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No power cuts for Mohali VIPs
Mohali, June 22 The fact came to light when a local Municipal Councillor, Mr Manjit Sethi, observed this fact while sitting at his friend’s house in Phase 3BI. There was no electricity at his friend’s house and the entire family was sitting in the garden while the air-conditioners of his neighbours were running. “Following this we contacted the Executive Engineer of Mohali circle and he admitted that certain pockets of houses in the township are connected to the micro-feeder that is supposed to give uninterrupted power supply to the hospitals and other emergency services like the fire department,” said Mr Sethi. Giving details of the extent of this discrimination, Mr Sethi said rows of houses in Phases 3BI, 4, 7 and 9 are connected to the micro-feeder and as a result never face a power cut. However, other houses in the same phases face long power cuts everyday. “According to the information that I have gathered from the electricity board employees, some one-kanal kothis and a large number of 10 and eight marla houses in Phase 3B1 are connected to the micro-feeder,” said Mr Sethi listing out a series of house numbers that were being “favoured” by the board. While Mr Sethi alleged that the board was doing all this to include the houses of VIPs living in the various phases in the township, board officials denied any such discrimination. A senior official of the board, however, admitted that a certain amount of discrimination did exist since many houses were being supplied through special micro-feeders intended to cater to software companies operating in Mohali. “The board had given exemption from cuts to the software companies operating in commercial and residential areas. These companies were identified two years ago and the micro-feeders were set up. But now it has come to our notice that many houses that did not have a software company running on the premises were also benefiting from the micro-feeders,” said a board official.
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Girl crushed as iron rack falls on her
Chandigarh, June 22 A case of causing death due to a rash and negligent act under Section 304-A of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against junk dealer Kimti Lal, the owner of the rack. He was subsequently arrested. According to the police, the rack was placed in a street where Rakhi was playing with another girl, who escaped unhurt in the accident. The rack, kept in the middle of the street, was placed in a slanting position. The residents of the area said they were not sure whether the girl pushed the rack or it fell on her, as no one was near, when the accident took place. Justifying the registration of cases against Kimti Lal, the police said the rack was too heavy to be moved by the girl on her own. The in charge of the Burail police post, Mr Dalbir Singh, said the action was initiated following a complaint by Mr Vishram Singh, maternal grandfather of the deceased. He alleged that despite repeated requests to Kimti Lal by him and other residents, the rack was not removed from the street. Rakhi had come to meet her maternal grandparents during the summer holidays from Uttar Pradesh a fortnight ago. The post-mortem examination will be performed tomorrow.
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Rising humidity rains misery
Chandigarh, June 22 The city continued to reel under the attack of the sun. Traffic was at its bare minimum in the afternoon and the few stragglers on the road had their heads and arms covered with caps or dupattas. The evening saw some wispy cloud movement across the skies and with the relative humidity rising everyday, a duststorm or thunder squall may just be around the corner. Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali have been at the receiving end of severe power cuts particularly in the past one week, and the outskirts of the city are facing almost 10 to 12 hours of power cuts a day, making the plight of the average city miserable. Smriti Shah and her group of friends, out for lunch in Sector 17, had to buy bottles of cold water to pour over their heads in an attempt to ward off the harsh rays of the sun. “We had come, thinking that we would just have a ‘girlie’ afternoon out but the heat sapped our energy and we are now going back.” Relief may be around the corner in the form of a drizzle at least but with two deaths in the city being attributed to the acute heat wave conditions, the city may need more than just a duststorm to cool the heat-frazzled nerves.
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Vinay Singh is SDM (East)
Chandigarh, June 22
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Passing Thru
You have been trying hard to project modern France in India. What steps are you taking to achieve this objective?
