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Chaos rules city roads
Chandigarh, October 26 Those caught in the protest had to wait for several hours for the traffic to clear. Even those who managed to avoid the roads with jammed traffic were delayed due to the heavy rush on the alternative routes. Traffic lights changed from red to green several times, but the vehicles simply refused to budge even on Madhya Marg.
The brunt was borne by the residents commuting on the roads cutting through Sectors 43, 44, 34, 35, 22 and 23. The procession was so long that its tail was in Sector 43, while the head reached Sector 17. The worst affected were the school students, patients and their attendants. Some students, free from school at about 4.15 pm, returned home thirsty and hungry only after 7.30 pm, even though the drive takes just 45 minutes under normal circumstances. As a result of the delay, the parents had to suffer anxious moments, resulting in frantic calls to the school authorities. The normal flow of traffic did not resume till about 9 pm. It was agony prolonged for the patients, especially the ones visiting private hospitals in the southern sectors. Some of them had to cancel their appointments with the doctors. Others had to forgo their medicines. Mukesh Kumar of Kharar, suffering from severe migraine, could not reach Sector 32 Government Medical College and Hospital from the Sector 43 inter-state bus terminus as auto-rickshaws refused to “take chances”. As a result, he had to return with a thumping headache. Back to the roads, everywhere you looked, you could see a sea of gurgling protesters splashing against the road berms, struggling hard to break free and move ahead. Holding placards and banners, they raised anti-CBI slogans. Their voices mingled with the roar of bus and car engines to create a deafening din. In a futile attempt to ensure free flow of traffic, the police tried to divert the traffic. But in the end, it managed to contribute to the chaos. Giving details of the route, they said protesters started marching toward Matka Chowk from Sector 43 around 8 am. The procession passed through the road passing through Sectors 43, 44, 34 and 35, before reaching the Aroma traffic lights. From there, the procession reached Matka Chowk at about 1 pm, via the Sectors 22 and 23 traffic lights. The sources in the local police said devotees started descending on the city in a large number of vehicles from Punjab and Haryana late last night. They assembled in the open areas in Sector 43 after parking their vehicles along the roads cutting through Sectors 43, 51, 44 and 52.
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Brisk business for some
Chandigarh, October 26 However, at the end of the day, all of them were not “happy”. Some of them claimed that a few local residents took advantage of the chaos and managed to swipe away things without pulling out money. Some protesters were prepared for the big event. They were carrying along with them mineral water bottles, besides sweets. A few of them exhibited generosity by offering the stuff to the reporters covering the event. Though the rally was peaceful, traffic chaos kept the Chandigarh Police on its toes. Throughout the day, it tried in vain to control the traffic on the route taken by the protesters. Taking advantage of the situation, some youngsters zoomed up and down the roads, three on a bike without wearing helmets. Troubles may be over for the Chandigarh Police, but Thursday is going to be a tough for the Municipal Corporation staff. For, the over one lakh protesters left the city littered with garbage, paper plates, empty water bottle and sweet boxes — they will have to pick them all.
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Everybody wants a pass for match
Chandigarh, October 26 The Chandigarh Tribune spoke to a few local residents on the tie. Rajinder Singh, a resident of Sector 45 said in March last, when India and Pakistan played each other, there was an unusual craze as two countries are traditional rivals in cricket. But now with Sri Lanka in fray, it was better to watch the match on TV. He said Sachin is the only attraction to watch this tie. Rajpal, a doctor, said Chandigarh was a hub of civil servants, police officers, ministers and others whose kin always manage to throng the VIP gates of the PCA Stadium with passes. He said those who have the spending power should be asked to buy the ticket and the practice of giving passes must be dispensed with. In his view, the India-Sri Lanka match would be a low-key affair. Sarvpreet Singh, an officer with a private bank, said the Greg Chappell-Sourav Ganguly feud had given bad name to cricket which was till date considered to be a religion in Indian sport. He said the cricket popularity graph had been going down with each passing day. Ranjan Chopra, a sportsman, said though he had played basketball at the college level, and cricket at class
level, if someone offered him a Terrace Block pass in the Cricket Stadium, only then would he go, otherwise he would not like to miss office. He said the PCA had done a yeoman’s job by having international cricket matches once or twice a year. Ashish Sharma, a sales manager said the closing month’s sales have forced him not to think of the one-day tie. Moreover, with the Divali celebrations round the corner, his bosses have also asked him to meet the targets, so no time for this cricket extravaganza. But he would love to watch a few glimpses of the Indian team playing under Rahul Dravid, the new captain, who has already given a thumping win for India in the first International tie.
