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Dar Ovais

Dar Ovais is the Dharamshala-based correspondent in the Himachal Pradesh bureau of Hindustan Times. He covers politics, tourism, Tibetan affairs and environmental issues.

Articles by Dar Ovais

Arrival of students from Tibet dips in Tibetan Children’s Village schools in HP

This year, no new admissions of students coming from Tibet have been reported at Tibetan Children’s Village schools in upper Dharamshala and Gopalpur as compared to the nearly 1,000 Tibetan kids, taking admission in these schools a decade ago.

There are nearly 1,000 students in the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) school in upper Dharamshala at present. The school was started in 1960 after the arrival of the Dalai Lama. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Oct 28, 2024 11:12 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Enrolment of Tibetan children in Himachal schools declines sharply

Tibetan Children's Village schools in Himachal Pradesh report nearly zero new admissions from Tibet, citing stricter border controls and low birth rates.

Tibetan school students at the Tibetan Children's Village School near Dharamsala. (Shyam Sharma/Hindustan Times)

India News

Updated on Oct 28, 2024 05:54 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Himachal: Kangra hydro project repairs stalled as impasse between mgmt, locals drags on

While Lambadug Hydroelectric Project management maintains that they are ready to pay the compensation calculated by the revenue department, the villagers are demanding for more

On May 10, the 25-MW Lambadug Hydroelectric Project suffered a leak in its penstock, causing damage to property and farmlands in Multhan village in the Chhota Bhangal (Barot) region of Kangra district. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 26, 2024 07:20 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Central team visits disaster-hit areas in Mandi

The initial assessment by the district administration has estimated a loss of approximately ₹213.22 crore in the district during this year’s rainy season

Central government team with local administration inspecting rain losses in Mandi district on Thursday. (Birbal Sharma/HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 25, 2024 09:10 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

After Shimla, verification of migrant workers made must in Himachal’s Una

Notably, similar orders were issued by the Shimla district administration earlier this month under which the registration and verification of migrant workers in the unorganised sector was made mandatory

The order issued by the Una administration also states that no person visiting the district shall engage himself in any kind of self-employment or seek employment in non-formal trades or services without informing to the concerned station house officer. (HT representational image)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 23, 2024 05:18 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Kangra airport needs highly trained security personnel: Advisory committee

The committee, chaired by Kangra MP Rajeev Bhardwaj, discussed various issues concerning the airport during the meeting

The committee also deliberated on starting a shuttle bus service from the airport to major destinations for the convenience of the passengers coming to the airport. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 23, 2024 05:22 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Kangra sees rising footfall of foreign tourists

The district has already logged 19,631 foreign tourist arrivals till September and has surpassed the 16,222 who visited Kangra in 2023. This year’s figure has surpassed the 6,538 mark in 2022.

The tourism sector in Kangra has experienced a revival following a period of slowdown caused by Covid-19 with a particular increase in the arrival of foreign tourists this year. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Oct 20, 2024 09:03 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Himachal: Paragliding World Cup assn clears 70 gliders, no Russian pilots

Due to temporary suspension imposed by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale and Paragliding World Cup Association, Russian pilots will not take part in the event

Besides India (hosting country), the pilots from across 31 countries have been selected so far the forthcoming Paragliding World Cup scheduled from November 2 to 9 at Bir Billing in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 19, 2024 05:06 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Pong dam displacement: 5 decades on, over 6k families still await rehabilitation

These details were shared during a review meeting of the Pong Dam displaced, relief and rehabilitation committee chaired by state revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi on Friday

He said the process to provide land to 16,352 families was started and cultivable land has been allocated to 9,616 affected families in Rajasthan. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Oct 18, 2024 10:59 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Shimla mosque panel writes Waqf board for demolition directions

The MC court had on October 5 ordered the demolition of the top three unauthorised floors of Sanjauli Mosque in Shimla and gave a two-month deadline to the mosque committee to execute its orders

The letter seek’s Himachal Waqf board’s permission to demolish three floors (second, third and fourth) of the mosque complex in Shimla’s Sanjauli. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 17, 2024 06:30 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra, Dar Ovais, Shimla/dharamshala

Kangra administration dials ‘Lake Man’ to help revive Dharamshala’s Dal

Kangra deputy commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said they were seeking a sustainable and long-lasting solution to prevent the lake from drying up

Locals during a drive to rescue fish from the drying Dal Lake in Dharamshala. (File)

Chandigarh

Published on Oct 15, 2024 09:51 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Bloom or bust: Kangra’s floriculture industry navigates post-Covid challenges

In Kangra district, the area under floriculture stood at around 115 hectares in 2019-20, it has now shrunk to only about 25 hectares given the losses faced by growers during the pandemic years

The number of flower growers in Kangra has dwindled in recent years but the numbers have again started to increase. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 14, 2024 06:58 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Tourism industry eyes footfall boost as Paragliding World Cup draws near

