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Finally, some takers
2 Hyderabad-based firms submit bids for stray dog sterilisation project
Puneet Pal Singh Gill
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 28
The dog sterilisation project of the city finally has some takers. Two companies have showed some interest in this project, which has been hanging in the balance for the last several years. However, it is learnt that of the two companies, one has not qualified in the technical bid as it is not registered with the Animal Welfare Board of India.

The two companies, namely Murlidhar and Company and Vets Society for Animal Welfare, have shown interest in the project by submitting their bids. Both the companies are based in Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh).

Earlier also, tenders were floated but because only one company showed interest, they were cancelled.

Though the project to sterilise roughly 25,000 stray dogs was approved in the Finance and Contract Committee (F&CC) meeting held on January 30 and even Rs 2 crore was sanctioned for it, the project has failed to kick off.

When the tenders were floated earlier, only one Hyderabad-based company had shown interest in the project. New tenders were floated on December 5 and the technical bids were opened on December 26.

Stray dogs roaming freely are a common sight in almost every nook and corner of the city. Even though the MC claims that not many dog bite incidents are reported every year, the truth is that such incidents often remain unreported because a majority of victims prefer to take treatment at nearby hospitals or clinics.

During the earlier tenders, the MC was to provide only land for the setting up of a hospital for stray dogs. But now it would be constructing three rooms and 20 kennels where stray dogs would be operated and treated. The land is located in Haibowal and the construction work would start in within the next one month.

“The tenders for the construction of a vet hospital have been floated and we expect it would be completed in the next two or three months. Now that two companies have shown interest in the project, only one has qualified in the technical bid. We will open their financial bids after taking approval from the MC Commissioner,” Dr YP Singh, Senior Veterinary Officer, Ludhiana Municipal Corporation, told The Tribune.

The project would remain a Herculean task for the civic body due to its poor track record in the implementation of such projects. Most dog sterilisation projects started by the MC have failed to reach their logical conclusion and had to be stopped midway.

FAILED PROJECT

Earlier, a Rs 1.5 crore project for the sterilisation of 25,000 stray dogs was started by the MC in May 2010, but after the sterilisation of around 3,000 stray dogs, the project hit several roadblocks for one reason or the other. After running for some months, the project was abandoned in 2011 and the civic body started scouting for another company. Even tenders were floated but the Animal Welfare Board of India raised questions over the technique which the MC was planning to use for this purpose. 

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Harassed by wife’s ex-fiance, man ends his life
Mohit Khanna
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 28
Harassed by a former fiancé of his wife, a 35-year-old man allegedly committed suicide in the city today.

The victim, who has been identified as Hardeep Singh, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at a rented apartment in Jandiali village, near Sahnewal here today.

When Hardeep Singh did not leave for his utensils shop at Sherpur Chowk till afternoon, the house owner got suspicious and checked his room. He was shocked to find Hardeep's body hanging from the ceiling fan.

The house owner immediately informed the police about the incident. The police have found a suicide note lying in the room. Later, they booked Ravinder Singh Ravi, his wife Karamjit Kaur and his friends Rupa and Inderjit Singh in an abetment to suicide case under section 306 of the IPC.

According to the police, Hardeep was allegedly harassed by Ravi who was previously engaged to the victim's wife.

Sources said Ravi had told Hardeep that he had dumped the latter's wife after developing physical relations with her.

According to Hardeep's relatives, Ravi's wife and friends were also harassing the victim by spreading false stories about his wife's illicit relations. He was under depression. Four days ago, he left his wife at her paternal house near Jalandhar and returned.

But, Ravi kept harassing Hardeep, which forced him to end his life, said a relative.

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NGO gives ‘gift of life’ to ailing kids
Anupam Bhagria
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 28
Giving someone a "gift of life" is perhaps the noblest act. A city-based non-government organisation, Rotary Club Greater (Ludhiana), in collaboration with the Christian Medical College and Hospital, has given new lease of life to children suffering from congenital heart diseases by getting them operated free of cost.

Dr Sanjeev Uppal, charter president of the club, said: “The Rotary Club Vancouver Arbutus (Canada); and the Rotary Club Greater (Ludhiana) are collectively funding this noble cause."

