Himachal Pradesh’s monsoon toll has climbed to 259 deaths, while damage to public and private property has crossed Rs 1,200 crore in just 64 days, according to the latest data released by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC).The figures cover the period from June 30 to September 1 and underline the scale of disruption caused by heavy rain, landslides and other disasters across the hill state.Of the total fatalities, 106 were linked directly to rain and disaster-related incidents. These included 18 deaths in landslides and 13 caused by drowning. Road accidents accounted for another 153 deaths during the period.Lahaul and Spiti, one of the state’s high-altitude tribal districts, recorded 15 deaths associated with monsoon-related disasters.<h2>PWD bears bulk of infrastructure losses</h2>The cumulative damage to public and private property has been estimated at Rs 1,202.64 crore. The Public Works Department (PWD) has suffered the largest share of the losses, with damage exceeding Rs 914 crore.The Jal Shakti Vibhag has reported losses of more than Rs 258 crore. The disaster has also completely damaged 460 houses and resulted in the deaths of 460 animals, according to SEOC figures.<h2>150 roads blocked, power and water hit</h2>Fresh rainfall over the past 24 hours has further worsened connectivity, leaving 150 roads blocked across Himachal Pradesh.Mandi has reported the highest number of closures at 78, followed by Shimla with 30. Power infrastructure has also taken a hit, with 374 distribution transformer regions currently out of service.Mandi accounts for 128 affected DTRs, while Shimla has 84 and Kullu 81. Meanwhile, 40 water supply schemes remain disrupted, including 23 in Hamirpur and 17 in Shimla.Government departments and field agencies are continuing restoration work to reopen roads and bring power and water services back online in affected areas.

Himachal Pradesh’s monsoon death toll has reached 259, with damage crossing Rs 1,200 crore. Fresh rain has left 150 roads blocked, while power and water services remain disrupted.

Himachal Pradesh’s monsoon toll has climbed to 259 deaths, while damage to public and private property has crossed Rs 1,200 crore in just 64 days, according to the latest data released by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). The figures cover the period from June 30 to September 1 and underline the scale of disruption caused by heavy rain, landslides and other disasters across the hill state. Of the total fatalities, 106 were linked directly to rain and disaster-related incidents. These included 18 deaths in landslides and 13 caused by drowning. Road accidents accounted for another 153 deaths during the period. Lahaul and Spiti, one of the state’s high-altitude tribal districts, recorded 15 deaths associated with monsoon-related disasters. PWD bears bulk of infrastructure losses The cumulative damage to public and private property has been estimated at Rs 1,202.64 crore. The Public Works Department (PWD) has suffered the largest share of the losses, with damage exceeding Rs 914 crore. The Jal Shakti Vibhag has reported losses of more than Rs 258 crore. The disaster has also completely damaged 460 houses and resulted in the deaths of 460 animals, according to SEOC figures. 150 roads blocked, power and water hit Fresh rainfall over the past 24 hours has further worsened connectivity, leaving 150 roads blocked across Himachal Pradesh. Mandi has reported the highest number of closures at 78, followed by Shimla with 30. Power infrastructure has also taken a hit, with 374 distribution transformer regions currently out of service. Mandi accounts for 128 affected DTRs, while Shimla has 84 and Kullu 81. Meanwhile, 40 water supply schemes remain disrupted, including 23 in Hamirpur and 17 in Shimla. Government departments and field agencies are continuing restoration work to reopen roads and bring power and water services back online in affected areas.

Himachal Pradesh’s monsoon death toll has reached 259, with damage crossing Rs 1,200 crore. Fresh rain has left 150 roads blocked, while power and water services remain disrupted.

