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| Tuesday,
July 17, 2001, Chandigarh, India
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Water enters houses, shops; 7 villages affected Lalru, July 16 The houses, shops, cowsheds and other establishments were heavily affected. Foodgrains and other goods were submerged in about two to three feet of rain water. Acres of land in villages including Mubarikpur, Mubarikpur cantonment, Bhankharpur, parts of Dera Bassi township, Lalru market, Magran and Amarpur, Preet Nagar and Sardarpura colonies were flooded, following which numerous residents had to take shelter in safer places. Residents complained that a drain dug by the government near Sardarpura Colony, allegedly encroached upon by some residents, was blocked and the water entered the houses in the colony. Household goods were submerged in the muddy water and various household items floated on the water accumulated in houses. Beds, tables, chairs and other items, including foodgrains and clothing of the people were damaged. Residents were seen collecting goods and putting them in open after flushing the water out. They used buckets and other containers to sweep the muddy water of their houses. Children also joined their parents in flushing out the water. A team of the Water Supply and Sewerage Board had a tough time to drain water accumulated in the houses and shops. |
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Residents
paying for power not consumed by them
Chandigarh, July 16 Bi-monthly bills of residents have witnessed a jump since the Chandigarh Administration hiked the minimum monthly charges on a per kilowatt basis of the sanctioned load. This was jacked up from Rs 6 per KW to Rs 35 per KW in March this year. Repercussions of this are being felt now as consumers are realising that they are being forced to pay more. Under the new formula, a bill is issued on the total minimum monthly charge or for the actual consumption of units, whichever is higher. Anyone having between 8 KW to 10 KW of applied load has always to pay on the minimum monthly charge. In case of a 10 KW connection, the minimum charge works out to be Rs 700 for a bi-monthly billing cycle. Old couples living alone and using little power end up paying for the power they never consumed. As per electricity norms, power engineers calculate that no more than 33 per cent of the sanctioned load is used at any given time in a normal home. In case an air-conditioner is installed, the usage is about 66 per cent. It is calculated that a person uses an AC for almost eight hours in day. Engineers admit this is not possible if the AC is installed in a working couple’s home or in case of people who have touring jobs. These calculations are based on maximum usage and do not apply in case of Chandigarh were nuclear families is the norm, said a source. A large number of old people have ACs in their guest rooms where their children or grandchildren come to stay for a short period during summer holidays. Another complainant has argued with the Administration that a power point where an AC is set up is never used in the winters. Similarly, power point for geyser is never used in summers. But due to extreme weather conditions here, residents have to maintain both points. Mixer grinders or food processors in the kitchen are never used for more than three to four minutes. Constantly running appliances like refrigerators do not consume more than 40 units in a month, another resident has pointed out in his protest to the Administration, while seeking a rollback of the minimum charges.  |
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Satinder
Dhawan quits
Cong Chandigarh, July 16 She, along with other active women Congress workers, would be submitting their resignations to the local MP Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal and party president, Mr Bharat Bhushan Bahal in the last week of this month, Ms Dhawan told a press conference here today. Addressing mediapersons here today, Ms Dhawan also disclosed that she would be shortly going to the UT Administrator, Lt Gen (retd) JFR Jacob, to seek dissolution of the ‘defunct’ Corporation and ask for fresh elections. She refused to tender resignation from the MCC . She pointed out that the current happenings in the Congress had brought to the fore the political bankruptcy and hollowness of the leadership, which was all-out to defend an unsuccessful, incompetent and corrupt Mayor. Corroborating her statements, she disclosed that the Municipal Corporation had been practically non-functional for the past seven months. Victims of inter-party rivalries, both the Congress and BJP councillors had turned the MC into a political battle field , she said. She also came down heavily on the local leadership of both the national parties , which, instead of giving them the right direction, had been supporting all their wrong decisions. The net result was that while the councillors continued to fight among themselves, the work of the MC had come to a standstill and the sufferer was the common man, who had elected them as their representatives. She also pointed out that both the local MP, Mr Bansal and party president, Mr B.B Bahal had not been successful in running the MC house and both were equally guilty of adopting double standards. Answering a question later, Mrs Dhawan categorically refused the idea of joining a political party saying that she was already a member of Chandigarh Vikas Manch and if they gave her a ticket, she would contest for the forthcoming MC elections. She stressed that she would not take back her resignation in any such situation. Meanwhile, the Chandigarh Territorial Congress Committee (CTCC) President, Mr. B.B. Bahal, here today asked Ms Satinder Dhawan, who announced her resignation from the party, to stay in the party to know the difference of political culture between the Congress and her husband former Union Minister, Mr. Harmohan Dhawan’s outfit. Mr Bahal told The Tribune that Ms Dhawan did not come out of the shadow of her husband despite her claiming to be a social worker. He said that he has not got any copy of her resignation. The Congress President said that her exit from the party would not make any difference as despite being in minority the Mayor Rajkumar Goyal had defeated the official BJP candidate by a margin of six votes due to cross-voting in the House. He defended the Mayor and informed that the dissident Congress Councillors had apologised to the party for protesting against the Mayor on June 28 so there was no question of change of the Mayor. |
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Cong councillor’s resignation poses danger to
Mayor Chandigarh, July 16 ‘’Ms Dhawan, who has announced to seek dissolution of the defunct corporation, may bring no-confidence motion against the Mayor to become a catalyst in showing the door to the Mayor and also expose at the same time the fissures in the BJP and the Congress that have helped Mr Goyal continue despite support of only five councillors (now minus Ms Dhawan),’’ sources close to Ms Dhawan told Chandigarh Tribune here today. The 30-member house has 15 members of the opposition BJP-Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) alliance (13 BJP plus 2 SAD), four Congress and Ms Dhawan, who will be a member of the newly floated Chandigarh Vikas Manch (CVM) apart from 10 nominated members. A section in the BJP, told Chandigarh Tribune that the party is ready to back Ms Dhawan’s efforts to bring a no-confidence motion and it depends on the other BJP group whether it joins hands in removing the sullied Mayor. The section of the BJP, led by the party union territory unit president, Dharampal Gupta and former president, Gyanchand Gupta, indicated that the party would support Ms Dhawan if she brings a no-confidence motion but did not want itself to bring one. This BJP group is calculating that if Ms Dhawan brings the no-confidence motion, then the dissident Congressmen who had been asking the BJP to do the same will have an opportunity to dislodge the Mayor, exposing fissures in the Congress and the ruling party’s non-performance will be attributed to their bickerings. But the group also has to settle score with the Jain group in the party which is alleged to be instrumental in getting the Mayor installed and the support to such a move may expose the rival Jain group being hand-in-glove with the ‘’unpopular’’ Congress Mayor if the other group does not support the move. However, the party is also concerned that if they have to support Ms Dhawan’s no-confidence motion then the credit for bringing down a ‘’corruption-accused’’ Mayor will be a gain of her husband’s fledgling Chandigarh Vikas Manch which will be seen as playing the role of ‘’real opposition.’’ Sources in the Jain group said that the party would assess the situation for a couple of days as councillors like Senior Deputy Mayor, Mr Gurcharan Dass Kala and Ms Suneeta who have been openly opposing the Mayor, may ultimately also come out of the Congress, leading to the removal of Mr Goyal. The Gupta faction also supports such an assessment. The Jain group is however, considering to inform the general secretary in-charge, Mr O. P. Kohli, about the political developments in the Corporation and seek direction from the party high command. The Jain group’s assessment had been that continuance of an ‘’unpopular’’ and crippled congress Mayor will brighten the chances of the BJP in the coming Corporation elections due by the end of the year. The other crucial elements in the party, led by Senior Deputy Mayor, Mr Kala, is told to be bent upon unseating the Mayor but is not ready to the extent of moving a no-confidence motion to avoid party disciplinary action but the change in the political equations may force them to look for new ways. The Congress also seems worried to keep its flock together ahead of assembly elections. |
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Leaking
storm water drains pose danger SAS Nagar, July 16 For the past seven years the residents have been suffering due to a faulty storm water drain passing in front of these 12 houses (from No 175 to No 187). Today was no exception when some open space in front of house No. 187 caved in by at least four to five feet. Mr Rajiv, occupant of the house, had to virtually pull out his Fiat car from the caved-in portion of the road around the storm-water gully. A visit to the area revealed that area between the boundary wall and the road berm had caved in. A broken storm-water drain was visible. In a neighbouring house the earth outside the boundary wall had sunk in by three feet. Cracks had appeared in the boundary wall. Mr Manish Uppal, occupant of the neighbouring house said, ‘‘We had recently undertaken repair of front courtyard of the house but last night’s rain has again damaged it’’. Irritated residents lamented that the Public Health Department had brought storm-water pipes to replace the damaged ones in 1987 but after some time took them away. The money for carrying out the maintenance work had reportedly been sanctioned by the local civic body. Mr Manmohan Singh Langh, a municipal councillor of the area, said the residents had been suffering on account of the problem. Mr Rajiv said the earth over the storm-water drain had caved in at four times in the past but each time the maintenance work was an ‘eyewash’. ‘‘I have spend my hard-earned money to re-repair the front courtyard but again it would need repair”, he added. Several residents in the area complained about the caving in of their driveways due to the problematic storm-water drains. The affected residents threatened to take action against the department concerned. It is not an isolated case of negligence on part of the local development and maintenance agencies. At several points in the town, portions of roads around storm-water gullies have caved in but the department concerned was waiting for the rainy season to be over. *
