Red Alerts continue in Himachal; Competitive Exams maybe put on hold
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Sept 2,
Himachal Pradesh is reeling under one of its most destructive monsoons in recent memory, with widespread landslides, flash floods and house collapses leaving behind a trail of devastation.
Amid this crisis, the state government has moved to ease concerns of candidates due to appear in upcoming competitive examinations. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu informed the Vidhan Sabha that police recruitment oral tests stand cancelled and other exams would be reviewed with respective agencies, keeping public safety in mind.
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has already deferred the Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination-2025. Originally slated for September 7, it will now be tentatively held on October 5, 2025. The commission cited the ongoing weather emergency as the reason for the postponement.
The issue came into focus after Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur pressed the government on two fronts – evacuation of five bodies still stranded at Kugti Pass and relief for students facing examination schedules in the middle of the crisis. He urged immediate deployment of Air Force helicopters for the retrieval mission.
Responding, the Chief Minister said persistent bad weather had grounded sorties but assured that operations would resume once conditions allowed.
Also read:Himachal rainfall soars 667% higher than normal on Single day
Meanwhile, the toll of destruction continues to mount. As of September 1, the State Emergency Operation Centre reported 327 human lives lost and 385 animal deaths, alongside over 1,300 fully damaged houses, 2,331 partially damaged structures and 27,000 hectares of crop loss. Financial losses have already crossed ₹3,158 crore.
Public utilities have also collapsed under pressure: 1,305 roads including six national highways are blocked, 3,263 power transformers disrupted and 858 water supply schemes knocked out of service. National Highway-05 at Browni remains shut due to continuous shooting stones despite heavy machinery being deployed.
Dam authorities have sounded high-flow alerts downstream of the Nathpa dam on the Sutlej and the Baspa barrage at Kuppa, following controlled water releases.
The relentless rains also triggered the collapse of a three-storey under-construction house in Kullu’s Anni subdivision, with rescue work slowed by blocked roads and incessant downpour.
With red alerts continuing across districts, authorities have appealed to the public to steer clear of riverbanks and landslide-prone zones until weather conditions improve.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
