Thursday, October 14, 1999
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N E W S Thursday, October 14, 1999 |
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weather spotlighttoday's calendar |
16 dengue
cases in Panchkula PANCHKULA, Oct 13 — With over 16 cases of dengue being reported from different parts of the district and one round of fogging already over in the entire area, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr H.C. Nagpal, says that creating an awareness about the preventive measures is the only way of gaining control over the spread of the virus. Contrary to expectations, dengue has made a reappearance within two years though it has not taken the shape of an epidemic and is unlikely to do so now. Even though there was no sign of the spread of the virus a fortnight ago, suspected dengue cases have come to light during the past few days. Some of the cases have been referred to the PGI, Chandigarh. ''Cases where the platelet count is below 40,000 are sent to the PGI in spite of the fact that taking fluids and in serious cases blood transfusion is the only answer and the cure. Of course, the recommended medicine has to be taken on time. Popping of aspirins complicates matters and leads to haemorrhage,'' Dr Nagpal say. While the health department has resorted to focal spraying whereby some houses on either side of the house from where a case has been reported is undertaken for malaria, in the absence of any policy for the control of dengue, besides fogging of the area under the district administration, the Health Department has distributed pamphlets specifying ways of preventing the spread of the virus. Also, the department has worked out its spraying programme in such a way that even if a couple of cases had been reported from a particular area two years back, spray would be carried out in that area even if no case has been reported this year. ''The medicine, malathion technical, is very expensive and a spray does not serve the purpose if doors and windows are shut when the fogging exercise is carried out. Though we make a special announcement every time our men are on the round, the message fails to reach most of the people and all our efforts come to a naught,'' he adds. Area fogging will be repeated after a fortnight while the door-to-door fogging exercise is yet to get under way. Besides, residual spray will also be undertaken with the last date having been extended from September 15 to 30. Interestingly, the number of cases reported from the slums is far below the number reported from urban areas. Doctors attribute this to the increased availability of stagnant water in coolers, buckets and flower pots which serve as breeding grounds for the mosquitoes which spread the virus. Doctors recommend draining out of water from coolers, tanks, buckets, keeping water storing containers covered, removal of discarded containers in which water collects, using mosquito coils and electric vapour mats and breaking the cycle of mosquito-human-mosquito infection whereby mosquitoes become infected when they bite people who are suffering from dengue. Using mosquito nets and
coils prevents mosquitoes from biting sick people and
helps stop the spread of dengue. |
PU to
honour Gujral, Anand with D.Lit degrees CHANDIGARH, Oct 13 — After a gap of 11 years, Panjab University has decided to confer degrees of honoris causa on three eminent personalities from various walks of life on October 17, sources said here today. Former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral and noted author Mulk Raj Anand will be awarded Doctorate in Literature and Dr Ashok V will be awarded degree of Doctorate in Science. Dr Ashok is known for his contribution in the field of chemistry. He was a former teacher in Panjab University. The university, however, faces a peculiar problem. The degree is supposed to be awarded by the Chancellor who is the Vice-President in case of Panjab University. The Vice-Chancellor is to read the awarding statement. However, sources have confirmed that there was little chance of the Chancellor making it to the function. The university at one level considered that the role of the Vice-Chancellor could be performed by the Dean University Instructions and the VC could take over the role of the Chancellor. After serious consideration, it was decided that conforming to letter and spirit of existing norms, only VC could take over the role of the Chancellor as his Secretary. The function will, therefore, likely see the Vice-Chancellor reading out the statement of the degree on one side. Thereafter, he would shift to the podium of the Chancellor to confer the degree. This would be carried out in all cases. Hectic discussions went at the highest level where all suggestions were taken up. The chance of DUI taking over the role of the Vice-Chancellor was nearly definite when old documents of degrees were dug up. The statute clearly underlines the role of the Vice-Chancellor and there is no mention of any other office-bearer. Office sources said, “It was natural that rules be followed because degrees to eminent people needed Chancellor for special contribution of the awardees people which needed acceptance on a high level”. The degree of honoris causa was awarded for the first time in March, 1949. The awardees included Mr Chandu Lal Madhav Trivedi, Governor of Punjab, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel and Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan. The last batch of eminent people to be awarded included Justice R.S. Pathak, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Professor D.S. Kothari, a former chairman of the University Grants Commission and Chancellor of Jawahar Lal Nehru University, Delhi. The list includes prominent national personalities including Dr Rajendra Prasad, a former President, Mr Swaran Singh, a former Minister of External Affairs, Dr Hargobind Khurana, a Noble Laureate, Mrs Indira Gandhi, a former Prime Minister, Dewan Anand Kumar, a former VC of PU, Dr Manmohan Singh, a former Governor of the Reserve Bank, Mr Jagan Nath Kaushal, a former Union Minister of Law. The list of honoured
also has Mr B.K. Nehru, a distinguished diplomat and a
former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Justice M.
