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Canal-based water supply scheme a non-starter
City bus service likely in a month’s time
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140 shops, houses razed by Improvement Trust
Tough men on iconic machine reach Wagah
The winners of the Royal Enfield contest in Amritsar on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Vishal Kumar
Night patrolling to be launched in city soon
Rise in diarrhoea cases at Civil Hospital
The Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs Memorial Civil Hospital in Amritsar. A Tribune Photograph
Forum sets aside Rs
42,810 power bill
City-based industrialists, traders, raise concerns with Majithia
A delegation hands over a memorandum to Cabinet Minister Bikram Majithia in Amritsar on Saturday. A Tribune Photograph
Best district hospital award for Civil Hospital
Senior Medical Officer Balbir Singh Dhillon (left) and SMO Ranjit Singh Buttar show the state-level award to mediapersons in Amritsar on Saturday. Photo: Sameer Sehgal
Addict stabs wife, injures her critically
Man found murdered
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Canal-based water supply scheme a non-starter
Amritsar, July 13 When a communiqué was sent to the Local Bodies department for final approval and execution process, the department put it on hold after failing to find adequate sources to generate funds for the scheme. Astonishingly, the Local Bodies Ministry had also directed the MC to look out for A solution to generate funds in collaboration with the water supply, sanitation and irrigation departments. Under the Megal Water Supply scheme, the government had contemplated to introduce the canal-based water supply scheme and a meeting was held on July 10, 2012, under Punjab Chief Minister. Thereafter, officials were instructed to conduct a feasibility study. Nonetheless, an inspection was conducted by IIT team of Roorkee and health officials of the MC in September 2012 at Beas river and UBDC (Upper Bari Doab Canal) for framing ideas about feasible surface source of water for the city residents. The study indicated that the water level of the city had depleted to almost 60 per cent of the permissible norms and the tubewell-based water supply could not remain dependable for long. With such a status of the water supply, there appeared to be an urgent need of taking action regarding augmenting the water supply extracted through the river. This proposal was left pending as the whole process demanded an expenditure to the tune of Rs 120 crore in taking water from a 40-km-long stretch and another amount of Rs 130 crore as cost of treatment works, conveyance of treated water up to master, sonxal and area reservoirs, overheads etc. With absolutely no scientific way of water treatment in place and a majority of tubewells lying in a dilapidated state, the city residents are facing a scarcity of water and are also forced to consume unsafe water. Presently, it’s the system of distribution and maintenance which is old and poorly maintained. In most of the localities, the water supply gets mixed with sewage at several places because of breakages as there is inadequate gap between both lines. The MC has failed to procure funds, amounting to Rs 20 lakh, meant for the chlorination of water.Even as official negate it, yet sources said the health department had collected over 150 water samples three months ago, out of which more than 60 were found to be unfit for human consumption. Out of a total of 350 tubewells, over 70 per cent of them have not got the process of purification of water. Even as the Mayor has called for holding house meeting on July 16, it is an irony that out of a total of 35 projects tabled during the last house meeting, 17 were either rejected by the state government or have still been lying pending, whereas a fresh agenda of some more projects has been prepared to be tabled in the upcoming house meeting. Several resolutions were passed in the house meeting held under the chairmanship of City Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora on Junuary 29 by a thumping majority, but when these resolutions pertaining to the over-all development works and providing basic amenities to the residents were sent to the competent government authority for approval, these were straighaway negated. While showing the copies of “rejection” or “pending” remarks by the Local Bodies Department, Congress councillor and Leader of the Opposition Raj Kanwal Preet Pal Singh (Lucky) told that the ruling alliance has failed to provide basic amenities to the residents because of their directionless vision. District Congress president Jugal Kishore remarked that the Centre had released them grants under various public interest projects, but the ruling alliance had failed to spare the matching grants. “Hence, all the projects got stalled or were lying midway. The SAD leaders’ repeated announcements of development projects were nothing but a mere eyewash. Several projects were rejected by the government itself, because the communication was not made on time,” he said. The MC had asked for releasing a grant under the Amritsar Sewa Samiti scheme for 2011-2013, but this, too, was rejected with remarks that the amount was not mentioned in the request.