Dr RBS Thind, president of the club, said: "When parents of the children suffering from congenital heart diseases expressed inability to bear the expenses on the surgeries, we interacted with many city-based doctors. Dr HS Bedi, Head of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, CMCH, came forward for the noble cause. With his active support, we could cure two children, including seven-year-old Mohit and four-year-old Seema.

“Another child, Ajay (13) also contacted us. His parents were not aware of the fact that he could be treated under the ESI scheme. So, we referred him to the ESI Hospital. We have three more children suffering from the same problem on the waiting list and we will also get their surgeries done. These children are Gurleen (6) from Adarsh Colony, Imraan (4) from Guru Arjun Dev Nagar and Priyanka (16) from the city."

CMCH charges only cost price

The surgery costs Rs 2.5 lakh. Dr HS Bedi said: "The CMCH is doing such surgeries for a very nominal amount under its "Gift of Life" project, which is run by the CMCH Alumni (USA) and the United Methodist Stewardship Foundation, USA. Under this project, Rs 2 lakh is given by the CMCH Alumni (USA) and the United Methodist Stewardship Foundation, USA, while the remaining Rs 50,000 is paid by the parents of a sick child."

In case of the children sponsored by the Rotary Club Greater (Ludhiana), Rs 30,000 is paid by the club while the remaining Rs 20,000 is paid either by the parents or is arranged through donations. “I am happy that the Rotary Club Greater, Ludhiana, is doing a great job for sick children. I, along with my team, do not charge our fee for surgeries. The CMCH administration charges only cost of the surgery. We have operated 15 such children, of whom two were sponsored by the Rotary Club Greater (Ludhiana)," he said.

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No stopping axing of trees
Smuggling of timber fuels practice along Abohar branch of Sirhind Feeder Canal
Jaswant Shetra

Jagraon, December 28
At a time when serious concerns are being raised over the issue of global warming and deteriorating environment, practice of illegal axing of trees is going unchecked alongside Abohar Branch of Sirhind Feeder Canal in Jagraon area.

On the one side various governmental as well as non governmental organisations are planting more and more trees for preserving the environment while on the other side certain people involved in illegal smuggling of timber have been axing the trees on a large scale.

During a visit alongside the canal it was found that a large number of trees were axed between Akhara and Dalla villages. A large number of trees have also been axed from the forest areas in the rural belts near Jagraon.

According to sources, these trees have been axed by timber mafia which has been active in the area. "The timber mafia supplies the wood procured from the axed trees to the timber smugglers who further sell this wood on hefty prices through some intermediaries in the markets throughout the state", add the sources.

Bothered about merciless axing of trees by the timber mafia, the environmentalists have appealed the authorities to step up vigil and prevent axing of trees. "At a time when various NGOs have been organizing regular plantation drives for growing more trees to improve the environmental situation, a large number of fully grown trees are being axed by some anti-social elements thus zeroing in the efforts of these organizations", said renowned environmentalist Professor Rakesh Raman.

"It seems that the authorities concerned have closed their eyes towards the felling of trees. The administration shall stop this illegal practice and take strict action against the timber smugglers", he added.

Forest Range Officer Paramjinder Singh denied axing of trees on large scale. "Recently I learnt that few trees were axed alongside the canal. I immediately inquired about this and imposed recovery of stolen timber on the guard deployed in the area. We would step up the vigil further in coming days and strict action would be taken against the culprits," said Paramjinder Singh.

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MP dispels rumours of his exit from Cong
Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, December 28
Accusing local SAD leaders of misguiding residents through false propaganda, MP from Fatehgarh Sahib Sukhdev Singh Libra said latest list of office bearers of the Punjab Pardesh Congress Committee, according to which he has been nominated as permanent invitee, should be enough to bring an end to rumours about his leaving the party.

While talking to the media, Libra, reiterated his commitment towards unity and solidarity in his party and alleged that SAD and BJP leaders of the constituency were trying to hide their frustration through spreading rumours.

