Articles by Gaurav Bisht
Manali-Leh all-weather road: Shinku La tunnel gets forest clearance
The 4.1-km long proposed tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity from Manali to Leh via the Nimu-Padum-Darcha road, an important defence axis
![Once complete, Shinku La tunnel will be world’s highest highway tunnel. (HT FIle) Once complete, Shinku La tunnel will be world’s highest highway tunnel. (HT FIle)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/19/150x84/Once-complete--Shinku-La-tunnel-will-be-world-s-hi_1713553217418.jpg)
Updated on Apr 20, 2024 06:48 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
After boycott threat, poll officials meet voters at India’s highest polling station in Himachal
Villagers in Himachal’s Tashigang, who have posted 100% voting in the last two elections, are miffed over being terminated as daily wagers with the public works department
![Residents during a meeting with poll officials in Tashigang, Himachal Pradesh. (HT Photo) Residents during a meeting with poll officials in Tashigang, Himachal Pradesh. (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/19/150x84/Residents-during-a-meeting-with-poll-officials-in-_1713553037304.jpg)
Updated on Apr 20, 2024 06:42 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
War of words between Vikramaditya and Kangana escalates
Vikramaditya further said that Kangana was a debutant and people didn’t even recognise her face.
![“Their campaign seems like a tourist visit. The tourists wear the regional attire, get their pictures clicked and leave,” said Vikramaditya adding that it will be the people of Mandi who will decide the fate of candidates (HT Photo) “Their campaign seems like a tourist visit. The tourists wear the regional attire, get their pictures clicked and leave,” said Vikramaditya adding that it will be the people of Mandi who will decide the fate of candidates (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/18/148x111/-Their-campaign-seems-like-a-tourist-visit--The-to_1713463070853_1713470487570.jpg)
Updated on Apr 19, 2024 01:36 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Himachal’s cancer cases shot up 800% in 10 years
Experts attribute the increase to improved diagnostic facilities and more awareness even in remote areas
![Cancer cases in Himachal shot up from 2,149 in 2013 to an alarming 17,212 in 2022. (HT File) Cancer cases in Himachal shot up from 2,149 in 2013 to an alarming 17,212 in 2022. (HT File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/17/150x84/Cancer-cases-in-Himachal-shot-up-from-2-149-in-201_1713381205215.jpg)
Updated on Apr 18, 2024 07:54 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Spiti Valley: Will highest booth, with 52 voters, go from 100% to nil?
The polling station, 29km from the China border, covers two villages of Tashigang and Gete and was set up in 2019 when it had 48 voters
![Tashigang village in Spiti Valley. (HT PHOTO) Tashigang village in Spiti Valley. (HT PHOTO)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/17/150x84/Tashigang-village-in-Spiti-Valley---HT-PHOTO-_1713377784527.jpg)
Updated on Apr 18, 2024 06:08 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Voters at highest polling station in Himachal threaten boycott
Tashigang polling station in Mandi Lok Sabha constituency has 52 voters, they cite lack of employment in border village for decision
![Voters standing in queue for their turn to cast their votes in the Himachal Pradesh assembly elections at the country’s highest polling station of Tashigang in Lahaul and Spiti district on November 12, 2022. (HT file photo) Voters standing in queue for their turn to cast their votes in the Himachal Pradesh assembly elections at the country’s highest polling station of Tashigang in Lahaul and Spiti district on November 12, 2022. (HT file photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/17/150x84/Voters-standing-in-queue-for-their-turn-to-cast-th_1713349695239.jpg)
Published on Apr 17, 2024 03:58 PM IST
Will not let BJP distract us from Himachal’s real issues, says Vikramaditya Singh
Congress’ Vikramaditya Singh said he would campaign with positivity and will tour all the regions of Himachal
![Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Himachal’s Mandi, Vikramaditya Singh. (HT File) Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Himachal’s Mandi, Vikramaditya Singh. (HT File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/16/150x84/Congress-Lok-Sabha-candidate-from-Himachal-s-Mandi_1713293997185.jpg)
Updated on Apr 17, 2024 06:36 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Congress should clarify where Centre’s disaster aid was spent: Kangana
While campaigning for Kangra Lok Sabha candidate Rajeev Bharadwaj and assembly by-election candidate Sudhir Sharma in Dharamshala, she highlighted the schemes of Centre government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
![BJP candidate from Mandi Kangana Ranaut meets the Dalai Lama at Dharamshala on Monday (HT Photo) BJP candidate from Mandi Kangana Ranaut meets the Dalai Lama at Dharamshala on Monday (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/15/150x84/BJP-candidate-from-Mandi-Kangana-Ranaut-meets-the-_1713206493638.jpg)
Updated on Apr 16, 2024 07:16 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
It’s official: Vikramaditya to take on Kangana on Mandi LS seat