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City bus service likely in a month’s time
Amritsar, July 13 Company Amritsar City Transport Service Limited (ACTSL) was formed in 2006 for the project. The MC received Rs 11.66 crore (Rs 8.33 crore from the Centre under the JNNURM programme and Rs 3.33 crore from the state). The MC has also spent over Rs 7.28 lakh on consultancy and Rs 12.57 lakh on advertisements for this project. An idea was conceptualised in 2007 by the Akali-BJP alliance to introduce city bus service in Amritsar just on the pattern of the procedure adopted in Ludhiana. In the backdrop of this move, it was viewed that in the absence of any other mode of public transport, the visitors often fell victim to auto-rickshaw drivers who charged them exorbitantly. Nevertheless, the programme was chalked out and the routes and ticket fares were finalised. Even the trial run for the city buses were conducted with much fanfare by the then Mayor Shwait Malik. Subsequently, after getting the nod from the Urban Development Ministry, a lot of 150 buses was sanctioned and even the tenders for the first lot of 30 buses were floated on the Ludhiana pattern, but later these all had to be scrapped due to red tape. Meanwhile, MC’s Assistant Commissioner Surinder Singh has been included in the board of directors of the ACTSL for running the bus service. He has replaced Paramjit Singh, ex-DTO, Amritsar, who had submitted his resignation, which was duly accepted by the board of directors. The present directors of the company are Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora, MC Commissioner Bhupinder Singh, PIDB nominee Gagan Anand, ex-MC Commissioner, Amritsar KS Kang and newly appointee Surinder Singh. Meanwhile, the financial transaction powers in the project will rest with Bakshi Ram Arora and MC’s Assistant Commissioner Surinder Singh.
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140 shops, houses razed by Improvement Trust
Amritsar, July 13 Amidst heavy police bandobast, the demolition process started at 4 am, which razed old and dilapidated structures of the walled city, known for its alleys and labyrinthine roads. The city saw the second massive demolition of houses and shops within a span of 25 years. The previous one was seen during the Galiara beautification scheme, which was followed after the 1984 Operation Bluestar and Operation Blackthunder in 1988. About 150 officials of the Trust and an equal number of labourers, with the assistance of 300 police force, swooped down on the areas in the wee hours and started the demolition process. Arch-shaped columns, wooden panels, window panes, windows, doors and wooden logs were seen lying on the debris of demolished structures. Worried people, who once resided and ran shops in these buildings, some for generations, were seen looking at the demolition with a heavy heart. Senior BJP leader Lakshmi Kanta Chawla, sharply commenting on the road widening, said “then entire structures in the city need to be pulled down, as narrow winding roads can be found everywhere”. She termed it a black day in the history of the city. She added that being a resident of the walled city she knew the feelings and aspirations of its inhabitants, and it was to maintain the city as it was established by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das in 1574. AIT chairman Sandeep Rishi said the AIT received the possession of the area from the Land Acquisition Department today and called the demolition process over and complete. He said apart from the workforce, four JCBs, 10 tractor-trailers, two tippers and a crane were engaged for the demolition. The AIT would begin the removal of the debris from the spot tomorrow. “It would take two months to finish the paper work and float tender. Other four months would be required to pave the road and shift utilities like sewerage, BSNL, electricity lines and others.” It would cost Rs 2 crore to the AIT. When asked about the loss of heritage, he said there was no heritage value structure on the 0.7-km-long stretch. He said the road widening was being done complying with the orders of court. The government had conceptualised the road-widening scheme in 1998. It would be 40 feet wide road, which would ease traffic congestion on the way to the Golden Temple. Compensation to the tune of Rs 8.98 crore had already been awarded to a majority of the affected property owners on the stretch. He reiterated that the rehabilitation options offered to the affected traders at the AIT’s four schemes, including Jahajgarh, Ranjit Avenue, Mall Mandi and New Amritsar, still stood. He