 |
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Delhi metro team to visit city
Ludhiana, September 26 Senior town planner BS Brar said: “A two-member delegation of the DMRC would be visiting the city on September 29 and would be holding talks with us and the PIDB officials the following day. A detailed project report has already been submitted to the PIDB by the DMRC with some corrections. The team is coming for some clarifications and other details.” The STP has been deputed for helping the PIDB and the DMRC with regard to minute details about routes and sites. The team is coming to study the feasibility of underground and elevated corridors on the two routes that have been proposed. These are the Ferozepur road via Bharat Nagar Chowk, Chaura Bazar, Rahoan road and the other Gill village via Gill Chowk, CMC and Jalandhar bypass. The last effort for the metro rail had come in May 23, 2008, when a team of engineers from the DMRC had taken soil samples for testing from various parts of the city to suggest elevated and underground corridors. After that no action followed, except the meeting scheduled for next week. The metro rail would be a major relief for residents of the city who are often caught in traffic jams during peak hours. It would also reduce pressure on roads and would be the first of its kind in the state.
|
|
|
Tragedy waiting to happen
Lovleen Bains
Doraha, September 26 “No solution is in sight for this problem. The callousness of the authorities is inexplicable. Till the time the project of road construction actually takes off, it would continue to endanger lives,” a commuter said. “At places, the road is about to cave in and one or two sacks have been placed, which is a poor indicator for a commuter,” another commuter said. A resident of Ajnaud village said: “The eroded edges along the canal are dangerous and have softened and could give away. More and more motorists, fearing traffic jams on interior city roads, prefer this route. A vehicle coming from the opposite side generally tries to overtake, leaving no space for a vehicle coming from the other side.” The situation is turning graver as buffaloes of Gujjars residing along the banks, have made it worse. “I don’t understand how the authorities can leave everything to chance,” Prof Tejinder Singh, a lecturer at Doraha College who commutes daily from Lohara village to Doraha, said. Jaswant Singh Gill, secretary, Non-Government Colleges Management Federation, said: “Although the entire stretch from Ludhiana to Gurthali pull is hazardous, but the one between Tibba pull and Gurhtali pull is a death trap. It’s worse at night, particularly for motorists who are new to the area.” While the in charge of the maintenance department could not be contacted despite repeated calls, official sources said the project to construct a four-lane road along the canal was under consideration and tenders had been floated. The work would begin within a week or so.
|
|
Mayor’s men, mandir panel fight over plot
Ludhiana, September 26 The incident took place this morning when Dharam Chand, who is said to be a confidant of the Mayor, arrived at the site along with his men and started digging on the plot. Residents of the colony then gathered around the plot and staged a protest against the Mayor. Inderjeet Saini, chairman of the mandir committee, asked Dharam Chand to stop the work, claiming that the plot belonged to an NRI, Kehar Singh, and he had donated the land to the mandir committee. According to a resident, neither the mandir committee nor Dharam Chand had any revenue documents to stake their claim to the plot. Police sources claimed that both the mandir committee and Dharam Chand were trying to usurp the property. Dharam Chand, however, claimed that he had paid a token amount for the plot and even showed a document. Saini said: “We came to know that the NRI died five months ago. Today, some men led by Dharam Chand began to dig on the plot. When we asked for the reason, Dharam Chand told us that the Mayor had sent them to take possession of the plot. He even showed a document pertaining to the token money for the plot.” He, however, said the document pertained to a plot at Gyaspura. He alleged that the Mayor had sent some police personnel from the Daba chowki to disperse the residents who were protesting against the encroachment. Later, Gurtej Singh, SHO of the Shimlapuri police station, reached the spot to pacify the residents. “I have called both groups and the patwari to show the relevant papers,” he said. In the meantime, the residents and the mandir committee have installed an idol on the plot. When contacted, the Mayor’s personal assistant promised that the Mayor would answer all queries pertaining to the matter. However, until the filing of this report, there was no response from the
Mayor. |
|
Psychotropic drugs seized from medical stores
Mullanpur Dakha, September 26 The drugs were unaccounted as per the stock registers of the medical stores. Acting on the basis of the complaint of Surinder Kumar Manjania, a local NRI, the team compromising drug inspectors from Ludhiana and Moga, DSP (narcotics cell), Ludhiana, and the district epidemiologist raided four medical stores of the town. The raid operation started around 7 pm and lasted for two hours. All other medical stores were closed by their respective owners with the news of the raids spreading though usually these stores remain open till midnight. The raiding team recovered 5,872 tablets, 128 capsules and 19 bottles of syrup of various habit forming salts from Satnam Medical Hall. From Punjab Medical Hall the team recovered 924 capsules, 100 tablets and 19 syrups while 60 bottles of syrups were recovered from Janta Medical Hall. The team, however, could not find any objectionable material from Ashirwad Medical store. None of the chemist shop was having a qualified pharmacist on the sale counter.
