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| Monday,
July 2, 2001, Chandigarh, India
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Jagdish
Arora is CBM chief Chandigarh, July 1 Mr Arora, who polled 66 votes, defeated his rival candidate, Mr Charanjiv Singh, by a narrow margin of two votes. Earlier, 130 of the 135 members cast their votes in the toughest-ever contest in the history of the CBM held under the supervision of the mandal chairman, Mr Joginder Singh Sawhney. Talking on reporters after his election, Mr Arora said with a view to strengthening the CBM, the "unrepresented" markets, including the markets in Sectors 7, 8, 9, 14 and 18 would be given representation. The mandal will constitute a task force to press the authorities to check the unauthorised sales carried out in hotels, bhavans and other institutions, which were causing huge losses to the traders and the Chandigarh Administration. Talking about the amendments to the building byelaws, he demanded that the Administration should not impose any charges for the regularisation of internal changes in the commercial buildings. The amendments should be carried out in such He informed that he would recast the office-bearers and the executive of the CBM by the month-end. Efforts would be made to change the timings for entry of trucks to various parts of the city. A law graduate, Mr Arora had lost to late Inder Lal Batra in the election held in August, 1999. The victory of Mr Arora is seen by observers as victory for change. Mr Charanjiv Singh, a founder member, who is also the president of the Wholesale Cloth Merchants Association, had been the general secretary of the CBM for several years when Batra was the president. Mr Batra died on March 23 this year which necessitated the poll. |
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Property
dealers may be allowed to operate from residential premises SAS Nagar, July 1 A similar provision also exists for PCOs, photostat and Internet services in residential premises subject to payment of certain amount of fee. Officials of PUDA said that the “commercial activity” of the property dealers did not hinder with the business activity being run from the commercial premises. The issue was raised at a recent meeting between the representatives of the local Property Dealers Association and PUDA officials, chaired by the Chief Administrator, Mr K.B.S. Sidhu. Sources in PUDA said the real estate agents would be allowed to use 20 per cent of the covered area at the ground floor subject to maximum of 15 sq metres and any external changes in the buildings was not allowed. Inquiries reveal that in case of permission for PCO’s in residential premises, the EWS, LIG and houses up to 100 sq yard had been clubbed under one head for charging the permission fee and the security amount. The MIG flat and other houses measuring between 100 sq yard and 250 sq yard were put in the second category and HIG and houses above 250 sq yard were placed in the third category. For allowing the consultancy services, PUDA had fixed a one-time fee, varying from one urban estate to another. Another significant issue of charging the non-construction fee in parts instead of existing arrangement of annual fee was also discussed. The real estate agents sought that the fee should be charged twice a year. A decision in this regard is likely to be taken soon. The dealers also sought that the local Estate Office should revert back to the practice of first granting transfer permission before issuing reallotment letter in case of transfer of plots. PUDA officials are reported to be agreed on this issue. A practise of giving 15-day notice to original allottee of a plot in case a GPA holder applied for an NOC or transfer permission was objected to by the real estate agents on the plea that it gave leverage to the original allottee to cause harassment to the GPA holder. On a demand by the real estate agents for allotment of booths, officials advised them to apply for it as per the policy of PUDA. |
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SPECIAL REPORT Chandigarh, July 1 Like every year, this year, too, a number of VVIPs and VIPs stopped here en route to hills for summer vacations. This is because Chandigarh is a gateway to Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. More than 10 per cent of the local police force has been deployed to protect more than 200 VIPs, bureaucrats and senior police officials. This security cover is not extended to the VIPs of Punjab and Haryana. Presently, there are 410 police personnel on this duty. Though the Security Wing is also supposed to provide visiting dignitaries with the security cover, all its personnel are occupied in protecting local only “VIPs”. These VIPs include local politicians, 28 Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, about 10 lawyers, bureaucrats and senior police officials. While the HC Judges, besides senior bureaucrats and police officials, get one head constable and four constables each for their security, besides a personal security officer (PSO) each, several judges of the lower court, besides other civil and police officials, get a security team of one to four personnel. Lawyers and local politicians have two PSOs each and sources say that only their security cover will be axed. Sources said, due to a large number of VIPs here, staff from the police stations was withdrawn for the VIP security, which affected normal policing. To check the usual rise in crime every summer, extra patrolling is required. A few weeks ago, after a series of robberies in Zirakpur, police officials had said the shortage of staff was affecting regular patrolling. Even at that time, the local police had withdrawn personnel from its various units to carry out an exercise. |