The party’s central election committee met on Friday in New Delhi with Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge as the chairperson to deicide on the four candidates
![On expected lines, the Congress fielded public works minister Vikramaditya Singh from the Mandi seat (HT File) On expected lines, the Congress fielded public works minister Vikramaditya Singh from the Mandi seat (HT File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/13/150x84/On-expected-lines--the-Congress-fielded-public-wor_1713035895164.jpg)
Updated on Apr 14, 2024 06:56 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
HP Congress ‘mulls taking back 2022 rebels’
“We have received few applications from the leaders who rebelled against the official candidate in the 2022 assembly elections,” said Viplove Thaku
![However, the leaders who were the official nominees of the Congress in the 2022 assembly elections and rebellion are reportedly averse to the entry of rebels (HT File) However, the leaders who were the official nominees of the Congress in the 2022 assembly elections and rebellion are reportedly averse to the entry of rebels (HT File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/13/150x84/However--the-leaders-who-were-the-official-nominee_1713035835432.jpg)
Updated on Apr 14, 2024 06:54 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Young ‘King’ vs reel ‘Queen’ on Mandi Lok Sabha seat
The Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh has a history of voting for candidates belonging to “royal” bloodlines
![In the 2024 edition of the Lok Sabha polls, royal scion on the erstwhile Rampur Bushahr princely state Vikramaditya Singh will take on Bollywood “Queen” Kangana Ranaut (HT File) In the 2024 edition of the Lok Sabha polls, royal scion on the erstwhile Rampur Bushahr princely state Vikramaditya Singh will take on Bollywood “Queen” Kangana Ranaut (HT File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/13/150x84/In-the-2024-edition-of-the-Lok-Sabha-polls--royal-_1713035715138.jpg)
Updated on Apr 14, 2024 06:50 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Mandi
174-year-old Rashtrapati Niwas is biggest tourist draw in Shimla
Rashtrapati Niwas, located on the outskirts of state capital Shimla has emerged as a major tourist attraction since being thrown open to the public last April
![Thus far, more than 50,000 people have visited the complex, with footfall peaking at 650 people on April 7. (Wikimedia Commons) Thus far, more than 50,000 people have visited the complex, with footfall peaking at 650 people on April 7. (Wikimedia Commons)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/12/150x84/Thus-far--more-than-50-000-people-have-visited-the_1712948867562.jpg)
Updated on Apr 13, 2024 07:50 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Congress poll panel meet to finalise HP candidates on April 13
The party’s screening committee has shortlisted the candidates for four Lok Sabha seats – Shimla, Mandi, Hamirpur and Kangra – as well as the six assembly seats – Dharamshala, Gagret, Sujanpur, Lahaul and Spiti, Badsar, and Kutlehar – where by-polls were necessitated after sitting Congress legislators were disqualified under anti-defection law for defying the whip
![The names of candidates for the by-elections may be announced after the central election committee meeting set to be held under the chairpersonship of the Congress’ national president Mallikarjun Kharge. (HT File) The names of candidates for the by-elections may be announced after the central election committee meeting set to be held under the chairpersonship of the Congress’ national president Mallikarjun Kharge. (HT File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/12/150x84/The-names-of-candidates-for-the-by-elections-may-b_1712945026389.jpg)
Updated on Apr 13, 2024 05:48 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Shimla’s Rashtrapati Niwas biggest tourist draw
The 174-year-old building, built largely in the English style, has an orchard and sprawling green lawns and was opened to the public by President Droupadi Murmu during her visit to Shimla last year
![Thus far, more than 50,000 people have visited the complex, with footfall peaking at 650 people on April 7. (HT File Photo) Thus far, more than 50,000 people have visited the complex, with footfall peaking at 650 people on April 7. (HT File Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/12/150x84/Thus-far--more-than-50-000-people-have-visited-the_1712944606271.jpg)
Updated on Apr 13, 2024 05:40 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Kangana mocks at Congress infighting attacks Vikramaditya again
Kangana had organised ‘dham’ at Simsa village in Manali and had invited villagers from five nearby villages
![Actor Kangana Ranaut, BJP candidate from Mandi Lok Sabha seat during an election campaign event ahead of Lok Sabha Polls in Kullu on Friday. (Aqil Khan /HT) Actor Kangana Ranaut, BJP candidate from Mandi Lok Sabha seat during an election campaign event ahead of Lok Sabha Polls in Kullu on Friday. (Aqil Khan /HT)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/12/150x84/Actor-Kangana-Ranaut--BJP-candidate-from-Mandi-Lok_1712943705718.jpg)
Updated on Apr 13, 2024 05:12 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Fought dynasties in Bollywood, will do it in HP: Kangana
Retaliating to Kangana’s remarks, the Vikramaditya said that no Himachal politician has ever used a language she is using