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Bid to scuttle probe, say victims
Chandigarh, October 26 Mr Anshul Chatrapati, son of Ram Chander Chatrapati, Editor of Pura Such Prisar, who was allegedly killed by certain dera members, today stated that the CBI had been investigating the matter on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He added that the case of sexual harassment of sadhvis had been handed over to the CBI by the high court on the recommendations of the then Sessions Judge of Sirsa. Refuting the claims of the representatives of the protesters that they were not against CBI inquiry of the cases and were protesting only against the 'unfair' investigations and the role of two investigating officers, the families of the victim maintained that the members of dera had moved high court as well as the Supreme Court against the CBI investigations. Mr Joginder Singh, father of Ranjit Singh, who was allegedly killed by dera members in July 2002 in Kurukshetra, alleged that the dera members were bent upon scuttling the investigations. Sources in the CBI said they had evidences against the dera members.
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PU applies for patent of anti-obesity egg
Chandigarh, October 26 This patent is based on the invention of Prof S.K. Taneja, Department of Zoology, and took him nearly six years of focused research on nutritional aspect of poultry birds and metabolic – x syndrome individuals to develop this egg. This modified egg reduces the absorption rate of nutrients and restores the mineral composition of the cells in the body of diabetic consumers and reduces the severity of the disease in them. In 2002, he developed a low cholesterol egg enriched with vitamin E and omega – 3 fatty acids. The large-scale production and marketing rights of this egg were transferred to Jaya Health Care, Panchkula, under an MOU with Panjab University. The company is marketing these eggs under the brand name “Smart Eggs”. The eggs for diabetics are the second product developed by him. Its patent application has been filed with patent Office Branch, Government of India, New Delhi with technical and financial support of technology information. Forecasting and assessment council (TIFAC), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi, through the Patent Information Centre, Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, Chandigarh. The importance of this product lies in the fact that there is an increasing prevalence of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus the world over. Considering this as a serious global problem, Professor Taneja focused his research on a product which can form a part of our regular diet and prevent the onset of complications associated with obesity and obesity related diseases. He has been successful in “designing” the egg for those who are constantly gaining weight and have a family history or suffering from NIDDM. Its inclusion in the diet reduces the accelerated weight gain, instead of increasing cholesterol it decreases bad cholesterol (LDL-c & VLDL-c) and increases good cholesterol (HDL-c), lowers blood glucose by increasing insulin sensitivity, lowers blood pressure by lowering cortisone and aldosterone hormones in blood. It increases the synthesis of glycogen in liver and muscles, prevents cell damage and restores their damaged structure if any. Mr Taneja says, “Obesity is the result of increased absorption of nutrients by the intestine attributed to the excessive bio-availability of zinc either due to their genetic predisposition or due to the high zinc content in the type of food they consume. The enlargement of fat cells over a period of time occurs due to accumulation of fat caused by increased absorption of nutrients as a result of excessive bioavailability of zinc leading to obesity”. The efficacy of these eggs has been studied in detail on the rat model wherein obesity was induced by feeding the rats on a diet containing double the amount of zinc than their daily dietary requirement. This method made the rats obese and they developed all the symptoms of metabolic-X syndrome found in human. “We appeal to the medical practioners, institutes and government agencies and the National Egg Coordination Committee to participate in this research by testing the efficacy of these eggs on human beings. The collective efforts and wisdom in this venture can help reduce the suffering of the obese. On our part, we can provide these eggs for further research on humans,” he stated.
