Chandigarh, October 12
Troubled by the escalating demand for power, the Haryana Power Utilities is imposing 10 -12 hour power restrictions on industry and agriculture sectors and five to six hours restrictions on domestic consumers in the state.

This is one of the rare occasions when power restrictions have been imposed at this time of the year. Generally, demand in the agriculture sector crashes at this time, after the harvesting of the paddy crop, thus giving a breather to the power- starved industry and domestic consumers. This power shortage has thrown normal life out of gear, with industry crying out that its production has been hit.

Top officials in Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL) informed TNS that the present demand for power in the state was to the tune of 790 lakh units (LUs). Comparatively, in October last year, the demand for power varied between 550- 600 LUs. “Now, the total availability is just 650 LUs, with a shortfall of 140 LUs on an average each day. Thus, we are left with no option, but to impose cuts on various categories of consumers,” informed a senior official.

With a large number of power purchase agreements made by the State Power Utilities for the summer months ending now, the state has come under pressure to match the gap in demand and supply.

“Though we have made agreements to purchase about 80 LUs of power, we have managed to get open access for just 40 LUs of power. Presently, we are getting just about 15 LUs of power from other power trading corporations/ state electricity boards as the transmission lines are not available,” said the officer.

This year, the demand for power in the rural sector has increased drastically. As compared to a demand for 300 - 310 LUs in the rural sector, in October last year, the demand in this month has remained as high as 400 LUs. “In the industrial sector, too, the demand has increased from 110 LUs last year to 160 LUs in October this year. With the cost of captive power generation rising steadily over the past one year (because of frequent hike in diesel rates), more and more industrial consumers have stopped their own power generation and rely on the government for power supply,” said an official.

Even as Haryana faces a power shortage, Punjab has managed to sort out its power problems by aggressively purchasing power. As compared to a demand of 1100 LUs, the state has an availability of 1030 LUs. Senior officials in the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) said that there were no power restrictions in the state, except for need-based cuts for maintenance purposes.

Chandigarh, October 12
A Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court comprising Acting Chief Justice S.S. Nijjar and Mr Justice S.S. Saron today dismissed a bunch of petitions challenging the action of the Haryana Government in denying appointment to the petitioners to the Haryana Civil Service (HCS) in spite of their having cleared the exam.

The petitioners, Mr Mohinder Singh and 14 others, all of whom figured in the list of successful candidates released by the Haryana Public Service Commission for 102 posts of HCS (Executive) and HCS (Allied) service, had also challenged the legality of the order of the present Haryana Government to reduce the number of HCS posts from 300 to 230.

The petitioners had stated that pursuant to the advertisement issued on January 24, 2004, they applied for selection and appointment to HCS. The preliminary examination was held on May 23, 2004, while the mains were held from August 1, to August 10, 2004. The result of the mains was declared on December 7, 2004.

Thereafter, the candidates who had cleared the mains were called to appear in the interviews, which were held from December 15 to 18, 2004. The final result was declared on December 30, 2004.

However, in the meantime, in view of elections to the Haryana Assembly, the Election Commission of India imposed the election code of conduct across the state, which included a ban on all fresh selections and appointments. The code came into effect before the final result had been declared.

The elections resulted in the previous Om Prakash Chautala government being replaced by the Bhupinder Singh Hooda-led Congress government, which decided to reduce the number of posts of HCS cadre from 300 to 230. Of the 102 posts, the selection process for which had been carried out, 70 stood abolished due to the slashing of posts.

In their petition, Mr Mohinder Singh and other candidates had prayed for directions to the respondents to issue appointment letters to all of them.

However, the Bench headed by Acting Chief Justice S.S. Nijjar dismissed their pleas, holding that the declaration of the result does not grant any benefits to the candidates unless appointment letters have been also issued.

Panipat, October 12
All samples of water taken by the health authorities from different places in the city following the death of a migrant labourer allegedly after consuming contaminated water from Public health taps on September 30 failed purity test.

More than 24 labourers reportedly fell sick due to contaminated water in the new grain market.

According to information, the health authorities following reports in news- papers about the death of a labourer had collected 12 samples of water from different places in the city and sent these for test at Karnal.

All four samples taken from the new grain market were found contaminated with coliform bacteria, it was learnt.

