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Foundation stones turn into advertising boards
A stall set up on the side of a foundation stone near the Fauji Chowk in Bathinda. Photo by writer
Rly passengers accuse porters of overcharging
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All messed up on
Bathinda-Chd highway
Malwa diary
The annual Sawan fair at Dargah of Panjpeers attracted thousands of people from different states. Photo by writer
PWD engineers declare school building unsafe
Treatment of Neuro Disorders
Dial-a-tree scheme: Plantation drive launched in Fazilka
Founder members of GWAF Fazilka and other citizens flag off green ambulance on Sunday.
A Tribune photograph
Ditch Drain
Lakhowal gets in poll mode
Selection trial for kabaddi in progress at the Rajindra College in Bathinda on Sunday.
SBI holds free medical camp
Sub-standard Bt cotton
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Foundation stones turn into advertising boards
Bathinda, August 1 While earlier it was the walls of the government as well as private buildings, electricity poles and pillars of railway overbridges, now foundation stones have become the latest advertising points. Due to the indifferent attitude of the BMC, violators too are apparently least concerned about the penalty under the laws that prohibit defacing of public property. During the onset of academic sessions, there was a virtual race between educational institutes, which pasted colourful bills and posters all around the city in order to allure students. Some foundation stones have been covered so badly that it is impossible to read the details engraved upon them. Interestingly, people have now started even encroaching upon the foundation stones. One such violation was observed at the Fauji Chowk, where a stall has been set up by pitching a tent around a foundation stone using its wall as base. BMC Mayor Baljeet Singh Birbehman has expressed his ignorance over the issue. However, the mayor assured of getting all such posters removed from the foundation stones within two days. He also added that the violators would be dealt with strictly. |
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Rly passengers accuse porters of overcharging
Bathinda, August 1 The porter facility here got derailed in 2008 when 57 out of 60 porters became gangmen. With only three coolies left, the junction has almost been presenting a picture of ‘porter-less’ station which is used by over 15,000 passengers every day as 62 trains pass through the station. In September last, the Northern Railway started a process to streamline the facility here. A circular issued in this regard reads that the railway would furnish licenses to altogether 54 ‘able-bodied’ residents of Bathinda district to carry passengers’ luggage as licensed porters at the Bathinda station. For the last two years, travelling by using Bathinda station has been nothing less than a torment for many passengers as there are nine platforms and all are about half-a-kilometre long. And one has to climb a foot over-bridge, which includes 60 stairs, to catch a train and come out of the station. Importantly, one can’t escape the stairs at the station. Things get worse for one who carries luggage. Sources in the railway admit that the incongruent ratio between the porters and the passengers may give chance for the porters to have their say. The sources, however, said that there are many like rickshaw pullers and others who have started playing the role of porters taking advantage of the situation, and are cheating the passengers. Passengers must take the service of only genuine coolies, sources added. When contacted, a porter, on the condition of anonymity, refuted the allegation and said that they charge only genuine rate. “There are only three of us and it could be noticed easily if we indulge in any mischief,” he pointed out. Area Traffic Manager (ATM), Bathinda, Sher Singh said passenger could lodge written complaint concerning overcharging and any other grievances citing the badge number of the particular coolie with the on-duty deputy station superintendent round-the-clock. Action would be taken if allegation were found true, he said. The ATM stressed that the number of the badge, which the porters wear on their arms, must be mentioned in the complaint. |
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All messed up on
Bathinda-Chd highway
Rampura Phul (Bathinda), August 1 The accumulated water has not only hindered the approach to the shops located in the area but is also causing trouble to hundreds of commuters as the road has been severely damaged. That the inundated stretch is proving to be a breeding place for mosquitoes and other insects is another concern that requires urgent attention lest there is an outbreak of a water-borne diseases. “We have been facing problem for the past couple of weeks. The administration is aware of the menace but the officials are waiting for some tragedy to take place before coming out of deep slumber,” said Jagtar Singh, who runs a motor workshop on one side of the road. A middle-aged man lamented, “About a couple of months back, the roadsides were dug up to lay sewerage channels. But after laying pipes, the dug up area was not re-metalled. As a result, the rainwater has created a mess here.” A provision store owner Parkash Chand complained, “Earlier, I used to earn over Rs 3,000 a day but for the past couple of days, the sale has reduced to just Rs 700-750. The area in front of my shop is partially covered with water, which stinks too.” When contacted, Rampura Phul SDM Uma Shankar said, “There are some technical problems like unlevelled road berms and the absence of drainage channels beneath the spot in question. Still, I have taken up the matter with the department concerned to find out some solution to the problem.” About the stagnant water posing a threat to the health of residents, the SDM said, “I have already directed the Municipal Council authorities to fog the area. If it has not been yet, I will take the necessary action.”