We are starting by strengthening our library networks in India. All our Alliance Francaise complexes have libraries which offer information on France. But we must admit most of this information projects France in the old, stereotypical style where fashion and food are the only elements that dominate. We are trying to shift attention towards the field of technology. What is the French Virtual Library? It is a website of the French Information Resource Centre. It provides library resources and services like those you would expect to find at the centre. How does the virtual library work and what are the services it offers? Simply log on to www.france-in-india.org/virtual library. It offers links to everything you ever wanted to know about France. It also briefly talks about contemporary France and the education facilities its universities offer. Many French universities are now offering professional courses where the medium of instruction is English, not French. So we are opening our doors to Indian students like never before. — Aditi Tandon
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Jagatpura up in arms against PUDA decision
Mohali, June 22 The villagers led by members of the Jagatpura Farmers Association today stopped the PUDA team from working in the area. The PUDA team was levelling the land and marking 1.5 marla plots each for the colony residents. Stating that the shifting of the filthy colony near the village would lead to a social imbalance and increase in criminal activities, the president of the association, Mr Harpal Singh said they would not allow the colony residents to settle near their houses. He added that PUDA was being unfair to the villagers as it had acquired their land for development but instead of making something good on the acquired land, PUDA was giving the land for use to slum dwellers. The residents raised slogans against PUDA and forcibly stopped the JCB and tractors of the PUDA team from clearing the land. Stating that they would not allow the colony residents to use the village road as thoroughfare, Mr Kulwant Singh Kler, general secretary of the association, pointed out that the colony residents would pose as a major security risk to their village. The Additional Chief Administrator the PUDA, Mr Yashvir Mahajan, reached the spot and pacified the residents. However, the police was also called in to keep the crowd under control. Mr Mahajan stated that he had called representatives of the villagers to his office. It was decided that PUDA would build a low wall around the colony so that there is no regular exchange of persons from the colony to the village. He added that the villagers were also assured that the re-settling of residents of Guru Nanak Colony on PUDA land near the village was a temporary arrangement. The land was not being allotted for the colony, he said. The PUDA authorities also agreed to give a separate access to the settlers by constructing a footbridge over the seasonal nullah abutting the village. Mr Mahajan added that the PUDA team would be resume its work tomorrow and the Guru Nanak Colony residents would be shifted in due course.
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A roundabout prone to mishaps
A rush of heavy vehicles, which are diverted from Dakshin Marg to dividing road of Sectors 31 and 32 aggravate the problem. This stretch of road links the Dakshin Marg to the Vikas Marg (Sector 48 and 47 road). The long route buses also use this route to reach the Inter-State Bus stand (ISBT), Sector 43. A heavy rush of vehicles is witnessed at this small juncture. There are occasional traffic jams too. Confusion among motorists who are manoeuvring their way compounds the problem. The street lights at the roundabout and on the Vikas Marg most of the time remain non-functional. This worsens the situation during night. Since it is one of the lesser frequented roads by the Traffic police cops, many vehicles can usually be seen speeding away on this route. This results in more accidents. Overgrown hedges cover a section of the road which hinders the two-wheeler riders. During the officer hours, the traffic increases, resulting in chaos at the roundabout. The presence of traffic police cops helps in reducing the chances of accidents, but still it is not a permanent solution to this problem. During this summer heat, the cops also prefer to seek refuge under the shades of nearby trees. No wonder few cops could be seen regulating the traffic these days. Mr Jatinder Bhatia, area councillor, told Chandigarh Tribune that he had taken up the matter of installing traffic lights at the roundabout with the authorities concerned but nothing happened in this regard. He said he met the SP, Traffic, Mr Amitabh Singh Dhillon, last month and apprised him of the need to regulate the traffic there. Following this, the SP deployed traffic cops who manually regulate the traffic. Mr Bhatia said he had attended a high-level meeting chaired by the UT Adviser and it was decided on December 28, last year that the juncture should be completed in three months. Mr Bhatia is of the view that the construction of a small juncture is not the permanent solution to the problem. He recommends the installation of traffic lights. But the Architect Department has refused the installation of traffic lights at this juncture. When contacted the Chief Engineer, Mr V.K. Bharwaj, said he had received the drawing of the roundabout from the Architect Department. He added that it would take some time to start the construction work. When asked about the delay in completing the work, he claimed that the Architect Department was responsible for the delay. The department did not provide them the drawings of the roundabout on time, he added.
