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Dar Ovais

Dar Ovais is the Dharamshala-based correspondent in the Himachal Pradesh bureau of Hindustan Times. He covers politics, tourism, Tibetan affairs and environmental issues.

Articles by Dar Ovais

Dry winter brews trouble for Kangra tea

The tea industry in Himachal has been facing challenges due to climate change, with annual production dipping last year as well

In January and February, there was a 26% rain deficit in HP. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on May 07, 2025 08:34 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Dharamshala tourism braces for boost as IPL fever draws close

Tourism stakeholders expect a rise in visitors as the Punjab Kings will play three matches at the city’s picturesque stadium — against Lucknow Super Giants (May 4), against Delhi Capitals (May 8) and against Mumbai Indians (May 11)

The Dharamshala stadium is the Punjab Kings’s adopted home ground. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on May 02, 2025 09:20 AM IST

ByDar Ovais

European Parliament chairs push for probe into death of Tibetan leader in Chinese custody

The report says the chair of the European Parliament’s subcommittee on human rights MEP Mounir Satouri and the chair of the delegation for relations with the People’s Republic of China MEP Engin Eroglu have jointly written to the Chinese ambassador to the European Union regarding the matter

Rinpoche, who was the head of Lung-ngon Monastery in Gade County, Golog, Tibet, reportedly died while in Chinese custody in Vietnam in March (Representational image)

Chandigarh

Published on May 02, 2025 06:00 AM IST

ByDar OvaisDar Ovais, Dharamshala

No paragliding in Dharamshala, curbs on drones on IPL matchdays

Tourism department officials said the paragliding operators in Dharamshala have been informed about the temporary suspension on the three match days, May 4, 8 and 11

The Punjab Kings will play three matches at the city’s picturesque stadium — against Lucknow Super Giants (May 4), Delhi Capitals (May 8) and Mumbai Indians (May 11). The HPCA stadium is the Punjab Kings’ adopted home ground (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on May 01, 2025 07:06 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Himachal: Tourists rerouting trips to hill stations; hotels witness increase in inquiries

Condemning the attack, adviser of Shimla hotels and tourism stakeholders association Anil Walia said that owing to the unfortunate incident the shift in tourists route was expected

Dharamshala hotel association president Ashwani Bamba said tourists who plan trips from April onwards usually make their arrangements well in advance, and these are typically family vacations. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 29, 2025 08:14 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra/ Dar Ovais, Shimla/ Dharamshala

DC offices in Chamba, Hamirpur vacated after bomb threat

Chamba superintendent of police Abhishek Yadav said that a threatening email, received by the DC office on Friday, claimed that a bomb has been planted at the premises and which will be detonated

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 26, 2025 10:02 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Tibetan government-in-exile reiterate call to release Panchen Lama

Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, considered by Tibetans to be second only to the Dalai Lama, was abducted by China in 1995 when he was only six-years-old. He was born in Chinese occupied Tibet on April 25, 1989

On 14 May 1995, the 14th Dalai Lama had publicly announced the young boy as the 11th Panchen Lama and officially bestowed him the name Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Trinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo. (File)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 25, 2025 10:48 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharmshala

DCs, SPs in Himachal directed to ensure safety of Kashmiris in state

There were reports on social media about Kashmiri students being harassed in a private university in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, the incident reportedly occurred at a rented accommodation, not on the campus

Himachal has a significant number of Kashmiri professionals, students in colleges, universities, labourers and vendors. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 25, 2025 08:54 AM IST

ByShailee Dogra/ Dar Ovais, Shimla/ Dharamshala

Himachal’s first initiative of island tourism takes off in Bilaspur

The tender process for the three Islands was concluded recently and the development rights have been awarded to two firms that emerged as the highest bidders. After Jyori Patan and Dhararsani, the third island — Bholu and Jyor (Jyori Patan) located in Jhandutta Tehsil — was also tendered on Wednesday.

