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  • Rare Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Spotted at Record 3,400m in Himachal’s Kinnaur

    Rare Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Spotted at Record 3,400m in Himachal’s Kinnaur

    July 24

    Shimla/Kinnaur: In a first for Himachal Pradesh, the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon (Treron phoenicopterus) has been recorded at an altitude of nearly 3,400 metres in the Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary of Kinnaur. The sighting, made by Block Forest Officer Santosh Kumar Thakur and Van Mitra Alpna Negi, is the highest-ever documented elevation for the species in the state and the first confirmed record from Kinnaur district.

     

    Usually found in lowland forests and orchards below 2,400 metres, the species’ presence in the high-altitude Baspa Valley is being described as an exceptional ecological record. Wildlife experts say the sighting could provide valuable insights into changing bird distribution patterns in the western Himalayas, though they stress that long-term monitoring is needed before linking it to climate change.

    Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Ashok Negi, IFS, credited the field staff for the discovery, while Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Sharma, IAS, congratulated the Wildlife Wing for documenting another significant addition to Kinnaur’s rich biodiversity.

  • Flash Flood Hits Choling Nallah in Kinnaur, Two Vehicles Buried Under Debris; NH-5 Traffic Disrupted

    Flash Flood Hits Choling Nallah in Kinnaur, Two Vehicles Buried Under Debris; NH-5 Traffic Disrupted

     

     

    Reckong Peo/Kinnaur, July 3:

    A sudden flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall wreaked havoc at Choling Nallah in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district on Friday. A Scorpio SUV and another vehicle were buried under debris as a massive surge of water and mud swept through the area.

     

    The flash flood brought large quantities of debris onto the Shimla–Kinnaur–Kaza National Highway (NH-5), bringing traffic to a complete standstill and disrupting movement on the crucial route.

     

    Following the incident, teams from the district administration, the National Highways authorities, and other concerned departments rushed to the spot. Restoration work is underway, with efforts focused on clearing the debris and reopening the highway at the earliest.

     

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for heavy rainfall in parts of Himachal Pradesh. Authorities have urged residents and travellers to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers and seasonal streams, and exercise extreme caution in landslide-prone areas.

     

    As of now, there has been no official confirmation of any casualties. The administration is closely monitoring the situation, while rescue and road restoration operations continue.

  • Bhutan Turns to Himachal’s Chilgoza Model

    Bhutan Turns to Himachal’s Chilgoza Model

    Following Himachal’s initiative to share chilgoza seeds and saplings with Bhutan, forest officials from the neighbouring nation are studying conservation and production practices in Kinnaur.

    Himachal Pradesh’s successful conservation and cultivation model of the prized chilgoza pine has attracted international attention, with an eight-member delegation of forest officials from Bhutan arriving in the state to study the species and its management practices.

    The visit comes months after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu facilitated the dispatch of 500 chilgoza saplings and five kilograms of chilgoza seeds to Bhutan in January this year. The initiative has now paved the way for a knowledge-sharing partnership between the two Himalayan regions.

    The Bhutanese delegation has travelled to Kinnaur district, the primary producer of chilgoza in Himachal Pradesh, where members will undertake a detailed study of the nut’s conservation, management, cultivation, and production systems. The team is also expected to interact with local communities and officials involved in protecting and promoting the valuable forest resource.

    Before proceeding to Kinnaur, the delegation met Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Sanjay Sood, who briefed the officials on Himachal Pradesh’s forest conservation policies, sustainable management practices, and ongoing efforts to preserve biodiversity and forest wealth.

    During the interaction, extensive discussions were held on Kinnaur’s unique chilgoza conservation and production model, which has become a significant contributor to the district’s rural economy. Chilgoza, often referred to as one of the most valuable forest produce of the Himalayan region, provides livelihood support to numerous families and plays an important role in local economic development.

    Apart from studying chilgoza cultivation, the Bhutanese officials have expressed keen interest in biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, ecological preservation, and the responsible utilisation of natural resources.

    Forest Department officials said the delegation’s visit reflects growing recognition of Himachal Pradesh’s expertise in managing fragile mountain ecosystems and conserving high-value forest species. The exchange is expected to strengthen cooperation between Himachal Pradesh and Bhutan in the areas of forestry, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable environmental practices.