Hidyatullah, Prof Yash Pal, a former chairman of the UGC,
and Amrita Pritam, a noted literary figure. The
university has till date honoured 40 eminent
personalities from different walks of life. |
Spurious-tank
seller booked SAS NAGAR, Oct 13 — A shopkeeper dealing in sanitary ware, plastic water tanks and pipes here has been booked by the police for allegedly selling spurious plastic water tanks. According to information available, proprietors of Diplast Tanks in Industrial Area Phase II here in their complaint lodged with the police said that the shopkeeper of Phase 9, Pal Singh, was selling plastic water tanks of poor quality under their brand name. A case under the Section 420 of the IPC and sections 78 and 79 of the Merchandise Act has been registered. Trespass case: The police has registered a case of criminal trespass and intimidation against an ex-serviceman of Chandigarh on the basis of a complaint lodged by a doctor. The complainant, Dr B.N.Walia, in his complaint with the Senior Superintendent of Police, Ropar, said he had purchased a show room-cum-flat (SCF) site in phase 3B 2 here from Mr R.S.Sehgal in February, 1985. A general power of attorney (GPA) was prepared in his name by Mr Sehgal after he paid Rs 1.15 lakh as cost of the plot. But on March 22, 1999, when the complainant along with another person, Jasdeep Singh, went to see the plot they found that the original plot owner, Mr Sehgal along with at least five other persons were raising construction on the said plot. He alleged that that on
intervening in the matter, he was intimidated by the
persons involved in raising construction. No action was
taken against the suspects in spite of the matter being
brought to the notice of the Superintendent of Police,
SAS Nagar, Dr Walia alleged. |
UT wants
to retain Jain as CE CHANDIGARH, Oct 13 — The decision of the Haryana Government to recall Mr R.K. Jain, Chief Engineer, from deputation has taken the Chandigarh Administration by surprise. The Administration wants to retain Mr Jain at least till the end of the current calendar year or till the time the Union Public Service Commission decides about appointing a UT cadre technocrat as Chief Engineer here. Sources pointed out that the INLD Government in Haryana has conveyed to the Administration in writing its decision to recall Mr R.K. Jain from deputation. Though the Adviser to the Administrator of Chandigarh, Mrs Vineeta Rai, is reported to have written back to the Haryana Government to allow Mr Jain till a new and permanent arrangement is made by appointing a UT cadre official as Chief Engineer, the stalemate is continuing as the latter has not rescinded its decision. It may be recalled that some time ago, the Haryana Government had recalled Mr S.K. Midha, Chief Architect-cum-Secretary, Urban Planning, from deputation. As a result, the Administration was left with no choice but to appoint Mr Sarabjit Singh Sandhu, the seniormost architect, as new Chief Architect-cum-ex-officio Secretary to the Administration. Mr Sandhu belongs to the Punjab cadre. After the dismissal of Mr K.K. Jerath from service, the Administration has to send the case of both Mr S.R. Bhardwaj and Mr Puranjit Singh, seniormost engineers of the UT cadre to the Union Public Service Commission, for selection of the new Chief Engineer of the Union territory of Chandigarh. According to information, neither Mr Bhardwaj nor Mr Puranjit Singh have submitted the requisitioned documents to the Administration for onward transmission to the UPSC. At present, Mr S.R. Bhardwaj is on deputation with the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, where after expiry of his deputation period he has been allowed to continue because of major construction activity