Ludhiana, January 28
The city Police along with officials of the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) successfully got 18 flats that were forcibly occupied by a few miscreants in Dugri vacated today.

These people had illegally occupied the flats a few days ago. The flats were a centre of dispute between the government and the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims, who claimed that they were allotted to them.

The occupants mainly migrants, seemed to have been planted by a few colonizers. Besides them, a cop who claimed to be posted as the security staff of a SP- rank official had turned the flat into a well furnished house within two days.

Last April also, two groups of the riot victim had taken over the possession of the flats before the cops forced them to vacate the buildings. The value of the flats is increasing day- by-day. Recently, the GLADA officials had auctioned few booths near the site for Rs 1.50 lakh per sq.yd.

Sources said today afternoon, the word spread that the flats had been illegally occupied. Apart from a large number of riot victims, a few property dealers also rushed to the spot. Timely intervention by the police and the administration averted a certain clash between the claimants of the flats and the illegal occupants.

SHO Warryam Singh said the flats had now been vacated. “We will be registering cases as per the directions of the senior officials or the complaint lodged by GLADA officials,” he added.

Household goods, furniture, clothes were seen strewn in the courtyards and the street outside the flats after the cops got the flats vacated. Tampers ran high as numerous claimants were seen arguing with the illegal occupants.

Ludhiana, January 28
It is not sewage and industrial effluents alone that have polluted the Sutlej. A 'hadda-rori' situated on its bank has been rendering it a potent biological bomb.

The official ‘hadda-rori’ of Ludhiana district has been throwing the remains and body fluids of dead animals into the river. As the Sutlej recharges the water table of the area and residents of some places like Bathinda and Mansa are dependent on the Sutlej water for drinking, diseases can break out any time due to the pollution caused by decaying of flesh and blood.

By allowing the ‘hadda rori’ managers to dispose off waste in the river, the district administration is posing a threat to the health of all those residents dependent on the river someway or the other.

These startling facts came to light during a research project on pollution in the Sutlej under the aegis of the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi.

The administration is also accused of flouting the Wildlife Protection Act as the Sutlej feeds Harike wetlands that support aquatic wildlife in the region. By supplying polluted water to wild animals, the administration becomes a violator of the Act.

Moreover, fish from this area is supplied to different places for human consumption. The fish living in polluted water can cause problems among human beings after its consumption.

Though a lot of hullabaloo has been created in the past about the pollution caused due by sewage and industrial effluents, no attention has been paid to the ‘hadda-rori’ remains that are thrown into the water.

All the dead animals collected from the district are sent to this place for recovery of hides and other materials. The rest is all dumped in the river. The butchers also wash the hides in the river.

As per the Pollution Control Act, ‘hadda-rori’ should have an incinerator and no waste can be directly thrown into any water body. The guidelines are not followed even though the administration auctions the contract for the place every year.

Pawan Kumar, a butcher said that they did not know that they had to install an incinerator. “We pay money to the government and we know only this much. Rest is up to them,” he said. 

Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 28
Claiming that administration in Canada and India had some fundamental similarities, Michael de Jong, minister in British Columbia (BC) government, appreciated that both countries figured high among republics of the world.

Showing concern over increasing incidences of illegal immigration to Canada, the minister assured that he would impress upon his colleagues to get the process for clearing visa cases expedited so that Punjabi youths were not allured by agents to travel to that country through illegal methods.

“We want to make it sure that talented and skilled youths from Punjab reach our country through genuine methods and work for mutual benefit of the two countries,” said Jong, adding that Canada, like many other nations, needed a large number of skilled youth to work there.

While talking to Ludhiana Tribune after addressing a Republic Day function at Maherna village near here, Jong claimed that it was easier to make people and nations fight with each other but it was difficult to bring people closer.

“It is high time when we should realise that bringing people together will benefit all sections of society in Canada and India as well. NRIs who settled in our country decades ago, have showed how dreams turn into realities,” he said claiming that there were a large number of Punjabis NRIs who had achieved apex position by putting up extra labour.