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Sawan Mela attracts devotees in Abohar
The annual Sawan Mela at the ancient dargah of the Panjpeers of Multan (Pakistan) in Abohar attracted thousands of visitors from the northern India. The devotees had started thronging the mazaars of the five saints to pay obeisance on the eve of the annual Sawan Mela since Thursday. Intriguingly, the mazaars of Panjpeeranis located near the the ancient dargah had only a handful of visitors. The tombs are located on a dune 500 meters from the historic ‘theh’ which reminds of Abu Nagari that had caved in about 600 years ago. Though makeshift stalls owners displaying toys did a brisk business, only a few were found at the five stalls where “bhang” was being prepared using traditional methods. There were more of swings this time besides a magician’s show. However, the managing committee headed by caretaker Vijay Kumar Sama had not permitted orchestra group’s dances and skill game stalls this time to ensure the sanctity of the fair. Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had got hundreds of houses demolished that had been raised encroaching upon the ancient Mud Fort. However, most of the displaced families had now raised houses on the mound around Panjpeer Dargah. The electricity connections to the unauthorised new colony were withdrawn last week to force the occupants vacate the place as it is owned by the Punjab Waqf Board. The mazaars are looked after by Bool Chand Sama’s family, who had migrated from Pak Pattan, sacred land of Baba Farid in Montgomery district of West Punjab province of Pakistan after the partition of India. Bool Chand died last year. Now his son Vijay Kumar Sama works as a caretaker on leasehold basis. Hundreds of devotees visit the Dargah each Thursday. However, the crowds during the annual fair consist of those also who pay obeisance by traversing long distance on foot or even by crawling on the road. — Raj Sadosh Blood donor honoured
It is my passion to donate blood till the time I can do so, said Rattan Lal Chugh, a resident of Fazilka, who has become synonymous with blood bank in the area. A shopkeeper, 39-year-old Rattan Lal Chugh has donated blood 102 times in over 23 years. He has been donating the elixir of life since he was a youth. Knowing well that blood can be donated after three months, Chugh has donated it 102 times instead of 92 times. However, he is healthy even after donating it ten times more. He has not only donated blood but has also contributed towards organising blood donation camps through which nearly 2000 voluntary donors have donated blood. In recognition of his commendable services towards blood donation, he was honoured by the principal secretary, health, at a state-level blood donation function held at Barnala recently. — Praful C Nagpal
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PWD engineers declare school building unsafe
Ferozepur, August 1 The inspection of school was ordered by the Deputy Commissioner KK Yadav on July 27 after its 13 students suffered multiple injuries when the roofs of two class rooms— one on the first floor and the second on ground floor-caved in due to heavy rains, which lashed the town on that day. The roofs of two classrooms of this one of the oldest schools, which came into existence in 1907, caved in despite the fact that the PWD authorities had given it a safety certificate last year after carrying out its inspection. Though the school authorities have started holding classes in the portion which was declared as safe by the team after inspection carried out recently, the students are still in a state of shock after that mishap and the presence of students remained thin today. Saroj Shegal, principal, said the school authorities had decided to hold classes of primary wing under the open sky while three classrooms were being made in the library after carrying out its partition for senior students. The principal said the inspection team had declared that two classrooms, whose roofs had caved in and two classrooms situated adjacent to that rooms were unsafe. Shegal said the school authorities had started carrying out the repair of the damaged portion from the little funds available with it. She added that Yadav had also been requested to extend monetary help to the school authorities for the same task. The principal said as the management of school had become non-functional, they had been finding it difficult to get required funds for carrying out those works, which were required for the smooth functioning of school. She added that Punjab government had not been giving building funds to the school despite the fact that it fell into the category of aided school.
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Moga scientist designs new molecules
Kulwinder Sandhu Tribune News Service
Moga, August 1 The National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke (NINDS), USA, signed an agreement with the scientist a few days ago for conducting clinical trials of these molecules on animals. This international collaboration aims at promoting the discovery of new drugs and effective delivery of useful agents to specific locations within the central nervous system. The rational drug design would be based on the knowledge of three-dimensional structures and function of crucial receptor molecules. Major goals the NINDS has identified with new molecules for research includes harnessing the power of molecular genetics to understand neurological disorders by defining healthy function and to develop better treatments, unravel complexities of information transfer within the brain and how the central nervous system communicates with all other major organ systems, gain a greater understanding of brain mechanisms underlying higher mental functions and complex behaviors and to develop more effective therapies and prevention strategies. Adding that funds required for the further research would be provided by this international institute, Dr Monga claimed that the results from his newly designed molecules would go a long way in curing these diseases. This young scientist of pharmaceutical chemistry believes that this is the time of accelerating progress and increasing hope in the battle against brain diseases. Meanwhile, Parveen Garg, chairman of the ISF pharmacy college said, “This international collaboration is a matter of great pride and pleasure for our college, particularly the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and we are looking positively towards it.”