going on at the instance of the institute authorities. Similarly, Mr Puranjit Singh is working as Chief Engineer, Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. Though the Administration created a new post of Chief Engineer, Chandigarh Housing Board, after suspension of Mr K.K. Jerath, the post has not been filled. Instead, current duty charge has been given to Mr S.C. Jain, seniormost Superintending Engineer of the board. The decision to recall Mr Jain, according to sources, was taken by the Haryana Government to convey its displeasure. Replacement of the present incumbent with a new man at this stage when regular appointment is round the corner is not considered advisable by the Administration. Besides continuity, it would affect the functioning of the department which has several major important projects in hand. The sources point out that Mrs Rai in her letter to the Haryana Government has also taken this plea. Mr R.K. Jain, though
promoted in his parent cadre last year, continues to hold
dual charge. He is also holding the charge of
Superintending Engineer, Construction Circle-I. |
Rickshaw-pullers
miss pets CHANDIGARH, Oct 13 — Nearly a dozen rickshaw-pullers almost refuse to believe that 'Rampiari' and 'Chowkidar', the two female dogs they had reared at the Sector 16 General Hospital rickshaw-stand, have been snatched from them. Eye-witnesses allege that the two dogs were poisoned by a team led by the Medical Officer of Health. One of these dogs had helped hospital authorities to nab an undertrial who had run away from the hospital, hence its name, 'Chowkidar'. "I can still recollect the happening two years ago. An undertrial, who was under medical care in the hospital, ran away and hid in a nearby house. 'Chowkidar' chased him, put herself on guard outside the gate of the house and started barking, which led to the detention of the undertrial," said Pawan. Lala Mehar Chand, President of the Kranti Union, said the two canines had mixed up with him and his colleagues. "Every Tuesday they would keep trailing me during my visit to a temple outside the hospital. They would not leave without getting 'prasad' from my hands," he added. According to him, the episode had cast a shadow of gloom over the rickshaw-stand. He said the dogs had been sterilised and these should not have been killed. Enquires revealed that among those who were present at the stand on the day the dogs were poisoned, some noted down the number of the Gypsy in which the officials came (CH-01-G-1424) and offered 'poisoned burfi' to these. The number of the vehicle was also noted down by Mr Bhupinder Kakar. The other four dogs killed that day belonged to his family and were registered with the Municipal Corporation. An employee of the hospital and two rickshaw-pullers said the 'officials' who put the dogs to death were led by Mr S.S. Cheema, the Medical Officer of Health. An eye-witness to the incident, Ramu Saini, a rickshaw-puller, said Mr Cheema gave some 'burfi-like' substance to the dogs, after which these died. When asked how he was able to recognise Mr Cheema, he replied that Dr Cheema had been posted in the hospital for a long time. A class IV employee of the hospital alleged that the officials were led by Mr Cheema. He said on seeing the plight of the dogs, he rushed to the market to get 'neela thotha' but was unable to get it as shops were closed. On his return he found four more dead dogs. According to Lala Mehar Chand, the rickshaw-pullers attended the 'burial' of the dogs in Sector 25 the next day. Mr Cheema was not available for comment. The police is yet to
register a case. Mr Alok Kumar, Assistant Superintendent
of Police, said, "We are still awaiting legal
opinion from the District Attorney."
