Amid the IPL 2022, the Indian team's head coach Rahul Dravid is getting some off time from national duties. Since the past few days, speculations have been rife that the former Indian captain is set to attend a BJP event in the poll-bound Himachal Pradesh. However, the 49-year-old has now responded to all such speculations.

Speaking to news agency&nbsp;ANI&nbsp;on Tuesday (May 10), Dravid dismissed the talks of attending a BJP Yuva Morcha meet in the poll-bound state in the coming days. "A section of the media has reported that I will attend a meeting in Himachal Pradesh from May 12th-15th, 2022. I wish to clarify that the said report is incorrect," Dravid was quoted saying by the news agency.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-to-host-australia-in-three-t20is-before-t20-world-cup-bg-trophy-early-next-year-477823">India to host Australia in three T20Is before T20 World Cup, BG Trophy early next year</a>

Dravid's response&nbsp;came after BJP Dharamsala MLA Vishal Nehria had claimed that the Team India coach will grace his presence in the Yuva Morcha's National Working Committee session in Dharamshala. "The National Working Committee of BJP Yuva Morcha will be held in Dharamshala from May 12 to 15. The national leadership of BJP and the leadership of Himachal Pradesh will be involved. BJP National President JP Nadda, National Organization Minister and Union Minister will also attend the session," Nehria had earlier said.

Dravid took over as India's head coach after Ravi Shastri's tenure came to an end post the 2021 T20 World Cup. Since then, India have been unbeaten in T20Is, beat West Indies in three ODIs before being whitewashed by South Africa in a three-match series earlier this year, won a home Test series versus New Zealand and Sri Lanka but lost the Test series versus hosts South Africa 2-1.

Amid the IPL 2022, the Indian team's head coach Rahul Dravid is getting some off time from national duties. Since the past few days, speculations have been rife that the former Indian captain is set to attend a BJP event in the poll-bound Himachal Pradesh.

Amid the IPL 2022, the Indian team's head coach Rahul Dravid is getting some off time from national duties. Since the past few days, speculations have been rife that the former Indian captain is set to attend a BJP event in the poll-bound Himachal Pradesh. However, the 49-year-old has now responded to all such speculations. Speaking to news agency ANI on Tuesday (May 10), Dravid dismissed the talks of attending a BJP Yuva Morcha meet in the poll-bound state in the coming days. "A section of the media has reported that I will attend a meeting in Himachal Pradesh from May 12th-15th, 2022. I wish to clarify that the said report is incorrect," Dravid was quoted saying by the news agency. ALSO READ | India to host Australia in three T20Is before T20 World Cup, BG Trophy early next year Dravid's response came after BJP Dharamsala MLA Vishal Nehria had claimed that the Team India coach will grace his presence in the Yuva Morcha's National Working Committee session in Dharamshala. "The National Working Committee of BJP Yuva Morcha will be held in Dharamshala from May 12 to 15. The national leadership of BJP and the leadership of Himachal Pradesh will be involved. BJP National President JP Nadda, National Organization Minister and Union Minister will also attend the session," Nehria had earlier said. Dravid took over as India's head coach after Ravi Shastri's tenure came to an end post the 2021 T20 World Cup. Since then, India have been unbeaten in T20Is, beat West Indies in three ODIs before being whitewashed by South Africa in a three-match series earlier this year, won a home Test series versus New Zealand and Sri Lanka but lost the Test series versus hosts South Africa 2-1.

Will Rahul Dravid attend a BJP event in poll-bound Himachal? Team India head coach responds

Three trekkers from Maharashtra have died due to heavy snowfall in India's&nbsp;Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh state, while the 10 other trekkers have been rescued.

On October 17, the group of 13 trekkers – 12 from Maharashtra and 1 from Kolkata started their trekking from Rohru to Burua village in Kinnaur district but they were stranded at Burua Kanda area due to heavy snowfall in the region.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-11-of-17-missing-trekkers-found-dead-as-iafs-rescue-op-continues-423219">Uttarakhand: 11 of 17 missing trekkers found dead as IAF’s rescue op continues</a>

Three trekkers have died while 10 of them have been rescued. The dead are lying somewhere at around 15,000 feet. ITBP team is reaching the spot today to search the bodies," said ITBP.

The deceased have been identified as Rajendra Pathak, Ashok Bhalerao and Deepak Rao.

Last week, at least 11 of 17 trekkers had gone missing due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather,&nbsp;during a trek to Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh via Harsil in Uttarkashi.&nbsp;

Uttarkashi search and rescue teams found&nbsp;bodies of five trekkers on Thursday. Two members of the team were also found dead in Himachal Pradesh, said Uttarkashi district disaster management officer.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Three trekkers from Maharashtra have died due to heavy snowfall in India's Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh state, while the 10 other trekkers have been rescued.

Three trekkers from Maharashtra have died due to heavy snowfall in India's Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh state, while the 10 other trekkers have been rescued. On October 17, the group of 13 trekkers – 12 from Maharashtra and 1 from Kolkata started their trekking from Rohru to Burua village in Kinnaur district but they were stranded at Burua Kanda area due to heavy snowfall in the region. Also Read | Uttarakhand: 11 of 17 missing trekkers found dead as IAF’s rescue op continues Three trekkers have died while 10 of them have been rescued. The dead are lying somewhere at around 15,000 feet. ITBP team is reaching the spot today to search the bodies," said ITBP. The deceased have been identified as Rajendra Pathak, Ashok Bhalerao and Deepak Rao. Last week, at least 11 of 17 trekkers had gone missing due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather, during a trek to Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh via Harsil in Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi search and rescue teams found bodies of five trekkers on Thursday. Two members of the team were also found dead in Himachal Pradesh, said Uttarkashi district disaster management officer. (With inputs from agencies)

3 trekkers dead, 10 rescued after heavy snowfall in India's Himachal Pradesh

Doctors scale rockslides, invoke gods to vaccinate Himalayan villages

In a bid to promote a sustainable environment, the world`s highest electric vehicle charging station was inaugurated in Kaza of Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday.

Speaking to ANI, Mahendra Pratap Singh, Kaza Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) said, "This is the world`s highest electric vehicle charging station at 500 ft in Kaza. It is the first station here. If the station gets a good response, more stations would be set up. It will also help to check vehicular pollution. The magistrate further said that two women drove electric vehicles from Manali to Kaza in order to promote a clean and green environment."

"Today, two women have come from Manali to Kaza on the electric vehicle to promote a sustainable environment. The weather nowadays is changing abruptly due to an increase in air pollution and the emission of gases from vehicles is one of the main causes of this pollution," he added.

Further, one of the women who rode an electric vehicle from Manali to Kaza said that all the products including chargers in this station are made in India.

"All the products are made in India here and we travelled from Manali to Kaza to promote sustainable energy. Also, there is a myth that we can not cover long-distance journeys on electric vehicles. So, we both wanted to prove it wrong by riding these electric scooters today from Manali. We had a very comfortable journey," the woman added.

Congratulating both the women for completing their journey to Kaza, the SDM appealed to everybody to promote electric vehicles for a clean and green environment.

In a bid to promote a sustainable environment, the world`s highest electric vehicle charging station was inaugurated in Kaza of Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday.

In a bid to promote a sustainable environment, the world`s highest electric vehicle charging station was inaugurated in Kaza of Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday. Speaking to ANI, Mahendra Pratap Singh, Kaza Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) said, "This is the world`s highest electric vehicle charging station at 500 ft in Kaza. It is the first station here. If the station gets a good response, more stations would be set up. It will also help to check vehicular pollution. The magistrate further said that two women drove electric vehicles from Manali to Kaza in order to promote a clean and green environment." "Today, two women have come from Manali to Kaza on the electric vehicle to promote a sustainable environment. The weather nowadays is changing abruptly due to an increase in air pollution and the emission of gases from vehicles is one of the main causes of this pollution," he added. Further, one of the women who rode an electric vehicle from Manali to Kaza said that all the products including chargers in this station are made in India. "All the products are made in India here and we travelled from Manali to Kaza to promote sustainable energy. Also, there is a myth that we can not cover long-distance journeys on electric vehicles. So, we both wanted to prove it wrong by riding these electric scooters today from Manali. We had a very comfortable journey," the woman added. Congratulating both the women for completing their journey to Kaza, the SDM appealed to everybody to promote electric vehicles for a clean and green environment.

World’s highest electric vehicle charging station inaugurated in India’s northern Himachal state

Himachal Pradesh's&nbsp;Dharamshala was hit with flash floods&nbsp;triggered by heavy rains as&nbsp;authorities moved to close the airport on Monday.

Areas along Mecleodganj were badly affected as reports indicated buildings were badly damaged due to flash floods.

Cars and bikes were swept away as reports said hotels were inundated and a school building at Bhagsunag&nbsp;damaged.

Two buildings were reportedly swept away at Manjhi Khad near Dharamshala&nbsp;and a bridge was damaged on the Mandi-Pathankot highway as traffic was stopped.

People took to social media to show video clips of the damage.

