SHIMLA -21 Feb 2026

Building resilient roads: Himachal’s long-term strategy against monsoon destruction

Government approves 'New Drainage Policy' for Roads

Himachal Pradesh has long relied on its extensive road network as the backbone of connectivity across its mountainous terrain. From remote villages to bustling district headquarters, roads are the lifeline of mobility, trade, tourism and essential public services. Strengthening and safeguarding this network is vital not only for economic progress but also for the safety and well-being of its people. In this spirit, the State Government has formulated a comprehensive 'Road Drainage Policy' aimed at ushering in a new era of resilient and sustainable road infrastructure under the guidance of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The Spokesperson of the State Government stated here today that the policy has been conceived to address the recurring damage inflicted on the state’s roads by intense monsoon rains. Himachal Pradesh maintains over 40,000 kilometers of road network comprising Major District Roads (MDRs) and Other District Roads (ODRs), including rural link and village roads, under the Public Works Department (PWD). Field observations and post-monsoon assessments have consistently demonstrated that inadequate drainage provisions are the primary cause of repeated road deterioration.

In 2023 and 2025 alone, the state incurred estimated losses of nearly Rs. 2400 crore and Rs. 3000 crore, respectively, due to extensive road damage. Technical evaluations further revealed that insufficient drainage systems, coupled with slope instability, were the key factors behind such recurring destruction. Beyond major disaster-driven events, substantial annual expenditure continues to be incurred on repairing monsoon-related damage across both urban and rural roads.

Traditionally, drainage provisions along PWD roads have been developed based on conventional patterns, field constraints, and incremental additions rather than scientific hydraulic or terrain-based design principles. Recognizing this critical gap, the new Drainage Policy introduces a transformative shift by placing hydrology-based design at its core. Drainage structures will now be designed using scientific hydrological data, including actual rainfall intensity and catchment characteristics, instead of relying on standardized templates alone. This data-driven approach aims to reduce annual monsoon-related damage, improve network resilience and enhance public safety and serviceability.

He said that for all new road projects, box culverts will be adopted as the default drainage structure owing to their lower tendency to choke and their suitability for mechanical cleaning. The policy also emphasizes strengthened hillside protection, mandating preventive measures in landslide-prone and seepage zones to mitigate slope instability. By integrating drainage as a core engineering element rather than treating it as an ancillary feature during construction and maintenance, the policy seeks to significantly enhance the lifecycle performance and durability of roads.

Special provisions have been made for habitation zones, where drains will be covered using standardized designs incorporating anti-theft measures. On uncovered stretches, raised kerbs with periodic inlet openings will be constructed to ensure a safe traffic edge while maintaining effective water flow. Reflectors will be installed at appropriate intervals to enhance nighttime visibility and traffic safety. These measures are intended not only to improve drainage efficiency but also to promote safer and more user-friendly road environments.

Implementation of the policy will be undertaken in phases, with priority accorded to Major District Roads to ensure reliable, all-weather connectivity, particularly in economically and strategically important regions of the state. The policy also provides for strict enforcement under the HP Road Infrastructure Protection Act to prevent unauthorized discharge of domestic wastewater, roof water, sewage, and solid waste into road drains. Obstruction of water flow through the parking of vehicles within drains, placement of construction materials, or other encroachments will be treated as prohibited activities liable for action under the Act.

In essence, this Draft Road Drainage Policy represents a long-term structural solution to monsoon-related road damage in Himachal Pradesh. By combining scientific planning, robust engineering standards, preventive hillside measures, and strict enforcement mechanisms, the state aims to build a safer, more resilient, and durable road network, stated he.

Reflecting the government’s broader vision of “Vyavastha Parivartan”, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has emphasized that sustainable infrastructure reform is essential to protecting public resources and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for citizens. He has underscored that strengthening core systems such as road drainage is not merely a technical upgrade but a governance commitment to long-term resilience, public safety, and improved quality of life. Through this forward-looking initiative, the state moves decisively toward institutional reform and durable infrastructure development.

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Himachal Police crack's down on Drug Mafia, 96 traffickers detained under 'Anti-Chitta' Abhiyan

As result of the Anti-Chitta Jan Andolan launched on 15 November 2025 by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, with the goal of making Himachal Pradesh free from Chitta, the Himachal Pradesh Police carried out a well-planned and coordinated operation across the state under PIT-NDPS Act to break organized drug trafficking networks. Using strict legal provisions, preventive detention orders were issued against eight notorious drug traffickers.

A spokesperson of the Police department stated that during the operation, five drug traffickers were arrested from Shimla district and one each from Dehra, Nurpur, and Una. The police worked closely across districts in coordinated manner, used accurate intelligence and followed a clear legal plan to break the organized drug supply network in the state.