Himachal reels under monsoon: 259 dead, damage crosses Rs 1,200 crore

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and local authorities rescued two paragliders, who were stranded in a remote mountain region in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district after a mid-air emergency and crash landing. The duo landed in the Dhauladhar ranges and became stuck. The paragliders had taken off from Bir Billing.According to officials, they were identified as Arun Singh, a resident of Rajasthan, and Ranjan Gupta, from Gujarat. While Singh was seriously injured in the accident, Gupta was found trapped in a tree after the crash.Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said that the authorities sought immediate assistance from the IAF as the difficult terrain and lack of connectivity via roads made their rescue challenging and risky. The incident happened in an inaccessible mountainous region under the Baijnath subdivision, which made ground-based rescue efforts time-consuming and risky. A helicopter was deployed to carry out the rescue mission, and both paragliders were evacuated from the site.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Dharmshala, Himachal Pradesh: Responding to reports of a paragliding accident in the Guran Dhar area of ​​the Baijnath subdivision, a rescue and relief operation was launched. Due to the lack of road connectivity in the remote and inaccessible mountainous region, the… <a href="https://t.co/a2RzT9sA33">pic.twitter.com/a2RzT9sA33</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2048597267561824685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Given the absence of road connectivity and the difficult terrain, authorities sought immediate assistance from the Air Force. A helicopter was deployed to carry out the rescue operation, enabling swift evacuation of both individuals from the site,” Bairwa said.Following their rescue, the paragliders were admitted to Vivekananda Hospital in Palampur, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Officials have not yet disclosed further details about their medical condition.“The operation was carried out through coordinated efforts of the district administration, police, local rescue teams, and the Air Force,” the DC said.Bir Billing is one of the best-known spots for paragliding, attracting both beginners and professionals. The region has high-altitude takeoff locations, with scenic views of the Himalayas.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force and local teams rescued two paragliders after a crash in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra. One was injured, while the other was stuck in a tree. A helicopter evacuated both from the remote Dhauladhar region.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and local authorities rescued two paragliders, who were stranded in a remote mountain region in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district after a mid-air emergency and crash landing. The duo landed in the Dhauladhar ranges and became stuck. The paragliders had taken off from Bir Billing. According to officials, they were identified as Arun Singh, a resident of Rajasthan, and Ranjan Gupta, from Gujarat. While Singh was seriously injured in the accident, Gupta was found trapped in a tree after the crash. Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said that the authorities sought immediate assistance from the IAF as the difficult terrain and lack of connectivity via roads made their rescue challenging and risky. The incident happened in an inaccessible mountainous region under the Baijnath subdivision, which made ground-based rescue efforts time-consuming and risky. A helicopter was deployed to carry out the rescue mission, and both paragliders were evacuated from the site.

The Indian Air Force and local teams rescued two paragliders after a crash in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra. One was injured, while the other was stuck in a tree. A helicopter evacuated both from the remote Dhauladhar region.

IAF rescues two paragliders stranded after crash landing in remote mountains of Himachal Pradesh | VIDEO

Four individuals, including a woman and her son, lost their lives, and another sustained serious injuries after their vehicle fell into a deep gorge in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, police said on Saturday. Following the incident, a rescue team quickly rushed to the site near Jani village and recovered the bodies as well as rescued the injured in cooperation with locals.&nbsp;According to a report by the news agency PTI, police stated that they received information about the accident around 9.20 am. Kinnaur Superintendent of Police (SP) Sushil Kumar said four out of five occupants died on the spot, and one individual remains in critical condition.&nbsp;The deceased include Krishna (42), her 19-year-old son Himesh Kumar, Sushma (47), and Inder Lal (30), who lost their lives in the accident. Another victim, Vidya Krishan (32), was admitted to JSW Hospital in Tapri for medical treatment. All the victims belonged to Jani village in Kinnaur district. Authorities have ordered post-mortem examinations, and the police have registered a case in connection with the incident.<h3>One dead, 3 injured after a Metro pillar collapses in Mumbai</h3>In a separate incident, at least one person was killed, and three others were injured after a portion of an under-construction Metro pillar of the Line-4 viaduct collapsed and fell onto a moving autorickshaw and a car in the Mulund area of Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Saturday (February 14, 2026). The incident occurred on LBS Road near the Johnson &amp; Johnson Company at around 12.20 pm.&nbsp;The Mumbai Fire Brigade confirmed that a concrete piece measuring nearly 6 ft by 4 ft fell onto a moving autorickshaw and a Skoda car. Soon after the incident, the injured were admitted to Upasana Multispeciality Hospital, where Ramdhan Yadav was pronounced dead. Meanwhile, Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45) is in critical condition, and he is in the ICU, while the conditions of Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52) and Deepa Ruhiya (40) are stable, according to a report in the TOI.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-collapses-to-death-at-vijay-s-election-rally-aiadmk-says-carry-coffin-to-tvk-event-1770987517480">Man collapses to death at Vijay’s election rally in Tamil Nadu's Salem; AIADMK says ‘carry coffin’ to TVK events</a> &nbsp;

