News / Author / Dar Ovais

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

Revamped Himachal Congress unit likely by end of this month

Chauhan during his visit to Dharamshala said that the reconstitution has been in pipeline for a long time and we are working on it

All India Congress committee secretary and Himachal co-incharge Chetan Chauhan. (Source: Twitter)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jan 09, 2025 06:24 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Dharamshala hoteliers seek urgent steps to revive tourism in Kangra

In a memorandum submitted to Kangra MP Rajeev Bharadwaj during the interaction meeting held recently, the association suggested measures like extension of railways and development of ropeways to revive the tourism in the district

Dharamshala hotel association president Ashwani Bamba said that there has been a steady decline of tourism in Kangra over the last 7–8 years. (HT representational)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jan 08, 2025 06:32 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Passenger footfall at Kangra airport touches new height

According to data shared by airport authority, the airport recorded a movement of 1,93,114 passengers in 2023, recorded 1,76,015 passengers in 2022

The state government is also in the process of expanding the Gaggal airport. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jan 07, 2025 07:32 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

At 22°C, Shimla records warmest Jan day in 19 years

Shimla also recorded a minimum temperature of 11.5 degrees on Friday, which is the second-highest minimum temperature in January

Meanwhile, the weather office in Shimla has predicted light rain or snowfall at isolated places on Saturday and at a few places on Sunday over mid and high hills in the state. (HT representational image)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jan 04, 2025 05:56 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

41% rain deficit in Himachal post monsoon

According to the data, the state received rainfall of 49.1 mm against a normal of 82.9 mm; the highest rainfall for this period was recorded at 429.4 mm in 1955

Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, Shimla and Sirmaur were the districts that recorded rain deficits. Solan saw a large rainfall deficit. (Aqil Khan/HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jan 03, 2025 06:28 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

China escalating transnational repression: Tibetan leader on recent sanctions on advocacy group

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) recently imposed sanctions on the CTC, the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project and 20 human rights campaigners

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

Chandigarh

Updated on Jan 02, 2025 06:44 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Waste near Kangra airport ups bird-hit risk: Panel flags garbage disposal lapse

The airfield environment management committee of Kangra Airport noted that this practice attracts a large number of birds; significantly increasing the risk of bird hit cases

Kangra Airport director Dhirendra Singh raised concerns before the committee regarding the improper garbage disposal by shops and households in villages and along roads near Kangra Airport. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Dec 31, 2024 10:41 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

New Year cheer for hoteliers as tourists flock Himachal

At many places -- including in the capital Shimla -- some hotels are already sold out for New Year’s eve

Tourists strolling on a cold evening in Shimla on Monday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 31, 2024 07:17 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Dry weather turns the production of Citrus fruit sour

The horticulture department officials cited the dry spell as the main reason for the expected decline in production during this harvesting season

As compared to 24,013 metric tonnes of citrus fruits produced in 2023-24, the state horticulture department expects yield to drop to 20,000 metric tonnes this year. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 30, 2024 05:10 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Cut off by road since July, winter add to woes of Malana residents

Residents of Malana village in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh have been cut off by road since the cloudburst in July.

Flashfloods triggered by a cloudburst on July 31, 2024, had damaged the road linking the Malana village to the rest of Kullu. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 28, 2024 05:16 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Dharamshala MLA seeks Centre’s intervention for Central varsity campus construction

The state government is yet to deposit the required funds for the land transfer necessary for constructing the said campus

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 27, 2024 05:16 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Himachal: More than 100 roads remain blocked, tourists rescued in Lahaul-Spiti

Lahaul-Spiti police on Wednesday rescued a total of 30 vehicles, assisting around 100 stranded tourists between Khangsar and Sissu towards Manali

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 26, 2024 05:18 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Tourist influx up in Himachal ahead of Xmas, New Year

As the fresh snowfall has given a fillip to the tourism industry, scores of tourists are heading to major destinations in the state such as Kullu-Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, and other spots

Tourists enjoy at Mall road in Manali on Christmas Eve on Tuesday. (ANI)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 25, 2024 05:00 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Winter bliss: Shimla braces for white Christmas

The ‘Queen of Hills’ dons white mantle just before Christmas after a gap of 9 years; MeT has predicted snowfall on Dec 27,29

Tourists enjoying during the snowfall at Mall Road in Shimla on Monday. (Deepak Sansta / HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 24, 2024 07:56 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Post-disaster needs assessment is Himachal’s right, will approach top court if needed: CM Sukhu

The proposal for the discussion on the matter was brought by Congress legislator Chander Shekhar on the fourth and last day of the winter session of the Himachal legislative assembly

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu speaks on the last day of the assembly winter session in Dharamshala on Saturday. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Dec 21, 2024 10:31 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Himachal assemby winter session: Opposition walks out over closure of institutions

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said 1,865 institutions of various departments were denotified, merged, or closed by the Congress government ensuing a heated debate over the issue, which the Opposition has been raking up in the past as well

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur with BJP MLAs walk out of the Vidhan Sabha during the last day of the winter session in Dharamsala on Saturday. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Dec 21, 2024 10:29 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Winter session: Bill denying key benefits to contract staff cleared in Himachal assembly

BJP MLA Randhir Sharma, while raising concerns, said, “This bill takes away the benefits of the contractual employees, which is the anti-employee attitude of the government. Even if it is passed, the people will go to court and we demand that it should be withdrawn.”