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Cloudburst reported in Bhagsu, Dharamshala, Himachal 
 
Damage to parked vehicles and some hotels <a href="https://t.co/OmKNF866od">pic.twitter.com/OmKNF866od</a>
— Shalinder Wangu (@Wangu_News18) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wangu_News18/status/1414446666984263680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Rains wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh, cloudburst in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dharamshala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dharamshala</a> 
 
Praying for everyone's safety 🙏🏻 <a href="https://t.co/oRLkEIpF6R">pic.twitter.com/oRLkEIpF6R</a>
— Dr. Prashant Korat (@DrPrashantkorat) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrPrashantkorat/status/1414538971607015424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur of the northern Indian state&nbsp;has asked people not to go to river banks with several districts hit by floods. People have been shifted to safe areas due to flood conditions.

Locals have also been asked not to go to sensitive places prone to landslides. Deputy Commissioner Dr Nipun Jindal said he had ordered tourists visiting Dharamshala&nbsp;to postpone their tour in view of the situation with several roads damaged due to heavy rains.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur assuring him of help from the central government.&nbsp;

According to the Meteorological Department, heavy rain is forecast on July 13 and from July 14 to 16.

Meanwhile, authorities said 50 people were killed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lightning-kills-68-across-rajasthan-uttar-pradesh-and-madhya-pradesh-397629">lightning</a> strikes across the country with 42 killed in various districts in Uttar Pradesh.

Amer Fort in Rajasthan was hit with lighting with at least eleven people killed and several injured, according to police.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala was hit with flash floods triggered by heavy rains as authorities moved to close the airport on Monday. Areas along Mecleodganj were badly affected as reports indicated buildings were badly damaged due to flash floods.

Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala was hit with flash floods triggered by heavy rains as authorities moved to close the airport on Monday. Areas along Mecleodganj were badly affected as reports indicated buildings were badly damaged due to flash floods. Cars and bikes were swept away as reports said hotels were inundated and a school building at Bhagsunag damaged. Two buildings were reportedly swept away at Manjhi Khad near Dharamshala and a bridge was damaged on the Mandi-Pathankot highway as traffic was stopped. People took to social media to show video clips of the damage. Cloudburst reported in Bhagsu, Dharamshala, Himachal Damage to parked vehicles and some hotels pic.twitter.com/OmKNF866od — Shalinder Wangu (@Wangu_News18) July 12, 2021 × Rains wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh, cloudburst in #Dharamshala Praying for everyone's safety 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/oRLkEIpF6R — Dr. Prashant Korat (@DrPrashantkorat) July 12, 2021 × Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur of the northern Indian state has asked people not to go to river banks with several districts hit by floods. People have been shifted to safe areas due to flood conditions. Locals have also been asked not to go to sensitive places prone to landslides. Deputy Commissioner Dr Nipun Jindal said he had ordered tourists visiting Dharamshala to postpone their tour in view of the situation with several roads damaged due to heavy rains. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur assuring him of help from the central government. According to the Meteorological Department, heavy rain is forecast on July 13 and from July 14 to 16. Meanwhile, authorities said 50 people were killed in lightning strikes across the country with 42 killed in various districts in Uttar Pradesh. Amer Fort in Rajasthan was hit with lighting with at least eleven people killed and several injured, according to police. (With inputs from Agencies)

Flash floods in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala; cars, buildings swept away

A cloudburst in Dharamshala has triggered a flash flood, washing away vehicles and causing damage to properties in Himachal Pradesh. Some of the hotels in the area have also reported heavy damage.

India: Cloudburst triggers flash floods in Himachal’s Dharamshala

The local police of Himachal Pradesh caught two fake e-passes issued in the names of former US President Donald Trump and Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan.

"HP Police is in receipt of a complaint regarding fake registration in the name of Mr. Donald Trump and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan in the Covid e-pass platform," Himachal Pradesh Police tweeted. "Shimla Police is registering an FIR under relevant sections of IPC and IT Act for further legal action."

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HP Police is in receipt of a complaint regarding fake registration in the name of Mr. Donald Trump and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan in the Covid e-pass platform. Shimla Police is registering a FIR under relevant sections of IPC and IT Act for further legal action.<a href="https://twitter.com/CMOHimachal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOHimachal</a>
— Himachal Pradesh Police (@himachalpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/himachalpolice/status/1390587975566651393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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E-passes have been made compulsory for people wanting to enter the state of Himachal Pradesh to contain the spread of coronavirus.

These fake e-passes — HP-2563825 and HP-2563287 — had the same phone number and Aadhar Card number, a police spokesperson reported.

An FIR has now been registered at the Shimla East police station on behalf of Department of Information Technology, Himachal Pradesh. The department has alleged that misinformation about the issuance of e-passes was being spread around through social media and news channels, the spokesperson said.

The local police of Himachal Pradesh caught two fake e-passes issued in the names of former US President Donald Trump and Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan. "HP Police is in receipt of a complaint regarding fake registration in the name of Mr.

The local police of Himachal Pradesh caught two fake e-passes issued in the names of former US President Donald Trump and Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan. "HP Police is in receipt of a complaint regarding fake registration in the name of Mr. Donald Trump and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan in the Covid e-pass platform," Himachal Pradesh Police tweeted. "Shimla Police is registering an FIR under relevant sections of IPC and IT Act for further legal action." HP Police is in receipt of a complaint regarding fake registration in the name of Mr. Donald Trump and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan in the Covid e-pass platform. Shimla Police is registering a FIR under relevant sections of IPC and IT Act for further legal action.@CMOHimachal — Himachal Pradesh Police (@himachalpolice) May 7, 2021 × E-passes have been made compulsory for people wanting to enter the state of Himachal Pradesh to contain the spread of coronavirus. These fake e-passes — HP-2563825 and HP-2563287 — had the same phone number and Aadhar Card number, a police spokesperson reported. An FIR has now been registered at the Shimla East police station on behalf of Department of Information Technology, Himachal Pradesh. The department has alleged that misinformation about the issuance of e-passes was being spread around through social media and news channels, the spokesperson said.

Fake e-passes issued in names of Amitabh Bachchan, Donald Trump

The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to impose ‘corona curfew’ in the state from May 7 till midnight of May 16 to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission.

An FIR will also be registered against families hiding information about COVID-infected patients in Himachal Pradesh's Solang district, according to the office of Gram Panchayat, Solang.&nbsp;

The Gram Panchayat Secretary ordered that shopkeepers found without masks and gloves will be fined Rs 500 because of Corona curfew from midnight of May 6.&nbsp;

It has been mandatory to wear masks at all public places in the village.

People who will be travelling from outside to the village will have to undergo a seven-day quarantine, said the secretary.

Meanwhile, families of COVID patients have to also undergo a 14-day home quarantine.

As per the Union Health Ministry, Himachal Pradesh has 25,902 active COVID cases. In the last 24 hours, the state recorded 2,330 new cases and 32 related deaths.

India recorded a new high of 4,12,262 new Covid cases and 3,980 deaths, taking the country's tally to 2,10,77,410.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to impose ‘corona curfew’ in the state from May 7 till midnight of May 16 to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission.

The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to impose ‘corona curfew’ in the state from May 7 till midnight of May 16 to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission. An FIR will also be registered against families hiding information about COVID-infected patients in Himachal Pradesh's Solang district, according to the office of Gram Panchayat, Solang. The Gram Panchayat Secretary ordered that shopkeepers found without masks and gloves will be fined Rs 500 because of Corona curfew from midnight of May 6. It has been mandatory to wear masks at all public places in the village. People who will be travelling from outside to the village will have to undergo a seven-day quarantine, said the secretary. Meanwhile, families of COVID patients have to also undergo a 14-day home quarantine. As per the Union Health Ministry, Himachal Pradesh has 25,902 active COVID cases. In the last 24 hours, the state recorded 2,330 new cases and 32 related deaths. India recorded a new high of 4,12,262 new Covid cases and 3,980 deaths, taking the country's tally to 2,10,77,410. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 in Himachal Pradesh: FIR for hiding COVID-infection, fine for not wearing mask

Speaking loudly can also lead to spread of coronavirus, Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Vipin Singh Parmar said today as he asked MLAs to strictly abide by the COVID-19 protocol, especially during the Assembly session.

On Monday, the BJP MLA Reeta Devi tested positive for COVID-19.

According to the MLA, she attended the Assembly session before her COVID-19 test was conducted on Monday evening, but maintained physical distance from other MLAs in the Assembly complex.

At the beginning of the Assembly session on the second day, Mr Parmar said, "As per standard operating procedure, speaking loudly could also lead to the spread of the virus. So, talk in a normal way to check spread of novel coronavirus."

At this remark, MLAs burst into laughter and several of them even spoke loudly while participating in the discussion on the adjournment motion moved by the Leader of Opposition on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Speaker welcomed back BJP's Doon MLA Paramjeet Singh Pammi, who joined the session today after recovering from COVID-19. He had tested positive for the viral infection on August 17.

State Power Minister Sukh Ram Chaudhary also attended the session both on Monday and Tuesday following his recovery from the disease. He had tested positive for coronavirus on August 6 and following his recovery on August 23, he remained in home quarantine.

Currently three legislators - Jal Shakti Minister Mahender Singh Thakur, Reeta Devi and Nalagarh Congress MLA Lakhvinder Singh Rana have COVID-19.

The Assembly Speaker urged all MLAs that instead of attending the session, they should home quarantine themselves if they experience any influenza-like illness (ILI) symptom. Mr Parmar also urged them to get themselves to undergo thermal screening while entering the Assembly complex.

Speaking loudly can also lead to spread of coronavirus, Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Vipin Singh Parmar said today as he asked MLAs to strictly abide by the COVID-19 protocol, especially during the Assembly session.