With an aim to establish Bilaspur as Himachal Pradesh’s first island tourism hub, the district administration has selected four islands, in the Gobind Sagar Lake, for their development as tourist destinations. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 24, 2025 06:22 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

If you can’t run the govt, leave it, don’t blame others: JP Nadda

Nadda, who was on a two-day visit to Himachal Pradesh, accused the Sukhu government of misleading the public

Union health minister and BJP national president JP Nadda with BJP’s Himachal Pradesh president Rajeev Bindal in Chamba on Sunday. (ANI)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 21, 2025 09:08 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Himachal: Tibetan parl-in-exile demands return of religious leader’s body

The parliament-in-exile called for a proper investigation by forensic experts to determine the cause of the religious leader’s death; the Dharamshala-based exiled parliament pushed for a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the detention and death of Rinpoche

The parliament-in-exile called for a proper investigation by forensic experts to determine the cause of the religious leader’s death (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 20, 2025 08:08 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Himachal CM Sukhu: Will urge Centre to start Mansarovar Yatra from Kinnaur

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has religious significance for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists; thousands of pilgrims visit Kailash Mansarovar, a tradition rooted in centuries of spiritual heritage, every year

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said pilgrims can enter Tibet through Shipki-La as it offers a viable route for them. (ANI)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 20, 2025 07:24 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

After lean start to year, tourist footfall sees rise in Himachal

After a lean start to the year, the tourist footfall in Himachal has started to rise and the hotel occupancy has started to climb with the rise in temperatures in plains.The average hotel occupancy has seen a considerable increase in recent days and is much higher than the occupancy in March.

Tourists enjoying river rafting in the Beas River in Kullu. Riding on the increasing trend, the hoteliers in Himachal expect the more tourist footfall in May and June. (Aqil Khan/HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Apr 18, 2025 10:55 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Pyari Behna Yojana: Sukhu releases instalment to women in Pangi valley

A total amount of ₹86.67 lakh was disbursed in three instalments. During the 78th Himachal Day celebrations held at Killar of Pangi valley, Sukhu announced that all remaining eligible women in Pangi Valley would be provided benefits under the scheme upon completion of the necessary formalities.

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday released an instalment of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>4,500 each to 1,926 women of Pangi in Chamba district under the ‘Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana’ covering the months of April, May, and June. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 16, 2025 09:18 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Tribal area devp among govt’s top priorities: Sukhu at Pangi valley

Sukhu added that the state government’s doors are always open to opportunities for the development of tribal areas

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu lays stone of a project in Pangi valley, Chamba, on Monday (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 15, 2025 05:34 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Akhnoor: Slain JCO’s father retired from same regiment

Grief shrouds Subedar Kuldeep Chand’s native village near Nadaun in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 13, 2025 05:30 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Tibetan govt-in-exile demands probe into death of religious leader in Chinese custody

According to a statement released by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Hungkar Rinpoche had been living in hiding in Vietnam since September 2024 due to persistent harassment by Chinese authorities in Tibet

The Tibetan government-in-exile based in Dharamshala has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the sudden and mysterious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje, a prominent Tibetan religious leader, who reportedly died in Chinese custody in Vietnam. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 09, 2025 10:08 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

China’s hydropower push destroying heritage, suppressing Tibetan identity: TCHRD report

TCHRD's report highlights severe human rights violations in Tibet due to China's hydropower projects, including forced relocations and cultural suppression.

The report pointed to the erosion of Tibetan language rights, citing that despite legal protections, Chinese policies prioritise Mandarin and promote a singular national identity. (REUTERS)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 07, 2025 06:22 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

China must open Tibet for world to see truth: Govt-in-exile

The leaders of Tibetan exile-government welcomed the step by the US government; they said freedom of movement is restricted inside Tibet, even to Tibetans

Sikyong (president) of the Tibetan government-in-exile Penpa Tsering. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Apr 04, 2025 08:28 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Kangra admn to set up regulatory committees for paragliding

DC Bairwa instructed officials to set minimum and maximum fare limits for paragliding flights and compile details of operator liabilities under the Special Area Development Authority (SADA)

Officials were directed to establish local regulatory committees at paragliding sites, similar to the existing district-level committee (Aqil Khan/HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 31, 2025 10:22 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