He called upon office-bearers of various social and constitutional organisations of the area to impress upon their leaders to come forward in bringing people together.

Terming agriculture and education backbone of nation’s economy, Jong called upon people of the state to appreciate the beauty of fields that feed crores of Indians.

At the same time education system should be made simpler and more practical, he added.

He endorsed the demand raised by some NRIs to start international flights from Canada to Amritsar.

Human resource consultant Robert W. Cott, Professor D.J. Sandhu, Canadian journalist Gurdeep Singh Grewal and Canadian councillor Moh Gill were present.

Ludhiana, January 28
The Small Industries and Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has recommended a financial package to units here that are keen on adopt green technologies with a view to reducing their carbon emissions.

Easy and cheap finance is expected to encourage more industries here to adopt environmentally friendly technologies.

Over 300 local units took the first-ever initiative in the region to earn revenues by reducing their carbon emissions. The project is supported by the World Bank, which agreed to purchase the carbon emission reductions (CER) units.

An agreement to the effect was signed nearly two months ago between the Small Industries Development Bank of India and Tools and Forging Envirocare Private Limited , an SPV floated by SMEs in steel cluster here, entitling the units to earn revenues.

The bank offered a financial package for such units at a recent meeting of representatives of the SIDBI and those of the SPV.

The financial assistance would mean cheaper and easy finance to the units and was expected to encourage more industries to adopt environmentally friendly technologies.

“A financial assistance from the SIDBI would encourage more units to go in for such technologies. It is for the first time in this region that industries have undertaken this task and so far 50 units in forging, auto parts and handtools industries have undergone an audit. Assistance would mean more units may come forward,” said SPV president S.C. Ralhan.

As many as 50 units have already gone in for an energy audit and by the end of this year units will start earning revenues.

Audit reports have been sent to the World Bank, which has further recommended them to the UNO for approval.

Sources revealed that the credit rating agency of the SIDBI, SMERA, has also evinced interest in offering help to units.

A rating of the units would simplify credit availability for the ones keen on going in for it.

Ludhiana, January 28
Brig Iqbal Singh Singha, a resident of Urban Estate, Dugri Road, Ludhiana, was awarded the Vashishat Sewa Medal (VSM) on Republic Day for meritorious service as commander of an infantry brigade at LoC in J-K.

Brig Singha has helped 300 locals, who lost limbs in shelling on the border, to get artificial limbs free of cost.

He has been instrumental in upgrading a school run by the Army.Brigadier Singha has been awarded with the Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Card twice.

His other two brothers are also in the Army. His Father Col (Dr) H.S. Singha, and two uncles were also in the Army and so were his grandfather, and great grandfather. 

SOME of the transformers and poles, almost in the middle of some of the roads here, including Sibia Medical Centre to Hambran, Bus Stand to Ferozepur, Fountain Chowk to Ghumar Mandi, Bhai Wala Chowk to Pakhowal sides, are a major threat to commuters. Some of the transformers have naked wires hanging from them which are dangerous for people, especially children. One electric transformer and tilted pole erected at the corner of Shamshan Ghat gate, Baloke road, Haibowal Kalan, causes a lot of congestion at the place. It is imperative that the administration takes corrective measures to check the menace soon.

Ludhiana, January 28
The Ludhiana Transporters Welfare Association today alleged that a truck driver of a Gujarat-based transport company had fled with copper wire worth Rs 58 lakh.

Addressing mediapersons here today, association chairman Prithviraj Sharma said a local transport company, BLR Transport, had hired a truck from the Gujarat-based company for Himachal Pradesh on January 17.

However, the driver who initially kept the company informed about his whereabouts, failed to reach the destination.

When the company tried to contact the transporter in Gujarat, the latter failed to respond to their calls, alleged Sharma.

The association has urged the Gujarat police to register a case in this regard.

Ludhiana, January 28
An eight-member Russian delegation from Moscow State University of Agro-Engineering (MSAU), led by vice-rector of international programme of the varsity Dr Konstantin Malashenkov, which is on a 15-day visit to the Punjab Agricultural University interacted with PAU vice-chancellor Dr Manjit Singh Kang, here today.