![Kangana Ranaut (HT File) Kangana Ranaut (HT File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/11/150x84/Kangana-Ranaut--HT-File-_1712864238297.jpg)
Updated on Apr 12, 2024 07:46 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Insecticide poisoning behind deaths of 3 leopards: Autopsy
Initially, it was believed that poachers used the poison to kill the leopards and police had registered a case under section 429 (mischief by killing or maiming cattle) of the Indian Penal Code and the Wildlife Act at the Rampur Bushar police station
![On March 8, a two-year-old leopard and two cubs were found dead in an orchard in Janguni village in Shimla. (AFP) On March 8, a two-year-old leopard and two cubs were found dead in an orchard in Janguni village in Shimla. (AFP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/11/150x84/On-March-8--a-two-year-old-leopard-and-two-cubs-we_1712864058241.jpg)
Updated on Apr 12, 2024 07:38 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Climate change impacts apple blooming in Himachal
The delay in blooming is likely to impact the apple production. The apple harvest, which usually commences in the last week of June, is likely to start in the second week of July. Apple trees in the lower elevations at the height of 5,000 feet above sea level fully bloom by mid-April. “Trees are at the stage of pink bud,” said Rahul Singh, an apple grower in Theog.
![Climate change has adversely impacted the temperate fruits growing in Himachal Pradesh, particularly apples. The changing weather pattern, excessive rains last year and scanty snowfall have delayed the apple blooming by at least three weeks this year as compared to the past two years. (HT Photo) Climate change has adversely impacted the temperate fruits growing in Himachal Pradesh, particularly apples. The changing weather pattern, excessive rains last year and scanty snowfall have delayed the apple blooming by at least three weeks this year as compared to the past two years. (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/10/150x84/Climate-change-has-adversely-impacted-the-temperat_1712770188567.jpg)
Updated on Apr 11, 2024 05:00 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
‘Queen of controversies’: Vikramaditya hits out at Kangana
Himachal Pradesh public works minister Vikramaditya Singh also attacked leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur for his remarks against him
![Himachal Pradesh public works minister Vikramaditya Singh (HT File) Himachal Pradesh public works minister Vikramaditya Singh (HT File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/08/150x84/Himachal-Pradesh-public-works-minister-Vikramadity_1712596961855.jpg)
Published on Apr 08, 2024 10:53 PM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Back from Delhi, Sukhu, Pratibha put up united face
State Congress chief and outgoing Mandi MP hints Vikramaditya could take on BJP’s Kangana Ranaut in high-stake battle; list expected on April 13
![Central Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, met CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, state chief Pratibha Singh and deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri on Sunday (HT File) Central Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, met CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, state chief Pratibha Singh and deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri on Sunday (HT File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/08/150x84/Central-Congress-leaders--including-Sonia-Gandhi-a_1712596481669.jpeg)
Published on Apr 08, 2024 10:45 PM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
To woo investors, Himachal govt set to host biz conclave in Chandigarh
The tourism department has extended an invitation to at least 25 hospitality firms to invest in Himachal Pradesh
![A business opportunity conference will be held in Chandigarh on April 9 to invite investment from leading private hospitality firms in the properties being developed by Himachal Pradesh government. (HT File) A business opportunity conference will be held in Chandigarh on April 9 to invite investment from leading private hospitality firms in the properties being developed by Himachal Pradesh government. (HT File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/06/150x84/A-business-opportunity-conference-will-be-held-in-_1712425954640.jpg)
Updated on Apr 07, 2024 05:24 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
A green booth each to be set up in all 12 Himachal districts
“We have issued instructions to deputy commissioners concerned to set up at least one green polling booth in each district,” said chief electoral officer Manish Garg
![These green polling stations will be decorated with bamboo twigs and leaves, and will exhibit local art and culture. (HT File) These green polling stations will be decorated with bamboo twigs and leaves, and will exhibit local art and culture. (HT File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/03/150x84/These-green-polling-stations-will-be-decorated-wit_1712169716431.jpg)
Updated on Apr 04, 2024 06:42 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Despite EC directive, 41% licence-holders deposit weapons in Himachal
According to recent data, only approximately 41.2% of registered firearms have been submitted either at police stations or firearms shops. The statistics reveal that there are a total of 1,00,403 registered weapons across the 12 districts of the state of which 190 are exempted from the ECI directives.
![Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, gun licence holders in Himachal are reluctant to deposit their weapons, despite directives from the Election Commission of India and the local authorities. (HT File) Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, gun licence holders in Himachal are reluctant to deposit their weapons, despite directives from the Election Commission of India and the local authorities. (HT File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/02/150x84/Ahead-of-the-Lok-Sabha-elections--gun-licence-hold_1712084098829.jpg)
Updated on Apr 03, 2024 07:10 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Jai Ram placates ‘sulking’ BJP leaders in Mandi
“The BJP is a big family and one can have reservations, but every one will work together to strengthen the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” said Jai Ram
![Jai Ram Thakur (HT FIle) Jai Ram Thakur (HT FIle)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/01/150x84/Jai-Ram-Thakur--HT-FIle-_1711992383838.jpg)
Published on Apr 01, 2024 10:57 PM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Congress rebel Rana meets his political mentor Dhumal
Rana, who was disqualified as the MLA from Sujanpur, will has been given the byelection ticket by the BJP along with the five other Congress rebels
![Rajinder Rana (right) calls on former Himachal chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal in Samirpur on Friday. (HT Photo) Rajinder Rana (right) calls on former Himachal chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal in Samirpur on Friday. (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/29/150x84/Rajinder-Rana--right--calls-on-former-Himachal-chi_1711738364510.jpg)
Updated on Mar 30, 2024 06:38 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Himachal guv urges speaker to accept resignation of 3 Independent MLAs
The three legislators — Ashish Sharma, Hoshiyar Singh, and KL Thakur— resigned from the state assembly on March 22, but the speaker is yet to accept it
![HT Image HT Image](https://images.hindustantimes.com/images/app-images/2021/10/148x111.png)
Updated on Mar 29, 2024 07:56 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
Accept resignations of 3 Independent MLAs: HP governor to speaker
Shukla clarified that while Raj Bhawan does not possess authority in the matter, and he acted as a conduit, submitting the letters of the three independent legislators to speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania
![Himachal governor Shiv Pratap Shukla (HT File) Himachal governor Shiv Pratap Shukla (HT File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/28/150x84/Himachal-governor-Shiv-Pratap-Shukla--HT-File-_1711645963847.jpg)
Updated on Mar 28, 2024 10:43 PM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
BJP holds rallies in all 6 assembly segments going to bypolls in Himachal
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said that the chief minister was responsible for the political situation in Himachal Pradesh
![Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur addresses the welcome ceremony of the BJP leader Krishan Lal Thakur in Nalagarh on Thursday. (ANI) Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur addresses the welcome ceremony of the BJP leader Krishan Lal Thakur in Nalagarh on Thursday. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/28/150x84/Leader-of-Opposition-Jai-Ram-Thakur-addresses-the-_1711644583030.jpg)
Published on Mar 28, 2024 10:20 PM IST
‘Will abide by party’s decision’: Pratibha’s U-turn on contesting Lok Sabha polls
The decision comes after a meeting of the six-member co-ordinaiton committee constituted by the Congress to chalk out a strategy for the Lok sabha elections
![Pratibha Singh (HT Photo) Pratibha Singh (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/28/150x84/Pratibha-Singh--HT-Photo-_1711644402947.jpg)
Published on Mar 28, 2024 10:17 PM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla
BJP fields 6 Congress rebels for Himachal Pradesh bypolls
In an official statement, the BJP announced their candidacy for the seats they held before their disqualification.
![The six disqualified legislators in Himachal Pradesh joined the BJP on Saturday. (ANI file) The six disqualified legislators in Himachal Pradesh joined the BJP on Saturday. (ANI file)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/26/150x84/The-six-disqualified-legislators-in-Himachal-Prade_1711481064959.jpg)
Updated on Mar 27, 2024 08:20 AM IST
Gaurav Bisht, Shimla