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Sonia to decide on CTCC chief
Chandigarh, June 22 Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, local Member of Parliament, moved the resolution in front of Mr Raj Bahadur, Pradesh Returning Officer of the party in New Delhi. The resolution was seconded by all members present on the occasion. Mr Bahadur was accompanied by Mr M.K.R. Naidu, party observer. Mr B.B. Bahl, acting president of the CTCC, has been asked to continue in the office till a new name was announced. Among all members, Ms Shreshta Mehta and Mr Sunil Parti could not attend the meeting due to health reasons. The decision puts to rest the bickering in the CTCC earlier which was being paraded before the party high command in Delhi because of no unanimity over names of the CTCC delegates. The groups of Mr Bansal and Mr Bahl are the rival parties in the party election.
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‘Jan Sampark’ project on anvil
Chandigarh, June 22 Talking about the global standards of the industry and the changing mindsets, he further said, “ In Tokyo, the Industrial units are so well kept that it is difficult to make out whether the unit is industrial or residential. There should be a self-imposed restriction by the industry to develop the city up to the global standard.” While answering the queries of the industry representatives, he informed that the administration was always on the forefront to solve the industry problems. He also sought the support of the industry to solve various issues related to industrial development. He promised to look into other issues raised in the meeting which included the upgradation of the civil airport to an international airport medical and other waste management, proper location of liquor shops and the development of sub-city centre, transfer of CITCO sheds. While giving a presentation on the tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs in the city for the
IT/ITES and BPO sectors, Mr Vivek Atray, Director, Information Technology, Chandigarh Administration, said, “Chandigarh has been ranked number one city in the human development index and we are working on projects like film city, theme parks, starting multi-service smart cards, setting up of wi-fi zones and opening up of more sampark centres”. He also informed the members about next project ‘Jan
Sampark’ which is on the anvil. The approval of Chandigarh Technology Park as SEZ has its own set of advantages and City will benefit tremendously from it, he further added. Earlier in his welcome remarks, Mr Krishan Goyal, Chairman, CII Chandigarh Council stressed the need for a close administration - industry partnership for competitiveness and growth. He assured CII’s support in the various initiatives of the Chandigarh Administration towards industrial and economic development of Chandigarh. Mr Goyal specially welcomed the new power tariff rates announced by Chandigarh Administration. Mr Partap K. Aggarwal, Vice Chairman, CII Chandigarh Council proposed the formal vote of thanks.
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A matter of morality
Chandigarh, June 22 Penned by Dr Shankar Shesh and earlier performed by the legendary
B.V. Karanth, the play operates at two levels - past and present. In the backdrop, the tale of the Mahabharata runs like a river, offering the much-needed anchor for the production that draws from the past and stretches far into the present and the future. At the heart of the script is morality — in all its eminence and futility. The story takes off from the episode that forces Dronacharya off the path of idealism. When confronted with the brutal realities of life, the master trainer drops the mantle of idealism which demands that he educates brahmins alone. Faced with penury and with the poor health of his son
Ashwatthama, Dronacharya pledges his ideals to Bhisham Pitamah and starts instructing the
kshatriyas. The beauty of this episode lies in its eternal relevance. As Kant says, “Compromises are a way of life in this world wedded to materialism. Anyone who lives by morality and by ideals is a misfit. The society, with all its forces, ensures that he succumbs, even dies. My story takes off from the Mahabharata and weaves in contemporary situations where an honest professor is made a scapegoat in the dirty game of politics. He is proscribed for speaking the truth and is tortured to give in till the time evil prevails.” The story has been tough to handle. But the script, says Umesh Kant, lent itself to strong portrayals. “The biggest challenge was to maintain the critical balance between the past and the present; to project episodes from Mahabharata in a contemporary light and detail their connection with the future; to prick the conscience of one and all that consciously turn a blind eye to evil and allow it to rule.” Umesh Kant conducted auditions to locate the right cast for his production, to be staged at the Tagore Theatre on June 25; 7 pm. Along with familiar faces, “Ek aur Dronacharya” will introduce theatre lovers of Chandigarh to new talent. Also, it will mark Umesh Kant’s departure from comedy which he presented last year. His last play was “Raja Resham Lal ke Naye
Kapdey…” Passes for the latest play are available in Tagore Theatre.