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Stray dog
on biting spree PANCHKULA, Oct 13 — Seven persons were bitten by a small brown stray dog within a span of two hours here this evening. While the General Hospital, Sector 6, received five cases from Sectors 14 and 15, two were reported from Sector 19. The Medical Officer on emergency duty said that the initial cases were dismissed as coincidence but when more dog bitten cases were reported, an inquiry revealed that the same dog was going around biting people. The Civil Surgeon, Dr
H.C. Nagpal, was informed and a letter sent to the Estate
Officer, HUDA, and information was also sent to the
veterinary hospital. |
Meeting on
animal welfare CHANDIGARH, Oct 13 — To deliberate on the issue of animal welfare, a meeting of non-government organisations ( NGOs) was convened by the Commissioner of the local Municipal Corporation here today. According to a press release issued by Ms Kiranjeet Kaur, office co-ordinator of the local chapter of the People for Animals (PFA), it was suggested that a mass-sterilisation and anti-rabies programme be started along with public awareness with regard to the same. Though the NGOs working for the animal welfare were carrying out the animal birth control project (ABC) and vaccination, this could be done more effectively if the administration involved itself in it. Ms Kiranjeet said that lack of awareness with regard to rabies is a major cause for spread of fear, often resulting in illegal killing of animals. She further stated that the Corporation was likely to start the construction of dog kennels. The process of catching dogs, sterilising and vaccination along with marking will be jointly carried by the PFA and SPCA. Public will be informed about the same through media, she added. At the meeting, the
killing of dogs in Sector 16 was also condemned and
strict and immediate action with regard to the same was
sought. |
Delhi-city
flight from tomorrow CHANDIGARH, Oct 13 — Jet Airways, a private airline, will start a regular service between New Delhi and Chandigarh from October 15. The airline proposes to use a new ATR 72-500 aircraft on this route. The aircraft can carry 64 passengers. According to schedule, the Delhi-Chandigarh flight will arrive here every day at 1.05 p.m. after taking off from the union capital at 12.10 p.m. After leaving Chandigarh at 3.10 p.m., it will reach back Delhi at 4.05 p.m. It is after a gap of
several years that Chandigarh will be connected with New
Delhi by a regular seven-day a week air service. |
Raising of
road level opposed SAS NAGAR, Oct 13 — The HM Houses Welfare Association of Phase IV has accused the local Municipal Council of causing hardship to the residents through raising of the level of a road, leading to flooding during rain. The association Vice-President, Mr N.S. Kalsi, and the General Secretary, Mr J.S. Bedi, said when the HM-type houses, near the Bougainvillaea Garden, were allotted in 1974 the plinth level of the buildings was around 1 ft 6 inches above the internal road surface, which was lower than the main road (shopping street) passing through Phases IV and V. Over a period of time the main road level was raised by more than 1 ft, leading to the problem of flooding. The office-bearers said the civic body, ignoring the association representation given about a month and a half ago, had now begun work to increase the road level by another 3 inches during the laying of a premix carpet. On Monday a deputation of the association met the council Executive Officer and urged him not to raise the level of the road from the Phase III-V crossing to the PTL crossing, but to no avail. Even the council President turned a deaf ear to the residents’ plea. The Executive Officer, Mr Yash Goyal, told The Tribune that to ensure adequate road strength it was necessary to have 3 inches thickness of the road material. The traffic on the road was usually heavy. The council President, Mr Harinder Pal Singh Billa, said the housing board had kept the plinth level of the houses rather low. However, he had already given an assurance to the residents that their problems would be solved but they insisted on stopping the road work. Meanwhile, residents of
HM houses in Phase III BI have also objected to the
raising of the road level during repair work in that
area. |
One dies
in mishap CHANDIGARH, Oct 13 — Suraj Bhan, a resident of Burail village, died in a road accidenct in Sector 23 late on Tuesday night. The man was going on his motor cycle when he was hit by a jeep in Sector 23, resulting in injuries to him. He was immediately rushed to the Sector 16 General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the vehicle fled from the scene of the accident. A case under sections 279\304-A of the IPC has been registered. Liquor seized: The police has arrested Raju, a resident of Sector 25 Janata Colony, and Roshan Lal of Sector 38 for possessing 50 pouches of country liquor and 38 pints of whisky, respectively. Two separate cases have been registered under the Excise Act. Theft case: Som
Pal, a resident of Kaimbwala village, has reported that
someone stole cash worth Rs 5000 and some silver
ornaments from his residence on the night of October 11.
