 |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Deadly mealy bug beats a retreat this season Chandigarh, June 23 This has been possible with the use of polythene sheets which were tied to the bottom of thousands of trees to prevent the bugs from crawling up. Developed by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), this indigenous technology seems to have worked well by breaking the life cycle of the mealy bug at an initial stage. Sources say about 2500 trees identified for pest control over the past two years have shown positive results, with the bug unable to climb up the tree top. In many cases, the bugs, unable to find their way up, have accumulated at the base of the tree. They have further been sprayed with methyl parathione to prevent growth. The pest, it may be recalled, had begun posing potential threat to the green cover of Chandigarh by eating into the vitals of trees and sucking their sap. It was greater in concentration across the northern sectors. However, as a result of the extensive pest control strategy implemented by UT Environment Department under the guidance of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) experts, the presence of the bug has been considerably controlled this season. PAU’s Dr Satish Narula, Senior Extension Specialist (Horticulture), posted at Chandigarh has not received a single query about the mealy bug so far this season. The trend, he says, is significant as May and June is the time when female bugs descend from the top of trees to lay eggs in the soil. Talking to The Tribune, Dr Narula, the force behind the strategy, said, “This indicates that the break in the bug’s life cycle has been achieved. Due to the slippery surface of then polythene sheet, bugs cannot climb up. The male pest does not have wings. Only the female has wings, but at a later stage of development. The bug normally starts climbing in this season and the females descend to lay eggs by November end. The female pest is 1 mm in size when it climbs up but about 1 cm when it descends.” MC’s Horticulture Department had identified the affected trees in Chandigarh last year and by November end, the sheets were put in place. The result has been encouraging, with few bugs registering presence this season. The strategy was taken up under Chandigarh Greening Task Force, with Mr Ishwar Singh of UT Environment Department, in charge. While the pest has been controlled this season, experts say the use of polythene sheets may not prove beneficial in the long run. Lt Gen Baljit Singh (retd), who has long been studying pests’ growth pattern, said, “There is no doubt there have been lesser number of bugs this season, but the reasons behind the decline cannot be mentioned with surety. The polythene sheet method may be of help in places where the diseased trees are confined to a certain locality, but it won’t be feasible in larger clusters. Earlier this method was implemented in Dharamsala also where the pest had attacked tea garden plantations. Although PAU experts deserve kudos for their effort, they must work on evolving a long term strategy for controlling the mealy bug.” |
|
Philanthropists’ money fails to reach patients Chandigarh, June 23 The cheques accumulated with the PGI’s officials are yet to be cleared and will take some more time before the family can call the money its own. “We only know that a lot of money has been given in my son’s name, but till now we are spending from our own savings,” says his mother, residing in the PGI Rotary sarai for over a month now, waiting for his son who had gone to the General Hospital, Sector 16, for dialysis. The city doesn’t seem to have any dearth of philanthropists who can contribute towards poor patient’s treatment. But the distress does not cease to exist for the poor patients. The official babudom in the hospital, where the files move from one department to another consuming days and fortnights, the relief isn’t immediate as many donors will like it to be. Explaining the procedure and its inherent loopholes, a PGI official said, “The donations are first collected at the Public Relations Office here. After waiting for a few days, all receipts move to the office of the Medical Superintendent, which may take a few days. The file then moves to the Accounts Branch where the lengthy procedure of procuring money through clearing of cheques begins. This may again take lots of time depending on the individual case.” Then begins the procedure of issuing receipts to the donors, who need these to make their donations tax-free. Another official at the hospital said, “Despite having money in the poor patient’s account, it takes several weeks for the needy patient to claim reimbursements for the treatment expenses. Till then, the poor patient keeps on spending from his own pocket.” “Since most of the patients and their families are illiterate, they unduly suffer due to lack of proper guidance about the paperwork,” he added. |
|