|
|
Worms in midday meals
Ludhiana, September 26 They complained that the school authorities served semi-cooked meal infested with worms. Earlier also, parents had said since they were serving one meal it should be hygienically cooked. Jasbir Kaur, chairman of the Women and Children Welfare Society said whenever the parents went to the headteacher to complain about the poor quality of meals, the headteacher would snub them. A former teacher of government school made sensational revelations about the meal served to the primary and upper primary students. She claimed that often the ration supplied was of inferior quality and insects were visible. The woman who cooked food was supposed to get Rs 650, but invariably, she was given ration instead. According to rules, children have to be supplied meal on all six days, but in this school, primary children were given meal for only three days and the upper primary for the rest of the days. The parents said rice was never washed properly and it remained infested with worms.
|
|
Murder suspect flees from custody
Khanna, September 26 The head constable of the Punjab police who brought him to the courts in Khanna has been booked for dereliction of duty. The accused, who has been identified as Monna, a resident of Khanna, had been booked for murder and theft. He was booked under Sections 357, 506 and 341 in 2007 and on May 30, 2008, a case was registered against him under Sections 302 and 452 of the IPC. He was brought to Khanna for a hearing of Mandeep Singh Dhillon. His handcuffs were removed before being produced in court by head constable Amarjeet Singh. Just then, he gave the cops the slip when they were reportedly busy eating something. The police has intensified efforts to nab him. The head constable has been booked under Sections 223, 224 and 225-B of the IPC. |
|
Mills urge govt to support paper industry
Mandi
Ahmedgarh, September 26 The association, however, urged the ministry of new and renewable energy, Union Government, to provide necessary support for undertaking research and development in reducing energy consumption and checking pollution by recycling of waste material. Appreciating efficacy of
bio-methanation project installed at Shreyans Industries Limited here, owners and organisers of paper mills from across the country chose to adopt the technology and contribute their share in saving environment by investing in eco-friendly manufacturing processes at their units. Convinced with the outcome of two-day workshop-cum-field visit in
bio-methanation and application of new and renewable energy in pulp and paper mills, organised by IARPMA and
MNRE, the constituents of the association endorsed concept of “waste to wealth” which according to them would go a long way in improving economic feasibility of their units besides, preserving ecosystem. Anil
Aggarwal, SVP of the association and CEO of Shryans Industries Limited, said the
bio-methanation had proven a boon for manufacturers who had been fighting all odds for survival of the industry. It was due to joint efforts of the IARPMA and MNRE that about 50 entrepreneurs from across the country visited local unit of Shryans group and made up their mind to adopt the technology. "Finding claims made by N P Singh, adviser, MNRE and AK
Dhussa, director sustainable, acknowledged that reduction of energy consumption was the only method to save industry in general and paper manufacturing in particular. They (entrepreneurs) observed that there was a lot of opportunity for the paper mills to convert their waste into energy," said Aggarwal adding a few mills in Punjab had set up
bio-methanation plants at their units. Anil Aggarwal assured the members that the association would co-ordinate with authorities in getting incentives and expertise for installing new
projects. Aggarwal said the Indian paper industry had been looking forward to meet the projected demand of 8.5 million tonnes by 2010 and 10.8 million tonnes by 2015.
