Abohar, November 13
Even as the Abohar canal division of the irrigation department is yet to receive the Rs 52 lakh that had been reportedly released by the DC-cum- District Programme Officer of NREGA, for de-silting of canals on October 30, water has been released in all the distributaries and sub-canals in the region.

While earmarking the funds, the DC had asked the Block Development and Panchayat Officers (BDPOs) of Khuyiansarwar and Fazilka to get the work expedited through NREGA job card holders in coordination with the irrigation department but the BDPOs could not mobilise sufficient number of NREGA workers.

The irrigation authorities were under constant pressure to restore water supply that had been lying suspended since October 25. The Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) had advised that sowing of wheat and other crops for the ensuing season must be completed by November 15.

Abohar canal division XEN Vijay Pal Singh Mann who had been camping at the terminus of Abohar lower branch regulator near village Bhullar confirmed that the herculean task of linking Rajasthan canal with Sirhind feeder has been completed. He had been ensuring that construction of ten feet deep 110'x150' diversion is completed within the stipulated period of closure of canals that irrigate 8 lakh acres of land in Abohar, Balluana and Lambi segments. Interestingly, the farmers voluntarily cleaned 500 km length of the canal system during the period of closure giving the state government nearly Rs 2 crore relief besides face-down due to poor availability of NREGA workers.

The construction of diversion link, at a cost exceeding Rs 20 lakh, was necessitated to give farmers some respite during the next four years. The Central government had sanctioned Rs 1500 crore for remodelling of Rajasthan canal and Sarhind feeder since none of these had been running to capacity due to choked beds and side walls.

The condition of the canals had resulted in wastage of precious water due to seepage that had caused water logging in adjacent areas. The irrigation department plans to take up remodeling work by suspending supply of water for three-months annually beginning March 2010 so as to finish the task in next four years. Hopefully water from Rajasthan canal can now be diverted to Sarhind canal through the new diversion link to keep the supply to distributaries and sub canals uninterrupted during the 3 month long period of remodeling, says Vijay Pal Singh Mann. 

Gill (Moga), November 13
The state government opened a new dairy training and extension centre with modern facilities, which was inaugurated by Gulzar Singh Ranike, minister, dairy development department at Gill village in the Moga district, on Thursday.

The programmes to be conducted in the extension centre would not only serve the needs of the rural folk of Moga but also others districts.

While inaugurating the centre, the minister said that dairy development programmes require efficient and well-trained extension field staff to impart training on modern dairy techniques.

Bibi Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, MP, Faridkot constituency said that it would help in enhancing the economic condition of the marginal farmers of the area.

Usha R Sharma principal secretary of the animal husbandry, dairy development and fisheries departments, Inderjit Singh, director of the dairy development department, Satwant Singh Johal district magistrate and others were present on the occasion.

The centre has exhibition dairy farm, milk testing laboratory, three classrooms, laboratory, facility of artificial insemination, multi-media projector, hostel, information centre and offices of the officials of the dairy development department. — TNS

Bathinda, November 13
Deputy Commissioner Rahul Tewari today paid a surprise visit to the Civil Hospital here and inspected various OPDs (out patient door). Senior medical officer (SMO) of the hospital Dr Vinod Kumar Garg accompanied the DC.

Earlier, the DC discussed with the SMO and some specialists the prevailing conditions at the hospital. He also sought their requirements for the betterment of the hospital along with providing better facilities to the patients.

Later, he visited the emergency wing of the hospital where he spoke to some patients. On the occasion, civil surgeon Dr Neelam Bajaj was also present.

When contacted, Dr Neelam Bajaj said it was a routine inspection by the deputy commissioner.

Bathinda, November 13
Taking a cue from the old and eternal love story of Heer and Ranjha, Punjabi cinema today came up with a worldwide released movie titled Heer Ranjha starring Harbhajan Mann, Neeru Bajwa, Micky and many other renowned faces.

During the premiere of Heer Ranjha held at Big Cinemas here today, Harbhajan Mann, who played the role of Ranjha said it was for the first time that the story of Heer and Ranjha was sold on big screen in Punjabi language.

“It took so much time, before we took a decision on the movie. The movie is based on Heer—a legendary write-up of Waris Shah, compiled in the second half of 1700 AD,” said Harbhajan.

Sharing his feelings towards Bathinda and Bathindians, he said “I am releasing the movie in Bathinda for two reasons. First, I belong to Khemuana village in this district and second, the first scene of the movie was shot in Gobindpura village of Bathinda.”

Expressing gratitude for media, Harbhajan said, “Earlier, I used to complain that media highlight only Hindi and English movies, but now I can say that Punjabi movies also get their deserved place.”

The way Neeru Bajwa, playing Heer in the movie, and Micky thanked the crowd for watching the movie made the youngsters root for them arduously. 

Abohar, November 13
The death toll in Thursday's rail accident near village Bakayanwala on the Abohar-Sriganganagar section rose to three with Durga Bai alias Goga Devi (27) wife of Kalu Ram succumbing to injuries during the wee hours today. She was referred to PGI Chandigarh as her condition during treatment at the Mohta ward of the Nehru Memorial Civil Hospital here deteriorated last night. She died as the ambulance was passing through Muktsar on way to Chandigarh, sources said.

Meanwhile, the railway authorities rejected the demand by the residents of village Koyalkhera for compensation to the victims asserting that tractor driver Sandeep Kumar was responsible for the accident.

Abohar, November 13
Two daily wage earners, Ramu and Sadhu Ram, died here today after consuming spirit while another, Arjun, is serious and undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital.

Sources said, during the lunch break, they reportedly consumed spirit that had been purchased earlier as substitute for countrymade liquor but collapsed. Locals shifted them to the Civil Hospital. — OC