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Councillors up in arms over nod to shopping festival
Chandigarh, July 23 The festival has been allowed without the matter being taken to the finance and contract committee of the corporation and referred to the general house for final approval, said members of the committee. On the condition of anonymity, they said the issue would be raised in the coming meeting of the general house as it was causing loss to the corporation. The Mayor, Ms Anu Chatrath, said the corporation was not participating in the event. But she had referred the correspondent to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Mr
P. S. Aujla. However, the Commissioner was not available for comments. Ms Kamla Sharma, Leader of the Opposition in the general house, said no permission had been taken from the corporation. She demanded an inquiry into the manner. As per the rule, the corporation gives permission for display of prize items, lighting and display of banners after levying fees running in lakhs of rupees, she added. Pointing towards the advertisements appearing in local newspapers which read that the event “Sector 17 Shop 'n' Win Festival” was being organised by the Business Promotion Council, the Chandigarh Administration and the Municipal Corporation, the agitated councillors said it was wrong to associate the name of the corporation when the elected representatives were not even involved in giving approval to the festival. The office of the Commissioner gave permission for holding the event after receiving a directive from the administration, sources in the corporation said. “We are not against the shopping festival, our protest is against the manner in which the committee was skipped on the issue. In the past, whenever any shopping festival was held, permission was sought to display the prize items and decorate the shopping plaza,” the councillors said. The sources said initially the organisers of the event had approached the corporation before the event and fee of around Rs 8 lakh was worked out but it was later reduced. The organisers had arranged an event management company and a nationalised bank was one of the sponsors of the event. Last year, the corporation had issued notices to the shopkeepers of Sector 17 and 22 for displaying the prize items.
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Gang making pirated CDs busted, 4 arrested
Chandigarh, July 23 The “gang” of four, arrested this morning, was reportedly supplying the stuff to parts of Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh and even Himachal Pradesh. One of the suspects, reportedly had two duplicators and 13 CD writers at his house. He used to charge Rs 3 for preparing a copy. A senior police officer said 25,000 pirated DVDs, MP3s and VCDs were recovered from the possession of the four suspects arrested after raids at their shops and residences. They have been booked under the provisions of the Anti-piracy Act, besides cheating and criminal conspiracy, under Sections 420 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code. The officer said approximately 1,37,331 inlay cards carrying details of the contents were also seized. Besides, 1,500 polythene sheets used for wrapping up the CDs were also seized. The police was assisted by the management of T-series. The police officer added that they had received complaints, regarding the sale of pirated CDs of T-series, Indian Music Company and Shemaroo. The Chandigarh Tribune, in its report published last month had stated that Bollywood movies were freely available in the city prior to their cinema releases. Stolen from Mumbai, the prints were smuggled to Dubai. From there, they were finding their way to places like Chandigarh and other boom towns of the region. In fact, the newspaper was able to procure a copy of “Yakeen”, starring Arjun Rampal and Priyanka Chopra. A cinema hall proprietor had asserted that some unscrupulous cinema hall owners, too, were helping the accused in pirating the CDs. It was evident from the fact that they were making CDs of new movies within hours of the release.
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180 kg of poppy husk seized, 5 held
Mohali, July 23 According to the police, 180 kg of poppy husk has been recovered from their possession. Those arrested are Tara, a resident of Samrala, Mandeep Kaur, a resident of Chamkaur Sahib, and Sukhwant Rai and Suminder, both residents of Machhiwara. Another woman, Harvinder Kaur of Bhadson Road, Patiala, was also arrested. All five have been taken to the Civil Hospital, Mohali, for medical examination.
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Hawara
misquoted by cops: counsel
Chandigarh, July 23 Addressing a press conference here today, Hawara’s counsels alleged that reported statements of Hawara about jail officials’ role in the 1998 jailbreak were solely aimed at harassing those persons, who had already been tried and acquitted. They claimed that they met Hawara in a police lock-up in Sector 26 and the Hawara denied having made any statement regarding the 1998 jailbreak during interrogation. They further said the story about the smuggling in of RDX in the shape of laddoos by Satnam Singh in 1998 could not stand the trial and all accused, including Hawara, were acquitted in the case. Now the police was trying to frame the acquitted persons on the basis of “false statements” of Hawara, they alleged. “Even in the Burail jailbreak of 2004, all accused, who were charged with waging a war against the state, are being tried only for bailable offences bringing the credibility of the Chandigarh police under a cloud,” they alleged. The counsel alleged that the Chandigarh and Punjab police were falsely implicating a number of persons to strengthen the case.