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Teaching
in city colleges to begin by July 15 Chandigarh, July 1 In spite of some major hitches like the declaration of Class XII results by the Punjab School Education Board at the last moment and as a result postponement of admissions to BCA, BBA and B.Com first year and extension of admission to BA and BSc first year, the colleges are keen to start teaching by July 15. Admission to the BA and BSc (all years), B.Com II, B.Com III and MCom/MA/MSc in colleges will be over by July 7, after which admissions will be done with late fee and later only with the permission of the Vice-Chancellor. All the college principals opine that teaching of these classes should begin within a week of the last date of admissions. ‘‘As far as the BCA, BBA and B.Com first year classes are concerned they should begin before July 20’’ says, Principal of Government College, Sector 46, Major D.P. Singh. The situation in the university is different. The university has postponed its last date of receipt of application forms for admissions twice. Various departments have scheduled admissions to their first year classes on dates which fall within one week of the last date. As a result by July 7, admissions to all first year classes in the PU should be over. And the classes will start by July 12. Although teaching of ongoing classes (BSc Hons II and III year, MA II year) in the university is scheduled to start tomorrow, most of the departments have yet to admit their old students.‘‘The admission will be done tomorrow and the classes will start from the day after’’ says a head of department. Admission to hostels will also take place simultaneously. Till a few days back the admission process in the university departments for ongoing classes was in fact surpassing the speed with which printing of admission forms to the hostels was being done. But in spite of all these efforts, neither the university nor the colleges will be able to complete 196 working days in a year as per UGC directive but nevertheless, the efforts of the university are being praised by even the most critical well wishers of the university. The main reason behind the university being able to stick to its schedule for admission is said to be the timely declaration of results by the university’s examination branch. |
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CHANDIGARH CALLING WITH the onset of monsoon there has been a wild growth of
parthenium, commonly known as congress grass, in and around Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula. It has become a major reason for the spread of allergies like parthenium dermatitis, asthma
etc. Parthenium, considered to be the principal terrestrial weed in India, leads to reactions ranging from skin allergy to asthma. A renowned dermatologist of the city says, “Asthma patients can suffer an attack when coming in contact with the spores of the grass. A person can also suffer from skin allergy when he/she comes in contact with the bush.” The common allergy caused by parthenium is Air-Borne Contact
Dermatitis(ABCD). “ The allergy affects exposed skin areas of face and hands,” says the dermatologist. In severe cases, it may extend to unexposed parts resulting in itchy rashes which turn blackish with time. The most common symptom of the allergy caused by the weed is itching of the skin. In case of mild ailment, emollients are recommended. But in severe cases, steroids are given to the patients under strict medical supervision. The doctors warn the patients against self medication as overuse of steroids can lead to side effects such as high blood pressure. Thus, to avoid an allergy, the solution lies in the eradication of the obnoxious weed. The President of the Environment Society of India, Mr
S.K. Sharma says: “The monsoon season results in the further growth of the weed, but it is also the ideal time to uproot it from the moist soil.” This bush with tiny white flowers is everywhere in the country, especially in open spaces, say along the parks, rail tracks, roadside, etc. Mr Sharma says tree plantation should be promoted which checks the growth of this obnoxious weed. Whenever it is uprooted, a sapling may be planted giving no space to the weed to grow again. As per the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act 1976, Section 44(D) extended to the Union Territory of Chandigarh, it is incumbent upon the MCC to make adequate provisions for the removal of noxious vegetation. It is possible to completely eradicate the weed with the participation of the residents,” he says. He suggests the launch of a campaign by the welfare associations of different sectors to create public awareness about the harmful effects of the weed and take measures to uproot it.
