Shimla Diary
Himachal vs Haryana in the pitch
With cricket fervour in the air, the MLA’s of the state too are slogging it out as they are gearing up to take on their Haryana counterparts, with whom they will play a match on February 3 at Panchkula.

vignettes Electricity Town Joginder Nagar A visit to Joginder Nagar past week after a gap of many years was nostalgic and recapitulating. It is not a town where people rub the lamp, fetch up the genii, and achieve new impossibilities in no time, so even after a wide time-gap; I found tender streaks of development here and there. POWER HOUSE: Electricity town Joginder Nagar is witnessing development on all fronts. — Photo by Anil Dayal

Water supply: the challenge ahead

Unregulated growth of the “Queen of Hills” and the ongoing environmental degradation has made provision of adequate water for the residents a big challenge for the Irrigation and Public Health Department. The fast depleting water sources and increasing demand has forced the municipal authorities to tap more dependable sources located far off. WATER CHALLENGE: Queen of Hills struggles to find adequate water sources. — Photo by Anil Dayal

Damaged glory Even though the twin towns of Sujanpur and Nadaun in Hamirpur district have a culture of their own, precious little is being done to showcase the glorious past to attract tourists to the area. LOST GLORY: The Sujanpur-Tihra fort calls for attention to restore it to its pristine glory

Jobs are now just a click away
The government decision to launch a job portal of potential skilled manpower in state has come as a major handy tool for industrialists. The portal has given respite to the industrialists to meet the mandatory requirement to employ the 70 per cent Himachali manpower in their respective units.

Eviction threat to trekkers’ paradise
Home to over 15 Buddhist families, Setan village in the least known Hampta valley in Kulu district is in for a major change. The valley is a trekkers’ paradise as the adventure-seekers and nature lovers make their foray across the Hampta Jot into the landlocked Chandra valley in Lahaul.



PARADISE LOST: Threat of eviction clouds the picturesque Hampta valley

Sculpted history in neglect

The historic town of Nahan is witness the utter neglect the heritage of magnificent craftmanship of rare sculptures by artists from the region patronised by the kings in and around this hilly township. The artistic quest depicts postures of sculptures exploring peace and serenity on the Mall road. STILL STANDING: The rare sculptures of Nahan paint a picture of sheer neglect