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Canadian envoy rules out joint training exercises
Chandigarh, June 22 She was visiting the Western Command Hospital in Chandimandir today to express her thanks for the role of the Indian Air Force and the Army in rescuing and treating Ruth Norfork, wife of a Canadian diplomat, who had fallen into a mountain crevice while trekking near Dharamsala last week. She was accompanied by the husband, Mr Tom Roach. Ruling out joint exercises with Canada, a NATO member, comes at a point when India is extensively engaging several countries, including NATO members like France and Canada’s next door neighbour, the United States, in such exercises. Stating that Indo-Canadian defence relations go all the way back to the Indo-China days, Ms Edwards said both countries were contributing significantly towards peace keeping missions across the globe. Recently, Indian and Canadian navies were involved in relief operations in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of tsunami which devastated coastal regions, she added. Remarking that the rescue operations have further cemented ties between the two countries, she added that the Canadian Defence Attache in India also a helicopter pilot and the Canadian establishment was able to appreciate the enormity and difficulty of the task. Stating that Ruth was recovering well, she added that the Norfork family was also keen on visiting Dharamsala to express their thanks to those involved in the rescue. She said the family was carrying a satellite phone, with a patch-in communication between the family, the embassy and the rescuers, thereby co-ordinating the entire operation. The High Commissioner said Canada would observe the anniversary of the bombing of Air India’s Kanishka jet on June 24. The High Commissioner also honoured the hospital commandant, Major-Gen S K Kaul, the hospital neurosurgeon, Col V K Batish and the nursing staff of the hospital who were involved in the Canadian lady’s treatment. She also honoured SASO Jammu and Kashmir Area, Air Cmde R.O.J Assey, Sqn Ldr Ajay Bhardwaj, Flt Lt S K Ahuja, Flt Lt Amit Sharma and Flt Lt B K Sahu of 132 FAC Flight who undertook the rescue sorties.
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Tree falls on labourers, 5 hurt
Chandigarh, June 22 The incident occurred at around 1 pm. An eyewitness said a major tragedy was averted as almost the entire weight of the tree was taken by a stationary road roller. The labourers had come to the bhavan to repair roads. All injured were immediately shifted to the Sector 16 General Hospital. One of the injured labourers Cinna Swami (40), a resident of Mauli Jagran complex, suffered multiple injuries. He was later referred to the PGI. The other four injured are — Krishan (40), a helper and a resident of Colony No V, Dukhi Ram (42), a resident of Sector 37-C, Vinod Kumar Sharma (41), a resident of Sector 46, and Marium, a resident of Dadu Majra Colony. The doctors said their condition was stable. The SDO of the UT Horticulture Department said the tree was old and weak. The life span of Gulmohar tree is around 25 years and the tree was old and was also termite stricken.
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BJP alleges water shortage in city
Chandigarh, June 22 He alleged that the MC had failed to meet the minimum demand of water supply in the urban area. In all sectors, there was an acute shortage of drinking water. The worse affected were southern sectors i.e. all between 39 and 56. He said even in other Sectors of the city, including those between Sectors 7 and 38, the water pressure was abysmally low. He said the problem of water shortage was common in summer season and the Municipal Corporation as well as the UT Administration had failed to check the shortage in the supply of drinking water year after year.
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He needs aid to plug hole in heart
Chandigarh, June 22 “Rajit is suffering from a congenital heart ailment. He not only has a hole in the heart but one of his heart valves also needs replacement. Earlier, we got him treated at the GMCH, Sector 32, but now he is under treatment at the PGI. My son hardly looks his age as the disease has dwarfed his growth,” says Rajit’s father Manjit Singh, who works as Class IV employee at the Post Office at Zirakpur. “Doctors at the PGI have recommended a surgery to treat Rajit. But the paucity of money has become a constraint in Rajit’s treatment,” said Manjit Singh. The treatment is expected to cost around Rs 1 lakh. “I work on a meagre salary and have to manage the entire family. All my savings have vanished over a period of time. Now I have been forced to look for anyone who is willing to lend a helping hand,” he adds. Those willing to financially help the boy can contact the family at Mubarakpur village, Dera Bassi; phone: 01762-283840.