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Teachers’ union meets officials
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 28
A delegation of Government School Teachers' Union headed by the president Balkar Valtoha and general secretary Jagmel Singh Pakhowal, met DPI secondary, DPI elementary and DGSE, at Chandigarh yesterday.

They asked authorities to fulfill their demands. Kamal Garg, DPI Secondary, assured that their promotions will be done at the earliest.

Applications will be sent so that promotions were done by the end of April next.

Besides, officials assured the delegation that the recruitment of Math teachers will also be done on priority.

DPI elementary Darshan Kaur said the promotions of BPEOs will be completed by January 15. As far as other promotions were concerned, they will also be done on priority basis. She also added that those working under Zila Parishad will soon be absorbed in the education department. The handicap teaching fellows, too, will be regularised soon, said the officials.

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Lakkar Bridge to open in Feb
Puneet Pal Singh Gill
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 28
One side of the Lakkar Bridge will be opened for vehicles in February next year. The work on erecting steel girders has been completed on one side, measuring 70 metre, and now girders will be erected on the other side of the bridge in a phased manner.

The first phase of erecting steel girders was completed on November 23, while the second phase was completed today.

The much-hyped 933.162-meter Lakkar Bridge project was hanging fire since 1997. The new rail overbridge is to replace 105-year-old Lakkar Bridge.

Owing to technical glitches in planning the project, it remained stalled for over a decade, till the work restarted on November 27, 2009.

The cost of project, which aims at easing congestion, has escalated from the planned Rs 13 crore to Rs 58 crore.

The Y-shaped bridge will have one portion near Raikhy Cinema Chowk, while the other one will end in front of the Bhadaur House area. This bridge will provide the residents of the old city easier access to the newly developed areas.

"We hope that the side located on the Raikhy Cinema side will be thrown open for vehicular traffic in February next year. Once this side is opened for vehicular traffic, residents will be able to reach the new city from the old city side within minutes. Earlier, they had to take a longer route, either from the Jagraon Bridge side or Domoria Bridge side," said the contractor.

Today, six steel girders were erected on a 35-metre stretch of the bridge. The work which started at 8 am was completed at around 2 pm.

A total of two more such phases of work are required to erect 12 more steel girders for the completion of the project.

"Twelve girders have already been erected and the remaining 12 will also be erected soon," said the contractor.

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ADC’s appointment hangs fire
Badal had promised official will be posted in Jagraon soon
Jaswant Shetra

Jagraon, December 28
Appointment of an Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) at Jagraon, as promised by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, still seems to be a distant dream for the residents.

The CM had promised to appoint an ADC within 15 days during a state-level function to launch Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme on October 25.

The promise made by the CM during the rally shows no sign of materialising despite two months having passed since.

Raghveer Singh Toor, president of the local bar association, which raised the demand of appointing an ADC, said: "More than two months have passed since the CM’s announcement, but the promise has not materialised yet.”

According to sources, the appointment might take some more time.

"The process of appointing an ADC in Jagraon is still in its initial phase. There are many technical formalities to be completed before the appointment. It might take a lot of time to complete the process,” said a senior officer in the state government.

PPP leader Jagdeep Gill criticised the government for delaying the appointment.

"I assume the promise made by the CM aimed at garnering votes for the ruling alliance in the Lok Sabha elections. If the chief minister is serious about fulfilling his promise, he should appoint the ADC without wasting any time,” said Jagdeep Gill.

"The villagers living in far-flung areas of Jagraon have to face a lot of problems to get their various works done in Ludhiana. Jagraon MLA Shiv Ram Kaler should get the demand fulfilled on priority,” said Pritam Akhara, convener of the Sangharsh Committee formed to push for the demand of promoting Jagraon to the district status.

MLA, Jagraon, SR Kaler said he met the CM at Ludhiana recently and raised the issue with him again.

"I reminded the CM about the promise made to the residents. He assured me that an ADC would be appointed very soon,” said Kaler.

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Award for scientists 
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 28
Dr DM Kadam and Dr DN Yadav, senior scientists at the Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana, have received IFCON 2013 best poster award.

The award was presented during Seventh International Food Convention (IFCON) held at the Mysore campus of CSIR-CFTRI.