Sportswear show If there is anything that the Chandigarhians enjoy doing the most it is partying! In keeping with this trend, the crème de la crème gathered on Saturday nigh at
majlis, the banquet hall of Hotel Shivalikview, for the launch of Wills Sportswear. The event was put together by a local event management company called Strides. The dramatisation for the event came through an impressive audio-visual presentation that was interspersed with a fashion show with some of the established stars of the ramp modelling the relaxed Wills sportswear. The professionally managed hi-tech glamour viewing created an ambience of oomph! for the selected few with charming usherettes welcoming the guests. Interestingly, the round of spirits and aperitifs kept the guests rather occupied prior to the fashion show. The medley of invitees displayed a high percentage of young corporate executives and women entrepreneurs of the city. This is also reflective in a way of the upmarket trends and moods of an affluent consumer from the city. The venue was suitably adorned with the usual infrastructure required for such an event i.e. hi-fi audio-visual equipment with perfect acoustics to suit the show. To add zing to the night’s affair once the fashion show was over, the crowd was indulged by a disc jockey to footloose on popular pulsating rhythms. The celebrity guest for the show was the model-cum actress Kitu Gidwani who charmed the audience with her presence on the ramp. Pop artiste Shaan lent a few of his memorable renderings in between the show and provided the crowd with euphoria essential for such gatherings. A sumptuous buffet was the gala evening’s
culmination.
Indi-pop star The music was pounding, the bodies were swaying and
Indi-pop star Hardeep of “Shahar Patiale De” fame was crooning! Indeed Las Vegas Den, Sector 34, was the place for all youngsters in the city to be in last week. The entry was free and there were even numerous prizes to be won to add to the
fun. The first 21 female entries were given a silver coin each and of course the best dancing couple, best female dancer, best male dancer and best dressed couple did not go home empty-handed either. Hardeep rose to fame with his famed evergreen number “Shahar Patiale De” and has performed in the USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Norway and many others places. Besides these live performances, he is widely seen on various television channels. Some of his popular albums are “Chandigarh Kare
Ashiqui”, “Bol Punjab De”, “Chandigarh Shehar Di Kuri”, etc. The evening was organised by Future Plus, a premier event management company which has already reached the pulse of the town’s youth of through various other such programmes. They believe in organising those kinds of events which not only bring the celebrity closer to the people but also gives them wholesome entertainment. In the past they have worked with Swatch watches, Imperial Resorts and others. According to Munish Sharma, representative of Future Plus, Hardeep was a star born before his times and this is his time for glory richly deserved. Seeing the evident enthusiasm and enjoyment of all kids present, this is not difficult to believe.
Punjabi & Sanskrit The first woman D Litt of Panjab University, Dr Kamal Anand is currently in
Greenfold, England, to attend the annual conference of the Punjabi Writers Association. Dr Anand is presenting a paper on influence of Sanskrit on Punjabi. According to Dr Anand, Punjabi is what used to be known as Vedic Sanskrit in ancient times. Sanskrit has been dynamic and has changed forms from the Vedic language to
Pali, Prakrit, Apbhransha and then modern Punjabi. Dr Anand views Punjabi and Sanskrit from the two extreme links of one and the same chain of unbroken process of linguistic tradition. Popular beliefs, customs and manners expressed through proverbs and folk sayings of Punjab are easily traced back to the Vedic literature. Greater Punjab
(Sapta- Sindhu) is the land of the Vedas. Dr Anand is the first woman to have received the Shiromani Sanskrit Sahityakara Puraskara of the Punjab Government (1996), Rama Krishna award ( 1997) by Sarasvati Vikas Kendra, Ontario, Canada. Her published works include “Ananda Dharma ki Ore”, “Kathasaritsagara ki
Suktiyan” and “Sanskrit-Sanskriti Sadhna”.