The deceased include Krishna (42), her 19-year-old son Himesh Kumar, Sushma (47), and Inder Lal (30), who lost their lives in the accident. Another victim, Vidya Krishan (32), was admitted to JSW Hospital in Tapri for medical treatment.

Four individuals, including a woman and her son, lost their lives, and another sustained serious injuries after their vehicle fell into a deep gorge in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, police said on Saturday. Following the incident, a rescue team quickly rushed to the site near Jani village and recovered the bodies as well as rescued the injured in cooperation with locals. According to a report by the news agency PTI, police stated that they received information about the accident around 9.20 am. Kinnaur Superintendent of Police (SP) Sushil Kumar said four out of five occupants died on the spot, and one individual remains in critical condition. The deceased include Krishna (42), her 19-year-old son Himesh Kumar, Sushma (47), and Inder Lal (30), who lost their lives in the accident. Another victim, Vidya Krishan (32), was admitted to JSW Hospital in Tapri for medical treatment. All the victims belonged to Jani village in Kinnaur district. Authorities have ordered post-mortem examinations, and the police have registered a case in connection with the incident. One dead, 3 injured after a Metro pillar collapses in Mumbai In a separate incident, at least one person was killed, and three others were injured after a portion of an under-construction Metro pillar of the Line-4 viaduct collapsed and fell onto a moving autorickshaw and a car in the Mulund area of Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Saturday (February 14, 2026). The incident occurred on LBS Road near the Johnson & Johnson Company at around 12.20 pm. The Mumbai Fire Brigade confirmed that a concrete piece measuring nearly 6 ft by 4 ft fell onto a moving autorickshaw and a Skoda car. Soon after the incident, the injured were admitted to Upasana Multispeciality Hospital, where Ramdhan Yadav was pronounced dead. Meanwhile, Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45) is in critical condition, and he is in the ICU, while the conditions of Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52) and Deepa Ruhiya (40) are stable, according to a report in the TOI. Also read: Man collapses to death at Vijay’s election rally in Tamil Nadu's Salem; AIADMK says ‘carry coffin’ to TVK events

The deceased include Krishna (42), her 19-year-old son Himesh Kumar, Sushma (47), and Inder Lal (30), who lost their lives in the accident. Another victim, Vidya Krishan (32), was admitted to JSW Hospital in Tapri for medical treatment.

Four dead, including woman and her son, after car plunges into gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur

A 60-year-old Chinese national has been arrested for illegally staying in India's Himachal Pradesh, local authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The individual identified as Lou Wennian, a resident of Sichuan province of China, had been residing in the Kangra district since late September 2025 for 130 days without the required legal documentation.&nbsp;Additional SP Bir Bahadur told news agency ANI, "As per the report, a case was registered on February 2 in the McLeodganj police station against a Chinese national, Lou Wennian (60). During the enquiry, it was found that Lou Wennian stayed in McLeodganj, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, from September 26, 2025, to February 2, 2026, for about 130 days without a valid Indian visa, which attracts the provisions of Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946. The Central investigation agencies have also been informed, and they will also investigate the matter."&nbsp;He further stated, "As per the passport details, his name was found as Lou Wennian, date of birth May 10, 1965, place of birth Sichuan, Place of Issue Yunnan, Republic of China, Passport No. CHN EG4189399. A Government of Nepal Tourist Visa valid from June 29, 2025, to September 26, 2026 (90 days) was found endorsed in the passport."<h3>Chinese national arrives India almost five months ago</h3>Police confirmed that the Chinese national did not carry a valid visa and entered India via Nepal. He arrived in India almost five months ago and has been staying in McLeodganj for the past three months.&nbsp;"Under the limits of McLeodganj Police Station, a Chinese national was detained, who was staying here illegally. The security branch responded immediately after receiving the information and detained him. No valid visa was found upon checking his documents. A case was registered under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and he was detained," Additional SP Bir Bahadur said.&nbsp;"He came to India five months ago, and for the last three months, he was residing in McLeodganj. Police are investigating the case and will take action after details are revealed. Upon checking his passport, it was known that he had been to nine to ten countries and entered India via Nepal. Central agencies were informed after filing an FIR. He will be brought before the court," the police official added.&nbsp;Police further added that an FIR was filed on February 2 at the McLeodganj police station against the Chinese national under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946. Authorities found that the individual’s passport contained a Nepal tourist visa valid for 90 days, from June 29, 2025, to September 26, 2025.&nbsp;"During the preliminary investigation, around 4,00,000 Chinese yuan was found in his bank account. Our forensic experts are checking the electronic gadgets we seized from the accused. We are also checking all the locations he frequently visited during his illegal stay, especially the sensitive zones from the security point of view in McLeodganj," said the officer. "It also appears that the accused, who speaks only Chinese, served in the Chinese police," added the officer, TOI reported.&nbsp;McLeodganj, which is home to the Dalai Lama and serves as the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, attracts large numbers of visitors from India and overseas each year. Owing to its strategic and security significance, the government has set up offices of multiple central agencies in the area. In light of potential security concerns, the Centre last year extended Z-category security protection to the Tibetan spiritual leader.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-he-s-our-child-hyderabad-couple-spends-16-000-to-reunited-with-pet-dog-in-australia-1770118862066">'He's our child': Hyderabad couple spends $16,000 to reunite with their pet dog in Australia</a>

Police confirmed that the Chinese national did not carry a valid visa and entered India via Nepal. He arrived in India almost five months ago and has been staying in McLeodganj for the past three months.

A 60-year-old Chinese national has been arrested for illegally staying in India's Himachal Pradesh, local authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The individual identified as Lou Wennian, a resident of Sichuan province of China, had been residing in the Kangra district since late September 2025 for 130 days without the required legal documentation. Additional SP Bir Bahadur told news agency ANI, "As per the report, a case was registered on February 2 in the McLeodganj police station against a Chinese national, Lou Wennian (60). During the enquiry, it was found that Lou Wennian stayed in McLeodganj, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, from September 26, 2025, to February 2, 2026, for about 130 days without a valid Indian visa, which attracts the provisions of Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946. The Central investigation agencies have also been informed, and they will also investigate the matter." He further stated, "As per the passport details, his name was found as Lou Wennian, date of birth May 10, 1965, place of birth Sichuan, Place of Issue Yunnan, Republic of China, Passport No. CHN EG4189399. A Government of Nepal Tourist Visa valid from June 29, 2025, to September 26, 2026 (90 days) was found endorsed in the passport." Chinese national arrives India almost five months ago Police confirmed that the Chinese national did not carry a valid visa and entered India via Nepal. He arrived in India almost five months ago and has been staying in McLeodganj for the past three months. "Under the limits of McLeodganj Police Station, a Chinese national was detained, who was staying here illegally. The security branch responded immediately after receiving the information and detained him. No valid visa was found upon checking his documents. A case was registered under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and he was detained," Additional SP Bir Bahadur said. "He came to India five months ago, and for the last three months, he was residing in McLeodganj. Police are investigating the case and will take action after details are revealed. Upon checking his passport, it was known that he had been to nine to ten countries and entered India via Nepal. Central agencies were informed after filing an FIR. He will be brought before the court," the police official added. Police further added that an FIR was filed on February 2 at the McLeodganj police station against the Chinese national under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946. Authorities found that the individual’s passport contained a Nepal tourist visa valid for 90 days, from June 29, 2025, to September 26, 2025. "During the preliminary investigation, around 4,00,000 Chinese yuan was found in his bank account. Our forensic experts are checking the electronic gadgets we seized from the accused. We are also checking all the locations he frequently visited during his illegal stay, especially the sensitive zones from the security point of view in McLeodganj," said the officer. "It also appears that the accused, who speaks only Chinese, served in the Chinese police," added the officer, TOI reported. McLeodganj, which is home to the Dalai Lama and serves as the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, attracts large numbers of visitors from India and overseas each year. Owing to its strategic and security significance, the government has set up offices of multiple central agencies in the area. In light of potential security concerns, the Centre last year extended Z-category security protection to the Tibetan spiritual leader. Also read: 'He's our child': Hyderabad couple spends $16,000 to reunite with their pet dog in Australia