Speaking loudly can also lead to spread of coronavirus, Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Vipin Singh Parmar said today as he asked MLAs to strictly abide by the COVID-19 protocol, especially during the Assembly session. On Monday, the BJP MLA Reeta Devi tested positive for COVID-19. According to the MLA, she attended the Assembly session before her COVID-19 test was conducted on Monday evening, but maintained physical distance from other MLAs in the Assembly complex. At the beginning of the Assembly session on the second day, Mr Parmar said, "As per standard operating procedure, speaking loudly could also lead to the spread of the virus. So, talk in a normal way to check spread of novel coronavirus." At this remark, MLAs burst into laughter and several of them even spoke loudly while participating in the discussion on the adjournment motion moved by the Leader of Opposition on Monday. Meanwhile, the Speaker welcomed back BJP's Doon MLA Paramjeet Singh Pammi, who joined the session today after recovering from COVID-19. He had tested positive for the viral infection on August 17. State Power Minister Sukh Ram Chaudhary also attended the session both on Monday and Tuesday following his recovery from the disease. He had tested positive for coronavirus on August 6 and following his recovery on August 23, he remained in home quarantine. Currently three legislators - Jal Shakti Minister Mahender Singh Thakur, Reeta Devi and Nalagarh Congress MLA Lakhvinder Singh Rana have COVID-19. The Assembly Speaker urged all MLAs that instead of attending the session, they should home quarantine themselves if they experience any influenza-like illness (ILI) symptom. Mr Parmar also urged them to get themselves to undergo thermal screening while entering the Assembly complex.

Speaking loudly could spread covid-19, says Himachal speaker; MLAs laugh

Five people died and 35 were injured as a bus coming from Uttarakhand fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district on Tuesday morning, police said.

The accident took place at Chehli village in the Chamba Sadar area around 6.45 am. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus was on its way to Chamba from Dehradun, Chamba SP Monika Bhatungru said.

The injured, including several women and children, have been sent to the Chamba medical college for treatment. They were rescued with the help of the fire brigade personnel and locals, police said.

The deceased have been identified as Yogesh Kumar (47), Pooja Kumari (28), Rajiv Kumar (37), Mani Ram (33) and Dawat Ali (30), police added.

Prima facie, it has been found that the accident took place due to negligent and rash driving, police said, adding that a case was registered against bus driver Naresh Kumar of Kangra’s Jawali under Sections 279, 337 and 304-A of IPC.

Most of the deceased and the injured belong to Chamba district.

Meanwhile, talking to the media in state capital Shimla, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur expressed grief over the accident.

Five people died and 35 were injured as a bus coming from Uttarakhand fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district on Tuesday morning, police said. The accident took place at Chehli village in the Chamba Sadar area around 6.

Five people died and 35 were injured as a bus coming from Uttarakhand fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district on Tuesday morning, police said. The accident took place at Chehli village in the Chamba Sadar area around 6.45 am. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus was on its way to Chamba from Dehradun, Chamba SP Monika Bhatungru said. The injured, including several women and children, have been sent to the Chamba medical college for treatment. They were rescued with the help of the fire brigade personnel and locals, police said. The deceased have been identified as Yogesh Kumar (47), Pooja Kumari (28), Rajiv Kumar (37), Mani Ram (33) and Dawat Ali (30), police added. Prima facie, it has been found that the accident took place due to negligent and rash driving, police said, adding that a case was registered against bus driver Naresh Kumar of Kangra’s Jawali under Sections 279, 337 and 304-A of IPC. Most of the deceased and the injured belong to Chamba district. Meanwhile, talking to the media in state capital Shimla, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur expressed grief over the accident.

Five dead, 35 injured as bus falls into gorge in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba

Parts of north India shivered under cold conditions on Sunday with the weather department issuing a warning for heavy rain and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh even as there was some respite for Kashmir where the mercury continued its upward trend.

The minimum temperature in Delhi recorded a rise of around two notches from that on Saturday, settling at 6.9 degrees Celsius while the maximum was recorded at 22.7 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity oscillated between 100 per cent and 59 per cent.

Cold conditions persisted in Himachal Pradesh with the meteorological department issuing a yellow weather warning for heavy rain and snowfall in the state for Tuesday.

The weather office issues colour-coded warnings to alert people ahead of severe or hazardous weather that has the potential to cause "damage, widespread disruption or danger to life". Yellow, the least dangerous of all the weather warnings, indicates possibility of a severe weather.

Tribal district Lahaul-Spiti's administrative centre Keylong recorded the lowest temperature in the state at minus 9.3 degrees Celsius.

Kinnaur's Kalpa recorded a low of minus 5.6 degree Celsius and the minimum temperature in both Manali and Kufri was minus 0.8 degrees Celsius, he said, adding the minimum temperatures in Dalhousie and Shimla was 1.5 degrees Celsius and 3.8 degrees Celsius respectively.

Una recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 23 degrees Celsius, Singh said.

The weatherman has forecast rain and snowfall in middle and high hills of the state from January 27 to 29 and on January 31. It issued the yellow warning of heavy rain, snowfall for January 28 only.

However, residents of Kashmir Valley got respite from intense cold wave conditions, with the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir recording a minimum temperature of minus 0.2 degrees Celsius as against the previous night's minus 3 degrees Celsius.

Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 0.7 degrees Celsius, an increase of nearly six notches from the previous night's minus 6.4 degrees Celsius.

The night temperature in Pahalgam settled at a low of minus 3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature in Kokernag was 2 degrees Celsius. The Valley might witness light rains or snow over the next three days.

A thick blanket of fog enveloped several places in Punjab and Haryana over which numbing cold maintained its grip, with Chandigarh, the joint capital of the two states, recording a minimum temperature of 7.1 degrees Celsius.

Adampur in Punjab was the coldest place in both the states as it registered its low at 2.3 degrees Celsius.

Both Amritsar and Ludhiana shivered at 5.1 degrees Celsius while Patiala recorded a low of 5.5 degrees Celsius. Pathankot, Halwara, Bathinda, Faridkot and Gurdaspur registered minimum temperatures at 6.5 degrees Celsius, 3.2 degrees Celsius, 3.6 degrees Celsius, 4.6 degrees Celsius and 7.3 degrees Celsius.

In Haryana, Ambala, Hisar and Karnal recorded cold weather conditions at 5.2 degrees Celsius, 4.8 degrees Celsius and 5.4 degrees Celsius respectively, up to three degrees below normal.

Dense fog was also witnessed in parts of Uttar Pradesh where Bahraich was the coldest place with the mercury dipping to 4.4 degrees Celsius.

Lucknow recorded a minimum temperature of 7.8 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 21 degrees Celsius. The meteorological department has forecast rains and thundershowers at many places in the state on Monday and Tuesday.

Rajasthan's Sikar shivered at 4.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Sriganganagar 6.5 degrees Celsius and Churu 6.8 degrees Celsius. The weatherman has predicted light rainfall in Jaipur and Bikaner divisions till tomorrow.

A cyclonic circulation over parts of Rajasthan and south Gujarat may cause light, unseasonal rains in Saurashtra region and in Vadodara district which may lead to rise in maximum temperatures by 2-3 degrees, followed by a gradual fall in minimum temperatures over another two days.

Naliya in Kutch district recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Gujarat at 10 degrees Celsius while Gandhinagar registered a low of 11 degrees Celsius, Keshod 11.6 degrees Celsius, Deesa 11.4 degrees Celsius and Ahmedabad 12.9 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

Parts of north India shivered under cold conditions on Sunday with the weather department issuing a warning for heavy rain and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh even as there was some respite for Kashmir where the mercury continued its upward trend.

