News / Author / Gaurav Bisht

Gaurav Bisht

Gaurav Bisht heads Hindustan Times’ Himachal bureau. He covers politics in the hill state and other issues concerning the masses.

Articles by Gaurav Bisht

Upper reaches of Beas, Sutlej flashflood-prone: Centre

Flash floods are generally caused due to hill torrents cascading down steep slopes. Bank erosion in the upper reaches with steep slopes and the bed consisting of boulders is a natural regulating function of a river.

The upper reaches of Beas and Sutlej valley are prone to riverine and flash floods in varying degrees. These stretches are characterised by steep slopes with riverbeds consisting of a mixture of boulders, gravel, and sand. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 31, 2024 05:58 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Five test positive for scrub typhus in Himachal

Assistant professor of medicine department of the IGMC Ushendra Sharma said that cases of scrub typhus increase in the rainy season. “If the patient has trouble breathing and is suffering from kidney disease, then attention is needed,” Sharma added.

At least five cases of scrub typhus were reported at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Hospital. After investigation, five patients from different parts of the state were reported positive, senior medical superintendent of the hospital Dr Rahul Rao said, adding that patients infected with scrub typhus were showing signs of improvement. (Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Representational image)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 31, 2024 05:54 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Himachal CM Sukhu’s Delhi visit sparks speculations of cabinet reshuffle

After the CM’s return, deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Congress state president Pratibha Singh also arrived in Delhi to meet the party’s high command.

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu with leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi. (Photo X)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 30, 2024 08:36 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Atomic Ministerial Directorate finds three uranium sites in Himachal

Kasha–Kaladi is the richest uranium belt in Himachal Pradesh with an estimated 200 tonnes of triuranium octoxide, which is enough to produce 170 tonnes of uranium

Uranium mineralisation has been detected at Kasha in Nogli valley, the southeastern part of the Rampur subdivision of Shimla district. (HT File Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 29, 2024 08:32 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Reduced borrowing limit leaves cash-strapped Himachal govt in limbo

Himachal Pradesh government faces economic challenges with reduced borrowing limits, mounting debts, and pension burden. Seeks help from 16th Finance Commission.

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 28, 2024 08:18 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Himachal to merge government primary, middle schools in close proximity

Move comes after prolonged deliberations on low enrollment; 89 primary, 10 middle Schools with zero enrolment to be closed.

Enrolment at schools have fallen in Himachal. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 26, 2024 09:14 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Two houses swept away, bridge damaged in flashflood near Manali, Leh highway closed

Narrow escape for villagers, who abandoned their houses adjoining Aakhri Nullah, after hearing thundering sound in the middle of the night; debris near Palchan bridge leads to closure of Manali-Leh highway.

Debris on a bridge on the Anjani Mahadev rivulet near Manali after the cloudburst triggered a flashflood in the area on Wednesday night, leading to the closure of the highway to Leh. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Jul 25, 2024 01:16 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht

Foreign tourist arrivals in Hiamchal set to touch post-Covid peak

Himachal has already logged 38,882 tourist arrivals till June and is primed to surpass the 63,000 who visited the state in 2023

Once a favourite among foreign tourists, Himachal saw a significant decline in tourist numbers during the Covid-19 outbreak. (HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 23, 2024 10:14 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Dar Ovais, Shimla/dharamshala

Amid shortage of IAS officers, another Himachal bureaucrat gets central deputation

Union govt approves central deputation for Himachal IAS officer Priyatu Mandal, worsening state's officer shortage. Several others seeking central deputation.

The Himachal government is already facing a shortage of senior IAS officers. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 20, 2024 10:55 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Himachal braves troubled waters in bid to revive fish population

Fish production has drastically declined after last monsoon flooding in rivers, reservoirs and farms

Most of Himachal’ fish farms were affected by flooding last year. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 20, 2024 09:54 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Year after monsoon mayhem, Himachal dams yet to install early warning system

The Himachal government claims that it has made most preparations needed to tackle monsoon-triggered disasters

The BBMB management is still reluctant to install an early warning system in dams at Himachal. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 18, 2024 05:34 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Dar Ovais, Shimla

Fungal European blight hits apple crop amid high humidity in Himachal Pradesh

Combination of less rain last winter and intermittent rainfall in June this year created an environment conducive to disease development.

A team of scientists from Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni found that the disease has spread across orchards in major apple-growing regions of the state. (HT file photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Jul 17, 2024 05:20 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla:

Congress panel takes feedback on Himachal Lok Sabha polls debacle

Congress Himachal unit chief Pratibha Singh says the party was confident about winning at least two seats in the Lok Sabha polls

Former Lok Sabha member PL Punia, Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Rajya Sabha member Rajni Patil during Congress party’s meeting in Shimla. (HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 16, 2024 09:16 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Himachal: BRO to build Karcham-Chitkul road along China border

The stretch has sharp turns and the width needs to be increased near Karcham, which houses a1500-MW power project. Chitkul, the highest village in the Baspa Valley at 11,319 feet, is now a tourist destination.