Police confirmed that the Chinese national did not carry a valid visa and entered India via Nepal. He arrived in India almost five months ago and has been staying in McLeodganj for the past three months.

Spying in India? Chinese national found staying illegally in town related to Dalai Lama: What was he doing

Himachal Pradesh is known as the Sleeping State of India. But have you ever wondered why? Take a look at this article to know why this state is popular with this name.

Himachal Pradesh is known as the Sleeping State of India. But have you ever wondered why? Take a look at this article to know why this state is popular with this name.

THIS place is known as the 'Sleeping State of India'—Here's why

The hill state of India's Himachal Pradesh has observed intense rainfall this monsoon so far. Heavy rainfall during the months of June and July has led to large scale devastation in the state, including the loss of lives. Since June 20, 179 people have lost their lives including 101 in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, said the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Another 78 have died in road accidents due to poor weather conditions.&nbsp;Till August 3, about 296 roads have been declared impassable, 134 power distribution transformers are out of service, and 266 water supply schemes have been disrupted pointing to the destruction caused in the state due to heavy rains.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-may-vanish-from-map-india-s-supreme-court-warns-of-unchecked-tourist-inflow-ecological-damage-1754120087073">Himachal Pradesh may vanish from map: India's Supreme Court warns of unchecked tourist inflow, ecological damage</a>&nbsp;The districts of Mandi, Kullu and Chamba have been the worst hit as most casualties and infrastructure damage have been reported from these areas. Mandi has received 574.7 mm of rainfall in the month of July, which is the highest in the state so far this monsoon.&nbsp;National Highway-505 in Lahaul-Spiti also remains closed due to landslides and flash floods.&nbsp;The local authorities are working around the clock to restore access and resume services affected by rain and related incidents. resident have also been advised to remain alert, avoid travel in vulnerable zones, and follow all weather related advisories.&nbsp;Forecast of heavy rain&nbsp;Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast normal to above normal rainfall in many parts of Himachal Pradesh in August.&nbsp;Notably, a yellow alert of heavy rainfall has been issued in all districts of the state for August 4, including Kullu and Mandi. While, light to moderate rainfall is very likely at many places on August &nbsp;6 and 7, and at most places on August 5, read the IMD bulletin.&nbsp;

Mandi district has received 574.7 mm of rainfall in the month of July, which is the highest in the state so far this monsoon season.

The hill state of India's Himachal Pradesh has observed intense rainfall this monsoon so far. Heavy rainfall during the months of June and July has led to large scale devastation in the state, including the loss of lives. Since June 20, 179 people have lost their lives including 101 in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, said the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Another 78 have died in road accidents due to poor weather conditions. Till August 3, about 296 roads have been declared impassable, 134 power distribution transformers are out of service, and 266 water supply schemes have been disrupted pointing to the destruction caused in the state due to heavy rains. Also Read: Himachal Pradesh may vanish from map: India's Supreme Court warns of unchecked tourist inflow, ecological damage The districts of Mandi, Kullu and Chamba have been the worst hit as most casualties and infrastructure damage have been reported from these areas. Mandi has received 574.7 mm of rainfall in the month of July, which is the highest in the state so far this monsoon. National Highway-505 in Lahaul-Spiti also remains closed due to landslides and flash floods. The local authorities are working around the clock to restore access and resume services affected by rain and related incidents. resident have also been advised to remain alert, avoid travel in vulnerable zones, and follow all weather related advisories. Forecast of heavy rain Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast normal to above normal rainfall in many parts of Himachal Pradesh in August. Notably, a yellow alert of heavy rainfall has been issued in all districts of the state for August 4, including Kullu and Mandi. While, light to moderate rainfall is very likely at many places on August 6 and 7, and at most places on August 5, read the IMD bulletin.