Spokesperson said that 65 drug traffickers had already been detained till December 2025. In 2026, action has been taken against 31 more traffickers so far. This brings the total number of habitual and organized drug traffickers detained under these tough laws to 96, showing the Himachal Pradesh Police’s strong and continuous efforts to fight drug trafficking, he said.

A detailed investigation is being carried out to check the movable and immovable properties of the detained traffickers. If any property is found to have been bought with money earned from illegal drug activities, it will be seized according to the law. This step is meant not only to punish the offenders but also to break and completely shut down their financial networks.

He said that this coordinated operation clearly shows the state’s zero-tolerance policy against organized drug trafficking. The Himachal Pradesh Police will continue to take strict action against habitual and notorious traffickers by breaking their criminal networks, money channels and supply systems against those involved in the illegal drug trade. The main aim is to ensure a safe, healthy, and drug-free future for the youth of the state.

Reiterating the Chief Minister’s appeal, the Himachal Pradesh Police urges citizens, particularly the youth, to immediately share any information related to chitta or other narcotic substances by dialing 112 or contacting the nearest police station. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.

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State government to revitalize historic Ice-Skating Rink Shimla at a cost of Rs. 20.22 Crore

Giving a major boost to the tourism sector in Shimla, a world-renowned destination, popularly known as the ‘Hill Queen’, the State Government has decided to revitalize the historic Ice-Skating Rink at Lakkar Bazar. Established in 1920 during the British era, the rink has remained a major tourist attraction for decades and has inspired thousands of budding ice skaters. It will now be transformed into a modern, state-of-the-art facility at an estimated cost of Rs. 20.22 crore.

A spokesperson of the State Government said here today that the redevelopment project aims to provide an enhanced and world-class experience to tourists visiting Shimla, while also promoting winter sports in the region. Under the proposed plan, certain old and functionally obsolete structures, including the Old Club House Buildings and the servant residence, will be dismantled to facilitate the new development.

The upgraded Ice-Skating Rink, located in the heart of the town, is expected to significantly boost tourism and promote sports activities such as ice hockey and figure skating. The facility will create new opportunities for sports enthusiasts to train and compete and will provide easy access to aspiring ice skaters, professional athletes and tourists alike. It will also serve as a platform to host national and international events, thereby placing Shimla prominently on the sports map.

Out of the total estimated cost of Rs. 20.22 crore, an amount of Rs. 2.81 crore will be spent on the construction of a new Club House Building, Rs. 16.09 crore on the Ice-Skating Rink infrastructure, and Rs. 1.21 crore on a store, souvenir shop and other basic amenities. Additionally, Rs. 11.20 lakh will be allocated for the demolition of the old Club House Buildings I & II and the servant residence.

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PWD Minister calls on Shivraj Singh Chouhan

· Seeks special relaxation for Dodra Kwar road works

·Submits proposal for 1,200 km of new roads under PMGSY-IV to Centre

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh called on Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmer's Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan at New Delhitoday. He presented a detailed report on projects being implemented in the State under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV.

During the meeting, the Minister particularly raised the issue of road works in the highly remote and high-altitude Dodra Kwar region of Shimla district. He informed the Union Minister that a portion of the road sanctioned under PMGSY Phase-I for the Dodra Kwar area remains incomplete due to extremely difficult terrain, fragile topography, severe weather conditions and a limited working season.

He said that the road is of critical importance for local residents, disaster management in border areas, medical emergencies and the supply of essential commodities.

The Public Works Minister sought special relaxation, additional financial support and technical assistance for the pending road packages in Dodra Kwar, as well as for the remaining works under PMGSY Phase-I, so that this geographically challenging region can be provided with all-weather road connectivity at the earliest.

He further said that Himachal has received approval for nearly 1,500 kilometers of rural roads under PMGSY-IV, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 2,300 crore. In addition, the state government has submitted a proposal to the Centre for around 1,200 kilometers of additional roads under Phase-II of PMGSY-IV. Detailed Project Reports for these proposed works were currently being prepared by the Public Works Department.

The Minister urged the public representatives, Panchayati Raj institutions and landowners to extend full cooperation by providing gift deeds in a timely manner to ensure the availability of land for road construction. He said that public participation is essential to bring development to remote and underserved areas.

The Minister said that the development of a strong, safe and high-quality road network in Himachal Pradesh remains a top priority of the state government. He said the initiative goes beyond mere road construction and reflects a firm commitment towards ensuring equal opportunities, promoting rural prosperity and building a self-reliant Himachal through coordinated efforts between the Centre and the State.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that the ministry would sympathetically consider the demands of the Himachal. He said that the pending packages of Dodra Kwar, the remaining works under PMGSY Phase-I and the required financial approvals would be taken up on priority with the Ministry of Finance and other concerned authorities. He also assured that swift progress would be ensured towards a positive resolution.