Mobbed by scribes The return of a top “Khalistan” ideologue, Dr Jagjit Singh Chohan, to Chandigarh on June 27 night proved to be a damp squib. Except for a few close relatives, there was no crowd to receive Dr Chohan at the railway station as soon as he alighted from the Shatabdi Express. However, he was mobbed by journalists, who wanted to have a glimpse of the separatist leader, who had returned to India after over 21 years’ of exile in England. The scene at his residence in Phase II of SAS Nagar was no different with scribes making a beeline to have views on “Khalistan” and a variety of other issues.
Woes of flat owners There is hardly any flat of the Chandigarh Housing Board, particularly in the southern sectors, which is completely free from any kind of additions or alterations. These so-called “violations” of the bylaws are primarily done on the basis of one’s needs. But Board officials make their target only “some chosen flats” and later on issue them notices. Recently, when one of the flat-owners asked for the reason for inspecting and making measurements in his flat, the officials said, “We are simply doing our duty”. Is it simply a “duty” or an exercise in “witch-hunting”?
An amicable doc This is his first visit to Chandigarh after his father became the Governor of Haryana, AIIMS Associate Professor, Dr Rajinder Prasad, son of Babu Parmanand, was in the city with wife Sangeeta for what he calls “a family
gettogether”. The amicable doctor who specialises in management of breast cancers and advanced laparoscopic surgery says Chandigarh is a good place to live in. But would he like to come here for good, if perhaps an institution like the PGI gave him an offer ? “Both AIIMS and the PGI are good institutions, “ says Dr Prasad. “Working in AIIMS since 1987, I have got used to the hospital and its working environment. Delhi, as a city is not so favourable and I might think of shifting at the senior level. But for present I am happy working at AIIMS,” he adds smilingly. —Sentinel |
Special enclosure planned for pangolin Chhat Bir, July 1 The creature, which had refused food being provided by the keeper, today had some earthworms. The zoo authorities have kept the scaly creature in a room of the zoo hospital to observe its food habits. To provide a favourable environment, an air cooler has been provided in the room. Mr R.K. Luna, Additional Chief Wildlife Warden, while talking to Chandigarh Tribune, said that after familiarising with the habits of the pangolin, a special enclosure would be constructed for it. He said keeping the incidents of disappearance of two pangolins from the zoo some years ago, the authorities were planning to construct an enclosure so that this creature of exotic species could be preserved. Interestingly, a question being raised is whether the authorities would be able to arrange the required quantity of ants, particularly termites and other insects, for the animal. It may be recalled that a pangolin which was kept within gobbin’s cage had disappeared in 1999. The animal had disappeared within a month’s period after being brought here. Before this, another one had escaped from the deer’s enclosure. The rare creature was rescued from human captivity from a house in Singhpura village near Majitha district three days ago. It was found in a well-digging operation. The species is a protected under Schedule-1 of the Wildlife Protection (Preservation) Act 1972 and any person keeping such animals in captivity may be sentenced to jail along with a fine of Rs 25,000. It may be recalled that a pangolin was also found in Sector 19 of Panchkula on June 17 last year. The creature was later released in the woods by the Haryana Wildlife Department officials. |
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STATE OF ROADS Chandigarh, July 1 While the recarpeting work on this road was recently undertaken by the Municipal Corporation, patches have been left as such at every few yards. This makes a drive past this road very bumpy and risky. A large number of commuters from Mani Majra and Panchkula use this road to come to the city or for coming to the office or other works. Due to heavy flow of traffic on the Madhya Marg, which runs parallel to this road, heavy vehicles, including buses and trucks, use this road to avoid that chaos. Reeta, who uses this road to come daily to come to the city, points out the ordeal she has to face in manoeuvring her two-wheeler through this pothole-ridden road. In fact, the very place