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Encroachment ‘trade’ flourishing in city: report
Chandigarh, June 11 And with this the tall claims of the UT Administration’s drives against encroachments in the city and the villages under UT have gone for a six as the encroachers seems to be having a field day. These shocking facts have come to light in a secret report on violations on public land prepared by the CID Wing of the Chandigarh Police following directions from the UT Administration. The findings of the report reveal that hundreds of illegal structures, including jhuggis, godowns, farm houses and schools, are being raised illegally and being given on rent. Sharing the contents of the report, sources in the CID wing of the Chandigarh Police said names of several influential persons of the city have figured in the report. Over 200 illegal jhuggis have been raised under the name of Kaliyan Colony on common land of Khudda Jassu village in the past decade. The village had in fact donated this chunk of land to the Administration for a school site. The report says that a prominent city resident has raised these jhuggis over the years and has further given these hutments on rent. Not only this, farm houses, poultry farms, dairy farms and a gas agency belonging to some known faces of the city have also been constructed along the main road leading to the village. Besides this, 15 hutments have come up in the area. The report further disclosed that on a road leading from Khudda Lahora village to Jyanti Devi (near New Colony) a liquor godown, a dental clinic, a cement store, gas agencies, including a sprawling cottage, have been constructed in the past. Similarly, along the road to Sarangpur village a saw machine, a cement godown, a liquor vend, and two gas agencies are being run. Out of the total number of 13 shops constructed on agricultural land in Sarangpur village three shops belonged to prominent persons. In the Hallomajra village illegal hutments, including four shops and eight residential quarters, have also been raised on common land near the water tank, recently. In addition to this, the report reveals that in violation of the lal dora 1500 houses in Darua village, 30 in Makkhan Majra, 30 in Raipur Kalan, and 125 in Raipur Khurd had been constructed over the years. And the story does not end here, in Kaimbwala village, two persons have constructed and given on rent over 200 jhuggis on agricultural land, out of these 70 jhuggis have been constructed near Gur Sagar Gurdwara. The public land in Mauli Jagran complex and Vikas Nagar has also been encroached upon. In Indira Colony in Manimajra over 400 jhuggis have come up. Other places that find mention in the report for encroachments are Dadu Majra colony, Sector 25 near cremation ground, and near the government school in Palsora village, where a shop dealing in construction material and other establishments have come up.
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CTP’s ‘golden’ auction leaves farmers fuming
Chandigarh, June 11 The total value of 129 acres of land works out to be more than Rs 1,250 crore in the final analysis. The CHB has got Rs 821.21 crore for the land and will get 30 per cent of share out of the residential apartments sold by the company. The cost per acre works out to nearly Rs 10 crore, the farmers argue. They feel cheated because they have been paid only Rs 10-12 lakh per acre. The Chandigarh Farmers Action Group submitted a representation in this regard to the local MP, Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, this evening. They are requesting that the matter be taken up with the Centre and top brass of the Chandigarh Administration, as well. They are also seeking an appointment with the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, and Ms Sonia Gandhi to put forth their grievances and bring to their notice ‘‘the gross injustice being committed with the farmers of the city’’. Farmers say that they have been forced to take this step after their farmland, that has been acquired recently for amounts varying between Rs 10-12 lakh, has within a year been auctioned for over Rs 10 crore per acre by the CHB, which is an important wing of the Administration ‘‘The CHB is making a profit of Rs 1,250 crore for the Chandigarh Administration. A survey of the site clearly indicates that the Administration has not done any development on the acquired farmland and Administration too has admitted that the developer will be responsible for developing the required infrastructure’’, Ms Jyotii Subramanian, an activist of the Farmers Action Group, said. As an immediate interim step, the land owners are demanding from their MP, a supplementary award to ensure that land owners get at least a significant share of the money that Administration has made from the arbitrary and forcible acquisition of their land. ‘‘In any property deal, the dealer gets one per cent while the owner gets 99 per cent but here the Administration which in effect performed the function of a property dealer has kept 99 per cent and given the owners, that is the farmers, one per cent share,’’ Mr Jujhar Singh, a local farmer, said. The Administration on its part maintains that ‘‘it is not a profit making organisation and no surpluses are being generated from the acquisition of the land. A lot of investment is made from the Central budget for the acquisition of land. Crores are spent on providing electricity, water and other infrastructure to the city residents’’, they argued. It is also argued that ‘‘ sizeable amounts are spent on the installation of power lines and other infrastructure, including roads and sewers.