The team is accompanied by Dr Vladimir Babechuk, colonel and head of auto-branch department, MSAU. The delegation comprises six students - Kozlova Anastasia, Frolova Irina, Stepina Vera, Korolev Vacheslav, Bazarsadaev Chingiz and Kapitonova Maria. The group is here under an exchange programme for which PAU has already signed a memorandum of understanding with MSAU. A batch of PAU students had earlier visited Russian universities.

In the interactive meeting, V.K.Sehgal introduced the visitors to Dr. Kang and spoke about the exchange programme. Dr. Malashenkov said the team was greatly impressed by the programme and students appreciated the hospitality shown by varsity authorities. Students discussed the system of education being followed in different schools and colleges in their country. Dr. Kang spoke about the age-old Indo-Russian friendship and said such visits prove mutually beneficial for students of both countries.

Meanwhile, incharge of the visiting team Dr. Pritpal Singh Lubana said the team would be visiting the Golden Temple and Attari International Border, besides other places. Other faculty members associated with the programme are Dr. Ashok Kumar and Dr. Manjit Singh of the training centre of college of agricultural engineering. Dr. Babchuck thanked all those present during the meeting. 

Ludhiana, January 28
Dr Jiwan P. Palta, professor of horticulture and director at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA, while addressing scientists at the department of vegetable crops at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), here today, said calcium was an important constituent responsible for health of cells and targeted nutrient application leads to improved quality of potato and other vegetables.

He elaborated on diverse roles of calcium in relation to the quality of potato, which was important for the processing industry. In addition to fortifying cell structure, calcium regulated the hormones by acting as a signaling molecule, said Dr. Palta, who has huge research experience on environmental stress physiology of plants.

He illustrated his point by explaining that stress leads to dysfunction of cell membranes and suggested that application of calcium at right time and place was important.

Dr. Palta elaborated that new concepts in potato nutrition were emerging in view of the multiple benefits of calcium indicated in research studies.

He explained that in case of potato varieties Atlantic and Russet Burbank, calcium application led to reduction in soft-rots of tubers.

The level of calcium in the tissue was linked to tolerance to internal disorder, hollow heart and internal brown spot disorders. Bruising incidence was also related to calcium content.

Dr Palta also highlighted that the growth regulator, gibberellin suppressed tuberization in potato while calcium could override their signals.

Meanwhile, introducing Dr. Palta to PAU faculty, vice-chancellor Dr. Manjit Singh Kang said he graduated from PAU in 1966 and did his masters from PAU Hisar campus in 1968. Subsequently, he pursued his doctorate from University of Minnesota, USA, and post-doctoral studies from University of Minnesota, USA.

Earlier, Dr. J.S.Kanwar, head of department of vegetable crops, welcomed the key-speaker, the chief guest, and the participants.

Doraha, January 28
In order generate awareness among the masses, a free obesity check-up, body mass composition analysis (B.C.A.) and dietary guidance camp was organised at Sidhu Hospital, Doraha, here today. Around 150 patients suffering from obesity and associated type 2 diabetes were examined during the camp.

Dr. Gurdip Singh Sidhu, director of surgery department of the hospital, said obesity is a condition which significantly increases the risk of one or more serious diseases also known as co-morbidities. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dislipidaemia, heart disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, depression, certain cancers, infertility and menstrual irregularities. All these diseases are interlinked and together constitute what is known as metabolic syndrome and should be treated as a single entity, he added.

Dr Sidhu further said mild to moderately obese patients could be treated with dietary control, exercises and medicines, but morbid obesity needs surgical intervention. A person is considered morbidly obese when his BMI crosses 40 or 35 with co-morbidities. Since Asians are at higher risk of developing central obesity, diabetes and heart ailments, according to world health organization, these figures go down by two in these ethnic groups.

Ludhiana, January 28
Satinderjit Kaur, student of class VII, was declared best athlete among girls, while Rajwinder Singh of class X and Gagandeep Singh of class VIII shared the honour in the boys’ section in the annual sports meet of Guru Gobind Singh Public School, Da village, Pakhowal road, here today.