    Officials believe the study tour could open new avenues for collaborative research and knowledge-sharing, helping both regions protect their ecological heritage while promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

  • Dr. Sanjay Sood Directs Early Disposal of Pending Works in Kinnaur

    Dr. Sanjay Sood Directs Early Disposal of Pending Works in Kinnaur

    Signals strict action against inactive staff

    Reckong Peo (29th June)

    Dr. Sanjay Sood, Head of the Forest Force and Chief Project Director of the JICA Forestry Project, has directed officials to complete all pending works under the Kinnaur Forest Division at the earliest. Dr. Sood is currently on a three-day visit to Kinnaur.
    While chairing a departmental and project review meeting in Kalpa on Sunday, he instructed officials to ensure effective implementation of the Himachal Pradesh government’s flagship schemes, including the Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme, the Chief Minister Forest Expansion Scheme, and the Rajiv Gandhi Green Adoption Scheme.

    Dr. Sood emphasized the need to accelerate the state’s green mission by planting the maximum possible number of saplings during the current monsoon season in Kinnaur. He said the Forest Department is playing a key role in achieving the state’s target of increasing forest cover to 32% by 2030, and stressed that all officers and forest personnel in Kinnaur must work with dedication to meet this goal.

    During the meeting, Dr. Sood also reviewed the progress of activities being carried out under the JICA Forestry Project in Kinnaur. He noted that the project is making significant contributions to forest conservation and livelihood improvement. He also directed officials to take strict action against inactive or non-performing staff associated with the project.

    The meeting was attended by DFO Kinnaur Arvind Kumar, ACF Kinnaur Karn Kapoor, retired HPFS officer C.M. Sharma, SMS Kinnaur Radhika Negi, FTU Coordinators and other project officials and staff.

  • SEE Learning to Redefine Education in Himachal; Principals, Teachers Receive Special Training

    SEE Learning to Redefine Education in Himachal; Principals, Teachers Receive Special Training

    Shimla: In a significant step towards strengthening the emotional and mental well-being of schoolchildren, Himachal Pradesh Samagra Shiksha has expanded the implementation of the Social, Emotional and Ethical (SEE) Learning programme across schools in the state. The initiative, being implemented in partnership with the Piramal Foundation, aims to equip students with emotional resilience, ethical values and social awareness alongside academic learning.

     

    As part of the expansion, a three-day SEE Learning Educators’ Workshop was organised in Rekong Peo under the joint aegis of Samagra Shiksha, Piramal Foundation, Emory University (USA) and Chos Khor Ling Buddhist Service Association, Kinnaur. Around 60 principals, teachers and trainee educators from DIET, along with representatives from government and private schools, participated in the workshop.

     

    The programme focused on familiarising educators with the SEE Learning framework, its practical applications and strategies for integrating social, emotional and ethical competencies into classroom teaching. Experts from Piramal Foundation and Emory University conducted training sessions and interactive discussions.

     

    Addressing the gathering, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche said SEE Learning is rooted in India’s ancient wisdom traditions and reflects the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to integrate compassion and ethical values into modern education systems. He said the programme plays a crucial role in making education more humane and value-based.

     

    Dr. Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Executive Director of the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University, said Himachal Pradesh holds special significance as the residence of the Dalai Lama. He noted that effective implementation of SEE Learning in the state would help promote compassion, empathy and ethical thinking among future generations.

     

    Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Amit Sharma lauded the initiative, stating that programmes focusing on emotional balance, ethical development and holistic growth are essential in today’s rapidly changing world.

     

    ₹50 Lakh Budget Approved for SEE Learning

     

    State Nodal Officer of Samagra Shiksha, Varsha Sood, said the programme is being implemented with full commitment across the state. She revealed that approximately ₹50 lakh has been approved for SEE Learning activities during the current financial year to ensure its effective implementation.

     

    “Developing responsible, sensitive and emotionally aware citizens is the need of the hour, and SEE Learning is an important step in that direction,” she said.

     

    Ishan Sharma, Director of Piramal Foundation, said the foundation is currently implementing SEE Learning in seven states and is working to scale up the programme further.

     

    The workshop was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr. Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Ishan Sharma, Yuki Imoto, Gyabung Tulku Rinpoche, Kuldeep Negi, Sushil Sharma, Varsha Sood, Ranjana Chauhan, Rajendra Thakur and Dr. Tenzin Nima Negi.

     

    The three-day training programme is expected to help educators integrate social, emotional and ethical learning into everyday teaching practices, making education more compassionate, inclusive and holistic.