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Plan to shift
Sector 17
parking lots
Chandigarh, June 11 In a new proposal, the Administration has proposed that the area under paid parking be converted into no-parking zone. The idea was floated at a recent meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner on the revitalisation and development of the shopping centre. “The aim of the proposal is to decongest the area of vehicular pollution and increase greenery”, said a senior official. By rough estimates, around 90,000 vehicles daily enter various paid parking lots. To begin with, the Administration and the Municipal Corporation have proposed that the parking lot in front of Empire Stores, Sector 17-E, be converted into no-parking zone. “The plinth level of the metalled area will be raised and covered with chequered tiles to merge it with the existing pedestrian area. This will provide more walking space for visitors”, said the official. Depending upon the alternative arrangements, the entire sector could be made a no-parking zone. Not opposed to the idea, the Traders Association of Sector 17 during the meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner had demanded that alternative arrangements should be made as it could affect their business. The area councillor, Mr Pradeep Chhabra, said alternative arrangements should be made before declaring it a no-parking zone. He lamented that despite him being the councillor, the Administration did not bother to include him in the committee constituted for the development of the sector. Sources in the corporation said it had been decided to strengthen the parking area near Shivalikview hotel so that it could accommodate a large number of vehicles. Besides, the work to allot the tender for a multi-storied parking, adjoining the Sector 17 filing station, was in the final stages, said an official of the corporation. To cost around Rs 1 crore, the parking would accommodate 700 vehicles. The official said the main aim was to ensure that the vehicles did not enter the main commercial area and parked on the outer fringes of the commercial centre. On the weekends, the parking contractors have to put up boards of “parking full”. In the parking near the bank square area, the problem of parking remains a headache throughout the
week.
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Revenue stamps selling in the black
Chandigarh, June 11 This has led to their sale in the black market. The general public has been left with the option to either go to the UT Treasury Office in Sector 17 or buy the stamps in black. Reason for the non-availability of the stamps was the Punjab circle of the Postal Department not being able to sort out the issue of commission with the Chandigarh Administration and the Punjab Government. "The stand of the Postal Department is that since it sells the stamps on behalf of the respective state government, the benefiting government has to pay the commission," said a senior official of the Postal Department. This red tickets for Re 1 is used in thousands everyday in the city. Payments made against vouchers in private companies also require the revenue stamp. Earlier, the stamps were available at more than 20 post offices in the city. Enquires reveal that at least three vendors selling general stationery and forms for various entrance tests in front of the General Post Office, Sector 17, kept a quota of stamps in reserve. The Re 1 stamp was available for Rs 2 with them. In rural areas, each stamp was being sold for Rs 10. An official at the UT Treasury Office said in light of the stand off between the Postal Department and the respective state governments, the treasury was selling the revenue stamps directly. The official said: "The trouble started when the Postal Department started asking for a share in profits from the sale of the stamps. They are demanding a higher share than suggested by our office. The matter should be sorted out at the earliest because the public is facing the brunt." Sources said the UT Treasury officials had proposed that stamp vendors be allowed to sell the stamps at a commission of 3 per cent. But the proposal had to be approved by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Since all the revenue of Chandigarh went to the Consolidated Fund of India, any money paid to any department had to be credited and the permission of the MHA was required.
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Passing thru
What is the Parker Road Show all about?
Parker is celebrating its 10th anniversary in India, by organising road shows, the first of which was in Chandigarh. This four-day road show covered prominent markets, shopping malls and popular hangouts in the city, where various games were organised. The company showcased the Parker heritage and a glimpse into their exciting year ahead. Why did you chose the city to kick- start your nation-wide road show campaign? Chandigarh is one of our most important markets where the response from our customers and partners has been overwhelming. Parker is already available in close to 800 outlets in the city and we are determined to scale up this number significantly this year. How has Luxor Writing Instruments been performing in India? There are no audited studies on the writing instrument industry in India, but we are among the top players. In the past ten years, we have sold 70 million pens. The company's growth rate in the last fiscal was 25 per cent, with a turnover of Rs 70 crore. For the coming 18 - 24 months, we have set a target of an our annual turnover Rs 100 crore from India. — Ruchika M. Khanna
