Political Turmoil: Bureaucracy Row and Internal Rifts A significant political controversy erupted within the state government involving Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh. The minister sparked a row by stating that some bureaucrats from outside Himachal, specifically Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, were not working in the state’s interest and were acting like “rulers” rather than public servants. These remarks drew sharp condemnation from the IAS and IPS officers’ associations, which labeled the comments as divisive and capable of creating distrust .
Amidst this friction, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu hinted at an impending cabinet reshuffle and expansion in the coming days .
Additionally, the state government transferred eight IAS officers, appointing Gandharva Rathore as the new Deputy Commissioner of Hamirpur .
Centre-State Relations and Economic Demands
Chief Minister Sukhu held high-level meetings in New Delhi, including with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, to flag Himachal’s severe fiscal stress and revenue challenges ,.
Apple Economy: A primary focus was the protection of the state’s apple industry. The CM demanded a 100% import duty on apples to shield local growers from foreign imports, particularly from New Zealand and the US, and requested a ban on imports during the peak season .
Financial Aid: The CM requested a “Green Fund” and special financial support for hill states, alongside relaxation in norms for the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme.
Power Sector Success: In a positive economic development, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEBL) recorded a revenue of Rs 300 crore from power sales in the current fiscal year .
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Law and Order: Crackdown on Drugs and corruption The state intensified its “zero tolerance” policy toward the drug trade, particularly “Chitta” (heroin).
Police Dismissals: In a major disciplinary move, the state government dismissed 11 police personnel for their involvement in drug smuggling , .
Electoral Ban: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and state ministers indicated that individuals accused of drug offenses would be barred from contesting Panchayat elections.
Seizures: Police seized 104 grams of heroin in Bhuntar and arrested multiple peddlers in Shimla and Kangra .
Tragedies and Accidents The week was marred by several fatal incidents and natural disasters.
Solan and Sirmaur Fires: A massive fire in the Arki market area of Solan resulted in the death of an eight-year-old boy, with reports indicating nine Nepalese nationals were missing or trapped . Separately, a tragic house fire in Sirmaur killed six family members, including three children .
Road Accidents: A bus accident near Sarkaghat left seven people injured . Other accidents included a car plunging into a gorge in Baijnath, killing three to four people , and a vehicle fall in Chamba that claimed two lives .
Detention of Merchant Navy Officer: Rikshit Chauhan, a Merchant Navy officer from Himachal, was detained aboard a Russian oil tanker seized by the US, prompting his family to seek Prime Minister Modi’s intervention for his release before his scheduled wedding .
Environment, Infrastructure, and Tourism
Weather: The state experienced a prolonged dry spell with severe cold waves, where plains were often colder than hill stations like Shimla . However, forecasts predicted relief with snow and rain expected between January 16 and 21 .
Sissu Tourism Ban: The village of Sissu in Lahaul-Spiti imposed a 40-day ban on tourism to honor local deities and spiritual traditions, a move complicated by reports of unruly tourist behavior .
Infrastructure Issues: Residents in Shimla protested against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) after tunnel blasting work for a four-lane project caused cracks in their homes, leaving some families homeless.
Civic Recognition: The Dharamsala civic body received the Skoch Award for promoting e-governance .
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