Results: Boys (class VII to X): discus throw: Manpreet Singh 1, Karamjot Singh 2; shot put: Rajwinder Singh 1, Gagandeep Singh 2 and Harsimran Singh 3; javelin throw: Karamjot Singh 1, Gagandeep Singh 2 and Manpreet Singh 3; long jump: Gagandeep Singh 1, Jashanpreet Singh 2 and Harsimran Singh 3.

Boys (class 1 and II): 50m: Harmanjot Singh 1, Baltej Singh 2 and Ekjot Singh 3; obstacle race: Jasneet Singh 1, Akash Thakur 2 and Ekjot Singh 3.

Boys (class III and IV): 100m: Jasmeet Singh 1, Talwinder Singh 2 and Inderpreet Singh 3; sack race: Navjot Singh 1, Jasminder Singh 2 and Sukhjeet Singh 3.

Girls (class VII to X): long jump: Amrit Kaur 1, Satinderjit Kaur 2 and Prabhleen Kaur 3; (class I and II): 50m: Arshdeep Kaur 1, Kritika Dutta 2 and Gurleen Kaur 3; obstacle race: Jasneet Kaur 1, Navneet Kaur 2 and Anureet Grewal 3; (class III and IV): 100m: Maninder Kaur 1, Jasbir Kaur 2 and Mehakpreet Kaur 3; obstacle race: Parampreet Kaur 1, Parminder Kaur 2 and Avneet Kaur 3; sack race: Gurkirat Kaur 1, Parampreet Kaur 2 and Amanjot Kaur 3; skipping race: Maninder Kaur 1, Jasbir Kaur 2 and Navpreet Kaur 3.

Ludhiana, January 28
Students of Alpine International School began their campaign on a bright note by registering wins in both boys and girls’ sections on the opening day of the Ludhiana Sahodaya Schools Complex Chess Tournament at Kundan Vidya Mandir School, Civil Lines, here today.

Alpine lads recorded an emphatic 4-0 victory over GGN Public School, while eves outplayed GGN Public School 3-1.

In the boys’ section, Green Land Senior Secondary School overpowered Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, BRS Nagar, 3-0, while hosts Kundan Vidya Mandir toiled hard for a 2-2 with BCM Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh road branch. Also, DAV Public School, BRS Nagar, fought valiantly to draw 2-2 with BCM Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar branch.

In the girls’ section, Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, BRS Nagar, proved too good for DAV Public School, BRS Nagar, whom they drubbed 4-0.

In another keenly contested match, BCM Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar branch, held BCM Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh road branch, to a 2-2 draw. The match played between Green Land Senior Secondary School and USPC Jain Public School too ended in a 2-2 draw.

Earlier, KVM principal S.C. Saxena inaugurated the meet. He welcomed the participants and wished them good luck.

Meanwhile, I.K. Kalia, Vikas Sharma and Arvinder Preet Singh have been appointed arbiters for the two-day championship.

Ludhiana, January 28
At least 30 teams will take part in the Punjab State Junior Handball Championship during the 13th Annual Sports Festival at Lalton Kalan village slated to be held from January 31 to February 2.

The festival is being organised by the Yuvak Sewavan Sports Club at Lalton Kalan Senior Secondary School, according to former sarpanch and festival chief organiser Tarlochan Singh Grewal.

Besides, competition in kabaddi (one village), kabaddi (weight 42 kg, 47 kg, 52 kg, 57 kg and 62 kg), volleyball shooting, bullock cart race and dogs race will also be conducted.

On the concluding day, wrestler Parminder Singh Dhoomchheri will be given the Punjab Da Maan Award. Also lyricist Shamsher Singh Sandhu will be honoured with Hari Singh Dilbar Award and Jalandhar Doordarshan newscaster Prof Kanwaljit Singh will receive the Amarjit Singh Grewal Sports Promoter Award.

Punjabi singers Jaswant Sandeela, Jagga Lalton and Manmohan Waris will entertain the spectators on February 2.