  • KVK Kinnaur Launches Month-Long ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ across 42 Locations

    KVK Kinnaur Launches Month-Long ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ across 42 Locations

    SOLAN JUNE 4

    Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kinnaur, under the aegis of Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, has launched a month-long district-wide awareness campaign, ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan-2026’, aimed at promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The campaign is part of a nationwide initiative being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and will continue until June 30.

    The campaign was formally launched from the high-altitude villages of Nako and Spillow in Pooh block, reflecting the commitment to reaching even the remotest farming communities with scientific and sustainable agricultural practices.

    Dr. Pramod Sharma, Associate Director (Research) and Head, KVK Kinnaur, along with Dr. Shamsher Singh, Deputy Director of Horticulture, and Dr. Ramesh Lal, Project Director, ATMA, constituted two multidisciplinary teams comprising KVK scientists Dr. DP Bhandari (Plant Pathologist), Dr. Arun Kumar (Fruit Scientist), Dr. Budhi Ram (Entomologist), and Dr. Deepika (Fruit Scientist), along with officials from the Departments of Horticulture and Agriculture (ATMA).

    Dr. Sharma informed that the campaign will cover 42 locations across the three development blocks of Kinnaur district. Through training programmes, farmer-scientist interactions, field demonstrations and awareness activities, the campaign seeks to disseminate scientific recommendations and encourage the adoption of sustainable farming practices among farmers in far-flung areas of the district.

    During the first phase of the campaign, awareness programmes, group discussions and field demonstrations were organized in Nako and Spillow villages. Farmers were sensitized about the adverse effects of indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and the importance of soil test-based nutrient management. Scientists highlighted the benefits of natural farming, integrated nutrient management and eco-friendly agricultural technologies for maintaining soil health, enhancing productivity and improving farm profitability.

    Dr. D.P. Sharma, Director of Extension Education of the University, said that the campaign represents an important step towards promoting sustainable mountain agriculture by integrating scientific knowledge with environmental conservation and farmer welfare. He added that similar month-long awareness and outreach programmes under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan-2026’ have also been initiated by the University’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras at Solan, Shimla, Chamba and Tabo.

    The campaign is expected to create greater awareness among farmers about sustainable agricultural practices and contribute towards long-term soil health, environmental sustainability and enhanced livelihood security in the Himalayan region.

  • Hills of Self-Reliance: Kinnaur Mountain Treasure Blends Culture, Livelihood and Pride

    Hills of Self-Reliance: Kinnaur Mountain Treasure Blends Culture, Livelihood and Pride

     

    Shimla

    Nestled among high mountains, difficult terrain and limited resources, Kinnaur has long been seen as a challenging region for sustainable livelihoods. Breaking this perception, a woman from the tribal belt of Kinnaur has set an inspiring example of self-reliance rooted in tradition. This is the story of Deep Mala Negi, founder of Kinnaur Mountain Treasure, who chose cultural preservation and sustainable livelihoods over profit-driven growth.

    Starting with minimal resources, Deep Mala Negi envisioned a platform that would protect Kinnaur’s unique identity while creating dignified employment for local communities. Trusting the purity and quality of indigenous Kinnauri produce, she set out to take the authentic “Taste of Kinnaur” to a wider audience.

    What makes this initiative distinctive is its deep connection with local roots. From traditional pickles and chutneys to rare natural oils and ethnic Kinnauri apparel, Kinnaur Mountain Treasure bridges heritage with the modern marketplace. Each product reflects the fragrance of the mountains, the honesty of hard work and respect for age-old traditions.

    Sharing her journey, Deep Mala Negi says that her initiative stands as a testimony to self-reliance. She believes that when people trust their local strengths, sustainable futures can be built right where they belong. Today, the venture has grown beyond a brand into a strong platform for youth employment and women entrepreneurship, helping the younger generation recognise the true value of their cultural heritage.

    What began as a small effort has now emerged as a powerful example of community-based livelihood generation. Kinnaur Mountain Treasure proves that cultural conservation and economic development can go hand in hand—with the right vision and direction.

    Though rooted in the hills, its message resonates nationwide: global futures are often hidden in local skills and indigenous wisdom.

  • Featured Video Play Icon

    Landslide in Wangtu of Kinnaur district

    3 September 2025 Kinnaur

    A huge land slide from the hill in Wangtu of Kinnaur district due to which standing vehicles got damaged.

    So far no loss of lives has been reported yet.

