J A L A N D H A R

Phagwara, April 15 Though developed by Punjab urban development authority (PUDA), the urban estate here lacks even the basic facilities. The residents claim that in absence of proper infrastructure, they have to face many hardships.

LONG WAIT: The ready water treatment plant requires power connectivity. — A Tribune photograph

PSEB may buy units from NTPC
Phagwara, April 15
To meet power needs of residents this summer, Punjab state electricity board (PSEB) will be forced to purchase units from National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

Honour for Seechewal
Kapurthala, April 15
Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal would be honoured here. Nawab Jassa Singh Ahluwalia Memorial Trust, in co-operation with Ahluwalia community, would honour Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal with a cash award of Rs 1 lakh and a memorabilia.

At urban estate, basic amenities are a far cry
Anil Jerath
Tribune News Service

Phagwara, April 15
Though developed by Punjab urban development authority (PUDA), the urban estate here lacks even the basic facilities. The residents claim that in absence of proper infrastructure, they have to face many hardships.

Says residents’ welfare body chief Gursondeep Singh Malwai: “A sewage treatment plant was set up by PUDA at cost of Rs two crore two years ago. However, till date, they have not been able to secure a power connection for the plant.”

“What pains us more is lack of will on the part of PUDA,” adds Gurdip, who is vice-chief of the body. “With no proper functional garbage disposal system, the waste matter is being dumped in the parks from where foul smell emanates continuously. Also there is threat of an epidemic breaking out.”

Agrees chief adviser RC Tondon. “The residents have paid hefty amounts to purchase plots here but the authorities concerned never come to hear our grievances. The place is sans metalled roads, playgrounds and other civic amenities,” he said, adding that the machinery for the treatment plant has been installed, but it has been lying non-operational for want of power. According to sources, PUDA had signed a contract in September 2004, with a Pune-based firm to install a sewage plant, which had to be completed within 14 months.

When contacted, PUDA SDO Jodh Singh said they were on the job and electricity link would soon be established.

Phagwara XEN Sanjeev Kumar revealed that PUDA had applied for power connection only a month back. “Despite shortage of equipment, we would provide the link as soon as possible,” 
he added.

PSEB may buy units from NTPC
Tribune News Service

Phagwara, April 15
To meet power needs of residents this summer, Punjab state electricity board (PSEB) will be forced to purchase units from National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

Honour for Seechewal
Tribune News Service

Army runs the ‘wrong way’
Parwinder Blaggan
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, April 15
In a bid to boost their men, the enthusiastic Army personnel allegedly overstepped the rules during the Jalandhar marathon rally, here on Monday. The participants alleged that some Army personnel openly flouted the rules by running along with their participants on the marathon route.

“We never thought that Army which claims itself to be the most disciplined and law-abiding organisation would restore to such an act,” alleged Rajesh, one of the participants, adding that as many as as four to five army jawans were seen running along with their participants.

“Even some army vehicles were seen accompanying them till the finish-point. It caused a lot of inconvenience to other athletes,” he claimed.

Ram Pratap, an athletic coach with Punjab sports department confirmed that the army authorities had indulged in a foul play.