Amritsar, June 8
The Municipal Corporation in consultation with the police, SGPC, traders and the residents has come out with another plan to cope with traffic hazards and decongest the surroundings of the Golden Temple, where traffic snarls greet over 1.5 lakh tourists visiting the holy city from all over the world on daily basis.

Earlier, the district administration’s order of declaring the stretch from Dharam Singh Market to the Golden Temple as no traffic zone was protested by the traders and residents of the area. It had dashed the hopes of pilgrims, tourists and residents of the holy city to see early removal of widespread encroachments in the otherwise chaotic city.

Meanwhile, representatives of all the aforementioned sections put their brains together to churn out a new system of introducing the one-way traffic system on the following three routes.

Following are the routes as per the plan. Dharam Singh Market- Bara Marwari Mandir-Katra Ahluwalia- Jalebi wala Chowk - Dharam Singh Market via Moti Bazar.

Another route is from Ghee Mandi Chowk- Bagh Ramanand Chowk- Sultanwind Chowk. The second route has alternate plan Ghee Mandi Chowk- Post office- Jallianwala Bagh.

The third route is Dharam Singh Market- Jallianwala Bagh- Brahmbuta Akhara Road- Dholli Mohalla- Sultanwind Gate.

D.P.S Kharbanda, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, said the copy of decision has been submitted to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

It is pertinent to mention here that the high court had in its order passed on April 20 directed the various agencies of the district administration to consider the possibility of declaring the areas surrounding the Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple and Jallianwala Bagh as vehicle free zones.

Keeping in view the previous plans to regulate traffic, decongest the city being dashed, the onus now lies on the police to implement it in totality to make Amritsar a clean and traffic bottleneck-free city.

Prevailing chaotic scene, particularly from traffic point of view, it was yet to be seen whether the “clean city” move initiated by different government bodies proved to be effective or it will end up just as another bunch of usual and oft-repeated announcements and claims.

It is a pity that Amritsar, which otherwise has an enormous potential to be a model city, has ended up as a crisscrossing network of narrow roads and passages constantly vexed by temporary and permanent encroachments which add to the colossal chaos created by traffic snarls which grow more out of police control with every passing day.

According to the data available with the District Transport Office, there had been an increase of nearly 50,000 vehicles every year. About 25 per cent of the volume of vehicles added on city roads everyday is owing to external vehicles.

Amritsar, June 8
Secretary Medical Education and Research has suspended the services of Dr Shiv Charan, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC), in connection with the alleged manhandling of All India Youth Association President, Ravinder Sultanwind.

The incident took place on May 28, when Sultanwind had come to the GMC Principal’s office to record his statement during an enquiry regarding the alleged detention of a poor patient in the hospital by Dr Santokh Singh, Head of the Department, in April.

In her order dated June 7, Anjali Bhawra, Secretary, Medical Education and Research said Charan has been suspended due to administrative reasons with immediate effect, for interrupting the probe being conducted by the committee. She said a separate charge sheet would be issued under the Punjab Civil Services (punishment and appeal) rules.

The committee was constituted by the Minister of Medical Education and Research into the allegations of illegal detention by a patient Harjinder Singh.

He had accused doctors for the illegal detention as he was unable to pay the expenditure of the treatment.

It was chaired by Dr AS Thind, Joint Director, Medical Education, besides, Dr SS Shergill, Principal and Dr RPS Boparai, Medical Superintendent, Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, were the other two members. The incident occurred in front of the committee members, who later recommended action against Dr Shiv Charan.

Amritsar, June 8
The summer break is the perfect opportunity for kids to enjoy every bit of the free summer time that falls into their lap. Spending quality time with their family members, some prefer to plan a trip to hill stations, visiting their Nankes or Dadkes, enjoy with friends and some prefer remaining at their homes. Yet, for some rare species of seriously studious children, the time comes as an opportunity to grab the books and prepare for their forthcoming competitive tests and courses.