Dr DM Kadam is presently working on the development of protein and starch-based nano functionalised biodegradable biopolymers for packaging of fruits and vegetables and nano-bio-composites for construction of storage systems. 

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State-level convention on January 5 
Our Correspondent

Jagraon, December 28
The Joint Sangharsh Committee formed to protest against property tax imposed by the SAD-BJP government on urban properties has decided to intensify the stir in coming days. The decision in this regard was taken during a meeting here today.

Representatives of various political parties and non-governmental organisations attended the meeting. They discussed their further strategy. The committee members announced that a state-level joint convention against property tax will be held at Punjabi Bhawan, Ludhiana, on January 5.

Inqalabi Kendra, Punjab, general secretary Kanwaljit Khanna said a 13-member ad-hoc action committee was also formed to pressurise the state government into rolling property tax back.

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Maksudran sarpanch, panches join SAD
our correspondent

Doraha, December 28
Bir Balraj Singh, general secretary of the Youth Congress in Doraha block and sarpanch of Maksudran village, has joined Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) along with other elected panches.

Jathedar Santa Singh Umaidpuri, chairman, Punjab Subordination Selection Board and district president (rural) of SAD, along with Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal, former MLA and national senior vice-president of SAD, welcomed Bir Balraj Singh to the Akali fold.

SGPC members Raghbir Singh Saharnmajra and Davinder Singh Khatra besides former sarpanches were present.

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15,000 appear for TET in district
Shivani Bhakoo
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 28
About 15,000 candidates from Ludhiana district appeared for the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET), which was conducted today. Over 40 centres were made in the district. District Education Officer (Secondary), Paramjit Kaur Chahal said the examination was conducted smoothly. "I have visited many centres today and the exam was conducting peacefully," she added. Video recording was done by the department for transparency.

Good number of candidates including males and females appeared for the exam. This has been second TET exam conducted by the Punjab government in last six months. Paramjit Kaur, an aspirant said though she had prepared well for the exam still she felt confused as people said that it was a very difficult exam and just few lucky ones pass the exam successfully.

This time, the authorities had made separate centres for the handicap candidates so that they do not face problems while locating the centre. About 75 physically disabled candidates were expected to take the TET exam today.

Meanwhile, those who have already cleared the test feel that government must provide jobs to the successful candidates as thousands of vacancies were lying pending at government schools. "Though the state government was conducting the test regularly and huge amount is generated through the fees deposited by the aspiring candidates, still there is no assurance of government job," said Deep Raja, president TET Passed Teachers' Association. 

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Biz news

Winter collection launched

Tweens Monte Carlo—the brand that caters to the age group of 8-14 years boys & girls—unveiled its latest Autumn/Winter collection for 2013 in winter wear segment. The range spans cardigans, pullovers, sweatshirts, jackets, sportswear, dresses, and thermals priced between Rs 750 and Rs 2,400. The collection is available at all Monte Carlo outlets and leading stores. — TNS

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Feedback

Ludhiana Tribune invites feedback from its readers on issues of public concern related to Ludhiana, Jagraon, Khanna, Mandi Ahmedgarh and nearby areas. Readers can email their views to

ludhiana.feedback@ gmail.com

They can also send their views to: Feedback, Ludhiana Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh - 160029. Letters sent by post must mention 'Feedback for Ludhiana Tribune' on the envelope and it should be signed and must contain the address and phone number of the sender. It should not be more than 150 words. 

Need to curb honking on city roads

The alarming rise in the number of vehicles plying on the city roads has not only added to air pollution, but also increased the honking menace. Throwing all norms to the wind, government as well as private vehicles continue to use pressure horns, leading to road mishaps that can sometimes turn fatal.

Inefficiency of the traffic police, lack of public awareness and strict norms besides inefficient law enforcement have given rise to this menace. City residents often lose patience when they have to wait in traffic, and usually start honking, as if it will make the traffic move.

Hearing loss due to excessive use of pressure horns is generally associated with destruction of hair cells of the inner ear. Once the hair cells are destroyed, these do not grow back, and hearing will never be the same again.

Despite the ban on the use of pressure horns under the Motor Vehicles Act, the police as well as the district transport department and the city administration have miserably failed to check the menace.

