SHIMLA-17.09.25
CM reviews rain related damages
- Directs swift relief and restoration measures
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired a high level meeting here today to assess the damages caused by the torrential rains over the last 48 hours across the State. He expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and properties and directed all the concerned officers to take prompt action to ensure the safety and well being of the affected people. He said that during the last two days, five persons have lost their lives, three in Nihari and two near Pandoh Mohal Suma of Sadar Sub-Division of Mandi district, while two persons were missing.
The Chief Minister said that so far in the month of September, the state has witnessed 136 percent excess rainfall. He added that 45 percent additional downpour was recorded during the entire monsoon season so far. He said that this monsoon season has claimed 417 lives, with 45 still missing and a loss of Rs. 4,582 crore has been recorded due to the heavy rains, cloudbursts and landslides. As many as 15,022 structural damages were reported including 1502 fully damaged houses, 6467 partially damaged houses, 6316 damaged cowsheds and 594 damaged shops during the rainy season.
Sh. Sukhu directed all the Deputy Commissioners to stay vigilant and personally visit the affected areas on priority to oversee relief and rescue operations. He asked the officers of the PWD Department to restore road connectivity at the earliest, particularly in apple growing areas of the State, to ensure that produce of the fruit growers reach to the markets in time and they do not have to face financial losses. He also instructed to reinstate electricity, water supply schemes and other essential supplies in the affected areas on priority. He also asked the HPMC to deploy additional vehicles for the transportation of apples from their collection centres.
The Chief Minister said that safety of the people of the State remains top priority for the State Government. He added that under the Special Relief Package, the State Government is providing Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 5,000 as rent in urban and rural areas, respectively, for those who were rendered homeless during the disaster. He said that the State Government was also contemplating to relax the condition of living in relief camps to receive rents keeping in view the social fabric of the State and accommodate more people. He said that the people still residing in unsafe buildings must be re-located to the secure locations to ensure their safety.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLA Hardeep Bawa, Chief Minister's Principal Advisor (IT and Innovation) Gokul Butail, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Additional Chief Secretary Revenue K.K. Pant, Chief Minister's Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, ADGP Satwant Atwal Trivedi and other senior officers were present at Shimla while Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police and senior officers of various districts joined the meeting virtually.
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Author Priya Sharma presents book ‘The Light He Left Behind’ to Chief Minister
Author and mental health specialist Priya Sharma today presented her book “The Light He Left Behind” to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Oak Over.
The book, based on a true story, narrates the life of her late brother, her mother’s courage and her own journey of love, loss and healing. It also offers reflections and practical tools for those coping with grief and recovery.
The Chief Minister appreciated her initiative of transforming a personal tragedy into a message of courage and hope for others. He said that such works not only inspire individuals battling loss but also spread awareness on the importance of mental health. He wished her success in her future endeavours.
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HP State AIDS Control Society organizes State Level Red Ribbon Quiz to spread awareness among youth
Project Director, Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society Rajiv Kumar presided over the State Level Red Ribbon Quiz Competition, organised by the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society on Tuesday. The competition was organized to spread awareness among school students about HIV, AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, TB and other health issues.
He said that creating awareness about HIV and AIDS among the youth plays a vital role in building a healthy society. By understanding the risks, prevention methods and the importance of compassion towards those affected, students can become ambassadors of change in their communities.
He said that such programmes encourage students to actively participate in social causes, develop leadership skills and take responsibility for spreading knowledge within their schools and neighbourhood. Spreading awareness not only reduces stigma and misconceptions but also empowers people to make informed decisions, fostering a culture of care, responsibility, and inclusiveness.
Teams from district-level winning schools of Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur and Una participated in the event.
Government Senior Secondary School Sanjauli, Shimla, represented by Ishan Jogta and Trikansh Sharma, secured the first position and qualified for the Regional Level Red Ribbon Quiz to be held by National AIDS Control Organization on 22nd September, 2025. They will represent Himachal Pradesh against teams from eight other states.
Government Senior Secondary School Amrohi, Hamirpur, represented by Asheenca Thakur and Tamanna, stood second, while Government Senior Secondary School Solan’s Ishan and Saransh Thakur bagged the third place.
Rajiv Kumar distributed prizes to the winners and participants. He congratulated the students and motivated them for their bright future. He said that raising awareness among students builds a healthier and more caring society. Knowledge and leadership can inspire others and spreads responsible behavior across the State.