|
|
|
Book exhibition on wheels
Ludhiana, September 26 Janchetna, a mobile van of the NGO is in the city, and will be available from tomorrow at Jamalpur market with variety of books on Bhagat Singh and his friends. Besides, one could even find books penned by great Indian writers like Prem Chand, Nirala, etc and many other historian writers whose names may be not known to the Gen-X. Rahul who is associated with the mission said their aim was to bring good literature to the people. "Janchetna is a campaign which aims to motivate people with good literature as words do have an impact in our lives. The van is send to various cities in Punjab like Jalandhar, Amritsar, etc to distribute unique literature among the people," he added. The project was initiated in 1986 with the help of some intellectuals, journalists and students in Gorakhpur and was named as Janchetna (Waking people). The van houses nearly 500 books on martyrs, great authors, revolutionaries and Marxists. "The works available here are the ones which have been forgotten by the people or are limited to old libraries. Such literature instills a social awakening and should not be missed by readers," said a volunteer associated with the mission. The van was bought for Rs 15 lakh a few years ago and would be in the city till Sunday, said Rahul adding that they were not associated with any political party. "We don't seek donations from political parties, governments or NGOs. Our funds are collected from individuals by volunteers," he added.
|
|
State-level essay writing contest
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, September 26 Earlier, the last date for submission of essays was September 28, which now has been extended to October 5, because of the persistent demand of students to give them enough time. Winners of the contest will be honoured on October 25 at Punjabi Bhawan, Ludhiana. Koshish-2009
Koshish-2009, 10th Intra Institutional Literary-cum-Cultural festival of PCTE group of Institutes concluded today on PCTE campus. BCA (II) team titled "Velly Hunters" bagged overall trophy for Junior Wing and MCA final year titled "Rhythm Rockers" won overall trophy for Senior Wing during 5-day literary, fine arts and cultural competition at PCTE. Wg. Cdr. HS Gill, chairman, PCTE group of Institutes, gave away prizes to the winners. Freshers’ party
Senior students and faculty members of Desh Bhagat Engineering College organised a freshers’ party today. A cultural programme “Ru-Ba-Ru” was organised to mark the event. Dr Zora Singh, chairman Desh Bhagat Group of Institutes, and Tajinder Kaur, vice-chairperson of the group, were chief guest and guest of honour, respectively. Students took part in all activities. The event was marked by group dance, skits, songs, play, modelling and other activities. Dr Tejwant Singh, principal of Desh Bhagat Engineering College, welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries. Gagandeep Singh was adjudged Mr Fresher and Gurneet Kaur was adjudged Ms fresher.
|
||
|
Finally, home for stray cattle
Mandi Ahmedgarh,
September 26 The Shri Asa Ram Ji Gaushala Trust, Khanpur, will launch a coordinated movement wherein all cows, wandering on highways and roads will be shifted to the cowshed. According to Mohan Lal and Surinder Kaushal, president and secretary, Shri Asa Ram Ji Gaushala Trust, Khanpur, respectively, and the management committees of gaushalas of the region had decided to launch a coordinated movement to take care of cows, which were causing inconvenience to those commuting on the roads. “We have already contacted authorities in the Department of Animal Husbandry and civic bodies of the area. About 10 spots have been identified from where cows would be caught and shifted to our cowshed during a camp scheduled to take place on September 27,” said Mohan Lal and Surinder Kaushal while talking to the Ludhiana Tribune after a meeting at Khanpur village near here. Another camp would be organised on October 11. The organisers claimed that the project would be extended to other parts of the state later on. Majority of the civic bodies of the area had failed to maintain cattle sheds for housing stray cattle. The trend has resulted in a situation wherein stray cattle not only cause accidents but also damage crops in adjoining farms.