It is apparently due to the political pressure as a majority of the private buses are either owned by political leaders or by those having close connections to them.

Ravi Chander Garg, Ludhiana

Address problems faced by residents of rural areas

A lot of residents of rural areas have not received their Aadhaar cards despite a lapse of one year. They do not know where to go for the same. Some officer should be made responsible for it. Otherwise, many people will not be able to avail themselves of the subsidy available on the purchase of gas cylinders.

Moreover, gas companies charge Rs 10 for delivering cylinders in rural areas. Still, the residents have to queue up at distant places to get the cylinders. This unlawful practice should be checked.

Also, private companies appointed by the government send their employees to check the power units consumed by each household, but when it comes to sending bills, these are not delivered to the homes. It will be better to call the consumer out, while checking the power meter, and issue the bill there itself.

Hardev Singh, Ludhiana

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3 booked in separate cases at Mandi Ahmedgarh
Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, December 28
Three persons, including a woman, were booked under various sections, in three separate cases. Two of them were arrested.

In first case, a private practitioner of Bhogiwal village was booked under Section 304-A of the IPC for allegedly causing death of a patient identified as Hardyal Singh of Jandiala village near Sahnewal.

Gurmel Singh, relative of deceased alleged the the accused had administered three injections which led to death of his uncle. No arrest was yet made in the case. Police had nabbed a drug peddler, identified as Sukhwinder Kaur, from outskirts of Jitwal village and recovered 4 kg of poppy husk from her possession.

Rajesh Kumar of ward no 6 was nabbed by cops. He was caught organising gambling stall and booked under the relevant Act.

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Youth held with heroin 
Our Correspondent

Jagraon, December 28
The Jagraon police arrested a youth and allegedly seized 4 gram heroine from him. The accused identified as Vikas Verma of Jagraon was arrested from Jhansi Rani Chowk during a routine checking by the police past night.

The police have registered a case against the accused under the NDPS Act.

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SAI trainees prove their mettle at global meets
Anil Datt

Ludhiana, December 28
Trainees of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre, Ludhiana, have proved their mettle in various international competitions in the current session.

Athletes Arpinder Singh and Bikramjit Singh besides Sanam Sharma, a judoka, made their presence felt in tournaments held overseas.

Drawn from different parts of the state, these trainees are enrolled in the training centre being run at Guru Nanak Sports Complex. They are trained by expert coaches of the SAI.

Arpinder Singh brought laurels to the centre and the country while competing in the Asian Athletics Meet and Asian Grand Prix Tournaments. He won bronze medal in the triple jump event in the Asian Athletics Championship held in Pune in July this year, by jumping 16.58 metre.

In the first leg of the Asian Grand Prix Tournament at Bangkok in Thailand, Arpinder Singh's attempt of 16.74 metre fetched him a bronze medal. In the second leg, also at Thailand, he jumped 16.53 metre to bag another bronze medal.

Arpinder jumped 16.70 metre to clinch top honours in the third leg of held at Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Another athlete from the local SAI training centre, Bikramjit Singh made his coaches proud when he won a silver medal in the long jump discipline in the junior section of the Asian Schools Track and Field Championship held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in September.

Bikramjit gave an excellent performance in Malaysia with a jump of 7.14 metre, missing the gold by a whisker, and had to content with the silver.

In his maiden participation abroad, judoka Sanam Sharma finished at seventh spot in the Youth and Junior Asian Judo Championship held in China earlier this month. On the basis of his performance there, Sanam qualified for the forthcoming Youth Olympics to be held in China, where he would compete in the below-66 kg category.

Also, athlete Baljinder Singh showed promise at various tournaments. In the Junior National Inter Zonal Athletics Championship held at Kochi, two months ago, Baljinder’s attempt of 7.00 metre fetched him bronze in long jump.

SS Pannu, senior athletics coach (SAI) and in charge of the training centre, appreciated the trainees' achievements. He also praised coaches Sita Kapila and DS Bal (athletics), Rakesh Singh and Sonia Kumari (judo), Harinder Sharma (handball) and DP Sharma (football) for their contributions in honing the boys’ skills.

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