For some enthusiasts, the destinations would be Pizza Hut, McDonalds or famous eating joints. These places give them dual advantage: getting exposure as well as providing summer jobs to earn pocket money for themselves.

For Gurleen Kaur, a matric student of Ajit Vidhayalya situated in Ajit Nagar, over a month’s period of holidays is perfect time for preparation for semester exams. “As you know we have semester system exams in September, I would like to prepare for my examinations. But that does not mean I would not enjoy it, I have also planned for visiting my relatives,” she said.

Her friend Sumit Kaur, however, has chalked out plans to visit Dalhousie and several other hill stations but of course after completing the homework. “I don’t want to remain burdened about completing my homework. I would definitely go with family to visit the hill station,” she added.

“Though I would like to play games, travel and explore new places, I am very comfortable sitting in an air conditioned room drinking chilled shake, to escape the scorching heat of the summer. I think summer breaks are meant to enjoy the beautiful life we have been gifted with,” said Vaishali of Bhavan’s SL Public School.

However, for a change, Harmanpreet Kaur Sodhi, a ninth class student has different plans. “I would join swimming and dance classes to hone my talent, besides, would help my mother in day to day house tasks. My parents have also planned a trip to Srinagar. But before that, I would like to finish my homework and visit my grandmother’s house,” said Harmanpreet.

Abhishek has different plans. Like the young students in metro cities, he wanted to work in a business house or any multi-national eating joints to earn some good money. “I wanted to have good exposure of working at a multinational eating joint. I want to earn money and buy myself a good pair of shoes and chic clothes.”

Amritsar, June 8
The Special Operation Cell has nabbed another accused Dalwinder Singh, a head constable, in connection with stealing of 1-kg heroin (which was a case property) from judicial malkhana. He was posted in the malkhana at the time of incident.

Earlier, the cell has arrested judicial malkhana clerk, Tehal Chand on June 5 in this regard. They had allegedly smuggled the contraband to one Surjit Singh, a small time drug pedlar for selling.

Both of them have been sent to judicial remand till June 19.

Although the accused have confessed to their crime, their further interrogation may open a Pandora’s Box if the reports of missing of case properties in the past are any indication, said the police authorities.

“We are not authorised to interrogate them as they come under judiciary and therefore the judiciary should initiate steps under the provisions of law for further investigations in order to check in such practices in future,” opined the police authorities preferring not to be named.

Tehal Chand, who was absconding since the seizure of contraband from Surjit Singh, was nabbed from border village Narot Jaimal Singh in Gurdaspur (on June 5) after a tip off. During the period he was hiding in Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Gurdaspur.

Meanwhile, Parvesh Chopra, in charge special operation cell said that during probe it came to light that the accused pilfered the contraband from a sealed parcel by breaking the stitches which was later re-stitched by them to evade any suspicion. However, the arrest of Surjit Singh on March 13 from Khandwala area in Chheharta spoiled their nefarious designs. He (Surjit) was caught with 500 gram of heroin and the same quantity of contraband was later recovered from his house.

It is evident to mention here that the theft and subsequent absence of the clerk had created a flutter and a lot of bad blood between the police and judicial officials.

District and Sessions Judge Bhupinder Singh has formed a committee, comprising CJM Karnail Singh, JMIC Vikrant Kumar, SP (D) Harjit Singh and Parvesh Chopra, to look into the matter.

Surjit, on interrogation, had revealed that the heroin had come straight from the judicial malkhana, and he was handed over the drug consignment by malkhana clerk Tehal Chand allegedly with directions to find a buyer.

As police had to seek the permission of the court prior for detention or arrest of any judicial employee, Tehal Chand managed to flee at that time.

Amritsar, June 8
Make it a thumb rule to say ‘no’ to exposed cut-fruits and avoid drinking water from unattended water coolers on the roadside. For, the sudden change in temperature and humidity it brings along, become prone to waterborne diseases.