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Rodrigues for coordinated planning of UT, suburbs
Chandigarh, October 26 A master plan for the area in the periphery of Chandigarh, the strategy for growth of satellite towns with an efficient communication of transport system, additional links to Panchkula and Mohali and a byepass for Chandigarh need special attention and to be made integral part of this regional planning concept. Participating in the 25th meeting of the Northern Zonal Council presided over by the Union Home Minister at Shimla, General Rodrigues said that the implementation of the Periphery Control Act, 1952, in the areas falling outside the jurisdiction of Chandigarh has been tardy since its inception. A mechanism to achieve the object of the Act needs to be devised and strictly implemented in cooperation with the states of Punjab and Haryana, to ensure healthy and planned development of the city and to prevent the growth of slums and unauthorised constructions on the periphery of the city. Advocating the need of according a partnership status in sharing of water and power for the Union Territory, Chandigarh, General Rodrigues said that the Bhakra Beas Management Board was constituted to take care of the demands of irrigation and power. The matter has already been taken up with the Government of India and discussed at various forums which needs early formal decision to protect the interest of the people of the Union Territory, Chandigarh. He further emphasised that Chandigarh, being the successor state of the erstwhile Punjab, has also the right in water and power generation from the Renuka Dam, Kishau Dam and Hathni Kund Barrage which should be formalised. Highlighting the concern over the problems of congestion on account of day by day increasing traffic from Punjab to Himachal Pradesh via Chandigarh, a byepass needs to be urgently constructed covering the areas of Union Territory, Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana. The Government of India must consider this issue on priority basis as it is very essential factor for streamlining the flow of traffic and ensuring hassle free journey.
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Nayagaon rape case: two cops sacked
Chandigarh, October 26 The two have been dismissed with immediate effect. They were already under arrest by the Special Investigation Team formed on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Police officials said the Director-General of Police (DGP), Mr S.S. Virk, issued the orders yesterday. The DGP has opined that no departmental enquiry was likely to succeed against the two and it was not practical to hold such an enquiry, the DGP went on to justify in his order. The appeal against the DGP’s order may lie in superior courts, sources have confirmed. The DGP further justified his move in the order saying Inspector Jagjit Singh acted more like a member of the land mafia in Naygaon rather than a police officer.
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PUDA to auction multistoreyed residential complex
Mohali, October 26 This is the first time that land for a residential complex will be auctioned by PUDA in Mohali. The decision is part of the approvals granted to the layout plan of 11 acres of prime land in Phase X vacated following the demolition of the unauthorised Guru Nanak Colony. These approvals were given during a meeting of the regional and town planning committee held yesterday. The entire area has been divided into three main pockets. 2.5 acres would be used for residential purposes in which a modern multistorey housing would be allowed and the area would be auctioned, said a source in PUDA. Another 2.5 acres would be for commercial usage in which office spaces for large corporate houses would be auctioned. Another 2.5 acres would be auctioned for a multiplex and mall. The rest of the 1.5 acres would be a green patch in the area. Sources said the first set of the auctions of the multiplex and mall would take place by December.
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Rickshawpuller seeks FIR in assault case
Chandigarh, October 26 Though a rickshawpuller claims that he had to undergo a six-hour operation after being assaulted by a group of three earlier this month, the Chandigarh Police has simply failed to register an assault case in the matter. Eager to seek justice, “victim” Aitbar Ali has now shot off a communique to the city’s Senior Superintendent of Police for the registration of a first information report (FIR)in the matter. The complaint was submitted through the “public window system” of the Chandigarh Police on October 21. Alleging inaction, Ali has stated that the police was harassing him and his family, instead of proceeding against the accused. In fact, the cops were forcing him to enter into a compromise with the accused. Going into the background of the matter, Ali has stated that he was assaulted with a spade in a Sector 18 rickshaw stand on October 6 while he was about to ferry passengers. Citing land dispute between them as the reason behind the attack, he stated that the accused had been threatening him since long. Ali said that 48 hours after the alleged attack he was operated upon for head injury and was discharged from a hospital only after 12 days. He has further claimed that his two brothers, Mehboob and Mansoor, were in constant touch with the police officials while he was recovering in the hospital. But the men-in-khaki kept on dilly-dallying, instead of registering an attempt to murder case. As a result, the three managed to slip away and were still absconding. Confirming the receipt of the complaint, a senior police officer says he is looking into the complaint. “If the commission of a cognizable offence is established in the preliminary inquiry, we will surely register a criminal case.”
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Residents rue lack of civic amenities
Mohali, October 26 Brig Harwant Singh (retd), president of the All-India Defence Brotherhood, said foul smell coming from Madanpura village had created a hell for the residents of the area. An open drain from the village was connected to the sewerage system of the colony which had been constructed by the AWHO out of funds contributed by the residents. The dirty water from the village blocked sewer lines and every time more than Rs 200 had to be spent on getting the blockage cleared. He said that many villagers had built small rooms in the village which had been given on rent to migrant labourers creating a nuisance for the residents of the colony. The matter had been taken up with the Municipal Council and the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority but to no avail. Action was not being taken as the labourers were considered to be the vote bank of politicians.