More chances for lieut-cols to get next rank Chandigarh, June 23 The committee had recommended that all officers be promoted to the rank of colonels. Presently, the rank of lieutenant-colonel is the limit for officers who, for various reasons, are unable to make the grade. The report is currently being reviewed by the Defence Ministry, which had reportedly sought some details from Army Headquarters on this matter recently. According to a communique received by Headquarters, Western Command, from Army Headquarters earlier this month, it has been recommended that lieutenant-colonels be given a change to appear before selection boards after every two years, till they complete 26 years of service. This is for the first time that details of the proposal, which is associated with the A.V. Singh Committee report, have been circulated to formations in writing. Under current promotion policy, lieutenant- colonels get three chances to make the grade for promotion to colonel. If the officer fails the first time, he can appear before the subsequent "review" board. If he fails again, he gets a third and final chance to appear before a special board. Thereafter his fate is fixed and there is no further chance of promotion. Lieutenant-colonels become eligible for appearing for selection boards on completion of 18 years of service, though this may vary from arms to arms. Given the Army's pyramidal hierarchy, majority of the officers superannuate at the rank of lieutenant-colonel. There is also intense competition among officers to move up the hierarchical ladder. Under the new proposal, after the first two chances, lieutenant- colonels will be allowed to appear before a selection board after every two years. Sources said that 70 per cent weightage would be given to points awarded in the officer's annual confidential reports (ACRs) pertaining to the two-year period immediately preceding the board. ACRs pertaining to earlier service would get 30 per cent weightage. According to a senior officer, this move would open up more promotional avenues for lieutenant-colonels. It has often been felt that at times some lieutenant- colonels who fail to make the grade, often become disillusioned and tend to lose interest in their service. This move would also help to check this tendency. There have been instances where good officers, for various reasons, have been superceded. |
|
IT to ease out EPF withdrawal hassles Chandigarh, June 23 With the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) going in for a major computerisation drive as part of the “re-inventing EPF India” project of the Central Government, employees can breath easy and hope for better services. Mr N.N. Sharma, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, said here today that the aim was to settle provident fund claims within three days and this would be achieved by the next year. As the first step towards providing better services, the issuance of permanent identity number — National Social Security Number (NSSN) — had been computerised. While currently the number is generated at New Delhi, a software would ensure that the NSSN-generating facility was established at the regional office here, he added. Detailing the benefits of the new number, he said the subscriber would be able to get information of his account from any of the 260 offices in India. The amount could be withdrawn from any of the branch offices in the country. A brainchild of Mr Ajay Singh, Chief Provident Fund Commissioner, the new system would ensure that the fund was automatically transferred in case of change of employment. The employers would be able to file monthly returns electronically and the number of forms would be reduced to 12 from the present 48. Besides, the registration of establishments would become easier, pushing up the subscriber base, officials said. Meanwhile, the regional office has outsourced the work of dispatching communications to the subscribers. |
|
Syndicate poll fair, says Shekhawat Chandigarh, June 23 Dismissing the petition, Mr Shekhawat, in a letter to the university authorities, stated that the petition received in his office on January 28 had “no merit” and that the “elections of Dr Ranvir Pratap Asija and Mr Chatrath were fair. Mr Valecha said he would appeal in the high court against the decision of the Chancellor. “This is certainly not the end of the story. We will present our facts before the court. I will shortly file a petition challenging Mr Chatrath’s election,” he added. It may be recalled that a meeting of the Faculty of Law was held in December last year to elect two representatives of the faculty to the Syndicate. While Mr Asija polled 16 votes, the election to the second seat ended in a tie between Mr Valecha and Mr Chatrath, both polling 15 votes each. The results were withheld and the meeting was adjourned sine die. A new date for the election meeting was fixed for January 23 where a re-election for the second seat was held. This time too the two candidates were tied with 16 votes each. The Dean then exercised his casting vote and Mr Chatrath was declared elected with 17 votes. |
|