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Students
demand increase in
BA seats Chandigarh, July 16 A press note issued by the Students' Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU), who are supporting the protesting students, states that two of the three demands of the students have been accepted by the college authorities. The college has agreed to refund parking fee charged from those students who used public transport for travelling to the college, and has also given hostel to students of the ongoing classes. The students are, however, demanding an increase in the number of seats by the UT administration in BA first year so that they too could be accommodated. |
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Principals’ meeting on ragging Chandigarh, July 16 With the city’s arts and science colleges beginning their sessions today, there is every apprehension of ragging picking up in the colleges. In spite of the ban on any form of ragging, it is feared that senior students may indulge in this harassment of freshers. |
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Is the police inconsistent in
challaning motorists? Chandigarh, July 16 This in spite of the fact that about 150 traffic cops are posted north of the Dakshin Marg, while a mere 12 cops are posted to man various sectors, villages and slum colonies located south of Dakshin Marg. The actual ground force in the two parts is, however, much less than the posted strength as a large number of police personnel are posted as drivers, munshis and readers. As a result, traffic management in the south of the city is alleged to be suffering, while the huge array of cops in the north are allegedly unable to manage the “VIP crowd”. It is alleged that cars with black films, two-wheeler drivers without helmets , wrong entry, cars with red lights being driven by wards, drunken driving, using cell phones and smoking while driving — rarely catches the attention of the cops deployed in most northern sectors. Other than the time, when a special drive has been launched, hardly any challans are issued on violators commuting on the geri route — though there is maximum violation of rules here. It is also alleged that violation of traffic rules is also rampant in Sector 9, 10, 11 and 12 by students — because of a number of educational institutions situated here. Wrong entry near the Sector 11 Government College for Girls and Government College for Men and the General Hospital in Sector 16 is hardly ever checked. So is the case on the Madhya Marg, where the traffic cops are not posted permanently. The traffic cops are also not constantly posted outside schools in the city where underage driving, driving without licences and helmets is rampant. Also, the fact that the deployment of traffic cops, especially on the transport light point, Railway Light Point, on the Purv Marg and Press chowk is quite predictable, which means that people comply with the rules here and then violate them elsewhere. Despite the reputation of the Chandigarh police, their failure to maintain consistency has proved to be their bane and a boon for the violators. |
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SECTOR SCAN Chandigarh In enjoys better civic amenities than most of the southern sectors. The supply of electricity and water is satisfactory. Most of the streetlights function properly. However, the internal roads do not seem to have been tarred for several years. Some patch-work has been done on some of these roads but potholes make driving a risky affair, particularly at night. Similarly, the development of open spaces leaves much to be desired. Wild growth, including congress grass, has covered the open spaces. It seems the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC) has not done anything to remove congress grass in the sector this year. The untended open spaces stand in contract to the well-maintained lawns in the houses. Being on the ‘‘gheri route’’, this sector often sees youngsters violating traffic rules. When the educational institutions are open, youngsters are often seen speeding on the road opposite the market, making it an accident-prone area. The sector has several important buildings like the YMCA, YWCA and Karuna Sadan which houses the offices of several NGOs. It also has a fire station. But, the backlanes have not been cleaned for years. Wild growth has overwhelmed these lanes which the residents find a convenient place to throw garbage. The garbage disposal system is also unsatisfactory, if heaps of garbage at certain places is any indication. |
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Before
entering crematorium, you may end up there SAS Nagar, July 16 A power cable is hanging dangerously low at the entrance to the crematorium, inviting accidents. The power cable that supplies power to the crematorium from a nearby transformer been given a temporary support. After the recent rain, the cable was hanging only six feet or so above the road. It was difficult for any funeral van to cross the point without touching the cable. An employee of the crematorium said he had repeatedly told officials of the civic body to raise the wire to a safe height, but no action had been taken. |