The samples taken from the tap in the civil surgeon’s office, Panipat, also failed the test.

Similarly the water supply of the Public Health department to a nursing home in elegant locality of the city, Model Town, was found infected with highest number of coliforms. The number of coliforms found in the sample of this nursing home were 1800 in100 ml of water while the water sample collected from ward number 6 contained 17 coliforms in same quantity of water.

Samples were collected from Batra colony, Ward number 7, Green Park, Tehsil camp and Weaver’s colony also.

Coliform bacteria are organisms which are present in environment and in the excreta of all warm-blooded animals and humans.

However, the presence of coliform bacteria in drinking water indicates that disease-causing organisms (pathogens) may be present in the supply system.

“The regular consumption of water with coliform bacteria can cause loose motions and constipation,” informed Dr C.V. Singh, District Health Officer, Panipat. The Public Health department was informed about the situation and told to chlorinate water, added the DHO.

The claim of Health authorities was contradicted by the Public Health department.

Mr Ram Chander, SDO, Public Health, Panipat, claimed the five water samples collected by him from new grain market after the death of a labourer on September 30 were found potable. Only one sample collected from a tubewell installed by the market committee could not meet the test parameters and the market committee was told to chlorinate the water supply from that tubewell accordingly, said the SDO.

Chandigarh, October 12
The Haryana Home Department has begun an exercise to bring about police reforms on the directions of the Supreme Court so as to enhance the efficiency of the police, both as a law-enforcing agency and as an institution to protect the rights of citizens.

An official spokesman said here today that the department was contemplating setting up a state security commission to ensure that the state police always acted according to the law of the land. The Chief Minister or the Home Minister would be its chairman and the Director-General of Police would act as its ex-officio secretary.

The commission would, among other things, prepare a report regarding the performance of the police for placing it before the state Assembly.

Apart from this, the Police Department was in the process of drawing up guidelines for the separation of its investigation wing from the law and order maintaining police. This would ensure speedier investigation and better expertise and improve rapport with people. In the first phase, this scheme would be implemented in those towns which had a population of more than 10 lakh. Gradually, it would be extended to other towns. The department was also in the process of setting up a police establishment board, which would decide all transfers, postings, promotions and other service-related matters of officers below the rank of DSP. 

Panipat, October 12
Joining hands, the local leaders of all political parties have decided to oppose any decision of government to seal the properties in the city here today. A “Sealing Hatao Sangharsh Samiti” was also formed under the chairmanship of former Education Minister Om Parkash Jain.

While interacting with the mediapersons, members of the samiti alleged that the government remained unsuccessful in representing the case of the public in the high court due to which real picture was not brought before the court.

"There were no municipal committees before 1968 and even after municipal committee came in to existence no particular space was allocated for setting up the commercial buildings", said Mr Om Parkash Jain, who is the president of Sarv Jatiya Panchayat also.

How can the government seal the properties which were built before any law was enacted, asked Mr Jain.

Even the bureaucrats implementing the instructions of the court did not know the actual orders from the high court, claimed Mr Sanjay Bhatia, a BJP leader. As no one is in the knowledge of the actual decision of the court there was confusion and panic among the people, said Mr Bhatia.

Mr Rohtash Sharma said it would be a great injustice to uproot the people who settled their shops in villages. Now they were also facing the disconnection of electricity and water to their business establishments.

Though no building was sealed in the city, connection of electricity and water supplies at 39 buildings were cut during the last week in HUDA and housing board colonies of the city.

Being an industrial city with more than 5000 industrial units in the residential area, the city people were feeling panicked and the government should take some concrete measures in this regard, said Mr Jagtar Singh of the Congress.

Mr Sher Singh Kharab, president of legal cell of the INLD, Panipat, assured full support of his party to the samiti.

Chandigarh, October 12
The Haryana Government has decided to enforce a uniform work schedule in its schools in the summer as well as in the winter from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Education Minister, Mr Phool Chand Mullana, said here today that earlier in the summer, the school hours were from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and in the winter from 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. This led to confusion.

The new hours would come into force from October 16. He said if during the summer the heat became excessive, then for a limited period the hours would be from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Hansi, October 12
A middle-aged man locked in a cage surrounded by hissing snakes slithering outside.

