BPO boom takes state by storm
Dharamsala, July 22
Getting a government job used to be the aim of most of the students graduating in the state. However, the scenario is changing thanks to the growing number of business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. Graduates and undergraduates from the state are hot picks for BPO companies in Chandigarh and Delhi.

Shimla diary
State looks ahead to Rau’s tenure
Shimla, July 22
With the new Governor, Prabha Rau, having a keen interest in sports, music and social reforms, it is being hoped that these areas would get a major fillip in the state. Although Rau, an astute politician, was a strong contender for the post of Chief Minister of Maharashtra and gave a tough time to her archrival Vilas Rao Deshmukh, it now remains to be seen how she will fare as a Governor.

Muck from Budhil project threatens Ravi
Chamba, July 22

There are apprehensions of ecological imbalances in the lush green mountainous region of Bharmour in Chamba district following the reckless disposal of muck excavated from the 70-MW Budhil hydroelectric project. The project is being constructed on the Budhil rivulet, a tributary of the Ravi, in the district. According to sources, the disposal sites have been earmarked and approved by the state forest department as well as the Himachal Pradesh Environment and Pollution Control Board, but no one seems to bother whether the muck is being dumped at the earmarked sites or not.

Muck excavated from Budhil project being dumped along the right bank of the Ravi.

Hamirpur to house hotel mgt institute
Hamirpur, July 22
With the laying of foundation stone of the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition near Hamirpur by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal here recently, the district has taken a step forward in becoming an education hub of the state.