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Power men hold
rallies Chandigarh, July 16 The employees are demanding that the privatisation and corporatisation of the Electricity Department should be stopped. The employees are also demanding that kin of the deceased employees should be given job. The employees held gate meetings and rallies. The leaders, while addressing the meetings, demanded the vacant posts in the department should be filled. In addition, the leaders demanded creation of additional posts as per the PSEB norms. The employees also demanded ISI-marked tools, kits and safety devices for themselves. In a press note, the general secretary of the union, Mr Bhag Mal Rana, announced that another round of gate meetings and rallies would be held on July 17. A mass demonstration before the electricity office in Sector 17 will be held the next day. |
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Day of joy for Bal Niketan
inmates Panchkula, July 16 Driven by the desire to make the reception a special one for their fellow inmate on the threshold of a new life, all inmates joined hands and made it the night for him to remember. Not only him but for his wife, who has been the cynosure of all eyes ever since she set foot in her new house, last evening. The groom, Shamsher, was brought up at the Bal Niketan and later moved to Delhi to earn a living. In contact with his home since he left the town, Shamsher contributed a part of his salary for the destitutes. Now, the “bhai” has come to share his happiness with the people he holds most dear and, in turn, they are leaving no stone unturned to make his weekend special. Tomorrow, he goes back to his job. Today, however, was a special day. Beginning with games for the newly wed, the party progressed with the cake-cutting ceremony and songs and dances presented by inmates for the couple. A simple “shagun” ceremony followed where the couple was showered with gifts. The members of the board, managing the home, were also present. The “bhabi”, Sonia, clearly touched by the gesture, was full of praise for the efforts that went into making the weekend a special one. “We have been preparing the programme to the last detail. Everything was left to the children, after constitution of their committees, to arrange the whole programme. They have done a tremendous job,” said Ms Madhu Sharma, who manages the destitute home. |
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Bal Niketan kids have a day
out Chandigarh, July 16 Thirtynine children, between the age group of five and 18 years, accompanied 15 rotaracts of Chandigarh Midtown to the Rock Garden. The children excited about this rare treat, were exposed to a unique art form. They played group games, which included Antakshari and other light games. The children were rejoiced lot at the swing section. The club members joined the children in each activity and gave them a feeling of involvement and care. “We are feeling really excited and are enjoying the environment here. Such outings give a freshening
feeling to us,’’ said Archana and Urmila from Bal Niketan. The president of the club, Ms Rakhi Wadhera, said, ‘’It is just a kind of outlet to these children from the four walls of Bal Niketan. These kind of trips help in personality development of children. There are many other community-based projects coming up in the year.’’ The children were given refreshments at intervals and lunch was also provided, which was prepared by the club members. The chairperson of the project was Punita Singh. |
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Rehriwalas
demand booths Panchkula, July 16 In a letter to the Minister of State, Home Affairs, Mr I.D. Swami, the members of the rehri market of Sectors 9, 11, 15 and 17 apprised him of the fire incident. They also demanded compensation for the loss suffered on account of the fire. The minister, in turn, marked the letter to the Deputy Commissioner for action. Six shops in the rehri market were gutted in a fire caused by short-circuit on Saturday night. |
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Police
‘shielding’ miscreants Chandigarh, July 16 They have alleged that the two persons are indulging in prostitution, gambling and other activities of similar nature. They have complained that the couple claim to have powerful contacts in the Chandigarh Police and openly challenge the outraged people to complain at any forum and face the music. |
FENG
SHUI TIPS The basic factor in Feng Shui is balance. This balance is related to the complementarity of opposites expressed in terms of the Yin and the Yang. According to the Chinese, all things in the universe are either the female Yen or the male Yang. The dark is Yin and the bright is Yang. Yin and Yang together make up the wholeness of the universe. This universe includes not only the earth but also heaven. Yin and Yang mingle with each other. Without the Yin of darkness, there cannot be the light of Yang. It is known that with the cold temperature of Yin, there cannot possibly be the warmth of Yang and vice versa. So, when there is a balance between Yin and Yang, the wholeness of the universe is represented. This practice and balance can be seen in homes also. Rooms should have a balance of sunlight and shade. Yin rooms are not auspicious because the life energies which bring prosperity are insufficient. Likewise, if rooms are too Yang, there is too much energy. This causes accidents and huge losses. In the end I suggest that if you want prosperity, health, wellbeing and happiness, have a good balance of Yin and Yang in your home.