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Dial-a-tree scheme: Plantation drive launched in Fazilka
Fazilka, August 1 The plantation drive was launched under the Dial-a-Tree scheme initiated by the GWAF to increase the green cover of this town. Over the past few years, the town has lost its green cover significantly due to cutting of trees in a large number due to massive urbanisation. The town is already equipped with eco-friendly rickshaws and car-free zone. About 125 saplings were planted in about 74 dwellings on the first day of Dial-a-Tree scheme. Those who attended the ceremony, included Jai Pal Sandhu, Capt. (retd) MS Bedi, Navdeep Asija, Vikram Ahuja, Jasbir Singh, Raj Kishore Kalra, Sanjeev Marshal and Umesh Kukkar. “We hope to cover about 3000 dwellings out of about 12000 dwellings of this town under this scheme by August 15,” pointed out Navdeep Asija, secretary (administration), GWAF.
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Forest Dept begins to plant saplings
10000 saplings to be planted by Aug 15 Praful C Nagpal
Fazilka, August 1 “We would achieve the target of planting 10000 saplings in the first phase till August 15,” claimed Forest Range Official, Jasbir Singh Grewal. The Tribune had highlighted in these columns more than a month ago that the forest department has turned a blind eye to the fact that a vast track of about 18.5 kilometers and about 100 feet wide from village Sabuana to village Dilawar Bhaini on the eastern bank of the Ditch Drain is lying vacant for the last 10 years and afforestation can easily be carried out there. After the highlighting of these facts, the Deputy District Forest Officer, Ferozepur, Daljit Singh visited the Ditch Drain and worked out an ambitious project.
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Lakhowal gets in poll mode
Abohar, August 1 This left SAD circle presidents Kaur Singh of Balluana and Gurbanta Singh of Khuyiansarwar high and dry since they were sharing the dais with him. Also present was senior BJP activist Prakash Chander Malhetia, son of former Revenue Minister Chaudhary Satya Dev. As this was not enough, Lakhowal asserted that he had succeeded in becoming the chairman of the all powerful Punjab Mandi Board through his own influence and not by the grace of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. Lakhowal said if the BKU wins more than 10 seats, the balance of power to form the next government will be in its hands. When his attention was drawn towards creation of a cross regulator in the Malukpura distributary reportedly at the behest of Badals for diverting water to Gurusar Jodha minor (sub-canal) to oblige the farmers of Lambi constituency, Lakhowal promised to take it up with the Chief Minister. |
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300 kabaddi players undergo selection trials
Bathinda, August 1 The club is an affiliated academy of the Punjab Kabaddi Association. President of the club Bidhi Singh said that around 300 players participated in the selection trial in 70 kg weight category and open group. He said 30 players were selected in each category. Singh said that the club would hold a camp to select nearly 30 promising players who would be imparted training free-of-cost. The club would also arrange free boarding and lodging facility for them. Emphasising on the need to promote sports in the Malwa belt where a large number of youth are hooked to drugs, Singh said that sports could be utilised to prevent youth from falling prey to drugs. |
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SBI holds free medical camp
Bathinda, August 1 The camp was inaugurated by regional manager of the SBI Hameer Singh and chief manager of the bank Jaskaran Singh. Issuing a press release here, the bank authorities claimed that medicines were also distributed free of cost during the camp.
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BKU chief alleges foul play in funds distribution
Our Correspondent
Abohar, August 1 BKU chief and Punjab Mandi board chairman, Ajmer Singh Lakhowal confirmed that serious irregularities were committed by some of the local unit office-bearers in disbursing Rs 9 lakh that had been received as compensation from the concerned seed manufacturing companies for passing it on to the affected farmers.
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Pilgrims leave for Salasar
Bathinda: The Trinetra Welfare Trust flagged off its 14th free bus pilgrimage to Salasar on Saturday. The trust would organise the boarding and lodging of the pilgrims. Members of the trust and other dignitaries were present on the occasion of flagging off ceremony.
— TNS |
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Dozens of foundation stones, which were laid by political leaders at different times with much fanfare, have now become favourite spots to paste posters and stickers for advertising purposes.
The annual Sawan Mela at the ancient dargah of the Panjpeers of Multan (Pakistan) in Abohar attracted thousands of visitors from the northern India.
The devotees had started thronging the mazaars of the five saints to pay obeisance on the eve of the annual Sawan Mela since Thursday.
As many as 74 dwellings of this border town were brought under the green cover after saplings of different trees were planted by the volunteers of the Graduate Welfare Association Fazilka through its two green ambulances, which were flagged off by the prominent residents, here today.