said there were at least 35 traders who would lose their shops completely, while 16 shopkeepers would have their shops 8 feet deep. Though the road-widening scheme was about 15 years old, the demolition was put on the backburner after resistance by the occupants backed by ruling political parties. However, this time with no election to be held in the near future and backed by court orders, the Land Acquisition Department had served a 15-day notice to the occupants of about 140 shops and houses to vacate their premises. The time-period of the notice concluded on July 5. Subsequently, Chief Secretary Ashok Gupta, on a visit to the city, extended the seven-day deadline, which ended on July 12. Heritage experts are of the view that the holy city is an exquisite example of an introverted planning system. Its narrow alleys were developed over a period of time during the turbulent 16th to 18th century, when attacks by invading Afghan and other marauding tribes were common. During the Sikh Misl period, the walled city was fortified with a unique defence system and its various areas were named "Katras". Many parts of the city are still known as "Katras", but the feel and character would not be the same in future, rued the heritage lovers. Heritage lovers said despite directions by national and international agencies, the SAD-BJP coalition government was indulging in crass development. They cited a report of the Union Government-appointed National Commission on Urbanisation which stated in 1988 that neither an elevated road, flyover nor road-widening scheme should be allowed in the old historic towns, as these destroyed streetscape, skyline and traditional street pattern. Similar views were expressed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), headquartered in Paris, in its charter for the conservation of historic towns and urban areas.2nd massive demolition
The city saw the second massive demolition of houses and shops within a span of 25 years. The previous one was seen during the Galiara beautification scheme, which was followed after the 1984 Operation Bluestar and Operation Blackthunder in 1988. The drive was conducted from Ghee Mandi Chowk to the Jallianwala Bagh area to widen the road to the Golden Temple in the wee hours on Saturday
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Tough men on iconic machine reach Wagah
Amritsar, July 13 The five-member contingent headed to Wagah Border to witness the "Change of Guard" ceremony to end their journey. The initiative, launched by the brand to promote its graphic novel Bullet 500, got five young men from various regions to take a road trip down to Wagah Border. The lucky riders, Abhishek Joshi, Siddhant Walia, Abhishek Rai from New Delhi, Tarbrinder Singh from Amritsar and Tarun Chawla from Noida, took this opportunity to enjoy the thrill of the ride and experience. “We got called upon after getting selected for an online contest, where we had to give an appropriate ending to the story in the novel,” said Tarbrinder. The graphic novel traces the life of a young man who, impressed by the vintage Bullet 500 owned by his retired Army Officer grandfather, takes inspiration and grows up to become an Army man. The novel illustrates his journey through a story as he finds himself face to face with the Bullet 500 in its new avatar and associates with the adventures and thrills of the ride. And that’s where these riders came into the picture. Ask them about the everlasting aura surrounding the "bullet" and Abhishek says, “It’s a guy thing. It’s a tough bike, most preferred for long routes and adventure travel. And looks quite amazing too.” He further compared it with being same as female fetish for shoes. “One cannot define it, but owning a bullet is a matter of pride for guys,” he said. These five riders were selected to experience the thrill and aura of the Bullet 500 and the life of the protagonist through this ride to Wagah. Speaking on the contest, a company official said, “The Bullet has been an iconic motorcycle in the Royal Enfield portfolio. We recently launched the Bullet 500 in a new Forest Green colour, taking inspiration from the Indian Army’s olive green colour. The graphic novel contest and the ride to Wagah Border and other areas of military significance attempts to bring to the fore the same spirit of national pride that has long been the essence of the Bullet." The contingent also visited the Jallianwala Bagh and the Golden Temple in Amritsar along with some war memorials before it returned to Chandigarh on the eve of the Indian Armed forces’ victory in Operation Vijay in Kargil in 1999.