This is no horror flick but the horrifying reality of a farm labourer living in terror of the deadly reptiles in Hansi village of Haryana.

For about a decade now, the 42-year-old Sant Ram Saini has been chased and bitten by at least 22 snakes and has killed almost 30 in self-defence.

The fear for his life has now driven him to build an iron net cage into which he takes refuge as soon as the sun sets. He sets his foot out only when the sun dawns.

“It all began about ten years ago when on way to the fields, I was chased by a snake. I ran back and hid in my home but the next morning as soon as I left for work, the snake fell down from the tree outside my home.

“I somehow managed to kill it but since that day I am chased by snakes of all kinds all the time, making life hell for me,” says a harassed Sant Ram.

“I had never killed even a small snake in my life before this incident and I do not know why they are after my life ?” a harried Sant Ram says. Sant Ram’s peculiar predicament has also brought his family on the verge of ruin.

While he can hardly work for the fear of snake-bites, his wife has to slog extra hard to bring up their two sons and two daughters.

Sant Ram’s eldest son Praveen could not pursue studies due to the attacks of reptiles on his father whom he accompanies for treatment.

The serpents generally encircle his legs to bring him down before digging their fangs into him. Most of the times he loses his eye-sight first and then becomes unconscious for two to three days.

Allopathic medicines are not able to treat him but the ‘desi’ herbal medicines, provided by a Baba of nearby Data village, cure him within two-three days, he claims.

As all the worshipping, fasting, charms and amulets have failed Sant Ram, he is now resigned to his fate but is worried about the future of his family.

“The baba has told me that the poison of snakes has created an odour which attracts the reptiles and so it will go only when my body is consigned to flames,” an anguished Sant Ram says. Now, Sant Ram claims that he can ‘smell’ the presence of snakes.

The only saving grace is that the serpents have so far spared his family members from their deadly touch.

Even doctors here marvel that despite being bitten 22 times, Sant Ram though pale and perennially sick, has managed to survive. — UNI

Yamunanagar, October 12
Eager to prove the intensity of his love towards a girl, Vipin Kumar, a BSc student of MLN College here, allegedly stabbed himself twice in the girl’s presence on the college campus.

The girl ran out of the college and called up her parents from a STD booth. The student followed her to the STD booth and reportedly stabbed himself again.

Vipin is an expert in martial arts and a marathon runner and was scheduled to participate in a race to be held in Delhi shortly.

He was taken to the Civil Hospital from where he was rushed to the PGI, Chandigarh. His condition was said to be serious.

On the other hand, the Principal, Dr Ramesh Kumar, maintained that the incident did not take place on the college campus.

Eyewitnesses said Vipin Kumar first stabbed himself in his left arm and then in his stomach on the college campus.

The girl (identity not known yet) panicked and ran out of the college towards the booth. Heavily bleeding, Vipin followed her.

He again stabbed himself in the stomach and asked the girl ‘Ab tujhe yakeen ho gaya’ (now you believe me). In the meantime, the girl’s parent reached the booth and whisked her away in a car.

Dr Ramesh Kumar reached the spot and Vipin, a resident of Alahar village here, was taken to the hospital. The doctors later referred him to the PGI. The Principal did not rule out love as the cause of the incident.

Rewari, October 12
The Sessions Judge, Mr R.C. Bansal, has sentenced Sunil Kumar (28), a resident of Bohatwas Ahir, near here, rigorous imprisonment for four years, holding him guilty of culpable homicide (not amounting to murder) of a village youth, Kailash, son of Dharam Pal in May, 2001.

The judge has also imposed a fine of Rs 5000 on the convict in case of default of payment, he would have to further undergo imprisonment for six months.

On the morning of May 14, 2001, when Kailash along with the accused and his brother, Bir Singh, an employee of Haryana Roadways, was travelling by bus, a flying squad intercepted the bus.

During checking, Kailash and two other youths were found without ticket, Bir Singh saved the two boys from penal action while Kailash was left in the lurch. At this, Kailash exchanged angry words with Bir Singh. This infuriated his brother, Sunil, who started showering blows on Kailash.

Kailash was admitted to a private hospital here where the doctors referred him to Delhi where he died the next day.

Consequently, the Rampura police here registered a case of culpable homicide under Section 304 of the IPC.