|
||
|
Despite cuts, power bills hit roof
Ludhiana, September 26 Seeing no improvement in power situation, the residents have started demanding resignation from the Chief Minister saying that the latter had failed to provide basic amenities to the people of Punjab and had no right to run the state. Dimple
Khurana, a resident of Model Town here, said the people of Punjab were living in a hell-like situation without electricity and water. “Even after power cuts for over 8 hours, the amount of electricity bills has not been reduced. We get monthly bills in hefty amounts. We fail to understand when we are not getting enough power supply, how can the bills come in huge amounts? We are definitely going to come on roads to protest against the callous attitude of the government if the situation remains like this,” said
Khurana. Gagan Singh, another resident of BRS Nagar, said the home-makers had to bear the air and noise pollution generated by the gensets throughout the day. “I suffer from severe migraine and these days I have to take painkillers twice a day. We cannot walk in the park outside our home in the evenings due to noise pollution by generators. Invertors stop after two-three hours due to insufficient backup. What is more irritating is that when there are visits of VIPs in the city, no power cuts are imposed. That means just the common man has to bear the brunt of all miseries. If the ruling party cannot run the state, it should resign,” rued
Gagan. The residents feel that due to mismanagement and poor policies of the Punjab State Electricity Board
(PSEB), the whole population in the state was paying its price. They said the board needed to streamline its working. The president of the Apex Chamber of Commerce and Industry, PD Sharma, said the state was witnessing about 38 per cent theft of electricity. “Why can’t the government stop such thefts? No other state in country is facing such grave problem as Punjab, which was once considered to be the most prosperous state. It is not justified that only common man faces all problems and not
VVIPs,” said Sharma.
|
||
|
Learning computer skills to better their lot
Bhambian Kalan, September 26 Like him, more than 40 persons of various age groups who are school dropouts are undergoing training in computer hardware and operations in classes being organised by the Ludhiana-based NGO, Virasat. The classes are going to end soon, and they are filled with hope as some of them are ready to start their own business. Some others would go ahead with further training. Talking about the project, NGO spokesperson Sukhminder Singh Grewal said: “You cannot deny the fact that computer education in rural Punjab is still a distant dream. The Punjab government may claim many things, but at the grassroot level, you won’t find any computer laboratories in most schools. Thus, we came up with the idea to introduce a computer training programme where anyone can learn about computer technology. “Some of the youths sitting in this class were drug addicts. Their families would curse them. If one has an aim in life, he would surely work hard for it,” said Grewal, who has leased space free of cost at his petrol station at the village. He said no money was being charged from the students. Dharam Pal (34), who owns an electronics shop at Bahadurpur village, 25 km from the computer class, closes his shop during the day and uses the time to upgrade his skills. “Regular power cuts have ruined my business and I thought of utilising the time at hand. Computer education would help me expand my work and if I get a good job, I won’t even mind closing down my business,” he added.
|
||
|
Educate children: CM exhorts Dalits
Ludhiana, September 26 He was here to attend a Dalit sammelan organised by the Adi Dharam Samaj (ADS). The CM said: “The government had made laws tough. If someone tries to hurt your sentiments, the person would not be granted bail.” Speaking on the occasion, BJP state president Rajinder Bhandari said society needed to appreciate the Dalits because they were peace loving. “The ADS is one of the few outfits with which I have been associated for a long time and I appreciate its efforts because it’s a movement that wants to bring about change,” he added. The ADS leader, Darshan Rattan Ravan, urged people to educate their children, especially girls. “You need to change your mindset about girls that they only have to be married. If your daughter becomes an officer and is self-reliant, then there is no need to force marriage on her. Allow her the freedom to live her life and this would change our society,” he said. The ADS urged the CM to donate it some land in Amritsar and Rs 5 crore for the construction of a building where Dalits could hold conferences.
|
||
|
Durga Ashtmi celebrated with fervour
Ludhiana, September
26 There was a huge demand for girl children by the city residents and the former were seen wearing bright coloured dresses, moving in groups at devotees' homes. The devotees washed and cleaned the feet of “kanjaks”, worshipped them and offered prasad of halwa and puri to them. Kanjaks were seen carrying carry-bags, as devotees had offered them with various gifts, including lunch boxes, pencil boxes, bangles, sweets etc. Annu, a five-year-old kanjak, said she was happy the way people were treating her. "I have got so many gifts. I wish such pujas are performed daily,” she said. BB Goyal, organising secretary of the Human Touch Association, said it was unfortunate that sex ratio remained uneven in the state though people worshipped kanjaks twice a year. "It seems we are more contended with rituals rather than reality. Rights of girl child should be jotted out separately and displayed in all schools, colleges, public offices so as to create awareness,” said Goyal.