Parts of north India shivered under cold conditions on Sunday with the weather department issuing a warning for heavy rain and snowfall in Himachal Pradesh even as there was some respite for Kashmir where the mercury continued its upward trend. The minimum temperature in Delhi recorded a rise of around two notches from that on Saturday, settling at 6.9 degrees Celsius while the maximum was recorded at 22.7 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity oscillated between 100 per cent and 59 per cent. Cold conditions persisted in Himachal Pradesh with the meteorological department issuing a yellow weather warning for heavy rain and snowfall in the state for Tuesday. The weather office issues colour-coded warnings to alert people ahead of severe or hazardous weather that has the potential to cause "damage, widespread disruption or danger to life". Yellow, the least dangerous of all the weather warnings, indicates possibility of a severe weather. Tribal district Lahaul-Spiti's administrative centre Keylong recorded the lowest temperature in the state at minus 9.3 degrees Celsius. Kinnaur's Kalpa recorded a low of minus 5.6 degree Celsius and the minimum temperature in both Manali and Kufri was minus 0.8 degrees Celsius, he said, adding the minimum temperatures in Dalhousie and Shimla was 1.5 degrees Celsius and 3.8 degrees Celsius respectively. Una recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 23 degrees Celsius, Singh said. The weatherman has forecast rain and snowfall in middle and high hills of the state from January 27 to 29 and on January 31. It issued the yellow warning of heavy rain, snowfall for January 28 only. However, residents of Kashmir Valley got respite from intense cold wave conditions, with the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir recording a minimum temperature of minus 0.2 degrees Celsius as against the previous night's minus 3 degrees Celsius. Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 0.7 degrees Celsius, an increase of nearly six notches from the previous night's minus 6.4 degrees Celsius. The night temperature in Pahalgam settled at a low of minus 3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature in Kokernag was 2 degrees Celsius. The Valley might witness light rains or snow over the next three days. A thick blanket of fog enveloped several places in Punjab and Haryana over which numbing cold maintained its grip, with Chandigarh, the joint capital of the two states, recording a minimum temperature of 7.1 degrees Celsius. Adampur in Punjab was the coldest place in both the states as it registered its low at 2.3 degrees Celsius. Both Amritsar and Ludhiana shivered at 5.1 degrees Celsius while Patiala recorded a low of 5.5 degrees Celsius. Pathankot, Halwara, Bathinda, Faridkot and Gurdaspur registered minimum temperatures at 6.5 degrees Celsius, 3.2 degrees Celsius, 3.6 degrees Celsius, 4.6 degrees Celsius and 7.3 degrees Celsius. In Haryana, Ambala, Hisar and Karnal recorded cold weather conditions at 5.2 degrees Celsius, 4.8 degrees Celsius and 5.4 degrees Celsius respectively, up to three degrees below normal. Dense fog was also witnessed in parts of Uttar Pradesh where Bahraich was the coldest place with the mercury dipping to 4.4 degrees Celsius. Lucknow recorded a minimum temperature of 7.8 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 21 degrees Celsius. The meteorological department has forecast rains and thundershowers at many places in the state on Monday and Tuesday. Rajasthan's Sikar shivered at 4.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Sriganganagar 6.5 degrees Celsius and Churu 6.8 degrees Celsius. The weatherman has predicted light rainfall in Jaipur and Bikaner divisions till tomorrow. A cyclonic circulation over parts of Rajasthan and south Gujarat may cause light, unseasonal rains in Saurashtra region and in Vadodara district which may lead to rise in maximum temperatures by 2-3 degrees, followed by a gradual fall in minimum temperatures over another two days. Naliya in Kutch district recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Gujarat at 10 degrees Celsius while Gandhinagar registered a low of 11 degrees Celsius, Keshod 11.6 degrees Celsius, Deesa 11.4 degrees Celsius and Ahmedabad 12.9 degrees Celsius.

Parts of north India in grip of cold conditions; heavy rain, snowfall forecast for Himachal Pradesh

Visiting hill stations in India is a sad affair. I keep on running to them because I saw most of the majestic mountains with my father. The visits evoke powerful childhood memories, but each time I go I end up coming back to Delhi less satisfied and more disturbed.

Even the best of the virgin forests have been ravaged by plastic. The new infrastructure has been built but it ends up obliterating and destroying the history of the place. Be it Dehradun, Mussoorie or any other town which was discovered, settled and built by the British during pre-independent India, has now been ravaged beyond repair.

The crass commercialisation has robbed pristine charm from towns, urban-villages and even remote areas used for adventure tourism. Unlike the West and especially Europe, the older urban settlements are treated with care. The settlements preserve history through architecture and life cycle. There is a heritage value attached to the place. People of the town become the custodian of the place. Even remote cities like Vladivostok in Russia which has seen a massive urban renewal in the last 20 years have preserved monuments related to Czars and older Russia. Even Singapore which has seen massive rebuilding has been able to preserve Little India where tourists spend hours in the end for fun and food.

In India, the opposite seems to have happened. The modern urban incentive for immediate business has destroyed pristine places and finished a sense of ownership of the place. The logic of immediate benefit not only destroys the place but also ends up dislocating local community life in the long run.

The first example which comes to my mind is the small property which I and my brother own in a remote village adjacent to Pangot. The road from the hill station of Pangot ends 2 km after our village into virgin forest. The local developers want the road to reach the plains so that travel time can be cut to avoid travelling to Nanital to reach Haldwani, a trading town nestled on the foothills of Himalayas.

The local developers want this road cut through the dense forest and reach the town built adjacent to Jim Corbett National Park. When I ask, what will happen when trucks will start plying through the bird sanctuary and adjacent reserve forest on which tourist industry is based, the answer is the same. “Yeh bahut door ki baat kar dee.”

Both people and state have failed to create a sense of custodianship of jungles and tourist towns based on nature’s beauty in India. The massive construction in the Himalayas is not only destroying the beauty,&nbsp;but also incurring great ecological damage. In one of the walks I took from a guest house nestled 15 km from Dehradun on a less used road to Mussoorie, I found every corner with a Maggie Point. Comfort food but each shop in the middle of the Saal forest was adjacent to a dump pile. There was no sense of ownership. The lack of it is not limited to the working but also to the rich who have built ugly buildings right inside the reserve areas by bending the rules.

Not one city, from Tawang in the east to Dehradun and Shimla in the West has been able to retain its ethnic style of architecture or build a new one. The colonial structures are either with the government or Army. Rest have withered away.

Not only tourist places in mountains lack architectural style but also a policy which would enable it to have a character. It was heartening to see open defecation free semi-urban villages nestled in remote areas, but they continue to be devoid of garbage management facility.

I have been travelling to the Himalayas from the last 30 years. I have been privileged to have travelled in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh extensively. The modernity has definitely provided the benefit of communication, tourism and better lifestyle but lack of ownership of nature and rampant urbanisation without retaining the character of the place coupled with plastic has destroyed many pristine places.

There is still time to salvage beautiful places, but it would require civic action from people living in urban areas. These urban areas should become agents of change and conservation through poetry, art and public participation apart from just acting as economic engines of the state.

In the absence of the former, the economic engine would also fail because the engine rests on the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas which we seem to be intent on destroying. We desperately need a new type of urban renewal movement where people take over space from corrupt government and crony capitalists, who for quick money have destroyed many beautiful towns and countryside in the Himalayas.

The village where we have the house passes through Pangot. It is a classic example of urban monstrosity. What should have remained a birders paradise with nature blending architecture has turned into a garish mall which only ends up destroying nature without sustaining the local economy in the long run. None of them provides food outsourced from local communities. None of them re-cycle waste. None of them uses local material for building. None of them uses conservation techniques. And by the end of the day, all of them will end up destroying the edifice on which their business is built. 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Visiting hill stations in India is a sad affair. I keep on running to them because I saw most of the majestic mountains with my father. The visits evoke powerful childhood memories, but each time I go I end up coming back to Delhi less satisfied and more disturbed.

Visiting hill stations in India is a sad affair. I keep on running to them because I saw most of the majestic mountains with my father. The visits evoke powerful childhood memories, but each time I go I end up coming back to Delhi less satisfied and more disturbed. Even the best of the virgin forests have been ravaged by plastic. The new infrastructure has been built but it ends up obliterating and destroying the history of the place. Be it Dehradun, Mussoorie or any other town which was discovered, settled and built by the British during pre-independent India, has now been ravaged beyond repair. The crass commercialisation has robbed pristine charm from towns, urban-villages and even remote areas used for adventure tourism. Unlike the West and especially Europe, the older urban settlements are treated with care. The settlements preserve history through architecture and life cycle. There is a heritage value attached to the place. People of the town become the custodian of the place. Even remote cities like Vladivostok in Russia which has seen a massive urban renewal in the last 20 years have preserved monuments related to Czars and older Russia. Even Singapore which has seen massive rebuilding has been able to preserve Little India where tourists spend hours in the end for fun and food. In India, the opposite seems to have happened. The modern urban incentive for immediate business has destroyed pristine places and finished a sense of ownership of the place. The logic of immediate benefit not only destroys the place but also ends up dislocating local community life in the long run. The first example which comes to my mind is the small property which I and my brother own in a remote village adjacent to Pangot. The road from the hill station of Pangot ends 2 km after our village into virgin forest. The local developers want the road to reach the plains so that travel time can be cut to avoid travelling to Nanital to reach Haldwani, a trading town nestled on the foothills of Himalayas. The local developers want this road cut through the dense forest and reach the town built adjacent to Jim Corbett National Park. When I ask, what will happen when trucks will start plying through the bird sanctuary and adjacent reserve forest on which tourist industry is based, the answer is the same. “Yeh bahut door ki baat kar dee.” Both people and state have failed to create a sense of custodianship of jungles and tourist towns based on nature’s beauty in India. The massive construction in the Himalayas is not only destroying the beauty, but also incurring great ecological damage. In one of the walks I took from a guest house nestled 15 km from Dehradun on a less used road to Mussoorie, I found every corner with a Maggie Point. Comfort food but each shop in the middle of the Saal forest was adjacent to a dump pile. There was no sense of ownership. The lack of it is not limited to the working but also to the rich who have built ugly buildings right inside the reserve areas by bending the rules. Not one city, from Tawang in the east to Dehradun and Shimla in the West has been able to retain its ethnic style of architecture or build a new one. The colonial structures are either with the government or Army. Rest have withered away. Not only tourist places in mountains lack architectural style but also a policy which would enable it to have a character. It was heartening to see open defecation free semi-urban villages nestled in remote areas, but they continue to be devoid of garbage management facility. I have been travelling to the Himalayas from the last 30 years. I have been privileged to have travelled in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh extensively. The modernity has definitely provided the benefit of communication, tourism and better lifestyle but lack of ownership of nature and rampant urbanisation without retaining the character of the place coupled with plastic has destroyed many pristine places. There is still time to salvage beautiful places, but it would require civic action from people living in urban areas. These urban areas should become agents of change and conservation through poetry, art and public participation apart from just acting as economic engines of the state. In the absence of the former, the economic engine would also fail because the engine rests on the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas which we seem to be intent on destroying. We desperately need a new type of urban renewal movement where people take over space from corrupt government and crony capitalists, who for quick money have destroyed many beautiful towns and countryside in the Himalayas. The village where we have the house passes through Pangot. It is a classic example of urban monstrosity. What should have remained a birders paradise with nature blending architecture has turned into a garish mall which only ends up destroying nature without sustaining the local economy in the long run. None of them provides food outsourced from local communities. None of them re-cycle waste. None of them uses local material for building. None of them uses conservation techniques. And by the end of the day, all of them will end up destroying the edifice on which their business is built. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The sorry state of Himalayas

In a brave attempt, police personnel and local villagers from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/leftists-are-spreading-rumours-pm-modi-should-intervene-and-restore-education-in-varsities-say-academicians-273819">Himachal Pradesh's</a> Lahaul-Spiti district physically carried a policeman, who had suffered a medical emergency, trudging through a thick blanket of snow for over 7 kilometers to reach a hospital. 
 