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PSEB staff put off stir
Mohali, June 22 At a rally organised outside the power board office here today, union leaders said that at a meeting held yesterday with the management, most of the long-pending demands of employees were conceded to. The remaining demands would be considered at the next meeting. Meanwhile, the union leaders condemned the suspension of two and transfer of one employees of the power board by the Kharar MLA for not being present in the complaint office at Bhago Majra village. They demanded the unconditional reinstatement of the employees.
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Sikh Thinkers Forum formed
Chandigarh, June 22 Several instances of discrimination against the Sikhs in the country and overseas were discussed and the failure of
the present Sikh leadership, including the SGPC, was noted with concern. The Sikh intellectuals also seemed to be avoiding any controversies with the Sikh leadership for vested interests, a press note alleged. The Sikh Panth belonged to all Sikhs irrespective of their ideology
and was not the sole domain of any political party or particular ideology, the press note added.
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Namdharis hail govt decision on Kuka Movement
Chandigarh, June 22 In a press note issued here today, Mr Gurbachan Singh Namdhari, general secretary, Namdhari Sangat, expressed the community’s gratitude for the recognition of the movement, which was over due. The present government deserved compliments for recognising the sacrifices of those martyrs who laid down their lives for the freedom of the country. Ever since the First War of Independence in 1857 till the attainment of freedom in 1947, the Namdharis have always been in the forefront of the struggle for independence. Mr Gurbachan Singh Namdhari has also conveyed his gratitude to all those who have been struggling for the recognition including Mr Malwinder Singh Waraich, advocate, for moving the Punjab and Haryana High Court, BJP MP and state unit chief, Avinash Rai Khanna and members of the Desh Bhagat Yadgaar Committee.
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63 file nominations for ZP poll
Chandigarh, June 22 The counting will be held on July 5. Mr Jasbir Singh Bir, Managing Director, CITCO, Mr P.S Aujla, Commissioner, MC, and Mr R.K. Rao, Deputy Commissioner, have been made Observers for the election.
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Tribune jatha leaves for Amarnath
Chandigarh, June 22 Mr Nardeep
Patrai, organiser, said they would be visiting the cave shrine via Baltal route, which was also the shortest route. Most of the pilgrims, including Mr Dinesh Kumar and Mr Sanjeev Khosla, are going for the pilgrimage for the eighth consecutive year.
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SSC seeks applications for recruitment
Chandigarh, June 22 According to a press note issued here yesterday, the examination will be held at Chandigarh, Shimla, Jammu and Srinagar. Candidates in the age group of 18 to 27 and holding a bachelors degree are eligible to apply for the examination. July 15 is the last date for receiving applications. Detailed information can be had from the Employment News/Rozgar Samachar of June 18.
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Departmental
exam on July 25 Chandigarh, June 22
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Raids held to destroy unsafe food
Chandigarh, June 22 During the raid, around 60 kg of cut and overripe fruit and 40 kg of “samosa”, “tikki”, “jalebi”, burgers, “bunta” bottles, soft drinks, all of which were unfit for human consumption, were destroyed. Six vendors were also challaned under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA).
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Powermen hold rally
Chandigarh, June 22
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House burgled, scooter stolen
Chandigarh, June 22 Meanwhile, Sunil Kumar of Bapu Dham Colony reported to the police that his scooter (CHI-6575) was stolen from Sector 22 market on late Monday night. Liquor seized:
In another incident, the police arrested Ram Dhari of Colony No. V for selling liquor illegally from his residence yesterday. The police seized a bottle of Double Dog country wine from his possession. A case under the Excise Act has been registered and the accused was later released on bail. One held:
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