|
||
|
Sale of farm literature up by 2 lakh
Ludhiana, September 26 This time the sale figure was two lakh more than the previous year. Additional director communication Dr Jagtar Singh Dhiman, said it was a positive sign that farms and farmwomen were developing interest in PAU publications. He said bringing out revised and updated version of publications, new titles, publicity, etc led to positive development, which he said would have an impact on Punjab agriculture. The publications that attracted farmers included package of practices for rabi crops (Punjabi and English), books on field problems of fruit plants (in Punjabi), kinnow (Punjabi and English), etc. Farmers also enrolled themselves as members of Changi Kheti magazine of the university.
|
|
Water testing campaign launched
Amloh, September 26 The camp was inaugurated by Amloh market committee chairman Randhir Singh Bhambri. A team consisting of SDO Amritpal Singh, junior engineers Parveen Singh, Satnam Singh and Krishan Lal took samples of water supplied to the village through a common water supply system, water used through hand pumps upto 150 feet depth and submersible pumps, the later two samples were found below standard after examination through the laboratory kit. The SDO asserted that along the 138 blocks water samples of 108 blocks was found polluted. In some cases excess hardness, fluoride, iron, chloride, nitrate, etc has been detected after the laboratory tests, which generate teeth problem and nitrate develops cancer. Eleven kits of water testing were distributed to around 11 surrounding villages free of cost, said the SDO. He was satisfied with the awareness camp and said such camps would be organised in other villages also.
|
|
Dandiya bash at INIFD
Ludhiana, September 26 Special prayers were offered to Durga, wherein the centre director Arvind Gupta and centre manager Amardeep Lall lighted the lamp and chanted mantras. INIFD, Ludhiana, holds "Fashion Week" every fortnight where students come dressed in designer wears. Divya, Anudeep, Maria, Manreet, Chandni, Maninder Kaur, Pallavi, Rahul Reema, Tamanna, Mukta, Sonam, Divjot, Kirandeep Kaur, Niharika, Gagandeep Kaur, Kawal and Mandeep Birdi were felicitated as they were declared the fashion icons of the INIFD. Attired in traditionally designed and brightly coloured bandhani costumes, the girls adorned themselves in designer lehenga cholis and the boys came dressed in kurta pajamas. Students carrying vibrant dandiya sticks danced and swirled on the tunes of garba making the atmosphere euphoric. Jaspreet Kaur of BSc (fashion design) described the bash a wonderful experience.
|
|
Philanthropists keen to set up NGO
Ludhiana, September 26 The organisation will help the economically weaker sections of the society with a special consideration towards the orphans and widows. Dr Vikas
Jindal, general secretary, and press secretary Kamal Sharma today said help to accident victims (road, rail, air or any other unforeseen calamity) followed by speedy recovery of the victims to the nearest hospital would be given priority. To provide mobile air-conditioned mortuaries for proper preservation of the unclaimed bodies in various hospitals and to arrange for ambulances available on call during any emergencies and help the sick lying unattended and helpless in various hospitals will be the aim of the NGO. Financial help to the needy students, implementation of schemes for the protection of the environment and for anti-pollution schemes would also be dealt with.
|
|
|
Residents protest police apathy
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, September 26 According to residents, Ranjit Singh, a resident of Block-G, was thrashed by Jora Singh, a resident of Sunet, and his accomplice with sharp edged weapons on September 20. Ranjit was rushed to a hospital with multiple fractures. His condition was stated to be serious. The residents alleged that it had been nearly a week but still not FIR had been registered in this case. A relative of the victim further alleged that the police was harbouring the criminals and had not registered the case due to political pressure. It is leant that Ranjit Singh and Jora Singh are up in arms against each other over the issue of a land dispute. Despite repeated attempts, the SHO, Sarabha Nagar, could not be contacted.
|
|
|
Biz Clip
Ludhiana, September 26 Festive collection Orra retail chain announced its festival collection here recently. The offer will be valid to buyers from September 28-October 20. On purchase of Belgian diamonds above Rs 5,000 free gold and silver coins are offered to customers. Showroom launched As a measure to strengthen its sales and service network in Ludhiana, Yamaha announced the opening of its new dealership at Janta Nagar here recently. The showroom was inaugurated by Yutaka Tex Terada, director India Yamaha Motors Ltd. designed to cater to the aspirations of premium bike lovers Yamaha launched limited edition of Fazer and FZ series models.