In a video, the braveheart policemen can be seen carrying the cop on a makeshift stretcher through the snow-covered region. Locals accompanied the police team walking behind them in a line till they reached the hospital. 
 
The incident took place on the morning of January 17. 
 
According to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-quality-plunges-to-very-poor-category-light-rains-expected-today-273896">India Meteorological Department</a>, Himachal Pradesh is likely to receive snow or rain on Saturday due to the prevalence of Western Disturbance over central Pakistan and the neighborhood.

In a brave attempt, police personnel and local villagers from Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti district physically carried a policeman, who had suffered a medical emergency, trudging through a thick blanket of snow for over 7 kilometers to reach a hospital.

In a brave attempt, police personnel and local villagers from Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti district physically carried a policeman, who had suffered a medical emergency, trudging through a thick blanket of snow for over 7 kilometers to reach a hospital. In a video, the braveheart policemen can be seen carrying the cop on a makeshift stretcher through the snow-covered region. Locals accompanied the police team walking behind them in a line till they reached the hospital. The incident took place on the morning of January 17. According to the India Meteorological Department, Himachal Pradesh is likely to receive snow or rain on Saturday due to the prevalence of Western Disturbance over central Pakistan and the neighborhood.

Policemen, villagers carry sick policeman in Lahaul-Spiti for 7 km

As many as 15 people sustained injuries after a bus rolled down from a National Highway and plunged into a deep gorge near <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-kinnaur-receives-snowfall-schools-closed-264814">Himachal Pradesh</a>'s Bilaspur on Tuesday, police said.

The bus was carrying 57 people at the time the incident occurred, Bilaspur's Additional Superintendent of Police Bhagmal said.

The injured have been shifted to a hospital in Bilaspur for treatment.

As many as 15 people sustained injuries after a bus rolled down from a National Highway and plunged into a deep gorge near Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur on Tuesday, police said.

As many as 15 people sustained injuries after a bus rolled down from a National Highway and plunged into a deep gorge near Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur on Tuesday, police said. The bus was carrying 57 people at the time the incident occurred, Bilaspur's Additional Superintendent of Police Bhagmal said. The injured have been shifted to a hospital in Bilaspur for treatment.

Himachal Pradesh: 15 injured after bus falls into gorge near Bilaspur

BJP working president JP Nadda on Friday said that the Congress government had scrapped the special category status of Himachal Pradesh adding that the Modi-led government restored the same.

Special category is a classification given by the Central government in a bid to grant special assistance in the development of states that face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages.

"When the Congress party was in power in the Centre, Himachal Pradesh was removed from the list of special category states. However, when Modi Ji's government came to power in the year 2014, the government pro-actively restored it without any demands," Nadda said.

The BJP working president was addressing a public rally to commemorate the party's second year in power in the state, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur were also present.

"Atal Bihari Vajpayee gave a special economic package to Himachal, which led to a lot of development in the state. But when the Congress government came to power, they withdrew the package granted for a period of 10 years within seven years," Nadda said.

He also outlined BJP government's initiative of presenting report card of its development work to the public and said, "The BJP government started the practice to show a report card of the work to the people. Congress government did not have the culture of seeking votes on the basis of developmental work".

Nadda also said that everyone wanted the Citizenship Amendment Act but could not do so.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed the will to bring the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, and together with the efforts of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Bill was enacted," Nadda said.&nbsp;

BJP working president JP Nadda on Friday said that the Congress government had scrapped the special category status of Himachal Pradesh adding that the Modi-led government restored the same.

BJP working president JP Nadda on Friday said that the Congress government had scrapped the special category status of Himachal Pradesh adding that the Modi-led government restored the same. Special category is a classification given by the Central government in a bid to grant special assistance in the development of states that face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages. "When the Congress party was in power in the Centre, Himachal Pradesh was removed from the list of special category states. However, when Modi Ji's government came to power in the year 2014, the government pro-actively restored it without any demands," Nadda said. The BJP working president was addressing a public rally to commemorate the party's second year in power in the state, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur were also present. "Atal Bihari Vajpayee gave a special economic package to Himachal, which led to a lot of development in the state. But when the Congress government came to power, they withdrew the package granted for a period of 10 years within seven years," Nadda said. He also outlined BJP government's initiative of presenting report card of its development work to the public and said, "The BJP government started the practice to show a report card of the work to the people. Congress government did not have the culture of seeking votes on the basis of developmental work". Nadda also said that everyone wanted the Citizenship Amendment Act but could not do so. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed the will to bring the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, and together with the efforts of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Bill was enacted," Nadda said.

PM Modi led government restored special status of Himachal: JP Nadda

Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district is covered with snow due to a drop in temperatures on Wednesday. 
 
The roofs of houses, the cars on roads, trees and shrubs are all covered in a blanket of fresh, white snow in sub-zero temperatures. 
 
Due to the freezing conditions, schools in Kalpa and Pooh blocks of the district of Himachal Pradesh have been closed. 
 
"Due to heavy snowfall in Kinnaur, schools will remain closed today in Kalpa and Pooh blocks of the district," said Gopal Chand, Deputy Commissioner, Kinnaur District. 
 
The temperatures in these two districts are likely to be in the range of -1 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius for the next two days, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD). 
 
A yellow weather warning was also issued last week for heavy rain and snowfall in eight districts, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti. 
 
The IMD issues colour-coded warnings to alert the public ahead of severe or hazardous weather, with 'yellow' indicating least danger.

Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district is covered with snow due to a drop in temperatures on Wednesday. The roofs of houses, the cars on roads, trees and shrubs are all covered in a blanket of fresh, white snow in sub-zero temperatures.

Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district is covered with snow due to a drop in temperatures on Wednesday. The roofs of houses, the cars on roads, trees and shrubs are all covered in a blanket of fresh, white snow in sub-zero temperatures. Due to the freezing conditions, schools in Kalpa and Pooh blocks of the district of Himachal Pradesh have been closed. "Due to heavy snowfall in Kinnaur, schools will remain closed today in Kalpa and Pooh blocks of the district," said Gopal Chand, Deputy Commissioner, Kinnaur District. The temperatures in these two districts are likely to be in the range of -1 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius for the next two days, predicted India Meteorological Department (IMD). A yellow weather warning was also issued last week for heavy rain and snowfall in eight districts, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti. The IMD issues colour-coded warnings to alert the public ahead of severe or hazardous weather, with 'yellow' indicating least danger.

Himachal Pradesh: Kinnaur receives snowfall, schools closed

Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are likely to receive rainfall, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.

Owing to a western disturbance after a cyclonic circulation over Iran, these regions will receive rain.

While Jammu and Kashmir is expected to receive rains on Thursday and Friday, Himachal Pradesh will experience a refresher on Friday.

Besides the two north Indian states, rainfall is also likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal today as well as tomorrow.

The thunderstorm will be accompanied by lightning at places in the South Peninsula over the next two days.&nbsp;

In the capital city, Delhi, the sky will remain clear with minimum and maximum temperatures of 12 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius respectively.

Mumbai, the financial capital of India will experience clear skies with a temperature between 21 degrees and 35 degrees, with relative humidity in the region at 60 per cent.

(With inputs from ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are likely to receive rainfall, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. Owing to a western disturbance after a cyclonic circulation over Iran, these regions will receive rain.

Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are likely to receive rainfall, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. Owing to a western disturbance after a cyclonic circulation over Iran, these regions will receive rain. While Jammu and Kashmir is expected to receive rains on Thursday and Friday, Himachal Pradesh will experience a refresher on Friday. Besides the two north Indian states, rainfall is also likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal today as well as tomorrow. The thunderstorm will be accompanied by lightning at places in the South Peninsula over the next two days. In the capital city, Delhi, the sky will remain clear with minimum and maximum temperatures of 12 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius respectively. Mumbai, the financial capital of India will experience clear skies with a temperature between 21 degrees and 35 degrees, with relative humidity in the region at 60 per cent. (With inputs from ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh to receive rainfall as cyclone circulation gains stronghold over Iran

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said that isolated places over Bihar, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat are likely to receive heavy rainfall today.

The weather forecast agency further stated that areas over Sub-Himalayan, West Bengal and Sikkim are also likely to receive heavy downpour throughout the day.

"Heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls very likely at isolated places over Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam and Meghalaya," stated IMD in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.

Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning are very likely to occur at isolated places over Madhya Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha and Odisha.