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Admn not prepared to tackle rains: residents
Panchkula, June 11 Residents complain that road gullies in most of the sectors are in a bad shape. A majority of the gullies have been chocked with solid waste. The worst affected areas are in Sectors 10, 15, 16, 19, 2, 4, 9, 14, 17 and 18. The problem of rainwater discharge in Sector 20 and 21 is peculiar, the residents claimed. The rain has been playing havoc in Sectors 9, 10, 17 and 19 every year. Knee-deep rainwater accumulates at various places in Sector 15, thus creating flood-like situation. The rainwater enters in houses located in low-lying areas, said Mr S.K. Nayar, president of the Citizen’s Welfare Association, Panchkula. He said though the problem had been brought to the notice of the administration many times, nothing concrete had been done in this regard. Another resident of Sector 17, Mr Ravinder Kumar, complained that HUDA had undertaken the widening of B-roads in Sectors 17 and 16. After completing the widening, the authorities had left the extended width of the road uncarpeted while the old surface of the road was re-carpeted. The residents have urged the authorities concerned to take preventive steps and complete the project before the monsoon. Meanwhile, Mr Deepak Rai Walia, a spokesman for the Panchkula Municipal Council, claimed that in view of the ensuing monsoon, the civic body had taken preventive measures. He said a cleanliness drive had been undertaken with special focus on villages, colonies and low-lying areas of the city. During the drive, a special taskforce comprising 70 to 80 persons manned with tractor trailers , JCBs and trucks had been used for clearing road-berms, curve-channels, congress grass, malba and other solid waste. The council chief had specifically asked executive engineers of all divisions to clear all road gullies, storm water channels and sewerage lines so ensure free flow of rainwater. The nullahs and seasonal rivulets flowing through the city, specially in low-lying areas, would soon be cleaned of all obstructions. Rajiv Colony, Indira Colony, Sector 19. Industrial Area, Sector 2, roundabouts and T-Junctions are the next targets of the civic body.
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BJP not to tolerate killing of J&K Hindus
Panchkula, June 11 Mr Koshiyari made this statement while talking to media persons here today. On his way back from Jammu and Kashmir to Uttranchal after attending “Suraksha Abhiyan” Mr Koshiyari was in city to have his breakfast with Mr VK Sood, treasurer of the Kisan Morcha of the BJP. Coming on heavily at the UPA government for adopting double standards, Mr Koshiyari said the peace process in Jammu and Kashmir would fail to yield results if the bloodshed continue in the Valley. He said the Congress-led governments at the Centre as well in the state had turned a soft corner towards the militants in the past. The resent massacre, in which over 35 Hindus were killed by the militants, had shattered the Hindu Community in the Valley. He appealed the BJP leaders and workers to join a massive rally to be organised at Jammu on June 15.
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Bansal’s assurance to Maloya Colony residents
Chandigarh, June 11 Different resident welfare associations in the area had organised the function to facilitate Mr Bansal for his elevation as the Minister of State for Finance. Those present at the function included Mr H.S. Lucky, the Deputy Mayor, Mrs Geeta Chaudhary, the local councillor and Mr
Pawan Sharma, a Congress leader. Mr Bansal assured the residents that the area needed a bigger green cover. He also assured them to look into the matter of a pathway for walkers along the road segments in the area.
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MCPI rally against hike in petro prices
Chandigarh, June 11 Workers from the Industrial Area were accompanied by a section of workers from other areas of the city, a press release said. The participants gathered at the roundabout of Sectors 19-20 and proceeded to the ISBT, Sector 17 where a protest ‘dharna’ was also organised. Anti-price hike slogans were raised at the venue. The rally was addressed among others by Mr Chander Shekher, a member of the All-India Preparatory Committee of the MCPI(U), Mr Malkiat Singh, All India Secretary of the AICTU and local leaders.
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Tributes paid to Manchanda
Chandigarh, June 11 Addressing the condolence meeting, various trade union leaders, including Mr Bhagwan Sawrup Sharma and Mr Anil Bhatnagar, president and general secretary, respectively, of the North Zone Insurance Employees’ Association, lauded his services. Prominent among those, who spoke were Mr Inderjit Singh Grewal, secretary of the Punjab unit of the CPM, Mr A.S. Sahni, secretary of the Chandigarh unit of the CITU.
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RJD workers celebrate Lalu Yadav’s birthday
Chandigarh, June 11 Mr V.S.T. Malik, state president, said the RJD will contest the forthcoming Municipal Corporation elections “with full force”. The RJD workers also participated in a ‘shobha yatra’ organised on the occasion of the 608th jayanti of Sant Kabir.