Mandi district has received 574.7 mm of rainfall in the month of July, which is the highest in the state so far this monsoon season.

Himachal Pradesh weather: Heavy rain alert sounded for several areas, including Kullu, Mandi

The hill state of Himachal Pradesh in India would definitely be among favourite tourist destinations of several people. The massive tourist inflow that the state witnesses every year to places like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kasol, and Mcleodganj is a testimony to it. This has led to environmental degradation in the form of depleting green areas, construction of buildings and hotels and infrastructure development.&nbsp;The Supreme Court of India has taken a strong stance on the "ecological damage" in the state. Observing that the situation in Himachal Pradesh has been deteriorating, the apex court said climate change is having a "visible and alarming impact" on the state and the ongoing ecological damage will lead to Himachal "vanishing in thin air".&nbsp;"We want to impress upon the state government and Union of India that earning revenue is not everything. Revenue cannot be earned at the cost of environment and ecology," said a bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said on July 28.&nbsp;"If things proceed the way they are as on date, the day is not far when the entire state of HP may vanish in thin air from the map of the country. God forbid this doesn't happen," it added.&nbsp;The court made the remarks while hearing a petition filed by a private hotel company against a June 2025 state notification that declared Shri Tara Mata Hill as a green area and prohibited fresh private construction.&nbsp;The Himachal Pradesh High Court had declined the plea of the hotel company challenging the state's June 2025 notification after which the company approached the Supreme Court.&nbsp;The apex court while hearing the case also observed that the ecological damage in the hill state is largely due to human activity and not nature.&nbsp;“The nature definitely is annoyed with the activities that are going on in Himachal Pradesh," the bench observed.&nbsp;The court listed a number of issues like unchecked hydropower projects, rapid expansion of roadways, deforestation, and unregulated construction of multi-storey buildings as major factors for the environmental damage in the state and urged the state government to consult geologists, environmental experts, and local communities before launching development projects.&nbsp;“With forests encompassing more than 66 per cent of the total land area, Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its abundant beauty and greenery. But the danger to this natural richness is growing as a result of human greed and apathy," said the court.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Observing that the situation in Himachal Pradesh has been deteriorating, the apex court said climate change is having a visible and alarming impact on the state.

The hill state of Himachal Pradesh in India would definitely be among favourite tourist destinations of several people. The massive tourist inflow that the state witnesses every year to places like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kasol, and Mcleodganj is a testimony to it. This has led to environmental degradation in the form of depleting green areas, construction of buildings and hotels and infrastructure development. The Supreme Court of India has taken a strong stance on the "ecological damage" in the state. Observing that the situation in Himachal Pradesh has been deteriorating, the apex court said climate change is having a "visible and alarming impact" on the state and the ongoing ecological damage will lead to Himachal "vanishing in thin air". "We want to impress upon the state government and Union of India that earning revenue is not everything. Revenue cannot be earned at the cost of environment and ecology," said a bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said on July 28. "If things proceed the way they are as on date, the day is not far when the entire state of HP may vanish in thin air from the map of the country. God forbid this doesn't happen," it added. The court made the remarks while hearing a petition filed by a private hotel company against a June 2025 state notification that declared Shri Tara Mata Hill as a green area and prohibited fresh private construction. The Himachal Pradesh High Court had declined the plea of the hotel company challenging the state's June 2025 notification after which the company approached the Supreme Court. The apex court while hearing the case also observed that the ecological damage in the hill state is largely due to human activity and not nature. “The nature definitely is annoyed with the activities that are going on in Himachal Pradesh," the bench observed. The court listed a number of issues like unchecked hydropower projects, rapid expansion of roadways, deforestation, and unregulated construction of multi-storey buildings as major factors for the environmental damage in the state and urged the state government to consult geologists, environmental experts, and local communities before launching development projects. “With forests encompassing more than 66 per cent of the total land area, Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its abundant beauty and greenery. But the danger to this natural richness is growing as a result of human greed and apathy," said the court.