Squally weather is likely to prevail over Gujarat coast and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea and east Indian Ocean and adjoining the southwest Bay of Bengal.Strong winds, speed reaching 40-50 kmph, is likely to prevail over north Bay of Bengal.

The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next couple of days.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said that isolated places over Bihar, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat are likely to receive heavy rainfall today.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said that isolated places over Bihar, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat are likely to receive heavy rainfall today. The weather forecast agency further stated that areas over Sub-Himalayan, West Bengal and Sikkim are also likely to receive heavy downpour throughout the day. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls very likely at isolated places over Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam and Meghalaya," stated IMD in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning are very likely to occur at isolated places over Madhya Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha and Odisha. Squally weather is likely to prevail over Gujarat coast and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea and east Indian Ocean and adjoining the southwest Bay of Bengal.Strong winds, speed reaching 40-50 kmph, is likely to prevail over north Bay of Bengal. The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next couple of days.

IMD predicts heavy rainfall for Bihar, Himachal Pradesh

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers in some parts of the state on Sunday.

The IMD Shimla made the predictions at&nbsp;noon for the next three hours in the day.

"Light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers accompanied with hail very likely to occur in the districts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Kangra," the weather body said in its bulletin.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers in some parts of the state on Sunday. The IMD Shimla made the predictions at noon for the next three hours in the day.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers in some parts of the state on Sunday. The IMD Shimla made the predictions at noon for the next three hours in the day. "Light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers accompanied with hail very likely to occur in the districts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Kangra," the weather body said in its bulletin.

IMD predicts rainfall, thunderstorm in parts of Himachal Pradesh today

Two consecutive earthquakes hit Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on Monday afternoon.

An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale hit Jammu and Kashmir and Chamba region in Himachal Pradesh at 12:10 pm.

"Earthquake of Magnitude:5.0, Occurred on 09-09-2019, 12:10:31 IST, Lat:32.9 N &amp; Long: 76.1 E, Depth: 5 Km, Region: Jammu and Kashmir- Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) Border Region," IMD tweeted.

Half an hour later, another earthquake with a magnitude of 3.2 on the Richter scale hit the same region again at 12:40 pm."Earthquake of Magnitude:3.2, Occurred on 09-09-2019, 12:40:16 IST, Lat:32.9 N &amp; Long: 76.0 E, Depth: 5 Km, Region: Jammu and Kashmir- Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) Border Region," IMD tweeted. 
 
&nbsp;

Two consecutive earthquakes hit Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on Monday afternoon. An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale hit Jammu and Kashmir and Chamba region in Himachal Pradesh at 12:10 pm.

Two consecutive earthquakes hit Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on Monday afternoon. An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale hit Jammu and Kashmir and Chamba region in Himachal Pradesh at 12:10 pm. "Earthquake of Magnitude:5.0, Occurred on 09-09-2019, 12:10:31 IST, Lat:32.9 N & Long: 76.1 E, Depth: 5 Km, Region: Jammu and Kashmir- Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) Border Region," IMD tweeted. Half an hour later, another earthquake with a magnitude of 3.2 on the Richter scale hit the same region again at 12:40 pm."Earthquake of Magnitude:3.2, Occurred on 09-09-2019, 12:40:16 IST, Lat:32.9 N & Long: 76.0 E, Depth: 5 Km, Region: Jammu and Kashmir- Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) Border Region," IMD tweeted.

Earthquake jolts J-K, Himachal''s Chamba region

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday made five new appointments for the posts of Governor in Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana and Rajasthan.

Kalraj Mishra has been transferred from Himachal Pradesh to Rajasthan, where he replaces Kalyan Singh as the new Governor. Bandaru Dattatreya replaces Mishra in Himachal Pradesh.

Bhagat Singh Koshyari has been appointed the new Governor of Maharashtra shunting out Vidyasagar Rao.

In Kerala, Arif Mohammed Khan replaces P. Sathasivam as the new Governor.

Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan has been made the new governor of Telangana replacing ESL Narasimhan.

''The above appointments will take effect from the dates they assume charge of their respective offices,'' a Rashtrapati Bhawan communique said.&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday made five new appointments for the posts of Governor in Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana and Rajasthan. Kalraj Mishra has been transferred from Himachal Pradesh to Rajasthan, where he replaces Kalyan Singh as the new Governor.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday made five new appointments for the posts of Governor in Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana and Rajasthan. Kalraj Mishra has been transferred from Himachal Pradesh to Rajasthan, where he replaces Kalyan Singh as the new Governor. Bandaru Dattatreya replaces Mishra in Himachal Pradesh. Bhagat Singh Koshyari has been appointed the new Governor of Maharashtra shunting out Vidyasagar Rao. In Kerala, Arif Mohammed Khan replaces P. Sathasivam as the new Governor. Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan has been made the new governor of Telangana replacing ESL Narasimhan. ''The above appointments will take effect from the dates they assume charge of their respective offices,'' a Rashtrapati Bhawan communique said.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief among new Governors appointed in 5 states

Kuzuzangpa la! I feel privileged to file this column from Thimphu, the beautiful capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. With a host of other historians, biographers, musicians, intellectuals, and artists—local, Indian, and international, I am an invited speaker at the 10th anniversary edition of Mountain Echoes, ‘The Bhutan festival of arts, literature and culture’. The inaugural session has just concluded with a moving tribute to the recently deceased father of Her Majesty the Royal Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Queen Mother is not only the patron but also one of the founders of the festival. In fact, the festival was conceived in her drawing room in a conversation with curator Namita Gokhale and our then ambassador Pavan Varma, author, senior JD (U) leader, and former MP. In subsequent years, Mita Kapur, Pramod Kumar and their Bhutanese partners have taken the festival forward, with support from the Jaypee group. Ten years ago, I could not make it to the festival opening, so I am especially happy to be here for its 10th anniversary. 
&nbsp; 
In a way, the over-riding theme of Mountain Echoes, which is to share stories and create memories, also sums up its importance. Even those who considered Bhutan as little more than an attractive tourist destination suddenly became aware of its strategic significance after the Doklam crisis. The tiny mountain kingdom, with a population of less than a million, is of immense value to India as a long-standing friend and partner. The Indo-Bhutan friendship treaties of 1949 and 2007 only reinforced this well-known geopolitical and historic fact. Indeed, the Indian embassy in Bhutan, with its 74-acre campus, is the largest anywhere in the world. No wonder the current ambassador, Ruchira Kambhoj, is fully backing the festival. 
&nbsp; 
India also plays a crucial role in the economic, technological and industrial development of Bhutan. With a peaceable, law-abiding, and contented population, Bhutan is considered a modern Shangri-La. Indeed, it prides itself on its very high Gross National Happiness (GNH) index. The phrase itself was the coinage of the former king, His Highness Jigme Singye Wangchuck. In an interview with a Financial Times correspondent at Mumbai airport in 1972, he famously quipped, “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product.” This idea is now recognised by the UN and has worldwide acceptance. Indeed Bhutan, which has practically no crime or corruption, is a rather special place in today’s ugly, aggressive, and stressful times. It is perfectly safe for locals and tourists alike, in addition to being relatively unspoilt.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Mountain Echoes, organised by the India-Bhutan Foundation in association with Siyahi, is a valuable avenue of strengthening and cementing people-to-people ties between our two countries. As the Queen Mother said, sharing each other’s stories of happiness and sorrow can create more lasting bonds than merely diplomatic relations between two nations. I was personally very moved by her reminiscences of her father, a self-made, frugal, hardworking, highly disciplined and compassionate man who presented an inspiring model to his many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The house of Wangchuk to which the monarchy belongs was founded in 1907. The 39-year-old His Highness Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk is the current monarch, his father having abdicated in his favour in 2006. From wielding absolute authority, the Wangchuks have gradually favoured devolution of powers to democratic and elected institutions. Like Hindus, Buddhists also share the idea of the Dharma-Raja, the righteous ruler who selflessly serves the people and upholds Dharma. That is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi, although an elected leader and not monarch, is immensely popular in Bhutan as his recent visit shows. The people here consider him a righteous and selfless ruler.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
It would be in the fitness of things if we reciprocate Indo-Bhutanese friendship by hosting an Indian version of Mountain Echoes. It would also serve to highlight and celebrate our own myriad mountain cultures. Hill cultures of the Himalayas share over a millennium of Hindu-Buddhist Dharmic commonalities. Living in Himachal Pradesh as I do, I was struck by the similarities of the traditions and cultural practices, including language, food, music, dance, and religion, all the way from Ladakh to Bhutan nearly 3,000 kms away.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
There is a glorious cultural arc of Mahayana Buddhism that unites us. It passes through and includes Lahaul, Spiti, Dharamshala, Nalanda, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Tawang, going all the way to Lhasa, Tibet, and beyond to Mongolia. These precious cultural and civilisational ties have served us well both in times of adversity and prosperity. We need to preserve, protect, and enhance them for the coming generations too. “Mountain Echoes” offers an excellent platform for doing so. The organisers and curators, both Indian and Bhutanese, deserve our congratulations and felicitations on their successful 10th anniversary.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-sharing-stories-creating-memories-2784300">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Kuzuzangpa la! I feel privileged to file this column from Thimphu, the beautiful capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. With a host of other historians, biographers, musicians, intellectuals, and artists—local, Indian, and international, I am an invited speaker at the 10th anniversary edition of Mountain Echoes, ‘The Bhutan festival of arts, literature and culture’.