Going by the disease profile of city residents, the doctors estimate that over 30 per cent of the patients who are being brought to various outpatient departments and emergencies, comprise those suffering from waterborne diseases like gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera, jaundice, dysentery, diarrhoea and amoebiosis.

The unhealthy practice of eating roadside food items is a culture with the Amritsarians, but in the absence of any stern check, these roadside vendors care two hoots to maintain hygiene. Similarly, the drinking water that gets contaminated with nitrates can prove fatal especially to infants who drink formula milk as it restricts the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain causing the ‘blue baby’ syndrome, said the doctors.

Dr R.P.S. Boparai, Medical Superintendent, Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, opined that maximum cases of gastroenteritis were caused by cut fruits, raw vegetables and chats eaten these days, as one does not know the method of preparation or how long the fruits and vegetables have been exposed in the heat. “Vomiting, fever, blood in stool, abdominal pain, weakness, giddiness, dehydration and muscle cramps are main symptoms of diarrhoea, dysentery and gastroenteritis. Each day, I get around 15-20 such patients in the hospital. Roadside rehris are more prone to dust and flies and it is through flies, the infection travels,” he said. Dr Chandan Jeet Singh, Civil Surgeon, Amritsar, said though an intensive campaign against the wrongdoers was carried out but due to shortage of staff, every delinquent vendor or food joint cannot be checked.

“We have a team comprising sanitary officials of Director Health Office and epidemiologists, who have been given powers to check any food joint, restaurants or vendors, but staff shortage constraints our job. Still I am instructing my team to have a stern check on the rehriwallas who are selling exposed food items,” he assured.

Nevertheless, the occasional showers add fuel to the fire. It might provide temporary relief from the scorching heat, but thanks to the city’s poor drainage system, the risks go up with ever fresh shower, especially, for those who use shallow ground water for drinking purposes are in the particularly high-risk category for waterborne diseases.

The experts believe it to be a vicious circle between the water scarcity and its contamination.

Explaining the onset of the waterborne gastrointestinal diseases, Dr Ashok Goel, Professor, Government Medical College, said, “There would, many a times, be negative pressure in the pipes due to water shortage.

This makes dirty water and often the sewage, to get sucked in, leading to water contamination. Now, coupled with the poor hygiene conditions, the diseases like typhoid and cholera transmit both by fecal and oral route.”

Amritsar, June 8
The Improvement Trust has planned to auction its 97 acres of land adjoining the posh Ranjit Avenue for residential purpose.

Confirming this Improvement Trust Chairman M.P. Arora said the proposal for selling the land had been forwarded to the state government. He elaborated that only residential plots measuring 200 square yards and 250 square yards would be offered for sale while commercial plots would be sold later.

It may be mentioned that the district administration citing traffic snarls around Guru Nanak Stadium had sought 40 acres of land out of 97 acres to develop a ground for holding national functions like the Independence Day, Republic Day.

However, it is reliably learnt that, the Improvement Trust in a communication to the state government had stated that the 40-acre prime land had market value of Rs 400 crore.

The prime land on the other side falls on the Ajnala road with Amritsar International Airport few kilometres away. The area is dotted with restaurants, hotels, private offices, tuition centres.

Amritsar, June 8
Religious fervour marked the annual Bhadarkali mela as thousands of devotees including political leaders belonging to various parties today paid obeisance at ancient temple of Kali situated near Khazana Gate here.

The three-day mela witnessed huge rush of devotees who were seen lined up for taking the blessings of the goddess. A number of sweet stalls were set up. A number of the followers also put up langar and sweet water stalls. The ancient temple is considered to be about 1,400-year-old and was established by Guru Shankracharya, said the mahants managing the temple.

Mahant Bhola Nath said, “The temple is approximately 1,408-year-old and it is one of four temples established by Guru Shankaracharya in the undivided country. The other three temples are situated in Shekhupura (in Pakistan), Rajasthan and Ahmedabad.”

The roads in front of the temple were decorated. Langars were organised on the route to the entrance of the temple.