A case under Section 380 of the IPC has been registered. |
Inspectors,
SIs shifted CHANDIGARH, Oct 13—In another reshuffle, the UT Police has ordered the transfer of a few middle rung officers of the rank of Inspector and Sub-inspector with immediate effect. According to an order issued today, Ms Jaswinder Kaur, Sub-Inspector, has been shifted from the Sector 39 Police Station and has been posted as in charge of the Bapu Dham Colony Police Post, while Ms Pravesh Kumari has been shifted from the Police Station Central to the PGI Police Post in capacity of its in charge vice Mr Surinder Kumar. Mr Janak Singh,
Sub-Inspector has been tranferred from the Sector 17
Police Station to the Sector 36 one, Mr Sukhdev Singh
from the Vigilance Cell to the Sector 17 Police Station,
Mr Raghbir Singh from the Sector 17 Police Station to the
Public Grievances Cell and Mr Karnail Singh, a
Sub-Inspector and Mr Ranjit Singh, a Sub-Inspector, who
were posted in the police lines have been transferred to
the Industrial Area Police Station . |
SNIPPETS Draw for plots tomorrow SAS NAGAR, Oct 13 — A draw of lots for the allotment of 268 residential plots in Sector 68 here will be held by PUDA on October 15. Officials of PUDA said here today that there were 54 plots of 500 sq yd each, 46 of 400 sq yd, 88 of 300 sq yd and 80 of 250 sq yd. The maximum number of applicants (2026) were under the 250 sq yd category. In the case of 300 sq yd, 400 sq yd and 500 sq yd categories the figures were 868, 120 and 231, respectively. City BJP, SAD celebrate govt
formation CHANDIGARH, Oct 13 — Special celebrations were held at the Sector 33 BJP office today to mark the assumption of power at the Centre by the NDA coalition government headed by Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee. Among those present at the celebrations, where sweets were distributed and some workers bhangra performed, were senior functionaries of the local units of both the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal). They included Mr Dharam Pal Gupta, Mr Gian Chand Gupta, Mr Gurpartap Singh Riar and the local Mayor, Mr K.K. Addiwal. A large number of activists of the local unit of the BJP Mahila Morcha also joined the celebrations. 200 donate blood CHANDIGARH, Oct 13 — Nearly 200 units of blood were donated by staff members and NSS volunteers at a camp organised at Punjab Engineering College today. The camp, inaugurated by the Director-Principal of Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Dr V.K. Kak, was organised by the State Bank of India, PEC branch, in collaboration with the NSS unit. Prominent among the donors was Mr K.B.S. Aulakh who donated blood for the 40th time. Disaster reduction day observed SAS NAGAR, Oct 13 — A seminar was organised by the Mohali Industries Association to observe World Disaster Reduction Day in Industrial Area, Phase 7, here today. The Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) , Mr O.P. Popli, was the chief guest on the occasion. Capt Devinder Singh (retd), one of the members of the association, while speaking on the occasion said there was a need to understand the do's and don'ts about how to prepare before a disaster strikes. He gave detailed information on measures required to be taken in case of natural disasters like floods, cyclone and earthquake. The SDM said the government, besides evolving post-disaster management operations, had also initiated pre-disaster mitigation programmes and sectoral development programmes to reduce the impact of disasters. The day was observed as World Disaster Reduction Day as part of the international decade for natural disaster reduction activities. The President of the Mohali Industries Association, Mr S.S.Sandhu, also spoke on the occasion. Khula darbar PANCHKULA, Oct 13 — A khula darbar will be organised to redress the grievances of the public on the first Saturday of every month at 11 a.m., Mr S.K. Monga, Deputy Commissioner, said here today. Earlier, the darbar was scheduled for the first Monday of every month. Mr Monga added that besides organising the darbar at the district level, the administration had decided to hold khula darbars at Raipur Rani on October 23 and Kalka on October 30. Poor water supply to secretariat PANCHKULA, Oct 13 — Water supply to the district secretariat in Sector 1 has been disrupted for the past three days. Though employees have to make do with the little water that is available, they contend that water trickles in for half an hour every morning and taps go dry for the rest of the day. However, the Executive Engineer (Public Heath), Mr S.K. Sharma, said he had received no complaint to this effect from any quarters, but stated that he would look into the problem tomorrow morning. CRY exhibition CHANDIGARH, Oct 13 — A week-long child art exhibition was inaugurated at the IndusInd Art Gallery here today. Most of the work of art which is on display concerns under-privileged children being supported by the Child Relief and You (CRY), a child welfare organisation. The exhibition will continue till October 17. The proceeds of the exhibition will go towards supporting children's education and health for a year. According to a press
note issued here today, with the support of over 8,00,000
individuals and 5,000 organisatioins, the CRY was
supporting child development programmes all over the
country and disbursed Rs 19 crore towards such
programmes. |
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