Kuzuzangpa la! I feel privileged to file this column from Thimphu, the beautiful capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. With a host of other historians, biographers, musicians, intellectuals, and artists—local, Indian, and international, I am an invited speaker at the 10th anniversary edition of Mountain Echoes, ‘The Bhutan festival of arts, literature and culture’. The inaugural session has just concluded with a moving tribute to the recently deceased father of Her Majesty the Royal Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The Queen Mother is not only the patron but also one of the founders of the festival. In fact, the festival was conceived in her drawing room in a conversation with curator Namita Gokhale and our then ambassador Pavan Varma, author, senior JD (U) leader, and former MP. In subsequent years, Mita Kapur, Pramod Kumar and their Bhutanese partners have taken the festival forward, with support from the Jaypee group. Ten years ago, I could not make it to the festival opening, so I am especially happy to be here for its 10th anniversary. In a way, the over-riding theme of Mountain Echoes, which is to share stories and create memories, also sums up its importance. Even those who considered Bhutan as little more than an attractive tourist destination suddenly became aware of its strategic significance after the Doklam crisis. The tiny mountain kingdom, with a population of less than a million, is of immense value to India as a long-standing friend and partner. The Indo-Bhutan friendship treaties of 1949 and 2007 only reinforced this well-known geopolitical and historic fact. Indeed, the Indian embassy in Bhutan, with its 74-acre campus, is the largest anywhere in the world. No wonder the current ambassador, Ruchira Kambhoj, is fully backing the festival. India also plays a crucial role in the economic, technological and industrial development of Bhutan. With a peaceable, law-abiding, and contented population, Bhutan is considered a modern Shangri-La. Indeed, it prides itself on its very high Gross National Happiness (GNH) index. The phrase itself was the coinage of the former king, His Highness Jigme Singye Wangchuck. In an interview with a Financial Times correspondent at Mumbai airport in 1972, he famously quipped, “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product.” This idea is now recognised by the UN and has worldwide acceptance. Indeed Bhutan, which has practically no crime or corruption, is a rather special place in today’s ugly, aggressive, and stressful times. It is perfectly safe for locals and tourists alike, in addition to being relatively unspoilt. Mountain Echoes, organised by the India-Bhutan Foundation in association with Siyahi, is a valuable avenue of strengthening and cementing people-to-people ties between our two countries. As the Queen Mother said, sharing each other’s stories of happiness and sorrow can create more lasting bonds than merely diplomatic relations between two nations. I was personally very moved by her reminiscences of her father, a self-made, frugal, hardworking, highly disciplined and compassionate man who presented an inspiring model to his many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The house of Wangchuk to which the monarchy belongs was founded in 1907. The 39-year-old His Highness Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk is the current monarch, his father having abdicated in his favour in 2006. From wielding absolute authority, the Wangchuks have gradually favoured devolution of powers to democratic and elected institutions. Like Hindus, Buddhists also share the idea of the Dharma-Raja, the righteous ruler who selflessly serves the people and upholds Dharma. That is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi, although an elected leader and not monarch, is immensely popular in Bhutan as his recent visit shows. The people here consider him a righteous and selfless ruler. It would be in the fitness of things if we reciprocate Indo-Bhutanese friendship by hosting an Indian version of Mountain Echoes. It would also serve to highlight and celebrate our own myriad mountain cultures. Hill cultures of the Himalayas share over a millennium of Hindu-Buddhist Dharmic commonalities. Living in Himachal Pradesh as I do, I was struck by the similarities of the traditions and cultural practices, including language, food, music, dance, and religion, all the way from Ladakh to Bhutan nearly 3,000 kms away. There is a glorious cultural arc of Mahayana Buddhism that unites us. It passes through and includes Lahaul, Spiti, Dharamshala, Nalanda, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Tawang, going all the way to Lhasa, Tibet, and beyond to Mongolia. These precious cultural and civilisational ties have served us well both in times of adversity and prosperity. We need to preserve, protect, and enhance them for the coming generations too. “Mountain Echoes” offers an excellent platform for doing so. The organisers and curators, both Indian and Bhutanese, deserve our congratulations and felicitations on their successful 10th anniversary. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India-Bhutan ties: Sharing stories, creating memories

Torrential rains in India's northern Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh forced floodgates to be opened on Sunday along a dam on the Beas River on the border with Punjab.

Floodgates open in India’s Himachal Pradesh after torrential monsoon rain

The death toll due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/step-in-for-relief-work-in-flood-rain-hit-areas-jp-nadda-urges-bjp-workers-243943">cloudburst in Arakot village of Uttarkashi</a>&nbsp;in Uttarakhand rose to 17 as personnel of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) launched an operation to rescue people stranded in the affected area on Monday morning.

"Seventeen people have died in the cloudburst in Mori tehsil," Secretary (Incharge) Disaster Management, SA Murugesan, told ANI.

For relief and rescue operations in the affected areas of Mori Tehsil of the district, the state government has pressed two helicopters into action that reached the village with communication equipment and ropes in the morning.

Makuri, Tikochi, Arakot are the most affected villages in the Mori area.

Relief teams were facing problems to reach the area due to damaged roads, an official said.

Three medical teams have also reached Arokot from Naugaon and Purola areas to deal with medical emergencies.

The SDRF has rescued an injured from Sanel and admitted him to a hospital in Arakot.

&nbsp;As many as 170 people have been shifted to the forest rest house.

The administration is also distributing relief material in the area and has started working to restore a bridge and wireless tower to resume communication in the region, an official said.

One team of SDRF personnel has been kept ready at Sahastradhara on standby mode.

On Sunday, police had recovered bodies of six people including a Nepali national in the border area of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarkashi.

Bad weather conditions on Sunday hampered the rescue operation in the region.

A cloudburst had hit Mori Tehsil in Uttarkashi district on Sunday, prompting the state government to dispatch teams of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to carry out rescue and evacuation operations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rainfall over the next three days in Uttarkashi.

All schools in Tehri, including government and private, will remain shut on Monday.&nbsp;

The death toll due to cloudburst in Arakot village of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand rose to 17 as personnel of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) launched an operation to rescue people stranded in the affected area on Monday morning.

The death toll due to cloudburst in Arakot village of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand rose to 17 as personnel of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) launched an operation to rescue people stranded in the affected area on Monday morning. "Seventeen people have died in the cloudburst in Mori tehsil," Secretary (Incharge) Disaster Management, SA Murugesan, told ANI. For relief and rescue operations in the affected areas of Mori Tehsil of the district, the state government has pressed two helicopters into action that reached the village with communication equipment and ropes in the morning. Makuri, Tikochi, Arakot are the most affected villages in the Mori area. Relief teams were facing problems to reach the area due to damaged roads, an official said. Three medical teams have also reached Arokot from Naugaon and Purola areas to deal with medical emergencies. The SDRF has rescued an injured from Sanel and admitted him to a hospital in Arakot. As many as 170 people have been shifted to the forest rest house. The administration is also distributing relief material in the area and has started working to restore a bridge and wireless tower to resume communication in the region, an official said. One team of SDRF personnel has been kept ready at Sahastradhara on standby mode. On Sunday, police had recovered bodies of six people including a Nepali national in the border area of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarkashi. Bad weather conditions on Sunday hampered the rescue operation in the region. A cloudburst had hit Mori Tehsil in Uttarkashi district on Sunday, prompting the state government to dispatch teams of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to carry out rescue and evacuation operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rainfall over the next three days in Uttarkashi. All schools in Tehri, including government and private, will remain shut on Monday.

Death toll reaches 17 in Uttarakhand cloudburst, SDRF launches rescue operation

Uttarakhand-Himachal reel under heavy floods, Manali-Leh highway also shut due to landslide. Watch this video to know more.

Uttarakhand-Himachal reel under heavy floods, Manali-Leh highway also shut due to landslide

As many as 150 people, including foreigners, were rescued after a road was washed away due to the incessant rain in Lahaul and Spiti district, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials said on Sunday.

The BRO shifted the people from Chhota Dara, Chhatru and Gramphu areas of the district to a safe place in a nearby village.

According to Colonel Uma Shanker, 38 Border Road Task Force (BRTF), one person was administered the first aid and shifted to a local hospital. Around 400 tourists are, however, still stuck between the roads in Keylong and Sissu.&nbsp;

"They are at a safe location, but not able to come out of the valley due to heavy rain and flood. Restoration work is underway," Shanker added.

As many as 18 people have lost their lives in the past 24 hours due to heavy rains that battered the state.&nbsp;

"Several people have died in Himachal Pradesh in this tragedy. I express my profound grief to those who have suffered and their families," said Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur in a tweet.&nbsp;

As many as 150 people, including foreigners, were rescued after a road was washed away due to the incessant rain in Lahaul and Spiti district, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials said on Sunday.

As many as 150 people, including foreigners, were rescued after a road was washed away due to the incessant rain in Lahaul and Spiti district, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials said on Sunday. The BRO shifted the people from Chhota Dara, Chhatru and Gramphu areas of the district to a safe place in a nearby village. According to Colonel Uma Shanker, 38 Border Road Task Force (BRTF), one person was administered the first aid and shifted to a local hospital. Around 400 tourists are, however, still stuck between the roads in Keylong and Sissu. "They are at a safe location, but not able to come out of the valley due to heavy rain and flood. Restoration work is underway," Shanker added. As many as 18 people have lost their lives in the past 24 hours due to heavy rains that battered the state. "Several people have died in Himachal Pradesh in this tragedy. I express my profound grief to those who have suffered and their families," said Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur in a tweet.