Telgi was brought to city? Chandigarh, June 23 Asked if Telgi was brought to Chandigarh, a Delhi-based spokesman of the investigating agency, Mr G. Mohanti, neither confirmed nor denied that he was brought to the city during the past few days. Mr Mohanti said on the telephone that he may be taken to any place wherever it helped the investigation. The CBI might need to inquire how he was operating in the region. The Chandigarh Police had arrested a few members of Telgi’s gang along with stamp papers worth lakhs of rupees. Surprisingly, the Chandigarh Police did not name Telgi in the charge sheet filed in connection with a case registered in the Derua police post about the recovery of the fake stamp papers. The police came to know that gang members of Telgi had been operating in the city for at least one year before they were arrested one-and-a-half year ago. The gang members also revealed that an office was also opened in Ludhiana a month before they were arrested. During investigations, the Chandigarh Police came to know that the kingpin of the gang was Telgi and he was lodged in a Bangalore jail. One of his gang members also rang up Telgi in the jail on his mobile phone. The Chandigarh Police had at that time decided to bring Telgi’s name into investigation but later the chargesheet did not mention his name. |
|
|
MC officials from Andhra visit city Chandigarh, June 23 The Mayor from Rajamundrya, Mr M.S. Chakravarthi, was full of appreciation for the city’s structure and architecture. He was appreciative of the fact that they were taken around the city for first hand experience. The delegation sought details of the finances available with the corporation, how it managed its funds and the revenue it generated for itself. The team was especially interested in understanding the water supply system of the city and keenly participated in an interactive session with the councillors of the local corporation, acquiring information about the wards, the local committees and the division of sectors. Earlier, the Commissioner of the MC, Mr M.P. Singh, in his welcome address, highlighted the planning which went into the making of the city and the green belts which are mandatory in various sectors. The Mayor, Ms Kamlesh, spoke about the Mohalla Sanitation Scheme implemented for maintenance of cleanliness in the city. She also informed the delegation about the activities in her ward, Ram Darbar, and stated that it had become a model village, setting an example for the rest. |
|
Give farmers right to “sell” land Mohali, June 23 These views were expressed by leaders of the Ropar units of the Communist Party (M) and Jamhoori Sabha while giving support to the ongoing farmers agitation against the acquisition of land of a number of villages around Mohali. Members of both the units joined the farmers dharna at Sohana here today. The leaders demanded that in case the government was bent upon acquiring the land then farmers should be given plots for residential purposes, commercial sites for self employment and also a job to a member of the family whose land was forcibly acquired. Mr D.P. Singh, convener of the Kisan Hit Bachao Committee (periphery area) said that farmers of Siau village sat on the relay fast, which had entered the 38th day. He said that farmers of Sirhind would also be joining the agitation. Efforts were being made to involve farmers from Amritsar also to fight against the injustice that was being done by PUDA |
|
Harsha, Irani celebrate ‘spirit of achievement’ Chandigarh, June 23 Mr Neeraj Kumar, General Manager (Marketing) of the company said, “The event is as a salutation to our consumers and patrons who trust in our brand. Teacher’s Highnights will be oraganised across the country to celebrate the ‘spirit of achievement’ in every individual.” The host for the event were stage and film artist Boman Irani and cricket commentator Harsh Bhogle. The coming of Boman Irani to the city was not without fun moments. The man who made audience laugh in “Munna Bhai MBBS” was in high spirits today. Harsha captured the interest of the audience with his interesting talk. He shared his experiences about the cricketworld. |
|
|
German shepherd lost Chandigarh, June 23 If you are looking for puppies your search ends here. One white male 18-month-old vaccinated Pomeranian can be adopted from People For Animals shelter. You can also adopt a five-year-old vaccinated female Apso. Another local breed female is also on sale. She is three-and-a-half year-old, light cream in colour. Two female calves, aged between four and seven months, are also there. One is light reddish in colour the other cream in colour. |
|
Workshop for journalists Chandigarh, June 23 Doctors will talk on topics of specific importance to journalists. The doctors will also give special tips on exercises that can be done in the office. No fee will be charged for the registration of the workshop. |
|
Panchkula, June 23 His cremation will take place tomorrow at 12 noon at the Manimajra
crematorium. The funeral procession will start from H. No. 531, Sector 11, Panchkula.
— TNS |
|
Major Sandeep Sagar’s
martyrdom day Panchkula, June 23 His parents, Prof Harbans Lal and Ms Raksha Devi, will organise a small function in his memory. Mr N.C. Wadhwa, Chief Administrator, HUDA, will join the family at the ceremony and pay floral tributes to the martyr. Major Sandeep Sagar laid down his life at the age of 26 in the Naushera sector in Rajouri district in operation Vijay in 1999. He was honoured with the Special Service Medal. |
|
|
Tonnes of marble impounded Chandigarh, June 23 Later, the marble traders requested the Administration to stop the drive. The Administration has given time to the traders till June 28 as the land has been acquired by the Chandigarh Administration. The traders were originally given time till June 14. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Arun Kumar, and the Land Acquisition Officer, Mr S.K. Setia, asked them to shift.