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How is your company helping in energy conservation? Elpro Energy Centre is actively involved in providing expertise in energy management, providing top energy performance in equipment and technology, optimising existing facilities as well as new projects. We are an energy centre and direct business associates for IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy
Development Agency). What are the major projects that you have successfully undertaken? In Bangalore, we have successfully introduced a computerised streetlighting system on a road length of 62 km. Through a central computer, we switch on 4,000 lights in one go. This automation energy efficiency system for streetlight maintenance also shows if streetlights are defunct and need replacement. The streetlights are dimmed around midnight, to save on energy consumption. This system reduces power consumption and helps save 30 per cent on power bills. What are the other projects that you are undertaking under this energy efficiency system for streetlight maintenance? We have signed MoUs with local bodies in 25 cities all over India to set up this system of streetlight maintenance. In Haryana, this is being introduced in Panchkula and Rohtak.
— Ruchika M. Khanna
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City goes greener; neighbours lose forest cover
Chandigarh, July 23 With a phenomenal rise in tree and forest cover, the city has done the region proud, even while Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have fared miserably as compared to their 2001 record. The State of Forest Report is released every two years to assess the India-wide growth of green cover through satellite imaging. As per the latest report, Chandigarh tops the country in terms of number of trees per hectare in non forest area, besides securing a great position as regards percentage of tree cover in non forest area. In the latter category it is second only to Dadra and Nagar Haveli which has reported 15.02 per cent tree cover in non forest area. Chandigarh follows with 10.53 per cent. As far as number of trees per hectare of non forest area is concerned, Chandigarh has the highest figure — 33.6. Delhi is second with 24.93 trees per hectare of non forest area. Where Chandigarh has improved its 2001 position considerably by increasing its forest cover by 7.5 sq km, Punjab and Haryana have recorded phenomenal losses in this category. Punjab’s forest cover has gone down by 852 sq km and Haryana’s cover has declined by 237 sq km. Even traditionally forested Himachal Pradesh has lost its forest cover by 7 sq km. Chandigarh’s position is secure in this area as it has increased its forest cover from 34.5 sq km in 2001 to 42 sq km now. Coming to tree cover which is another significant indicator of quantitative change in green cover, Chandigarh has registered an increase of 6 sq km (from 2 sq km to 8 sq km). The national level tree cover has risen by 2800 sq km. Coming to green cover (tree and forest cover combined), Chandigarh’s increase from the last assessment year is a heartening 13.5 sq km. Earlier (in 2001) the green cover was 36.5 sq km; it has risen to 50 sq km. Percentage wise increase for Chandigarh has also bee the best in the region. The city has improved its green cover from 26 per cent to 35.7 per cent which is more than the requirement of 33 per cent as per the National Forest Policy of India. Even on the qualitative side, the city fares better than the neigbouring states. It has managed a marked improvement in all three areas that define qualitative improvement in green cover. Said Mr Ishwar Singh, Deputy Director, Forest, Chandigarh said, “There has been a 4.21 sq km rise in our dense forest; a 2.23 sq km rise in our open forest and a one sq km rise in our scrubs.” Giving credit of the enhancement of green cover to a concerted greening effort launched by environmental NGOs, schools, colleges and institutions in Chandigarh, Mr Singh said Chandigarh Forest Department’s annual “Greening Action Plan” also worked wonders. “We formed eco clubs in schools. Even institutions like PGI launched plantation campaigns and benefited from our free sapling distribution programme.” In the coming year, Mr Singh feels the city will achieve its objective of ecological balance and environmental stability.