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Night patrolling to be launched in city soon
Amritsar, July 13 The city is quite prominent on the national tourism map. It has been found that tourists in the city become a target of unscrupulous elements many times when they are going to the Golden Temple or returning to their hotels late in the evening. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dr Kaustubh Sharma confirmed that night patrolling is likely to be started in the next couple of days. "We have selected policemen who would be put on night patrolling on rotational basis, besides getting the infrastructure required for the same," said the DCP. "As the city is a popular tourist destination, night patrolling needs emphasis as part of regular policing here. But it has now been strengthened by adding more manpower," he said. As many as 450-500 policemen would be deputed for night patrolling, he added. About 18 PCR motorcycles and 14 SUVs would be put at the disposal of these policemen who would patrol vulnerable areas, especially around the Golden Temple, railway station and bus stand during night. ADCP and ACP rank officials have also been deputed to keep a check on them, he further said. The police authorities have made elaborate arrangements to make the night patrolling project successful. Even if there are around 4,600 cops for a population of nearly 12 lakh in the city, many feel the strength is not adequate. The DCP denied of having staff shortage. The staff attached with the city police which is as per the sanctioned strength, he added. DCP Sharma said about 250 recruits, including women who have completed training, would also join duty soon.
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Rise in diarrhoea cases at Civil Hospital
Amritsar, July 13 Doctors at the hospital said around 30 per cent cases received at the out-patient department (OPD) of the hospital are of rota viral or dysentery. “In rota viral cases, the ORS is the best treatment which would save the child from dehydration,” said a doctor, adding water stools are the main symptom of this problem. Dysentery too requires ORS with the antibiotics suggested by a doctor and children should also be given more fluids to counter dehydration, he added. The doctor said the Civil Hospital had ample supply of ORS packets which were given free of cost to the general public. The ORS solution can also be prepared easily at home using equal promotions of salt and sugar in boiled water. He said children should not be allowed to eat at unhygienic places. “The parents must prefer home cooked food for their children to save them from diarrhoea,” he said, adding that popsicles sold in the market are harmful to small children. Cut fruits and junk food prepared under unhygienic conditions can also give rise to the problem. Child specialist Dr Sandeep Aggarwal said immunisation drops for rota virus were available in the market. “These are a bit costly and not everybody can afford them. In such situation, we advise that parents should start giving ORS solution to children as soon as they notice diarrhoea symptoms,” said Sandeep. Precautionary measures
Children should not be allowed to eat at unhygienic places Parents must prefer home cooked food for their children to save them from diarrhoea Popsicles sold in the market are harmful to small children Cut fruits and junk food prepared under unhygienic conditions can also give rise to the problem
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Forum sets aside Rs
42,810 power bill
Amritsar, July 13 Surinder Khanna, a resident of Katra Moti Ram, had filed complaint with the forum that in June 2011 he had received a bill of Rs 42,810 for the consumption of 6,608 units of electricity at his house. Khanna said he requested the corporation to withdraw the exorbitant bill as he was using a power connection of merely 1 KW and it was not possible for him to consume so much electricity. He said on his complaint, the electricity meter installed at his house was removed and got checked and it was proven that meter was running faster than usual. He said even after the meter was changed, the Power Corporation continued to add the amount in subsequent bills. The forum observed that it was not possible with a load of 1 KW to consume 6,608 units in two months by the complainant. The forum also observed that the record of the consumer's bi-monthly bills has remained always less than 100 units except for once when it was 115 units. It said the demand of Rs 42,810 was not sustainable. It, however, said the Power Corporation could change the bill on the basis of the corresponding period of the previous year.
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City-based industrialists, traders, raise concerns with Majithia
Amritsar, July 13 Among the major issues that were discussed were land bank for the city, common water treatment plant for the textile industry, five per cent rebate on electricity and labour issues at the Integrated Check Post (ICP). The session aimed at bringing these concerns to the notice of the minister. Majithia, promising full support to the industry, said specific meetings would be convened to discuss and resolve these issues. This was the second interaction in the series here. CII Amritsar Zonal Council chairman Rajdeep Singh Uppal welcomed the minister and thanked him for his support in resolving the industrial issues taken up during the previous meeting. After the previous meeting of the CII, the state government has resolved various issues of the industry, including exemption of market fee on agro export from Punjab, waiver of RDF/MF/PDIF on the export of basmati rice, regularisation of infrastructural development at Vallah Sabzi Mandi, hassle-free trade at Wagah Border by elimination of truck unions at Attari. Majithia asked the CII to prepare and submit a separate note on the issues to be addressed by the state government and the Centre.