Chitkul, the highest village in the Baspa Valley at 11,319 feet, is now a tourist destination. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will soon start building the 40-km stretch from Karcham-Chitkul via Sangla. (HT file photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Jul 15, 2024 04:01 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht

Sukhvinder Sukhu stamps authority with decisive win in Himachal bypolls

This electoral success comes in the backdrop of significant pressure that threatened to destabilise the Congress government just four months ago

CM Sukvinder Sukhu spearheaded the Congress for the Himachal bypolls. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 14, 2024 07:54 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

CPRI issues advisory as late blight disease threatens potato crops

The disease is favoured by cool, moist weather conditions, making the current weather scenario conducive to its spread

Women farmers harvesting potato crop from their fields at Sissu in Lahaul and Spiti. (HT )

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 13, 2024 09:14 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Himachal cabinet scraps free electricity scheme for tax-paying consumers

Opposition dubs move “anti-people”, while adding that the current government has now cited financial constraints as the reason to scrap the scheme.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition in the Himachal assembly. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 13, 2024 09:12 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Snow cover in Himachal down by 12.9% this year, study shows

The winter precipitation was mapped in all basins using the AWiFS satellite data having a spatial resolution of 56 m

The state receives winter precipitation in the form of snow at higher altitudes. (HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 13, 2024 09:08 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

BJP claims Sukhvinder Sukhu link with ED, IT raids in Kangra, Hamirpur, Congress hits back

BJP alleges incriminating documents recovered in raids on Himachal Pradesh CM's confidants. Congress calls it political vendetta before elections.

The ED raids in question were conducted on June 29 and July 4 in Hamirpur and Kangra districts (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 11, 2024 09:30 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

6 yrs after suspension, Himachal bats for resuming trade with China

Himachal Pradesh urges Centre to lift ban on livestock trade with China via Shipki La after 5-year suspension, impacting local economy.

The annual trade via Himachal’s Shipki La would traditionally begin by June end and continue till November. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 11, 2024 04:23 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Hours before Himachal bypolls, Congress, BJP indulge in fresh round of mud-slinging

Hours before bypolls in Dehra, Hamirpur, and Nalagarh, Congress and BJP traded accusations. BJP alleged harassment by govt, while Congress accused BJP of conspiring to topple govt.

BJP’s candidate for the Dehra bypoll Hoshyar Singh (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 10, 2024 07:22 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Cheers to change: Women in Himachal’s Tatyana band together against drugs, alcohol abuse

Women from the Tatyana village were the major force behind panchayat’s decision to ban serving liquor at wedding ceremonies and other social gatherings

Women attended panchayat meetings in large numbers to endorse banning alcohol at social gatherings. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 10, 2024 07:20 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Weather vagaries upset Himachal’s apple cart

This year, the horticulture department predicts a yield of 2.81 crore boxes of apples from 1.15 lakh hectares of cultivated land

The amount of land under cultivation has been on an increase constantly, but production has been on a decline in recent years. (Deepak Sansta/HT )

Chandigarh

Published on Jul 07, 2024 05:22 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Himachal bypolls: Parties make last-ditch efforts to woo voters as campaigning nears end

The leaders of both the rival parties – Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party– continued to campaign aggressively to secure win in the forthcoming bypolls

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who canvassed for his wife and Congress candidate in Dehra on Friday, said the present Congress government has announced more than 28,000 government jobs in its tenure of about one and a half years, the recruitment process of which has started. (HT PHOTO)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 06, 2024 05:20 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Dar Ovais, Shimla/dharamshala

Year after monsoon mayhem, Himachal still on long road to recovery

Memories of the three-month ordeal are still fresh and even a year on, Himachal has not still fully recovered.

Over 500 lives were lost in the monsoon disaster last year. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 05, 2024 08:58 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Himachal dams filled to the brim with onset of monsoon

This pre-monsoon surge is driven by the intense heat that has accelerated glacier melt, pushing water levels in many dams to precarious thresholds.

Himachal’s Nathpa Dam’s reservoir has reached 1,493 m, a mere 2.5 m below its danger level. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Jul 04, 2024 11:50 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Shops at Sarchu, Shinku La stir fresh border row between Ladakh and Himachal

Fresh row erupts as businesses from Ladakh set up shops in Himachal's border area. Dispute over Sarchu and Shinku La heightens, with both sides claiming territory. HP govt to raise issue with Ladakh admin and Centre.

Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana and officials removed the shops set up by Ladakh businessmen after an inspection. (Source: X)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 03, 2024 09:12 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Tourists and the growing mountain of trash in Himachal

Manali’s waste treatment plant, can handle 20 to 30 tonne of garbage daily, but receives 70 to 100 tonne

Highways across Himachal, those leading to tourist destinations, are laden with garbage and plastic waste. (HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Jul 02, 2024 01:25 PM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

Himachal assembly bypolls: Nalagarh headed for three-way battle

BJP rebel Harpreet Singh’s entry spices up contest, which was largely between Congress’ Hardeep Singh Bawa and the saffron party’s KL tThakur

Himachal CM and Congress’ Nalagarh assembly bypoll candidate Hardeep Singh Bawa during a campaigning event. (HT )

Chandigarh

Updated on Jul 02, 2024 09:30 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

File on agri univ VC with govt, some communication gap: Himachal CM Sukhu

Shukla on Thursday went public against state agriculture minister Chander Kumar for blaming Raj Bhavan for delay in the appointment of the vice chancellor at the agriculture university

The governor had on Thursday maintained that he had referred back the bill to the government with comments and it was still pending with the government and blaming the Raj Bhavan for delay in appointment was incorrect. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jun 29, 2024 08:04 AM IST

ByGaurav Bisht, Shimla

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Gaurav Bisht

Gaurav Bisht heads Hindustan Times’ Himachal bureau. He covers politics in the hill state and other issues concerning the masses.

Flash floods are generally caused due to hill torrents cascading down steep slopes. Bank erosion in the upper reaches with steep slopes and the bed consisting of boulders is a natural regulating function of a river.

Assistant professor of medicine department of the IGMC Ushendra Sharma said that cases of scrub typhus increase in the rainy season. “If the patient has trouble breathing and is suffering from kidney disease, then attention is needed,” Sharma added.

After the CM’s return, deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Congress state president Pratibha Singh also arrived in Delhi to meet the party’s high command.

Kasha–Kaladi is the richest uranium belt in Himachal Pradesh with an estimated 200 tonnes of triuranium octoxide, which is enough to produce 170 tonnes of uranium

Himachal Pradesh government faces economic challenges with reduced borrowing limits, mounting debts, and pension burden. Seeks help from 16th Finance Commission.

Move comes after prolonged deliberations on low enrollment; 89 primary, 10 middle Schools with zero enrolment to be closed.

Narrow escape for villagers, who abandoned their houses adjoining Aakhri Nullah, after hearing thundering sound in the middle of the night; debris near Palchan bridge leads to closure of Manali-Leh highway.

Himachal has already logged 38,882 tourist arrivals till June and is primed to surpass the 63,000 who visited the state in 2023

Union govt approves central deputation for Himachal IAS officer Priyatu Mandal, worsening state's officer shortage. Several others seeking central deputation.

Fish production has drastically declined after last monsoon flooding in rivers, reservoirs and farms

The Himachal government claims that it has made most preparations needed to tackle monsoon-triggered disasters

Combination of less rain last winter and intermittent rainfall in June this year created an environment conducive to disease development.

Congress Himachal unit chief Pratibha Singh says the party was confident about winning at least two seats in the Lok Sabha polls

The stretch has sharp turns and the width needs to be increased near Karcham, which houses a1500-MW power project. Chitkul, the highest village in the Baspa Valley at 11,319 feet, is now a tourist destination.

This electoral success comes in the backdrop of significant pressure that threatened to destabilise the Congress government just four months ago

The disease is favoured by cool, moist weather conditions, making the current weather scenario conducive to its spread

Opposition dubs move “anti-people”, while adding that the current government has now cited financial constraints as the reason to scrap the scheme.

The winter precipitation was mapped in all basins using the AWiFS satellite data having a spatial resolution of 56 m

BJP alleges incriminating documents recovered in raids on Himachal Pradesh CM's confidants. Congress calls it political vendetta before elections.

Himachal Pradesh urges Centre to lift ban on livestock trade with China via Shipki La after 5-year suspension, impacting local economy.

Hours before bypolls in Dehra, Hamirpur, and Nalagarh, Congress and BJP traded accusations. BJP alleged harassment by govt, while Congress accused BJP of conspiring to topple govt.

Women from the Tatyana village were the major force behind panchayat’s decision to ban serving liquor at wedding ceremonies and other social gatherings

This year, the horticulture department predicts a yield of 2.81 crore boxes of apples from 1.15 lakh hectares of cultivated land

The leaders of both the rival parties – Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party– continued to campaign aggressively to secure win in the forthcoming bypolls

Memories of the three-month ordeal are still fresh and even a year on, Himachal has not still fully recovered.

This pre-monsoon surge is driven by the intense heat that has accelerated glacier melt, pushing water levels in many dams to precarious thresholds.

Fresh row erupts as businesses from Ladakh set up shops in Himachal's border area. Dispute over Sarchu and Shinku La heightens, with both sides claiming territory. HP govt to raise issue with Ladakh admin and Centre.

Manali’s waste treatment plant, can handle 20 to 30 tonne of garbage daily, but receives 70 to 100 tonne

BJP rebel Harpreet Singh’s entry spices up contest, which was largely between Congress’ Hardeep Singh Bawa and the saffron party’s KL tThakur

Shukla on Thursday went public against state agriculture minister Chander Kumar for blaming Raj Bhavan for delay in the appointment of the vice chancellor at the agriculture university

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