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Dullo’s appointment a poll stunt: Libra
Mohali, July 23 Mr Libra, who had come to the college to hand over a cheque for Rs 1.25 lakh for the purchase of computers, said the appointment of Mr Dullo as PPCC chief posed no threat to the Shiromani Akali Dal in the coming elections. Commenting on the orders of the Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission of disqualifying Bibi Jagir Kaur as the Chief of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Mr Libra said that there was a possibility that some persons wanted to defame Bibi. He, however, said that the orders should have been passed after thoroughly investigating the allegations. Earlier, while addressing a gathering of students the MP advised them to stay away from drugs and concentrate on studies. He said the girls were doing much better than boys in academics but there was a need to maintain balance and for this boys would have to work harder. If this aspect was not taken seriously girls would be much ahead of boys in every field in the times to come. He adhered the students to respect their parents as well as teachers. Mr Bir Devinder Singh, Kharar MLA, told mediapersons that a cleanliness and awareness week as being celebrated in the town from August 1. A meeting in this regard was being held at the office of the Municipal Council on July 27 which would be attended by the Deputy Director, Urban Local Bodies, officials from Department of Public Health, PUDA, the police, Health Department. A plan would be chalked out as a to how could the week be celebrated in the best possible manner. Active participation of residents, shopkeepers and others was also needed. He said that he would hold another meeting at the PUDA office on July 27 in which issues like the phase IV of Kajauli water works, sewerage in Matour village and development of villages whose land had been acquired by PUDA would be discussed. He said that the town needed to be given a facelift as the Punjab Chief Minister had announced a package of Rs 200 crore for the upgradation of the infrastructure of Mohali and many IT companies wanted to set up units here. He said that Dell had set up a custom care centre here and North America and Europe was being taken care of from the centre at Mohali. Commenting on the incident in which a photographer of a local English daily was beaten up by the police when he was covering a lathicharge on the day when Gurdass Mann nite was held, the MLA said that it was very
unfortunate. He said that he would direct the SDM to give permission to hold cultural functions
only to those persons who would approach authorities concerned with a proper
sitting plan.
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Widow seeks help to save son’s life
Chandigarh, July 23 Widowed years ago, Ms Anand exhausted all her funds in getting the best possible education for her two sons. But little did she know the fate had something else in store for her. In February this year, her elder son Abhishek took to bed after consuming a medicine to beat the cold. The medicine infected his system, rendering his kidneys useless. With no donor or family, Ms Anand persuaded her younger son Amitabh to donate a kidney and save his brother’s life. Now though the kidney transplant has been successful at the PGI, Ms Anand has no money to buy medicines which her son must consume for the next two years in case he has to fully recover. Seeking help, she said, “I have nothing left. I had hoped my sons would be my supporters in the old age, But that has not happened. Now my son is fighting for his life, and I have no money to even give him food, what to talk of medicines.” Anyone keen to support the cause of Ms Anand and her sons can make contributions at the office of Public Relations Officer, PGI, Sector 12.
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OBC team wins corporate quiz
Chandigarh, July 23 More than 35 teams from all over north participated in the contest which included DELL , Quark Media, OBC, SBI , HDFC Bank etc. After the written preliminary round six teams including two from Dell, Quark Media, OBC, Safal Infotech and Time School of Management qualified for the final round. Quark Media was the first runners up and DELL was the second runners up team. Mr Vivek Atray, Director Information Technology, Chandigarh Administration, and Mr Krishan Goyal, chairman, CII, Chandigarh council, gave away the prizes. Mr Chitranjan Agarwal , the winner of ESPN Corporate Challenge and a finalist on Master Mind India Show, conducted the quiz using a special quiz software. Mr Partap Aggarwal, vice- chairman, CII, Chandigarh council, proposed the vote of thanks.
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SP promises image makeover for cops
Panchkula, July 23 The SP said that he would work to evolve a scheme where people’s participation in policing would be encouraged. “Panchkula being a new town, the residents do not have much affinity. This is one of the main reasons why next door neighbours do not get to know when criminals strike,” he says. He said that he was thinking of devising a scheme of involving the Resident Welfare Associations in policing their neighbourhoods, and taking care of aged persons, who are residing alone. Mr Balbir Singh also promised a complete makeover in traffic policing. Though the strength of traffic wing is less, but we hope to make a
substantial improvement and ensure adherence to traffic rules. “ The traffic challans would also be increased so as to ensure
deterrence against traffic offences,” he added. The SP said that he would also ensure that the cops improved their style of functioning and interacted in a more friendly way with the public. “A makeover of the image of cops is also on the cards,” he promised.