The opening edition of Paragliding World Cup, which was also India’s first, was held at Bir-Billing in 2015

The event is being organised by the Billing Paragliding Association (BPA), in collaboration with the Government of Himachal and Himachal Tourism. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 12, 2024 06:32 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Plans brewing to promote Kangra tea at airports, railway stations

The new measures aim to elevate Kangra tea’s profile and attract more consumers, ensuring this cherished local product gains the attention it merits on a national level

The Kangra tea is grown 900-1,400 m above sea level on the slopes of Dhauladhar range. (File Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 11, 2024 07:48 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Shimla mosque row: Muslim body to challenge MC court’s demolition order

The mosque committee, which had previously offered to demolish the unauthorised portion of the mosque, has reiterated its original stance.

A Shimla MC court ordered the demolition of the top three unauthorised floors of the mosque in Sanjauli , Shimla (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 11, 2024 07:46 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Locals irked as Dharamshala Dal Lake dries up again

Dal Lake's drying has sparked local outrage due to its cultural significance. Fish were relocated as seepage worsens, raising concerns over ineffective restoration efforts.

Local residents during a drive to rescue fish from the drying water body. (HT )

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 10, 2024 09:24 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Shimla court orders demolition of top 3 floors of Sanjauli mosque

The court ordered that the mosque committee and the Waqf Board will bear the cost of the demolition of the unauthorised portion

The case will be heard on the remaining part of the mosque on December 21. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 06, 2024 04:49 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

CM Sukhu denies ‘toilet tax’ claims in Himachal

While, interacting with the media at New Delhi on Friday, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said such claims are baseless and should not be used for political purposes

The controversy arose following reports suggesting that the cash-strapped Himachal government was planning to impose a tax of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>25 on toilets in urban areas. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 05, 2024 05:46 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

From living on the streets to donning doc’s coat, D’shala woman turns over a new leaf

Two decades ago, Pinky and her mother, Krishna, were struggling to make ends meet and begging in Mcleodganj

Dharamshala-based doctor Pinky Haryan (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 04, 2024 10:36 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Himachal assembly panel to invite public suggestions for street vendors’ policy

Urban development department to invite public suggestions, present them to the panel at the next meeting

Panel also advised to should be provisions to regulate street vendors in rural areas as well. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 04, 2024 10:34 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Monsoon season wraps up, leaves Himachal with 18% rain deficit

The monsoon season typically lasts from June to September in the state, but has a delayed departure this year, as per IMD

This year, the monsoon entered the state on June 27 and covered it entirely by June 29 (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Oct 02, 2024 10:22 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

56 years after IAF plane crash over Rohtang La, four bodies recovered

The tragedy dates back to February 7, 1968, when an IAF AN-12 aircraft, carrying 102 passengers, went missing after taking off from Chandigarh.

The bodies were recovered near the Chandrabhaga range 13 peak near Batal in Himachal’s Lahaul and Spiti district. (File)

India News

Updated on Oct 01, 2024 04:03 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Vikramaditya Singh meets Mallikarjun Kharge, reiterates commitment to Congress values

During the meeting, Vikramaditya Singh assured Mallikarjun Kharge of his commitment to the party’s ideology and principles before conveying that the state government will work on the basic tenets

Himachal minister Vikramaditya Singh calls on Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi. (ANI)

Chandigarh

Updated on Sep 30, 2024 09:14 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Vikramaditya meets Kharge, assures commitment with party values

Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh met party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday and conveyed his loyalty to the party’s ideology

Himachal Pradesh Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in New Delhi on Sunday. (ANI)

India News

Updated on Sep 30, 2024 07:36 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Hindu outfits take out rally in Himachal, want Waqf Board scrapped

Protesters accuse the Congress government in the state of procrastinating over the Sanjauli mosque issue.

A protest in Shimla on Saturday. (HT photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Sep 29, 2024 08:42 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Stir in Himachal to demand Waqf Board abolition, migrants’ scrutiny

Later in the day, another protest was staged at Chaura maidan in Shimla, demanding demolition of the “illegal” portion of the mosque in Sanjauli.

Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti members protest in Shimla on Saturday. (ANI)

India News

Updated on Sep 29, 2024 04:51 AM IST

ByDar Ovais

Vikramaditya says HP nameplate remark should not be compared with another state

After urban development minister shared a post on social media, stating that fast-food stalls will have to display the owner’s ID, Himachal govt clarified no such decision had been taken.