China lacked political will to resolve Tibet issue: Dalai Lama in his book

The exiled spiritual leader’s latest book, “Voice for the Voiceless”, was released earlier this month. In the book, he says that despite two series of dialogues (1979-1989 and 2002-2010), Beijing did not move beyond the five points presented by Hu Yaobang (former general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party), all pertaining to the Dalai Lama’s status

The Dalai Lama says that it is unfortunate that Beijing did not seize on the opportunity he offered to resolve the Tibet issue in a manner that was mutually beneficial. (Photo: X)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 31, 2025 05:06 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Foreign tourist arrivals in HP rising, but still below pre-pandemic levels

Once a favourite among international tourists, Himachal, a picturesque hill state, saw a significant decline in tourist numbers during the Covid-19 outbreak

In 2024, the highest number of foreign tourist arrivals were reported at 27,034 in Shimla followed by 26.195 in Kangra and 13295 in Kullu. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 26, 2025 07:16 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

‘Environmental risk posed by China’s Medog Dam project’

China’s proposed mega dam at the Great Bend region of the Medog county in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) would be the world’s largest hydroelectric project, surpassing even China’s Three Gorges Dam, which is currently the largest dam in the world

The Yarlung Tsangpo, originating from the Tibetan Plateau, flows into India as the Brahmaputra river. (HT file photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 25, 2025 08:54 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

To curb drug menace, Kangra police turn to tourism stakeholders

While 149 cases were registered under the NDPS Act in the entire previous year, this year, Kangra police have already registered around 66 cases till March 17, indicating a rising trend in drug abuse.

Amid a surge in drug-related cases in the region, Kangra police have enlisted the support of tourism stakeholders to enhance vigilance and curb the drug menace in Dharamshala. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 22, 2025 05:16 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Palampur’s Tulip Garden sees surge in visitors

This year, seven varieties of tulips, Strong gold (yellow), Laptop (purple), Mount tacoma (White), Lucky one (bright red), Pink breeze (pink), Lali bela (Orange) and Rodio drive (Red) have been grown in the garden and the number of bulbs used is 50,000, which remained unchanged from last year when the number of bulbs was same

According to officials, the number of visitors has already surpassed 78,000 so far. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 20, 2025 10:00 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Himachal Budget: Special focus on Kangra tourism

Approximately ₹3,000 crore has been proposed to be spent expansion of Gaggal airport.

Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the state Budget in assembly on Monday. (ANI)

Chandigarh

Updated on Mar 19, 2025 06:22 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Dalai Lama hints at living till 110 years or beyond, cites dream indications

The spiritual leader, during his teachings at the Tsuglagkhang Temple in Mcleodganj, said that in his remaining years he is determined to continue to serve the Dharma and beings as best he can

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 16, 2025 10:35 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Dalai Lama says will be reborn in ‘the free world’

The Dalai Lama, turning 90, asserts his successor will be born in the "free world" and urges rejection of any choice made by Beijing.

India News

Published on Mar 13, 2025 06:00 AM IST

ByDar Ovais

Dalai Lama urges followers to reject any successor chosen by China

In new book, Voice for the Voiceless, released in the UK and the US on March 11, Tibetan spiritual leader has said that his successor will be born in the ‘free world’, not China.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama’s new book, Voice for the Voiceless, was released in the US and the UK on Tuesday. (File photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 13, 2025 05:58 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Tibetan parliament-in-exile warn against Chinese interference in Dalai Lama succession

The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile asserts the recognition of lamas' reincarnations is a Tibetan tradition, rejecting China's interference as outlined in a recent white paper.

This year the 14th Dalai Lama will attain 90 years of age and plans are underway both officially and by the Tibetan civil society to mark this occasion with grand celebrations with a year-long series of events. (REUTERS File)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 12, 2025 07:04 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

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Dar Ovais

Dar Ovais is the Dharamshala-based correspondent in the Himachal Pradesh bureau of Hindustan Times. He covers politics, tourism, Tibetan affairs and environmental issues.