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Sikh body formed
Mohali, July 23 “His being is generally stifled and he finds it difficult not only to uplift his family but also to play a constructive and meaningful role in society. Distractions sap his energy and he feels constrained to reach the higher moral state. There is an urgent need to anchor him in his true moorings with the family being the basic unit for fulfillment of his urges, strivings and upliftment,” he said. The Global Sikh Brotherhood seeks to restore the requisite balance. With family as its basic
component, it will comprise mostly of adherents to Sikhism.
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RPO staff protest against privatisation
Chandigarh, July 23 The employee leaders said till July 27, dharna would be staged by the employees in front of the passport office during the lunch time. In a representation to the Joint Secretary-cum-Chief Passport Officer, Ministry of External Affairs, the employees association has decried the awarding of passport related work to private contractors, introduction of new system of accepting applications in passport offices, non implementation of written agreements and denial to have formal dialogue with the representatives of the employees.
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Brigadier alleges interference
Chandigarh, July 23 Referring to reports about the Defence Minister seeking an explanation from the Army’s judge advocate general over advice related to the case rendered by him, the Brigadier has, in a representation submitted to the President, alleged that members and the judge advocate of the court have lost their independence for fear of rendering themselves liable for action later on. The representation adds that the desires and directions of the Defence Minister would always be at the back of the minds of the court members and their decisions are bound to be impregnated by such influences.
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Demand for more kerosene
Chandigarh, July 23 Demanding an increase in the quota of kerosene for Mauli Jagran and Mani Majra, the president of the cell, Mr Shambhu Banerjee, met the UT Advisor, Mr Lalit Sharma. He said the supply of kerosene was not regular and with the increase in the number of ration cards the demand of kerosene had also increased.
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SCs to stage dharna in Delhi
Chandigarh, July 23 Over 1,000 workers would participate in the rally being held against the non-issuance of Scheduled Caste certificates since 1995, said Mr Mukesh Kumar, president of the association.
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Body to move SC against quota policy
Chandigarh, July 23 In a statement issued here today, the federation said a general body meeting would be held at the Punjab Civil Secretariat here on July 25 to chalk out future course of action. The case is listed for hearing in the Apex Court on July 26. The amendment would nullify the effects of the judgement in the Ajit Singh Janjua case, the federation president, Mr Sham Lal Sharma, added.
— TNS
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Sec 68 residents resent PUDA’s apathy
Mohali, July 23 Due to these stray animals were crowding the roads outside their houses through the day. “Even the street lights do not function and we are living a life of utter neglect,” he said in a press note. Mr Adial added that a number of representations had been given to PUDA but nothing had been done to remove their grievances.
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Former Tribune employee dead
He joined The Tribune at Lahore. His cremation was well attended.
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Police arrests liquor smuggler after chase
Panchkula, July 23 Acting on a tip-off, Mr Mukesh Kumar, in charge of the CIA staff, Panchkula, laid a naka on the Kalka-Ambala highway in Chandi Mandir and signalled the car (HR-26N-0018) coming from the Kalka side, to stop. Noticing the police, the car sped and the cops gave it a chase. After chasing the vehicle for over 1 km, the car driver lost control over it when a dog came in the way, following which it collided with a tree. The police overpowered the car driver, Pankaj Kumar. It said he had been in the trade for the past couple of months. He had been selling liquor in Kurukshetra after purchasing it from a town in Himachal Pradesh. After registering a case under the Excise Act, the police handed him over to the officials of the Haryana Excise Department.
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PUDA to allot land for shopping mall, multiplex
Mohali, July 23 This would be the first site in Mohali to be allotted by PUDA for a multiplex and a shopping mall. Till now, PUDA had limited itself to allotting shop-cum -offices and shop-cum-flats in its commercial pockets. Sources in PUDA stated that a large part of the 10 acres that had been freed of unauthorised occupation of the colony, dwellers would be utilised by PUDA commercially due to its prime location. A small part of the area would, however, be granted to cooperative housing societies. The three-decade-old Guru Nanak Colony was razed to the ground on June 26. Sources said the land survey of the vacated site had been completed and now the layout plan was being discussed. “Other than the multiplex and shopping mall site, there would be regular SCF and SCO sites also,”
said a source.
TNS
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Zirakpur, July
23