World Heritage Site Status for GNHP

World Heritage Site Status for GNHP

The Great Himalayan National Park (GNHP) in Kullu district was accorded the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO, making it a second monument after the Shimla-Kalka narrow gauge railway line to get this distinction.

Historical Judgment

In a landmark judgment, Himachal Pradesh High Court banned the centuries-old tradition of animals sacrifice in religious places. Even the famous Kullu Dussehra festival was celebrated without any animal sacrifice in 2014, a first in the more than 300 years old history of Dussehra celebrations in Kullu.

Highlights of 2014

Thalout Tragedy

Thalout tragedy emerged as biggest tragedy of the year whereby a co-tour guide and 24 students of Hyderabad based engineering college were washed away in Beas River in Mandi

Ragunath Idol Theft

Theft of ancient idol of Ragunath, the presiding deity of about 300 deities of Kullu valley, from Sultanpur Temple in Kullu at the end of the year came as a shocker for everyone

RUSA Protests

The implementation of RUSA in educational system too attracted ire of students and politicians. Students protested in entire length and breadth of Himachal against RUSA

Baffled and Bruised

The humiliating defeat of Congress in all four constituencies in 2014 Lok Sabha elections left Congress leaders and workers perplexed

 Poor Financial Condition

The state government faced brunt of opposition throughout the year for poor financial condition of the state. The government took loans of several crores throughout the year to come out of the tight situation

Recruitment Controversy

Much hullabaloo was created on the conductor recruitment drive with opposition alleging leakage of question paper. Owing to the controversy, Himachal High Court ordered to stayed the recruitment drive.

Red Beacons Issue

Issue of ban of red beacons too remained in limelight in 2014. MLAs repeatedly requested chief minister to accord use of red beacons atop their vehicles, but they have to settle down for amber lights as per instructions of the Supreme Court.

Districts Division

Much controversy escalated on organizational division of Kangra and Mandi districts in 2014 with Transport Minister G.S. Bali indicating to take big political decisions on the issue.