Observing that the situation in Himachal Pradesh has been deteriorating, the apex court said climate change is having a "visible and alarming impact" on the state.

Himachal Pradesh may vanish from map: India's Supreme Court warns of unchecked tourist inflow, ecological damage

Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the severe impact of the monsoon, with widespread damage to public infrastructure and rising fatalities. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), as of 5:00 pm on July 30, 289 roads remain blocked, 346 power distribution transformers (DTRs) are non-functional, and 254 water supply schemes are disrupted due to incessant rainfall across the state.&nbsp;The cumulative death toll during the monsoon season (June 20 - July 30, 2025) has reached 170, out of which 94 fatalities are rain-related, including those caused by landslides, flash floods, lightning, and drowning, while 76 deaths occurred in road accidents caused by poor visibility and slippery conditions on the hills.&nbsp;The monsoon havoc has also led to damage worth over Rs 1,59,981 lakh to public and private property, with 2,743 hectares of crops affected, 680 homes damaged, and over 22,900 livestock lost, the SEOC report revealed.&nbsp;Districts such as Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba remain the worst-hit, reporting the highest combination of deaths, blocked routes, and utility disruptions. Mandi alone has witnessed 35 deaths, massive infrastructure losses, and dozens of damaged bridges, houses, and livestock shelters.&nbsp;The SEOC has advised continued vigilance and has deployed road-clearing machinery and emergency teams in vulnerable zones. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has warned of continued moderate to heavy rains in parts of the state.&nbsp;The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) continues to coordinate with local administrations to restore essential services and clear roads. However, with further rainfall predicted, residents are urged to remain cautious and avoid travel to vulnerable areas.&nbsp;Authorities are on high alert, and disaster response teams have been deployed in sensitive zones for timely rescue and relief operations.&nbsp;Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district has suffered losses of over Rs 48 crore since the start of the monsoon season, with 17 people reported dead, Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh said.&nbsp;She also informed that 65 residents of Darmedha village have been moved to safer areas as a precaution.&nbsp;"Since the onset of monsoon, various departments in Kullu district have suffered losses of Rs 48 crore and individual damages of Rs 50 lakh... So far, 17 people have lost their lives," Raveesh told ANI.&nbsp;She added, "As a precautionary measure, 65 residents of Darmedha village have been shifted to safer areas."

Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the severe impact of the monsoon, with widespread damage to public infrastructure and rising fatalities. 

Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the severe impact of the monsoon, with widespread damage to public infrastructure and rising fatalities. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), as of 5:00 pm on July 30, 289 roads remain blocked, 346 power distribution transformers (DTRs) are non-functional, and 254 water supply schemes are disrupted due to incessant rainfall across the state. The cumulative death toll during the monsoon season (June 20 - July 30, 2025) has reached 170, out of which 94 fatalities are rain-related, including those caused by landslides, flash floods, lightning, and drowning, while 76 deaths occurred in road accidents caused by poor visibility and slippery conditions on the hills. The monsoon havoc has also led to damage worth over Rs 1,59,981 lakh to public and private property, with 2,743 hectares of crops affected, 680 homes damaged, and over 22,900 livestock lost, the SEOC report revealed. Districts such as Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba remain the worst-hit, reporting the highest combination of deaths, blocked routes, and utility disruptions. Mandi alone has witnessed 35 deaths, massive infrastructure losses, and dozens of damaged bridges, houses, and livestock shelters. The SEOC has advised continued vigilance and has deployed road-clearing machinery and emergency teams in vulnerable zones. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has warned of continued moderate to heavy rains in parts of the state. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) continues to coordinate with local administrations to restore essential services and clear roads. However, with further rainfall predicted, residents are urged to remain cautious and avoid travel to vulnerable areas. Authorities are on high alert, and disaster response teams have been deployed in sensitive zones for timely rescue and relief operations. Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district has suffered losses of over Rs 48 crore since the start of the monsoon season, with 17 people reported dead, Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh said. She also informed that 65 residents of Darmedha village have been moved to safer areas as a precaution. "Since the onset of monsoon, various departments in Kullu district have suffered losses of Rs 48 crore and individual damages of Rs 50 lakh... So far, 17 people have lost their lives," Raveesh told ANI. She added, "As a precautionary measure, 65 residents of Darmedha village have been shifted to safer areas."

