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Monday - April 14, 2025

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Himachal Day

Shiv Pratap Shukla is New Governor of Himachal Pradesh

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Shiv Pratap Shukla
SHIMLA: Shiv Pratab Shukla has been appointed new governor of Himachal Pradesh. He was the minister of  state for Finance in the first Modi -I Government.
Shukla was  the Rajya Sabha MP before his appointment. He has replaced Rajedra Vishwanath Arlekar as Governor of the Himachal Pradesh.    

Shukla hails from Gorakhpur, UP. 

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri have congratulated Shiv Pratap Shukla on being appointed as the new Governor of Himachal Pradesh.
While congratulating Shiv Pratap Shukla, the Chief Minister said that his wide experience in public life will benefit the state and its people.
The Deputy Chief Minister has also congratulated the newly appointed Governor. 
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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.

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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? 

News

Wild Vyastha Parivartan: The Sukhu Sarkar Turns Forest Corporation Into a Liquor Vendor in Himachal

Shimla/Dharamshala, April 13: In a move that has sparked outrage across Himachal Pradesh, the Sukhu-led state government has brazenly directed the Himachal Forest Corporation (HFC) to operate retail liquor vends in rural areas of Kangra district — a blatant violation of the Corporation’s legal mandate.

As per the Memorandum of Articles, the Forest Corporation is strictly confined to forestry-related activities such as afforestation, plantations, and regulated forest produce handling.

However, the recent government notification, issued under the authority of the Commissioner of State Taxes and Excise, has shockingly handed over the operation of unsold liquor vends for the financial year 2025-26 to HFC.

"This is a specimen of the Sukhu government’s wild raj," slammed critics, accusing the state of recklessly pushing non-forestry commercial activities onto the forest department.

"Without applying its mind, the government is dragging a corporation meant for environmental stewardship into the liquor trade."

The timeline of events reveals the extent of bureaucratic complicity:

06-04-2025: Government decision issued.

07-04-2025: Principal Secretary (ST&E) chaired a meeting to decide on the fate of unsold liquor vends.

Following the auction-cum-tender process, the Excise Commissioner was directed to allocate the leftover vends — shockingly, not to private bidders or authorised vendors, but to the Forest Corporation.

Legal experts warn that this move could invite judicial scrutiny, as it directly contravenes the Forest Corporation’s founding principles and the broader mandate of environmental governance.

Concerned Citizens as well experts   are furious, calling it an "assault" on their sentiments.

"Instead of promoting sustainable rural development, the government is flooding our villages with liquor shops under the guise of revenue generation, right inside forests" said one resident.

The incident raises uncomfortable questions: Is the government prioritising excise revenue over its constitutional duty towards forest conservation and rural welfare?

Has the desperate bid to meet liquor sale targets crossed all ethical lines?

Either way, the public sentiment is clear — this is a policy blunder of reckless proportions.

#ForestNotForLiquor #SukhuGovtExposed #WildRajInHP #KangraLiquorScandal #SaveOurForests #GovernanceGoneWrong #HimachalNews #ForestCorporationMisuse

Divinity and Spirituality

Devthis, Temples Reverberate In Baisakhi amid Blooming Apple Orchards and Devotion in Himachal

Spring in the Hills: Himachal Celebrates Baisakhi Amidst Blooming Orchards and Devotion

Shimla, April 13 — As spring breathes life into the valleys and slopes of Himachal Pradesh, the hills come alive with the colours of celebration.

Amidst the lush apple orchards, fields of golden mustard, and the brilliant red rhododendrons cloaking the mountains in a divine camouflage, the people of Himachal are welcoming the Spring Harvest Festival with joy and fervour.

The sweet scent of blooming apple orchards fills the air, mingling with the cool mountain breeze, while a steady stream of tourist traffic makes a beeline for the hills, eager to witness the region’s natural splendour and festive spirit.

From the early hours of the morning, long lines of devotees thronged the ancient Devthis, temples, and revered Shaktipeeths scattered across the region. Bells chimed harmoniously with devotional hymns as prayers filled the crisp mountain air.

Farmers, their faces bright with hope, offered thanks and sought blessings for a bountiful harvest season.

Baisakhi marks not just the harvest festival but also the traditional New Year according to the Indian calendar, celebrated under various names across the country — Bihu in Assam, Poila Boishakh in West Bengal, Vishu in Kerala, and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

The spirit of renewal and gratitude echoed from the North-East hills to the Southern shores, uniting diverse communities in celebration.

For the devout, this date carries profound significance. April 13 commemorates the formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, a historic moment of spiritual awakening and courage.

Yet, it also remains a solemn reminder of the horrors of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which unfolded on this day in 1919.

Looking ahead, April 14 is marked by tributes to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, whose vision continues to inspire the nation.

As prayers and festivities intertwine with the beauty of spring, the mood across Himachal’s hills is one of gratitude, hope, and shared joy, as people pray for a generous harvest and a prosperous year ahead.

#SpringInHimachal #HarvestFestival #BloomingOrchards #BaisakhiCelebrations #HillsAreCalling

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