Chamba district is brimming with anticipation as it prepares to host the first-ever state-level Himachal Day celebrations at Killar, the administrative headquarters of the valley, on April 15, 2025.

This celebration led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is being seen as a landmark in the region’s history, carrying hopes of long-awaited development.

According to official sources, the Chief Minister is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for a slew of developmental projects worth over ₹120 crore, aimed at addressing the chronic infrastructure and service gaps in the valley.

Major Inaugurations & Announcements Expected:

Road Connectivity Boost: CM will inaugurate the newly constructed Killar-Gulabgarh link road, significantly reducing travel time to Jammu & Kashmir and improving inter-state trade routes.

The road project, worth ₹48 crore, is expected to enhance emergency accessibility and boost local tourism.

Telecom Infrastructure: 12 new mobile towers will be commissioned to expand telecom coverage to over 85% of Pangi Valley, a game-changer for locals who have long suffered from communication blackouts.

Healthcare Services:

The CM is likely to inaugurate the upgraded Community Health Centre (CHC) at Killar, with telemedicine facilities and improved maternal care units, catering to around 15,000 residents across scattered hamlets.

Market Linkages for Organic Produce: The state government is expected to announce a special market facilitation scheme for tribal farmers of Pangi, focusing on organic rajma, pulses, and medicinal herbs — ensuring better prices and reduced dependence on middlemen.

The cooperative societies have come up in the Pangi Valley growing organic crops. They need easy access to  markets as transportation cost  is very high. 

Women's Expectations: Rs 1500 Scheme Release

Echoing their counterparts in Spiti, the women of Pangi are hopeful that the CM will release the next installment of the ₹1500 per month,  Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana, a direct support scheme for women in tribal and remote regions. This would directly benefit over 3,200 women beneficiaries in Pangi Valley.

A Historic Visit

"This is the first time in history that a Chief Minister has chosen our valley for state-level celebrations. It feels like a dream," says Satish, Pradhan of Killar-1.

"We hope the CM will listen to our voices and give priority to our needs: better roads, reliable phone networks, healthcare, and guaranteed prices for our crops."

Adding to the optimism, Balbir, Pradhan of Kiryuni Gram Panchayat, remarked, "The Chief Minister's continuous engagement with tribal areas is reassuring. His visit to Pangi sends a strong message of inclusion. We trust he will address our woes."

Cultural Festivities & Community Spirit

The Himachal Day event is set to be a vibrant showcase of local culture, with folk dance performances, exhibitions of handicrafts, and displays of Pangi’s unique organic products.

More than 5,000 people are expected to attend, with special transport arrangements being made by the district administration.

Administrative Push

Deputy Commissioner of Chamba, Rajat Kumar, confirmed that all arrangements are in full swing. "This is not just an event but a historic opportunity to highlight the developmental aspirations of Pangi. Every department is mobilized," he said.

The decision to hold the state-level Himachal Day celebrations in Pangi is more than symbolic — it signals a new chapter for the valley

With the Chief Minister’s announcements, Pangwals hope this historic day will mark the beginning of long-overdue progress and prosperity for their land.

Will Pangwals get their due? 

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