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Inner Wheel Chairperson installed
Panchkula, June 11 Over 300 members of 35 clubs participated in the ceremony ‘‘Nai Disha’’ at Red Bishop, in Sector 1. The members also presented a cultural programme on the occasion. Earlier, Ms Neeru
Khattar, the outgoing Chairperson, read out the annual report and informed members about various projects taken up by the clubs last year. She claimed that stress had been laid on three main
projects—MMR immunisation, oral hygiene and water conservation— during her tenure. The Inner Wheel Club, Ambala Cantonment, Inner Wheel Club, Panipat, and the Inner Wheel Club,
Chandigarh Midtown, were adjudged the best clubs with more that 25 members. The jewel of the district awards for the best presidents were given to Ms Suprabha Jain, Inner Wheel Club, Ambala Cantonment, Ms Mala
Awasthi, Inner Wheel Club, Panipat, Ms Deepa Sahib Singh, Inner Wheel Club, Chandigarh Midtown, and Ms Salini Chaudhary, Inner Wheel Club, Kaithal. Awards were also given to the clubs for completing the best projects in
MMR, oral hygiene and water conservation.
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Honour for Rashpal Malhotra
Chandigarh, June 11 Mr Malhotra is the first Indian, who has been conferred the degree for his contribution in promoting scientific, educational and cultural relations between CRRID and the university in particular and between India and Korea in general, according to a press note issued here today. The citation also mentioned that he had not only devoted his life to India’s political and economic development and industrialisation but also contributed in national integration and peace process within and outside India, it added.
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Boy dies of fever
Panchkula, June 11 According to the information, the boy had been suffering from fever for the last two days. He was given medical treatment by a chemist of the locality. His parents took him to the General Hospital, Sector 6, after his health deteriorated. The boy died in the General Hospital, this afternoon. The boy’s death has raised doubts over the quality of water and sanitation conditions in the colony. The hospital management however, said that the doctors attending to the boy could tell the exact cause of the death. The heat wave as a cause for the death could not be ruled out, a doctor in the hospital said.
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Art of Living holds medical camp
Panchkula, June 11 The Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Chander Mohan, inaugurated the camp and appreciated the Art of Living for providing free medicare to the poor and needy. He also claimed that the Haryana government had initiated healthcare programme in rural areas. To ensure better health facilities in remote areas, the government would introduce mobile health care units, he said. Needy patients were also given free medicines. Doctors from government and private institutions examined the patients for various ailments.
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Decomposed body of woman found
Chandigarh, June 11 The body was decomposed beyond recognition and the police could not find anything from the spot which could help in the identification of the victim. The police said the possibility of the victim being raped before being killed could not be ruled out. However, the police was working on several theories to crack the mystery behind the death. The body without a left arm was maggot infested and its skin was rotting. A lock of hair was found lying besides the body. The police said the victim might have met with an accident, in which she lost her arm before collapsing there in a badly injured condition. From the condition of the body, it appeared that the victim might have died about 48 hours ago, said a police officer inspecting the spot. The incident came to light when someone, who had gone there to answer a call of nature, spotted the body from where a foul smell was emanating. He reported the matter to the police. The police reached the spot and called the forensic expert team from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory and the dog squad to inspect the spot. "We will first try to identify the victim and then try to ascertain the cause of death, for which we will wait till the post-mortem and the Viscera reports," Deputy Superintendent of Police (East), Vijay Pal Singh said. Meanwhile, the police has initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The body was sent to the Sector 16 General Hospital.
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Suicide bid by youth
Chandigarh, June 11 Giving details of the incident sources in Manimajra police station said Manoj Kumar was found hanging by her mother at around 8:30 pm. she immediately raised the alarm and Manoj was rescued. The police was informed about the incident, which took the victim to the hospital. Manoj’s father had died in the past. A Case under Section 309 of the IPC has been registered in this regard. About the arrest of a proclaimed offender sources in the Industrial Area police station said, Naresh Kumar, alias Vicky of Pinjore, was today arrested from Raipur Khurd village. Sources said Naresh booked in a cheating and forgery case in 1996 remained elusive to the police. He was declared proclaimed offender by a local court in December 2004.
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Jawan commits ‘suicide’
Chandigarh, June 11 The jawan has been identified as Sanjit Kumar, from Bihar. A resident of a nearby colony found the body hanging from the tree and reported the matter to the police. No visible injury mark was found on the body. The police said officials of the battalion told the police that the victim had been missing since last evening. The body was sent to the Sector 16 General Hospital.
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AIR office opened
Chandigarh, June 11 This was stated by Mr K.S Sarma, Chief Executive Officer of the Prasar Bharati, while inaugurating the office of the Deputy Director General (Northern region) of the AIR in Sector 34, here today. Mr Sarma said the commercial revenue of AIR had risen to Rs 270 crore this financial year as compared to Rs 140 crore in the previous year. Mr Brijeshwar Singh, Director General of the AIR, was also present on the occasion. Tree saplings were also planted by the visiting senior officials on the occasion.
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