  • किन्नौरी ऊन उत्पादों की खूबसूरत प्रदर्शनी

    किन्नौरी ऊन उत्पादों की खूबसूरत प्रदर्शनी

    शिमला

    शिमला खेल परिसर में पिछले कल से हस्त करघा उत्पादों की प्रदर्शनी लगी है जिसमें रेकोंगपियो किन्नौर से मणि हैंडलूम द्वारा भी प्रदर्शनी लगाई है। मणि हैंडलूम प्रदेश में ही नहीं विदेशों तक अपनी बुनी किन्नौरी शालें, टोपियां, नेहरू सदरियां, मफलर और कोट की ऊनी पट्टियों के टिपिकल मूल डिजाइन की बुनाई के लिए जाने जाते हैं। इस प्रदर्शनी में भी इनके उत्पादों को आप देख सकते हैं।

    पियो किन्नौर में मणि हैंडलूम की अपनी उत्पाद इंडस्ट्री स्थापित है जहां 25 खड्डियां लगी हैं और बीस के करीब हस्तशिल्पी काम करते हैं।

    मणि हैंडलूम इंडस्ट्री के मालिक धर्मलाल ने किन्नौरी टोपी पहनाकर लेखक SR हरनोट को सम्मानित भी किया। मणि हैंडलूम में आप हर प्रकार की किन्नौर की स्टाल से लेकर शाल, टोपी तक खरीद सकते है। किन्नौरी शाल आपको 5000रुपये से लेकर 15000 रुपये तक मिल जाएगी वही स्टाल की बात करें तो वाह 2000 से शुरू है। यह सब सामान हाथ से बनाया जाता है।

     

  • Cyclists spread awareness about ‘value of vote’ at Reckong-Peo College

    Cyclists spread awareness about ‘value of vote’ at Reckong-Peo College

     

     

    Expedition was flagged by CEO on 14th from Shimla, reaches Peo

     

    On the third day of the cycling expedition to Tashigang, (the world’s highest polling station at 15256 feet) for motivating the voters to ensure maximum participation to exercise their right to franchise on 1st June 2024, Jasprit Paul, appointed as the State Election Icon, along with his co-cyclist Kshitij Niltu, from Pandrah-Bees area, interacted with the students and teachers at T.S. Negi government college in Reckong-Peo and distributed the invitation cards to the first time voters and motivated them to vote for building a stronger democracy.

     

    In a unique initiative, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Maneesh Garg flagged off the cycling expedition from historic Ridge, Shimla on 14th May and is likely to culminate at Tashigang on 20th May, 2024.

     

    A mega function was organized at Government Degree College by DEO/ Deputy Commissioner, Kinnaur, Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma, who gave them a warm welcome and appreciated their contribution in the ‘Utsav of Democracy’ and for spreading the message amongst the youth pertaining to value of even a single vote.

     

    The young voters were encouraged to vote and were given Nimantran Patras (Invitation cards) to voluntarily vote during the upcoming elections. He also administered ‘pledge to Vote’ to the Young voters at Peo College.

     

    Meanwhile, CEO, Maneesh Garg said that the main objective of this cycle expedition by State Election Icon and his team was to ensure maximum participation of the people in this election. In view of the Lok Sabha and Assembly bye-elections in the state, the contribution of all the eligible voters was very important.

     

    The cyclist will also pay homage to India’s first voter, Shyam Sharan Negi and will appeal to the people and first time voters to follow his footsteps in building a stronger democratic government for overall development of the Nation.

     

    Jasprit Paul said that apart from spreading the message of ‘right to vote’ amongst the first time voters, Yuvak and Mahila Madals on the way, the message to abstain from drugs was also imparted to the youth and to follow the fitness profiles.

     

    Later in the evening, the Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Amit Kumar Kinnaur launched the SVEEP activities at Bhavanagar. Jasprit Paul along with his partner Kshitij Niltu, also participated in the SVEEP events to make aware the voters, especially the first time voters to voluntarily come out to vote on the day of polling under Mission-414.

     

    Dr. Amit said that the main motive of holding SVEEP activities in Bhavanagar I & II was to motivate the voters to come out and participate in making democratically elected Government more strong. He said that such activities were also being undertaken in Choltu and Reckong-Peo-I as the polling percentage was less in four booths, including the Bhavanagar I & II during the last Lok Sabha elections.

     

    The State Icon also motivated the voters and distributed Invitation cards to the elderly and the young voters on the occasion besides conveying the message of CEO to the people present.