Himachal Pradesh urban development minister Vikramaditya Singh on Friday said his statement about the display of nameplates by vendors on stalls should not be politicised or related to any other state. (HT file photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Sep 27, 2024 04:00 PM IST

ByDar Ovais

No decision for mandating display of nameplates so far: Himachal government

The development comes a day after Himachal urban development minister Vikramaditya Singh had said every restaurant and fast food stall in the state will have to display the owner’s ID

A spokesperson said the government was committed to address the concerns of street vendors. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Sep 27, 2024 09:18 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

AIMIM leader’s remarks on Sanjauli mosque triggers row

The leader’s comments, made in a video post after a visit to the complex, drew sharp reactions from various people including public works minister Vikramaditya Singh

The alleged illegal structure of the mosque in Shimla’s Sanjauli. (File)

Chandigarh

Published on Sep 26, 2024 06:35 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Queen of faux pas? Ranaut retracts farm comment in damage control

Mandi parliamentarian Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday retracted her controversial comments on three withdrawn farm laws.

This is the second time in two months that Kangana Ranaut’s rash remarks on the 2020-21 farmer agitation has forced her party to reprimand her, and ultimately made her retract the comment. (PTI)

India News

Updated on Sep 26, 2024 06:15 AM IST

BySmriti Kak Ramachandran, Dar Ovais

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Dar Ovais

Dar Ovais is the Dharamshala-based correspondent in the Himachal Pradesh bureau of Hindustan Times. He covers politics, tourism, Tibetan affairs and environmental issues.

This year, no new admissions of students coming from Tibet have been reported at Tibetan Children’s Village schools in upper Dharamshala and Gopalpur as compared to the nearly 1,000 Tibetan kids, taking admission in these schools a decade ago.

Tibetan Children's Village schools in Himachal Pradesh report nearly zero new admissions from Tibet, citing stricter border controls and low birth rates.

While Lambadug Hydroelectric Project management maintains that they are ready to pay the compensation calculated by the revenue department, the villagers are demanding for more

The initial assessment by the district administration has estimated a loss of approximately ₹213.22 crore in the district during this year’s rainy season

Notably, similar orders were issued by the Shimla district administration earlier this month under which the registration and verification of migrant workers in the unorganised sector was made mandatory

The committee, chaired by Kangra MP Rajeev Bhardwaj, discussed various issues concerning the airport during the meeting

The district has already logged 19,631 foreign tourist arrivals till September and has surpassed the 16,222 who visited Kangra in 2023. This year’s figure has surpassed the 6,538 mark in 2022.

Due to temporary suspension imposed by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale and Paragliding World Cup Association, Russian pilots will not take part in the event

These details were shared during a review meeting of the Pong Dam displaced, relief and rehabilitation committee chaired by state revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi on Friday

The MC court had on October 5 ordered the demolition of the top three unauthorised floors of Sanjauli Mosque in Shimla and gave a two-month deadline to the mosque committee to execute its orders

Kangra deputy commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said they were seeking a sustainable and long-lasting solution to prevent the lake from drying up

In Kangra district, the area under floriculture stood at around 115 hectares in 2019-20, it has now shrunk to only about 25 hectares given the losses faced by growers during the pandemic years

The opening edition of Paragliding World Cup, which was also India’s first, was held at Bir-Billing in 2015

The new measures aim to elevate Kangra tea’s profile and attract more consumers, ensuring this cherished local product gains the attention it merits on a national level

The mosque committee, which had previously offered to demolish the unauthorised portion of the mosque, has reiterated its original stance.

Dal Lake's drying has sparked local outrage due to its cultural significance. Fish were relocated as seepage worsens, raising concerns over ineffective restoration efforts.

The court ordered that the mosque committee and the Waqf Board will bear the cost of the demolition of the unauthorised portion

While, interacting with the media at New Delhi on Friday, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said such claims are baseless and should not be used for political purposes

Two decades ago, Pinky and her mother, Krishna, were struggling to make ends meet and begging in Mcleodganj

Urban development department to invite public suggestions, present them to the panel at the next meeting

The monsoon season typically lasts from June to September in the state, but has a delayed departure this year, as per IMD

The tragedy dates back to February 7, 1968, when an IAF AN-12 aircraft, carrying 102 passengers, went missing after taking off from Chandigarh.

During the meeting, Vikramaditya Singh assured Mallikarjun Kharge of his commitment to the party’s ideology and principles before conveying that the state government will work on the basic tenets

Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh met party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday and conveyed his loyalty to the party’s ideology

Protesters accuse the Congress government in the state of procrastinating over the Sanjauli mosque issue.

Later in the day, another protest was staged at Chaura maidan in Shimla, demanding demolition of the “illegal” portion of the mosque in Sanjauli.

After urban development minister shared a post on social media, stating that fast-food stalls will have to display the owner’s ID, Himachal govt clarified no such decision had been taken.

The development comes a day after Himachal urban development minister Vikramaditya Singh had said every restaurant and fast food stall in the state will have to display the owner’s ID

The leader’s comments, made in a video post after a visit to the complex, drew sharp reactions from various people including public works minister Vikramaditya Singh

Mandi parliamentarian Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday retracted her controversial comments on three withdrawn farm laws.

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