The cumulative death toll during the monsoon season (June 20 - July 30, 2025) has reached 170.

Monsoon fury in Himachal: Rain-related deaths touch 94, road accidents claim 76

A devastating flash flood triggered by heavy rain hit the Jail Road of Himachal Pradesh's Mandi town in the early hours of Tuesday. It claimed at least two lives; two have been reported missing and caused extensive damage to houses and vehicles. Additionally, the Chandigarh-Manali highway also got blocked due to multiple landslides triggered by the heavy rains.&nbsp;Mandi DC Apoorv Devgan told news agency ANI, “The stretch of jail road has been affected by heavy rain. 3 people have died in the area near Jail Road. One woman is missing. The search operation by the police, NDRF and Home Guard teams is underway. The roads are also being cleared...Many vehicles have been piled up near the hospital. Casualties have been reported, along with that, many houses have been damaged...We have set up a relief camp in Vipasha Sadan. Officials from the electricity, PWD, Jal Shakti, and other departments are working together to provide relief.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Mandi, Himachal Pradesh | Mandi DC Apoorv Devgan says, &quot;...The stretch of jail road has been affected by heavy rain. 3 people have died in the area near Jail Road. One woman is missing. The search operation by the police, NDRF and Home Guard teams is underway. The roads… <a href="https://t.co/C6eVB8KDiE">pic.twitter.com/C6eVB8KDiE</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1950040117776654462?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier, additional Deputy Commissioner Rohit Rathour of Mandi told news agency ANI, “Due to heavy rain around 4 am, there have been reports of a lot of damage... Two people have died, and two people are reported missing.”<h3>Jai Ram Thakur visits Jail Road</h3>According to a report by TOI, the Mandi administration swiftly initiated a search and rescue operation. Officials confirmed that a missing person is suspected to be trapped under the debris of the flash flood, which is believed to be caused by a cloudburst. However, the victims were yet to be identified.&nbsp;The floodwater surged into several houses situated near a stream while residents were asleep. The flash flood badly damaged and swept away several vehicles, which were parked along the Jail Road. It also blocked the road nearby its regional hospital in the town.&nbsp;Along with the flood in the Mandi Bus Terminus, multiple landslides were also reported from different parts of the town, including near the Victoria Bridge and the DAV school. Additionally, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur visited the Jail Road and met the affected people of the town. He assured the people that he was personally monitoring the situation and directed the local administration to expedite the search, rescue, and relief operations.

Two people have lost their lives, and two others have been reported missing after heavy rainfall lashed the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh in the early hours of Tuesday. The flash floods caused extensive damage to the city and triggered a flood-like situation across the region.

A devastating flash flood triggered by heavy rain hit the Jail Road of Himachal Pradesh's Mandi town in the early hours of Tuesday. It claimed at least two lives; two have been reported missing and caused extensive damage to houses and vehicles. Additionally, the Chandigarh-Manali highway also got blocked due to multiple landslides triggered by the heavy rains. Mandi DC Apoorv Devgan told news agency ANI, “The stretch of jail road has been affected by heavy rain. 3 people have died in the area near Jail Road. One woman is missing. The search operation by the police, NDRF and Home Guard teams is underway. The roads are also being cleared...Many vehicles have been piled up near the hospital. Casualties have been reported, along with that, many houses have been damaged...We have set up a relief camp in Vipasha Sadan. Officials from the electricity, PWD, Jal Shakti, and other departments are working together to provide relief.”

Three people have lost their lives, and two others have been reported missing after heavy rainfall lashed the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh in the early hours of Tuesday. The flash floods caused extensive damage to the city and triggered a flood-like situation across the region.

‘Deadly Downpour’: Three dead, one missing after flash flood wreaks havoc in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi

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Monsoon fury in Himachal: Rain-related deaths touch 94, road accidents claim 76

‘Deadly Downpour’: 3 dead after flash flood wreaks havoc in Himachal's Mandi