Harshna
Address your Feng Shui queries to: Postal address: C/o F.S. TIPS |
2 cops booked on charge of illegal
confinement Kharar, July 16 Mr Avtar Singh, owner of a medical store in Mullanpur Garibdas has complained to the Chief Minister, Punjab, Home Secretary, Additional DGP and the SSP, Ropar in this regard. He alleged that on May 1, 1999, when he was sitting in his medical store the accused Sarabjit Singh who was then posted as SHO of Mullanpur Garibdas, came to his shop and forcibly took him to the police station. He was not informed about the reason of doing so, he added. He alleged that when he was in the police station the accused told him that he was selling some wrong medicines in his medical store. Mr Avtar Singh said a demand of Rs 5000 every month was made from him. They did not hear his statements although he told them that he was not doing any illegal work. He alleged that he was kept in illegal confinement by Sarabjit Singh and Surinder Singh. He alleged that the lock of his shop was broken by the accused and they took with them some medicines also after- wards. He further said that Mr Dilbagh Singh had filed a writ petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court and a Warrant Officer appointed by the court found him present in the police station on May 2, 1999 at 9.15 p.m. Mr Avtar Singh said that the Warrant Officer found that there was no entry in the rojnamcha of the police station about his ‘arrest’ and he was released from the custody of the police by the Warrant Officer. He wrote in his complaint that the police, meanwhile, framed a case under Section 107/151 Cr P.C. which was later quashed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on May 5, 1999 as the court held this action of the police illegal. He alleged that the police framed this case after the raid of the Warrant Officer and framed an incorrect record. He demanded that action should be taken against the accused for keeping him in illegal custody and for demanding money and taking medicines from his shop by breaking the locks. The local police has registered a case under Section 218, 342, and 34, IPC against Sarabjit Singh and Surinder Singh. |
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Mobile
phone, cash stolen from shop Chandigarh, July 16 Two arrested: In an ongoing drive against black-marketeers of cinema tickets, the police has arrested Avtar Singh and Manohar Kumar from outside Jagat Cinema. Cases under Section 7-C of the Punjab Cinema Act have been registered against them. Car stereo stolen: A stereo was stolen from a car (CH-01T-6284) in the parking lot of Piccadily Cinema. A case under Section 379 of the IPC has been registered. Liquor seized:
Cases under various Sections of the Excise Act have been registered against Bablu Kumar, Raju and Narain Pal on the charges of smuggling liquor. They were caught from different parts of the city and 36 bottles of whisky and 142 pouches of Hero whisky were seized from them. Two duped SAS NAGAR, July 16 |
Beopar mandal constitutes task
force Chandigarh, July 16 Announcing this at a press conference here today, the president of the CBM, Mr Jagdish Arora, informed that Mr Kamaljit Singh Panchhi, vice-president, would head the task force, which would visit different sectors to redress the
grievances of the traders on-the-spot. Releasing the second list of the office-bearers, Mr Arora said Mr OP Mahajan and Mr Bhim Sain Garg would be the advisers to the mandal. Similarly, Mr Sat Paul Garg, Mr Arun Talwar and Mr Charanjiv Singh, who lost to Mr Arora for the post of the CBM president, would be the vice-presidents. Mr Subhash Sethi would be the organisation secretary-II. Mr Jagdish Kapoor, Mr Ashwani Sondhi and Mr Seva Singh Rayat would be new secretaries. While Mr Rattan Lal Goyal would be the chairman of the
sub-committee for the CBM Bhavan, Mr Rajinder Manocha would head the publication committee. And for the effective functioning of the CBM, the city had been divided into different zones to be headed by these
vice-president, Mr Arora said, adding that the mandal would apply for the allotment of a plot to the Chandigarh Administration for the CBM bhavan. The mandal would impress upon the administration to give representation to the mandal in the Municipal Corporation of
Chandigarh (MCC) and various advisory committees. Besides, a beopar sammelan would be held later this year where traders from all over the country would be invited. Meanwhile, Mr Arora nominated following as the executive members: Mr
M R Nandwani, Mr Dharampal Gupta, Mr Rahul Malhotra, Mr Sat Pal Bansal, Mr Rajeesh Kapoor, Mr Raj Kumar
Bansal, Mr Gurdial Bhasin, Mr GS Sawhney, Mr PN Khanna, Mr RP Gupta, Mr BK Sood, Mr Diwakar Sahoonja, Mr SS Chandel, Mr Sunil Dutt Bansal, Mr Nand Kishore, Mr Prem Suri, Mr Daljeet Arora, Mr Hajara Singh and Mr HS Talwar. |
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