from where you turn towards this road from the railway station side is marked by a big patch, which has been over the years reduced to a strip of cobbled stones and is accident prone. Due to the onset of monsoons, mud has accumulated on both sides, making the road not only narrow but also risky, as scooters and other two-wheelers often skid here. Mahesh, who does not use this road regularly, had a bad experience driving on this road and sustained serious injuries on hands and knees in an accident here. This is so because a part of the stretch on this road is alright before you encounter certain other patches with deep potholes of the size of crater one after another. At one such place, there are five to six consecutive potholes. His friend Arun corroborated the fact that poor visibility on these roads due to non-functional streetlights have led to serious accidents. To add to their woes, these roads are not cleaned regularly and properly. A senior official of the MC said that the estimates for strengthening and recarpeting the said road stand passed, and the work was started also. This is precisely the reason why the road is comparatively better at some places. However, certain patches were deliberately left due to leakage in the underground water pipe. Since the same had to be dug open and repaired, there was no logic in wasting money in recarpeting the same and undoing it later, the official added. Sources further reveal that even as the leakage stands repaired, the work on the said road has not resumed because of the hurdles being created by the UT Forest Department, which is creating hurdles in their way for undertaking any activity in the forest area. The work of widening the causeway on the road is already going on much against its wishes, it is learnt. While the upkeep and maintenance of the said roads is caught between the two departments, the road users continue to suffer. |
FENG SHUI TIPS The peony is China’s queen of flowers. It signifies beauty, romance and amorous feelings of youth. This flower comes in a variety of stunning colours. The red, pink and peach colours symbolise love. So, there colours are admired and valued by those who are in love and want their loved ones should hang a picture of peonies in their bedrooms. Eligible daughters will find suitable men if a painting of peonies is hung in the living room of your home. Displaying peonies in the living room benefits the young daughters of a family. One can have a vase of peonies there instead of a painting. I discourage couples from having peonies in the bedroom. Young girls should hang a peony painting in the bedroom and the living room only if they are serious about the relationship. Do not take these flowers lightly. They really work. So, think twice before displaying these lovely romantic flowers in the house. Harshna Address your Feng Shui queries to: |
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AN-12 family meet Chandigarh, July 1 They are none other than members of the AN-12 Officers Association who assembled at the Sector 31 Air Force Officers’ Institute here last night to mark the eighth anniversary of the phasing out of this Russian aircraft. Present at the reunion were Air Cdre G.S. Brar, who, besides flying AN-12s, was Air Officer Commanding here, and Wg Cdr Satish Bhatia, a former international badminton star, who was given the honour of commanding the last flight of AN-12 from Chandigarh to New Delhi eight years ago. The officers, joined by their wives, not only exchanged their exciting memoirs of criss-crossing the hostile and snow-clad hilly terrain of the mighty Himalayas everyday to maintain supply line to the defence forces manning the advanced posts in the Siachen glacier and surrounding areas but also about some of their personal distinctions. Others present were Wg Cdr D.S. Bajwa, who happens to the Secretary of this livewire association; Wg Cdr H.S. Rehncy, a recipient of the Vayu Sena Medal; Wg Cdr R.S. Madhar, Wg Cdr M.S. Gill, Wg Cdr M.S. Dhanoa, Wg Cdr A.S. Rai, Wg Cdr Bakshish Singh, Wg Cdr R.P. Saini, Wg Cdr G.S. Shergill, Wg Cdr B.S. Sidhu, Wg Cdr I.S. Buttar, Wg Cdr Tarlochan Singh, Wg Cdr G.S. Sekhon and Wg Cdr N.C. Chaudhary. Wg Cdr Chaudhary, now settled in the USA, comes here every year to attend the anniversary reunion. He is perhaps the oldest member of the AN-12 family. The next stop for the association is an event at Kasauli in December. |
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‘Withdraw