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Best district hospital award for Civil Hospital
Amritsar, July 13 The hospital has conducted a record number of 891 vasectomy and tubectomy operations as part of its permanent contraceptive measures. The award was received by Senior Medical Officer Dr Balbir Singh Dhillon at a state-level function organised in Fazilka recently. The government health institution at Baba Bakala has received the award in the category of best sub-divisional hospital for running the programme. Dr Joginder Singh received the best NSV surgeon for conducting maximum number of vasectomy operations in district. SMO Dr Balbir Singh Dhillon said, "The award is the result of efforts of all the employees of the hospital. The hospital staff has once again proven that government hospitals can also provide services at par with private hospitals." SMO Dr Ranjit Singh Buttar said that the Civil Hospital had earlier received a prestigious award from Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission.
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Addict stabs wife, injures her critically
Amritsar, July 13 The victim was rushed to the Guru Nanak Dev Hospital where doctors attending on her said she was out of danger. The victim, identified as Dimple, sustained injuries on her face, waist and hands. The doctors, however, said she was not in a condition to give statement to the police. Dimple has reportedly been living separately from her husband Roshan for the past few months. The couple has two daughters from the marriage. The victim's mother Rani, a resident of Haripura and said her daughter was married to the accused about six years ago. The two had an affair before marriage, she added. After few months of marriage, quarrels between the couple became a routine affair as Roshan used to beat her under the influence of liquor, she claimed. The victim's mother said Roshan was an acute drug addict. Perturbed over this, Dimple had been living with her parents for the past four months. Rani said when her daughter was returning from work, the accused stopped her and entered in an altercation. Soon after he took out a sword and attacked her and inflicted serious injuries, she claimed. The police a team would go tomorrow to get the victim's statement and action would be taken accordingly.
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Man found murdered
Amritsar, July 13 The deceased has been identified as Kallu of the said village which falls under the jurisdiction of Kamboh police station (Amritsar rural police). The police has booked three persons in this connection. No arrest has been made so far. Reports said there were injury marks with sharp-edged weapon on his body. The police has started investigations into the case. Station House Officer (SHO) Yadwinder Singh said after taking the statement of the victim's mother Kaushalya Devi, the police has registered a case under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against three persons. The accused have been identified as Gurwinder Singh, Amrik Singh and Nanju, all residents of Pandori village. The SHO said an old enmity was stated to be the reason behind the incident. He said the accused killed him and later threw his body near the village. Kallu's maternal uncle was also allegedly murdered by one of the accused, he added. Further investigations were under progress, he said.
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on the agenda of the ruling alliance
SAD-BJP, if its lenient attitude towards the canal-based water supply scheme, proposed to be introduced in
Amritsar, is any indication. 
The Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) today demolished about 140 shops and houses from Ghee Mandi Chowk to the Jallianwala Bagh area to widen the road to the Golden Temple in the wee hours today.
Amidst heavy police bandobast, the demolition process started at 4 am, which razed old and dilapidated structures of the walled city, known for its alleys and labyrinthine roads.
Five Royal Enfield riders reached the holy city after starting their journey from Chandigarh in an initiative launched by the brand.
The five-member contingent headed to Wagah Border to witness the "Change of Guard" ceremony to end their journey.
With rising cases of diarrhoea at the Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs Memorial Civil Hospital and other health institutions, doctors have advised parents to keep packets of ORS at homes.
City-based importers, exporters, manufacturers and real estate developers today raised various issues relating to infrastructure and trade development in Amritsar with Cabinet minister Bikram Singh Majithia during an interactive session organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII), Amritsar Zonal Council, here.
The Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs Memorial Civil Hospital has received the best district hospital award for running family welfare programme effectively in the year 2012-13.