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu speaking on Day 3 of the winter assembly session in Dharamshala on Friday. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 21, 2024 06:20 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Winter session: Himachal assembly passes bill to amend land ceiling law

This comes after the state government decided to bring an Amendment Bill to the Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings Act,1972, to enable the charitable hospital run by Radha Soami Satsang Beas in Bhota area of Hamirpur district, to transfer its land to a sister organisation

Chandigarh

Published on Dec 20, 2024 10:46 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Opposition stage walkout during CM Sukhu’s reply on ‘corruption’ charges

While responding to the allegations of corruption by BJP legislators, CM Sukhu said that when the BJP moved the adjournment motion only 14 BJP legislators were in the house and this shows their seriousness

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur along with party legislators holding placards during a protest at Vidhan Sabha on Thursday. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 20, 2024 07:14 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Himachal assembly winter session: Cong BJP spar over HPTDC hotel losses, illegal mining

The BJP legislators on the first day of the session (Wednesday) moved a motion of adjournment and demanded discussion on the matter

Himachal chief minister Sukgvinder Singh Sukhu speaking during Day 2 of assembly session in Dharamshala on Thursday. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 20, 2024 06:28 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Assembly winter session: Himachal govt introduce billto amend land transfer laws

This comes after the state government decided to bring an Amendment Bill to the Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings Act,1972, to enable the charitable hospital run by Radha Soami Satsang Beas in Bhota area of Hamirpur district, to transfer its land to a sister organisation--Maharaj Jagat Singh Medical Relief Society

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu speaking on the first day of winter assembly session in Shimla on Wednesday. (ANI)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 19, 2024 05:56 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Barbs fly thick & fast as Himachal winter session off to fiery start

The speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania allowed the discussion to happen with chief minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu agreeing to the demand of the BJP legislators

BJP leaders protesting near Vibha Sabha in Dharamshala on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 19, 2024 05:54 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Assembly winter session: Opposition skips all party meet, stormy session expected

The Opposition having skipped the all-party meeting is directly pointing towards the possibility of a stormy start of the session

Notably, the Opposition had skipped the all-party meeting convened by the speaker before the monsoon session of the assembly held in August as well. (iStock)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 18, 2024 09:30 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

At 21°C, Shimla sees warmest December day in seven years

The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Shimla office has issued a warning of cold wave to severe cold wave at isolated places in low hills or plain areas of Himachal Pradesh for the next five days

Tourists strolling at The Ridge in Shimla on Monday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 17, 2024 06:56 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Assembly session: Speaker calls all party meet on Tuesday

Pathania reached Tapovan, Dharamshala Legislative Assembly Secretariat, on Monday to review the ongoing preparations for the upcoming winter session scheduled from December 18 to 21

Himachal speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 17, 2024 06:40 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

BJP to rake up central varsity issue in winter assembly session

The state government has yet to deposit the required funds for the land transfer necessary for constructing the campus at Jadrangal near Dharamshala

The winter session of the HP legislative assembly will be held from December 18 to 21, with a total of four meetings scheduled during this period. (iStock)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 16, 2024 06:14 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Tea trouble simmers after hot summer, dry spell in Himachal

According to data from the Tea Board India at Palampur, Himachal produced only 8,67,216 kg of tea by October this year, a sharp decline from the 11,07,576 kg produced during the same period in 2023

Hopes of recovery after a scorching summer were dashed after the rain deficit during the monsoon and recent dry spell. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 08, 2024 08:36 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

2 years of sukhu govt: Congress ready with list of feats, BJP to corner govt over its ‘failures’

The political faceoff has intensified in recent days. While the BJP accuses the Congress of failing to fulfil its promises made to the public, the Congress has retaliated, alleging that the BJP attempted to create political instability and spread misinformation to mislead the public.

Deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri while addressing the media on Wednesday in Shimla said, “As we complete two years in office, the BJP has started making noise. This is simply the frustration of losing power. They cannot accept that a Congress government is in place in Himachal Pradesh, so they are focusing on non-issues.” (HT File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 06, 2024 06:56 AM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

High-level panel submits report on Pong dam displacement, Himachal to seek Centre’s assistance

The committee’s recommendations include the allotment of land to 6,736 displaced families and the establishment of a grievance redressal cell to address concerns related to infrastructure and facilities

Even after five decades have passed cases of 6,736 families awaiting rehabilitation are still pending. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 04, 2024 10:11 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Warmer-than-usual winter season on cards for Himachal

Himachal Pradesh faces a dry winter, with IMD predicting above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall, following significant recent deficits.

The state’s post-monsoon seasonal rainfall has recorded a 98% deficit. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

Chandigarh

Updated on Dec 04, 2024 10:09 PM IST

ByDar Ovais, Dharamshala

Copy

Whatsapp Twitter Facebook Linkedin

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.

Chauhan during his visit to Dharamshala said that the reconstitution has been in pipeline for a long time and we are working on it

In a memorandum submitted to Kangra MP Rajeev Bharadwaj during the interaction meeting held recently, the association suggested measures like extension of railways and development of ropeways to revive the tourism in the district

According to data shared by airport authority, the airport recorded a movement of 1,93,114 passengers in 2023, recorded 1,76,015 passengers in 2022

Shimla also recorded a minimum temperature of 11.5 degrees on Friday, which is the second-highest minimum temperature in January

According to the data, the state received rainfall of 49.1 mm against a normal of 82.9 mm; the highest rainfall for this period was recorded at 429.4 mm in 1955

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) recently imposed sanctions on the CTC, the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project and 20 human rights campaigners

The airfield environment management committee of Kangra Airport noted that this practice attracts a large number of birds; significantly increasing the risk of bird hit cases

At many places -- including in the capital Shimla -- some hotels are already sold out for New Year’s eve

The horticulture department officials cited the dry spell as the main reason for the expected decline in production during this harvesting season

Residents of Malana village in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh have been cut off by road since the cloudburst in July.

The state government is yet to deposit the required funds for the land transfer necessary for constructing the said campus

Lahaul-Spiti police on Wednesday rescued a total of 30 vehicles, assisting around 100 stranded tourists between Khangsar and Sissu towards Manali

As the fresh snowfall has given a fillip to the tourism industry, scores of tourists are heading to major destinations in the state such as Kullu-Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, and other spots

The ‘Queen of Hills’ dons white mantle just before Christmas after a gap of 9 years; MeT has predicted snowfall on Dec 27,29

The proposal for the discussion on the matter was brought by Congress legislator Chander Shekhar on the fourth and last day of the winter session of the Himachal legislative assembly

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said 1,865 institutions of various departments were denotified, merged, or closed by the Congress government ensuing a heated debate over the issue, which the Opposition has been raking up in the past as well

BJP MLA Randhir Sharma, while raising concerns, said, “This bill takes away the benefits of the contractual employees, which is the anti-employee attitude of the government. Even if it is passed, the people will go to court and we demand that it should be withdrawn.”

This comes after the state government decided to bring an Amendment Bill to the Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings Act,1972, to enable the charitable hospital run by Radha Soami Satsang Beas in Bhota area of Hamirpur district, to transfer its land to a sister organisation

While responding to the allegations of corruption by BJP legislators, CM Sukhu said that when the BJP moved the adjournment motion only 14 BJP legislators were in the house and this shows their seriousness

The BJP legislators on the first day of the session (Wednesday) moved a motion of adjournment and demanded discussion on the matter

The speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania allowed the discussion to happen with chief minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu agreeing to the demand of the BJP legislators

The Opposition having skipped the all-party meeting is directly pointing towards the possibility of a stormy start of the session

The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Shimla office has issued a warning of cold wave to severe cold wave at isolated places in low hills or plain areas of Himachal Pradesh for the next five days

Pathania reached Tapovan, Dharamshala Legislative Assembly Secretariat, on Monday to review the ongoing preparations for the upcoming winter session scheduled from December 18 to 21

The state government has yet to deposit the required funds for the land transfer necessary for constructing the campus at Jadrangal near Dharamshala

According to data from the Tea Board India at Palampur, Himachal produced only 8,67,216 kg of tea by October this year, a sharp decline from the 11,07,576 kg produced during the same period in 2023

The political faceoff has intensified in recent days. While the BJP accuses the Congress of failing to fulfil its promises made to the public, the Congress has retaliated, alleging that the BJP attempted to create political instability and spread misinformation to mislead the public.

The committee’s recommendations include the allotment of land to 6,736 displaced families and the establishment of a grievance redressal cell to address concerns related to infrastructure and facilities

Himachal Pradesh faces a dry winter, with IMD predicting above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall, following significant recent deficits.

Join Hindustan Times

Create free account and unlock exciting features like