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Paramveer wins Panth Rattan award
Chandigarh, October 26 A total of 195 entries received for the competition from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh. Paramveer Singh from Bathinda won the prestigious Panth Rattan Inderjit Singh memorial award for his painting titled “We are on sale”. The other award winning entries were Megha Katyal’s “Indian Market”, Ravinder Singh’s “Burail Market”, Anjon Bose’s “Indian Bazar” and Harpreet Kohli’s “Window Shopping”. Two special prizes also went to Vikas Bhardwaj for his work “Bhida Bazar Bhiwani” and Sheefali Bhatnagar for her artwork “Fruit Market”. The theme for this year’s competition was “Markets”.
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Animal welfare camp
Chandigarh, October 26 The immunisation programme was undertaken at the camp focussing on foot and mouth Haemorragic septicemia and rabies. The camp was inaugurated by Mr Didar Singh, chairman of the panchayat samiti. As many as 110 animals were vaccinated. Similar camps will also be organised at Dadu Majra, Mani Majra, Dhanas, Maloya, Makhan Majra, Sarangpur and Bhagwanp Yura villages of the UT.
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Tips on safe use of LPG given
Chandigarh, October 26 Safe LPG practices were propagated in the form of safety clinics, mobile van, campaigns customer contact programmes etc. They said Suraksha rubber tube was anti-rodent, flame-proof, and had a long life, was leakproof, weather-proof qualities and made LPG usage safer. The campaign culminated in the form of lucky draw for Suraksha users wherein prizes like TV, fridge, micro wave oven, DVDs, etc were given. A mass safety clinic was also organised on the occasion at Jat Bhavan, Sector 27 wherein more than 500 consumers participated. The Executive Officer of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mr Anurag Tyagi, gave tips on safe usage of LPG and gave away the prizes.
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Cong rally against female foeticide
Chandigarh, October 26 Major Mohini said it was a matter of concern that the female population was witnessing a downward trend nationally in a number of districts. Mrs Joshi said that the Chandigarh unit was committed towards carrying forward the programme for three more months.
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Cancer awareness walk tomorrow
Chandigarh, October 26 According to Neelu Tuli, President Sahayta, the participants will be received at Sector 17 plaza by Shobha Kosar, director, Pracheen Kala Kendra (a cervix cancer survivor herself), and Dr Firuza Patel of Radiotherapy Department, PGIMER. She added that the walk sponsored by Harbinder Singh, a Raymond group dealer, will be followed by a talk on the issue. Pink October is being observed worldwide as a breast cancer campaign month and cervical cancer has been made a part of it. The looped pink ribbon, an internationally recognised symbol representing hope and awareness, is available for Rs 50 and the collection will go as contribution to the cause. The motto of breast and cervical cancer awareness month this year is ‘Early detection is your best protection’.
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SAF donates Rs 1.5 crore
Chandigarh, October 26 The SAF had contributed Rs 4.5 crore last month to build SOS Children’s Village at Ganderbal near Srinagar in cooperation with SOS-Kinderdorf, with a view to jointly design educational curricula for social orphans at all the four SOS Children’s Villages in Srinagar, Jammu, Leh and Muzzafarabad. The statement received here was released at Chennai by Mr. N. Ram, Trustee, SAF.
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Former Tribune employee dead
Chandigarh, October 26
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Sohana resident stabbed
Mohali, October 26 The police said Joginder Pal Singh, a resident of Sohana village, was on a scooter when he was hit by another scooterist coming from the opposite direction near the Sohana octroi point. The two got into an argument following the accident. Then the other person reportedly took out his kirpan and stabbed Joginder Singh in a fit of anger. He was rushed to the Phase VI Civil Hospital from where he was shifted to the PGI in a serious condition. The other person was taken to police station. He has been arrested.
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Pathan opens showroom
The renovated showroom has exquisite quality ethnic variety of clothes catering to all woman segments. Minni Singh of the Utkrisht Vatika fame has designed the products as per varying requirements, including tops in an Indo-western range for different occasions, suits, lengths and sarees. Both cricketers were delighted to have a curious look at various new designs.
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Chandigarh, October 26