Dharamshala: The monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh this year has been particularly severe, causing significant damage and loss of life in various districts. Kullu, Kinnaur, Shimla, Chamba, Solan, Lahaul, Spiti, and Kinnaur are among the districts facing heavy losses due to the monsoon. Several roads have been closed for weeks, and helicopter rescue operations are underway to assist those in distress.
In response to the active monsoon in Kangra district, District Magistrate Dr. Nipun Jindal has issued an order under Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act-2005, completely banning trekking in the district until September 15. This ban applies to trekking activities in places with elevations of up to 1500 meters. The order aims to prevent any untoward incidents during the monsoon and ensure the safety of tourists and locals alike.
The district administration has directed the police and concerned sub-divisional officers to ensure strict compliance with the ban. The District Tourism Development Officer has also been instructed to inform all hotel operators about the order to discourage tourists from engaging in trekking activities during this period.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Nipun Jindal emphasized the dangers associated with the monsoon, such as sudden rises in water levels of rivers and potholes. People are urged to avoid going near rivers, drains, and potholes due to heavy rains. To ensure safety, slums and shanties around rivers are being removed, and proper arrangements are being made for the rehabilitation of those affected.
Arvind Sharma is an award winning bi-lingual journalist with more than 20 years of experience.
He has worked with Divya Himachal, Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhasker, Vir Partap, Ajit and PTI.
In 2010, he was conferred the Himachal Kesri journalism award. He reports on the Tibetan Government in Exile, politics, sports, tourism and other topics. He lives in Dharamshala.