TNS |
Another case against Shine Star Directors Chandigarh , June 23 The Directors, Inderjeet Singh and Rupa Pathak, allegedly received a payment of Rs 4.2 lakh from Jagrup Singh of Mohali for sending him abroad on a student’s visa. Jagrup Singh alleged that he was neither sent abroad nor returned the money despite repeated requests. The case was registered by the Sector 36 police station after the Economic Offence Wing of the Chandigarh police carried out an investigation into the complaint. This is the second case registered against the duo within the last few days. In an earlier complaint, Rajan Palta of Punjab had alleged that he was promised to go abroad on a student visa to Ireland but he was neither sent there nor did he get his money and visa back. Sources said the registration of the case by the Economic Offence Wing had initiated investigations into several other cases against the company. The other cases are likely to be attached with this case. The wing would now seek a remand of the arrested persons to know as to how many persons the company had cheated, who else were involved, where the money was invested and if something of the invested money could be recovered. The money involved in the pending cheating cases to be attached with this case was to the tune of Rs 30 lakh, according to the police. The police suspects that there could have been more students who might have been cheated by the company. |
|
Ex-national volleyball player held for theft cases Chandigarh, June 23 He was nabbed in Daddu Majra, where the Maloya police post had put up a picket to crack down on the sale of smack. The police said it had worked out seven cases in which the former player was allegedly involved during the past 10 days. The police recovered a gold necklace, three earrings, one gold chain, one gold ring of a male, one tape recorder, a camera and a steam iron, among other things from him. The police said the former national player had admitted to having committed three burglaries in Sector 7 during the past few days. The Sector 39 police station has solved some cases and three of the Sector 7 police station. The police said Dahia was questioned if he had any smack with him but during the queries he revealed that he had stolen the gas cylinder from Sector 40 two days ago, and that he was to dispose of the cylinder in Daddu Majra. According to the police, Dahia is a drug addict and had recently returned from Delhi, where he was sent for de-addiction purpose. In another case, the Maloya police post arrested one Nadeem Ahmed of Butrela along with six stolen cycles. One of the stolen cycle was of a child. The police has solved three cases of cycle theft in the area and recovered another three cycles. |
|
|
Bag-lifters land in police net Chandigarh , June 23 Navneet Kumar, alias Nanha, and Raju Kumar, alias Sahni, were arrested at the roundabout of Sectors 35, 36, 42 and 43. Navneet of Sector 35 and Raju of Ram Darbar reportedly confessed to have stolen the bag from the car of Naresh Kumar Pahwa. A handbag containing Rs 20,000 was recovered from Navneet and Rs 14,000 were recovered from Raju Kumar. The police said the duo was coming from the Attawa roundabout side when the police noticed them. They tried to run away, but were caught after a chase. |
|
Chain snatched Panchkula, June 23 |
|
Booked for drawing fake cheque Chandigarh, June 23 |
R.S. Gujral may be CMD of
Punjab & Sind Bank Chandigarh, June 23 The sources indicated that the appointment, if made would be after the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet cleared it. The Union Finance Minister Mr P.
Chidambaram, will forward the name once he finalises it. |
|
BSNL releases directory proof Chandigarh, June 23 A press note issued here today urged the subscribers to go through the proof for any alteration, addition and deletion of entries till June 30 from 10 am to 4 pm. The proofs have been kept at the Telephone Exchange Building, Sector 20, the office of the Customer Relations Officer (CRO) the Telephone Exchange, Sector 34, the Central Telegraph Office, Sector 17, the CRO at the Telephone Exchange Building in Sector 5, Panchkula, and the CRO at the Telephone Exchange Building, Phase 4, Mohali. |
|
20,000 visit
CII Kitchen Expo Chandigarh, June 23 With business inquiries worth approximately Rs 4 crore generated, the fair has, this year too, served as a user-friendly forum for effective business to consumer (B to C) interactions. More than 22,000 visitors, from all walks of life, thronged the exhibition, which was on from June 18 to 21 in Chandigarh. A highlight of this year’s expo was the varied portfolio showcasing products to meet the needs of modern lifestyles, with attractive convenient and time-saving gadgets and accessories to make cooking a pleasure. A wide range of products and prices, to suit all needs and pockets, coupled with various innovative offers and incentives from the exhibi-tors drew a steady stream of visitors throughout the four-day event. Some of the companies which exhibited their products at the fair included LG, IFB, Samsung, Electrolux, Luminous, Planet, Padmini Impex, Eureka Forbes, Faber International, Ram-door, Inalsa, Twinings Tea, Shri Industries, Technoplast and National Panasonic. |
|
Barwala man wins ‘Win 4 Sure’ offer Chandigarh, June 23 Mr Anil Gulati, Deputy Head, Sales, Grasim Suiting, presented the award to Mr Jawa at a ceremony here today. Under the “Win 4 Sure” offer, with every fabric purchase of worth Rs 700 of Grasim suiting, consumer gets a scratch card which entitles him to an assured gift. The gift can be either a wristwatch worth Rs 450, leather wallet (Rs 250), Parker Beta roller pen (Rs 80) or a T-shirt (Rs 370). Mega prizes include gold coins, LG air-conditioners, LG refrigerators, LG 14” televisions and a trip to Kathmandu. |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