|
|
|
Sandeep crowned Miss Fresher
Khanna, September 26 Sandeep Kaur was declared Miss Fresher. In the stitching competitions Asha Rani got first position, Amrinder bagged second position and Alka Rani got third position.
|
|
Two arrested with 6 stolen two-wheelers
Jagraon, September 26 Acting on a tip-off, ASI Nidhan Singh, in charge of the Galib police post, had put up a naka near Kokri village. Around 7 pm, the police party tried to intercept four bikers on two bikes. While two of the bikers managed to escape on seeing a police naka, the other pair, identified as Harwinder Singh and Gurdeep Singh of Galib Kalan, was caught in the police net, along with the stolen motorcycle (PB-10-BE-8699). After interrogating the accused, the police recovered four more motorcycles (PB-13-B-3349, PB-66-5293, PB-13-A-5374 and PB-13-R-5711) and a scooter (HR-03-B-7445) from their possession. The thieves used to steal the bikes and sell them using fake documents. Two other members of the gang, identified as Mandeep Singh, alias Sonu, of Galib Kalan and Gurpreet Singh of Mohali, were still at large. Nidhan Singh said the gang used to steal bikes from Chandigarh and other districts of Punjab and sold them here using fake documents to the unsuspecting buyer through agents at slightly cheaper rates. The police had booked the accused under Sections 379 and 41 of the IPC.
|
|
Man assaults estranged wife
Mullanpur Dakha, September 26 She stated that she was married to Amarjit Singh, alias Sunny, of Shimla Puri in Ludhiana. Due to some dispute she could not carry on with the relationship and returned to her parents’ house two years ago, along with all
three daughters. On Thursday midnight, Amarjit Singh, along with his brother Manjit Singh and friend Bablu, reached Akalgarh village and knocked at the door of the parental house of Krishna Rani. When she did not open the door, Amarjit scaled the wall and entered the house and opened the door for his other accomplices. As soon as they entered the house, all three attacked her with sharp edged weapons. She was severely injured in the attack. On hearing her cries, the neighbours gathered at the spot and they, along with the Sarpanch, took the victim to the Sudhar Civil Hospital. The Sudhar police had booked all three accused under Sections 452, 323, 324, 34 of the IPC. No arrest had been made so far.
|
|
3 dhaba owners held for stealing gas
Machhiwara, September 26 The accused dhaba owners have been identified as Balbir Singh and Gurjit Singh, both residents of Udhowal Kalan village, and Rajvir Singh. According to the Machhiwara police station in charge, Rajesh Kumar, the police received a tip-off that some people were stealing gas from LPG trucks in connivance with truck drivers. A special raid was conducted at suspected dhabas by the Sherpur police, which caught people stealing gas from a tanker red handed. Ten gas cylinders, equipments with which gas was stolen and a pipe were recovered from the spot. While the driver of the tanker fled from the spot, the dhaba owners were arrested by the police. Police officials said the tanker was on its way from Bhawanigarh to Una. Police officials said that the tanker drivers used to sell gas illegally in connivance with dhaba owners situated on the GT Road.
|
|
362 bags of PDS wheat seized
Mullanpur Dakha, September 26 Those arrested were identified as Tarsem Singh and Balwinder Singh, both brothers from Bassian Bet village. The police had intercepted these trolleys on the basis of a tip-off. A leading businessman was acting as the mediator in the case. DSP, Dakha, Paramjit Singh Goraya, talking to Ludhiana Tribune, said selling the wheat meant for economically weaker section in an open market was a crime and he would personally monitor the matter till all culprits were brought to book. “More heads will turn in the near future,” he added.
|
|
Goods worth Rs 1 lakh stolen
Ludhiana, September 26 According to victim Harpreet Singh, who is a college professor, the thieves struck when he was away for work. When he returned he found the house ransacked. “The almirahs were broken and cloths were lying everywhere in the room,” he said and further added that Rs 11,000 cash, 3 tola of gold jewellery and a laptop were stolen by the thieves. Harpreet suspects that the theft could be a handiwork of migrant labourers. He alleged that he had complained to the New Rajguru Panchayat to conduct a police verification of migrants who were living in various vacant plots. He further alleged that his concern had fallen on deaf ears of the panchayat members, which resulted in theft. The police had registered a case.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