The tea industry in Himachal has been facing challenges due to climate change, with annual production dipping last year as well

Tourism stakeholders expect a rise in visitors as the Punjab Kings will play three matches at the city’s picturesque stadium — against Lucknow Super Giants (May 4), against Delhi Capitals (May 8) and against Mumbai Indians (May 11)

The report says the chair of the European Parliament’s subcommittee on human rights MEP Mounir Satouri and the chair of the delegation for relations with the People’s Republic of China MEP Engin Eroglu have jointly written to the Chinese ambassador to the European Union regarding the matter

Tourism department officials said the paragliding operators in Dharamshala have been informed about the temporary suspension on the three match days, May 4, 8 and 11

Condemning the attack, adviser of Shimla hotels and tourism stakeholders association Anil Walia said that owing to the unfortunate incident the shift in tourists route was expected

Chamba superintendent of police Abhishek Yadav said that a threatening email, received by the DC office on Friday, claimed that a bomb has been planted at the premises and which will be detonated

Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, considered by Tibetans to be second only to the Dalai Lama, was abducted by China in 1995 when he was only six-years-old. He was born in Chinese occupied Tibet on April 25, 1989

There were reports on social media about Kashmiri students being harassed in a private university in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, the incident reportedly occurred at a rented accommodation, not on the campus

Nadda, who was on a two-day visit to Himachal Pradesh, accused the Sukhu government of misleading the public

The parliament-in-exile called for a proper investigation by forensic experts to determine the cause of the religious leader’s death; the Dharamshala-based exiled parliament pushed for a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the detention and death of Rinpoche

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has religious significance for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists; thousands of pilgrims visit Kailash Mansarovar, a tradition rooted in centuries of spiritual heritage, every year

After a lean start to the year, the tourist footfall in Himachal has started to rise and the hotel occupancy has started to climb with the rise in temperatures in plains.The average hotel occupancy has seen a considerable increase in recent days and is much higher than the occupancy in March.

A total amount of ₹86.67 lakh was disbursed in three instalments. During the 78th Himachal Day celebrations held at Killar of Pangi valley, Sukhu announced that all remaining eligible women in Pangi Valley would be provided benefits under the scheme upon completion of the necessary formalities.

Sukhu added that the state government’s doors are always open to opportunities for the development of tribal areas

Grief shrouds Subedar Kuldeep Chand’s native village near Nadaun in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district

According to a statement released by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Hungkar Rinpoche had been living in hiding in Vietnam since September 2024 due to persistent harassment by Chinese authorities in Tibet

TCHRD's report highlights severe human rights violations in Tibet due to China's hydropower projects, including forced relocations and cultural suppression.

The leaders of Tibetan exile-government welcomed the step by the US government; they said freedom of movement is restricted inside Tibet, even to Tibetans

DC Bairwa instructed officials to set minimum and maximum fare limits for paragliding flights and compile details of operator liabilities under the Special Area Development Authority (SADA)

Once a favourite among international tourists, Himachal, a picturesque hill state, saw a significant decline in tourist numbers during the Covid-19 outbreak

China’s proposed mega dam at the Great Bend region of the Medog county in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) would be the world’s largest hydroelectric project, surpassing even China’s Three Gorges Dam, which is currently the largest dam in the world

While 149 cases were registered under the NDPS Act in the entire previous year, this year, Kangra police have already registered around 66 cases till March 17, indicating a rising trend in drug abuse.

Approximately ₹3,000 crore has been proposed to be spent expansion of Gaggal airport.

The spiritual leader, during his teachings at the Tsuglagkhang Temple in Mcleodganj, said that in his remaining years he is determined to continue to serve the Dharma and beings as best he can

The Dalai Lama, turning 90, asserts his successor will be born in the "free world" and urges rejection of any choice made by Beijing.

In new book, Voice for the Voiceless, released in the UK and the US on March 11, Tibetan spiritual leader has said that his successor will be born in the ‘free world’, not China.

The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile asserts the recognition of lamas' reincarnations is a Tibetan tradition, rejecting China's interference as outlined in a recent white paper.

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