Pranab cancels annual retreat to Himachal because of rains

NEW DELHI: In view of heavy rains and floods in various parts of north India, President Pranab Mukherjee today cancelled his annual retreat to Himachal Pradesh beginning June 28.

The decision was taken by the President so that the state administration could focus on relief and rescue operations, an official spokesman said here.

Mukherjee was scheduled to visit Shimla from June 28 to July 1.

Several parts of Himachal Pradesh including Mandi, Kufri, Kasauli and Kinnaur received heavy rains causing damage to property. Even Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had to be airlifted from Kinnaur after he was trapped due to landslides for nearly 50 hours.