Himachal Pradesh government has banned hill cutting for two weeks except for rebuilding roads and buildings damaged by heavy rains that claimed over 350 lives.

Furthermore, all commercial and tourist-related constructions will not be allowed in Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, Solan, and Chamba districts till September 16.

The state government has also decided to upgrade the weather warning application – Meghdoot- to receive more accurate forecasts and quick advisories. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the ‘Meghdoot’ application provides a five-day weather forecast, including data on rainfall, temperature, wind speed, and direction even at the block level. The government is working on integrating farmers benefiting from the ‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi’ scheme with the application, Sukhu added.

The CM further said the early warning system in case of adverse weather conditions will help in cautioning farmers.