Himachal Pradesh: Around 18 dead due to heavy rains, 150 rescued from Lahaul and Spiti district

Heavy rains wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh. Watch this video to know more.

Heavy rains wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh

The National Highway 3 between Chandigarh and Manali was on Saturday morning blocked for traffic movement near Mandi due to a landslide triggered by incessant rains in the region.

The landslide occurred five kilometres off Mandi town with huge boulders falling on the road.

"NH 3 (Chandigarh-Manali) Highway is blocked near Mandi town due to landslide after heavy rain in the region. Restoration is underway and the road is expected to be clear in two hours," a release by the traffic department said.

Several tourists are stranded on either side of the road.

Further details are awaited.

The National Highway 3 between Chandigarh and Manali was on Saturday morning blocked for traffic movement near Mandi due to a landslide triggered by incessant rains in the region.

The National Highway 3 between Chandigarh and Manali was on Saturday morning blocked for traffic movement near Mandi due to a landslide triggered by incessant rains in the region. The landslide occurred five kilometres off Mandi town with huge boulders falling on the road. "NH 3 (Chandigarh-Manali) Highway is blocked near Mandi town due to landslide after heavy rain in the region. Restoration is underway and the road is expected to be clear in two hours," a release by the traffic department said. Several tourists are stranded on either side of the road. Further details are awaited.

Himachal Pradesh: National Highway 3 blocked near Mandi due to landslide

The death toll has risen up to 14 in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-building-collapses-in-solan-district-due-to-heavy-rains-two-dead-235863">building collapsed in Kumarhatti</a>.

Around 13 security personnel and a civilian were killed in the incident.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visited the building collapse site said it was a very "unfortunate" incident and has ordered an investigation into it.

The chief minister also said, ''I had ordered to send my official chopper to go to Suni and bring the equipment necessary for relief work. This time our priority is the rescue operation. I have given an order for an investigation into the incident."

"The information I have till now is that the structure of the building was not as per the specifications but we can only say anything officially after the investigation is over," He further added.

The Deputy Commissioner of Solan KC Chaman said that the rescue operation will be completed by today afternoon.

"We can complete the rescue operation by afternoon today. We have given interim monetary relief to grievously injured, casualties and minor," KC Chaman said.

The building, located in Kumarhatti, collapsed on Sunday following heavy rain in the region.&nbsp;

The death toll has risen up to 14 in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh after a building collapsed in Kumarhatti. Around 13 security personnel and a civilian were killed in the incident.

The death toll has risen up to 14 in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh after a building collapsed in Kumarhatti. Around 13 security personnel and a civilian were killed in the incident. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visited the building collapse site said it was a very "unfortunate" incident and has ordered an investigation into it. The chief minister also said, ''I had ordered to send my official chopper to go to Suni and bring the equipment necessary for relief work. This time our priority is the rescue operation. I have given an order for an investigation into the incident." "The information I have till now is that the structure of the building was not as per the specifications but we can only say anything officially after the investigation is over," He further added. The Deputy Commissioner of Solan KC Chaman said that the rescue operation will be completed by today afternoon. "We can complete the rescue operation by afternoon today. We have given interim monetary relief to grievously injured, casualties and minor," KC Chaman said. The building, located in Kumarhatti, collapsed on Sunday following heavy rain in the region.

Solan building collapse: 13 Armymen dead, death toll reaches 14

As many as six Indian Army personnel and one civilian have died after a building collapsed in Kumarhatti in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday.

Authorities said that rescue operations, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, are underway and likely to be completed by Monday afternoon.

Deputy Commissioner of Solan KC Chaman told ANI: "Till now we have retrieved dead bodies of six army men and one civilian.&nbsp;

17 jawans have been while 7 are feared still trapped inside the debris.&nbsp;

We have also rescued 11 civilians," he said.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visited the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-building-collapses-in-solan-district-due-to-heavy-rains-two-dead-235863&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjK0PDqs7bjAhVCH7cAHUWqDsAQFjACegQIERAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0P6eGoyUVnPQRauk8Q6gaY">building collapse</a> site said it was a very "unfortunate" incident and has ordered an investigation into it.

"It is very unfortunate.

The rescue operation was started immediately. Orders have been given to investigate the cause of the collapse.&nbsp;

As per the information received till now, the building structure was not as per specifications."

"It is a very sad incident.&nbsp;

30 jawans and 12 civilians were trapped when the building collapsed.&nbsp;

Seven people are still trapped.&nbsp;

We started the rescue operation with the help of district administration as soon as possible.&nbsp;

We also moved a team of NDRF personnel for the relief work."Solan Deputy Commissioner said that debris is being uncovered and details of more casualties or people trapped under the debris can be known only after that."

We can complete the rescue operation by afternoon today.

&nbsp;We have given interim monetary relief to grievously injured, casualties and minor," the Deputy Commissioner added.

Himachal Chief Minister said, "I had ordered to send my official chopper to go to Suni and bring the equipment necessary for relief work.&nbsp;

This time our priority is the rescue operation. I have given an order for an investigation into the incident."

"The information I have till now is that the structure of the building was not as per the specifications but we can only say anything officially after the investigation is over," he said.

The building, located in Kumarhatti, collapsed on Sunday following heavy rain in the region.&nbsp;

As many as six Indian Army personnel and one civilian have died after a building collapsed in Kumarhatti in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. Authorities said that rescue operations, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, are underway and likely to be completed by Monday afternoon.

As many as six Indian Army personnel and one civilian have died after a building collapsed in Kumarhatti in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. Authorities said that rescue operations, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, are underway and likely to be completed by Monday afternoon. Deputy Commissioner of Solan KC Chaman told ANI: "Till now we have retrieved dead bodies of six army men and one civilian. 17 jawans have been while 7 are feared still trapped inside the debris. We have also rescued 11 civilians," he said. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visited the building collapse site said it was a very "unfortunate" incident and has ordered an investigation into it. "It is very unfortunate. The rescue operation was started immediately. Orders have been given to investigate the cause of the collapse. As per the information received till now, the building structure was not as per specifications." "It is a very sad incident. 30 jawans and 12 civilians were trapped when the building collapsed. Seven people are still trapped. We started the rescue operation with the help of district administration as soon as possible. We also moved a team of NDRF personnel for the relief work."Solan Deputy Commissioner said that debris is being uncovered and details of more casualties or people trapped under the debris can be known only after that." We can complete the rescue operation by afternoon today. We have given interim monetary relief to grievously injured, casualties and minor," the Deputy Commissioner added. Himachal Chief Minister said, "I had ordered to send my official chopper to go to Suni and bring the equipment necessary for relief work. This time our priority is the rescue operation. I have given an order for an investigation into the incident." "The information I have till now is that the structure of the building was not as per the specifications but we can only say anything officially after the investigation is over," he said. The building, located in Kumarhatti, collapsed on Sunday following heavy rain in the region.

Solan building collapse: 6 Armymen among 7 killed; Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visits site, orders probe

At least two&nbsp;died in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district after a guest house building collapsed due to heavy rains on Sunday.

Around 14 people are feared trapped under the debris of the collapsed building.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said, ''As per latest information, 23 people have been rescued successfully while 2 people died including an Army jawan. All injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals.''

''The NDRF team from Panchkula have reached the spot and medical teams have also reached the spot. Rescue operations is underway. I hope within next few hours rescue operations will conclude. Proper investigation will be done, chief minister further added.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HimachalPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HimachalPradesh</a>: The building that collapsed in Kumarhatti was a 'Dhaba'. 30 Army men &amp; 7 civilians were present at the spot. 18 Army men &amp; 5 civilian rescued. 2 bodies recovered. 14 feared trapped; rescue operations continue <a href="https://t.co/6L3EvfELt9">pic.twitter.com/6L3EvfELt9</a>
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The rescue operation is underway.

So far 18 security personnel and five civilians have been&nbsp;rescued.

The building that collapsed in Kumarhatti was a 'Dhaba'.

The incident took place at around 4 pm.

At least two died in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district after a guest house building collapsed due to heavy rains on Sunday. Around 14 people are feared trapped under the debris of the collapsed building.

At least two died in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district after a guest house building collapsed due to heavy rains on Sunday. Around 14 people are feared trapped under the debris of the collapsed building. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said, ''As per latest information, 23 people have been rescued successfully while 2 people died including an Army jawan. All injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals.'' ''The NDRF team from Panchkula have reached the spot and medical teams have also reached the spot. Rescue operations is underway. I hope within next few hours rescue operations will conclude. Proper investigation will be done, chief minister further added. #HimachalPradesh: The building that collapsed in Kumarhatti was a 'Dhaba'. 30 Army men & 7 civilians were present at the spot. 18 Army men & 5 civilian rescued. 2 bodies recovered. 14 feared trapped; rescue operations continue pic.twitter.com/6L3EvfELt9 — ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2019 × The rescue operation is underway. So far 18 security personnel and five civilians have been rescued. The building that collapsed in Kumarhatti was a 'Dhaba'. The incident took place at around 4 pm.

2 dead, 14 trapped in Himachal Pradesh building collapse

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