Tarn Taran, June 8
The kar sewa, initiated by the local Raj Jog Vidya Sansthan, of cleaning the Kasur Nullah and the path adjoining it leading to Sri Darbar Sahib here, entered its 100th day with the participation of thousands of devotees.

Baba Anantbir Singh, head of the sansthan, has expressed his great gratitude for the devotees, who came forward for this common cause.

The path leading to the Darbar Sahib had become a dumping place for garbage not only for the Municipal Council but also for a large number of residents of the surrounding areas since last so many years.

An NGO, Vikas Manch Punjab, through its petition with the Punjab State Human Rights Commission did its best to remove this nuisance but nothing happened even after years of fight.

Baba Anantbir Singh of the sansthan after consulting his associates decided to undertake beautification project of this drain path. The experts in their report said the project would be completed after spending crores of rupees.

The Sansthan in the first week of this March, 2010, started work after appealing to the devotees to join the cause. At that point of time, the sansthan had no money.

During this period of 100 days, both sides of the drain as well as its inner part have been cleansed with the help of JCB machines, which have involved in round-the-clock work. Devotees from as many as 70 villages have taken part in the kar sewa.

Baba Anantbir Singh said at the first step of the kar sewa about four-km-long path of the drain comprising the up and down stream of the drain would be beautified. Stone would be installed on the sides of the drain and a gate would also be constructed at the main point.

Baba added that beautiful trees would be planted on both the sides of the paths besides planting American grass in the inner part of the drain where the water comes only during rainy season.

The sansthan plans to plant as many as 5,000 saplings for the purpose.

Amritsar, June 8
Census enumerators visiting houses are finding it hard to get information from the people. Limited awareness about the exercise and fear factor are main reasons for their reluctance, it is learnt. After speaking to a number of enumerators, The Amritsar Plus found that they had to toil hard to explain it to people that the information would be of great use for the government for chalking out future policies for their own welfare.

People had different excuses up their sleeves to put off the census guys. ‘There is nobody else in the house’, ‘kindly give your queries and come a few days after to collect the answers’ are some of the excuses. And many a times, the enumerators found the houses locked the next day upon visit.

An enumerator, originally with The Education Department and was associated with the previous Census as well, said this time people were slightly scared over finding an exhaustive list of questions. “First questions are more in number and are aimed at knowing more about persons in each family, their qualifications, standard of living and access to facilities, etc,” he added.

Enumerators, on the condition of anonymity, were unanimous that the problems were more while dealing with unlettered and less educated people as their awareness level stood very low. They feared that disclosure of information would attract taxes and other problems for them. Hence, only after much persuasion they were willing to give required details.

D.P.S. Kharbanda, Municipal Corporation Commissioner-cum-Principal Census Officer, said officials at centre were well aware of some difficulties to be cropped up while dealing with the public. Therefore, workshops for training master trainers were held for the actual work on house-listing operation for the preparation of the National Population Register, which would conclude on June 15.

Master trainers were drawn from government lecturers. They were put on statutory duty as per the Census Act-1948 for 65 wards of the city. Each ward was placed under a charge officer, who would be assisted by supervisor and enumerators. In order to simplify the project, wards were further subdivided into 30 to 35 blocks.

He maintained that about 85 per cent work has been completed.

The Corporation has even distributed nearly 50,000 leaflets among the public to make them feel free to contact corporation officials to clear any doubt. Besides, the public could ring them up to incorporate additional information in the National Population Register.

On each leaflet names of charge officers, their contact numbers with ward numbers under their control were given.

Amritsar, June 8
Kids of Young Wonders, a kindergarten school, visited Nature Park on World Environment Day. Director of the School, Ashima Kochhar, said students were acquainted with the importance of the day. Following this students were shown birds like koel, crow, pheasent and others. They were also taught about the importance of bamboo and various trees.

At a separate programme, students of St Soldier Elite Convent School, Jandiala carried out an awareness rally and spread the message of "a person to plant a sapling". They also played a 'nukkad natak' to make people aware about de-forestation.