threat of flat cancellation’ Chandigarh, July 1 Addressing the meeting, Mr K.L. Aggarwal, convener of the Modern Housing Complex, Mani Majra, urged the Chandigarh Administration to withdraw the threat of mass cancellation of flats and demolition of additions and alterations after July 31. Prof Nirmal Dutt and Mr Jatinder Bhatia, chairman and president, respectively, of the federation, urged the Administration to appoint a fresh subcommittee to review the additions and alterations which had not been regularised. They stressed the need to review the transfer fee in the case of the general power of attorney (GPA) holders as the transfer was on a higher side. A former Union minister, Mr Harmohan Dhawan, a former MP, Mr Satya Pal Jain, Mr Raj Kumar Goyal, Mayor, and Mr Surinder Bhatia of the Congress, were also present. |
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Jagson’s flight
for Kulu Chandigarh, July 1 Indian Airlines operates a thrice a week Delhi-Shimla-Kulu-Delhi flight. Mr Bhambri said that the new flight, JA 201 will leave Delhi at 8 a.m. reach Chandigarh at 9 and leave for Kulu at 9.20 a.m. It will reach Delhi from Kulu at 11.20 a.m. The fare for Chandigarh-Kulu will be Rs 2085. |
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‘Run
for fun’ held Chandigarh, July 1 The run was
organised to celebrate Canada Day. Canada Day marks the anniversary of the union of the British North American provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July 1, 1867. There was a raffle draw on the occasion, in which Col Sajjan Singh (retd) won a trip to Toronto. Among other winners were Lieut-Gen Mann, Ms Ronica Sharma and Mr Joginder Kumar. |
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Body found Chandigarh, July 1 It is learnt that the man, referred to as
Baba by most people in the area, was an alcoholic. He was a regular
visitor to the shop. The police says that it was not suspecting any
foul play. |
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Maharashtra
Mandal begins vanamahotsava Chandigarh, July 1 A special function, attended by a large number of persons, was organised by the mandal to celebrate the festival and the need to clean the environment was stressed. Mr V. B.
Bapat, Mr M. S. Kurekar and Mr M. S. Mahadevkar were among those who spoke on the importance of environment and growth of civilisation. |
Constable assaulted Chandigarh, July 1 According to an FIR registered under sections 332, 353 and 506 of the IPC, constable Jagroop Singh has alleged that Baldev Kumar assaulted and threatened him under the influence of liquor near the dispensary in Dadu Majra. One arrested:
An electric repair mechanic was caught red-handed while stealing a purse of a customer he had gone to attend to. It is alleged that Harwinder Singh had been called to a Sector 20 house in order to attend to a call given by the complainant, Chaman Lal. A case under Sections 454, 380 and 411 of IPC has been registered. Burglary: A house in Sector 42 was burgled yesterday. The police has registered a case under Section 454 of the IPC. It has been alleged that the accused broke open the lock when the owner, Mr Mohan Lal, was out of station. Three held: Three persons were arrested and 75 pouches of whisky were seized from them. Gopi Chand, Satpal and Beeru were arrested from different parts of the city and booked under Sections 61, 1 and 14 of the Excise Act. Two injured: Two persons were injured when the scooter they were riding was hit by a truck (CH-01D-4506) near the Sectors 29-30 light point yesterday. The truck driver fled from the spot after leaving the truck. A case under Sections 279 and 337 of the IPC has been registered. Suicide bid: A 23-year-old girl allegedly attempted suicide by immolating herself at her Sector 36 residence late this night. The victim, Tarunpreet, has sustained 100 per cent burns and has been admitted to the PGI. |
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Residents
allege nuisance Chandigarh, July 1 It is learnt that five to six employees of the liquor shop converged on the four to five workers of Mohan Dairy and Sweets, who were sleeping in the open. It is alleged that the former beat up the dairy workers with iron rods. In the meantime, the owner of the dairy, Mohan Singh, too, arrived and he was also roughed up. Later, the accused fled in a Tata-407 truck. The police has registered a case under Sections 147, 149 and 323 of the IPC. |
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