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Class X student run over by MC truck
Ludhiana, August 21 The victim, identified as Mayank Jain, a Class X student of Sacred Heart Convent School, Chandigarh road, Sector 39, was returning home on his motorcycle after attending school. The victim's classmate, Manan, who was on another motorcycle, said the incident took place at around noon when Mayank reached the Tajpur road. Manan said that Mayank lost control over his motorcycle due to sludge and fell on the roadside. When Mayank tried to pick up his motorcycle, an over-speeding MC truck crushed him to death. “The truck driver could have easily applied breaks,” rued Manan, who was in a state of shock.
Eyewitnesses said instead of stopping the truck, the driver dragged the boy for at least 100 metres before he was chased and forced to stop by residents. Angered residents thrashed the driver, identified as Vijay Kumar, black and blue before handing him over to the police. Later, area residents staged a dharna on the Tajpur road and demanded strict action against the MC driver. They said had the driver not accelerated the vehicle, the boy could have been saved.
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Father regrets buying motorcycle
Ludhiana, August 21 Jain was cursing the moment when he purchased a motorcycle for his son, which resulted in the latter's death. Earlier, Mayank used to go to school by bus but since he had to attend three tuition classes in a day and commuting from one place to another was not possible on a bicycle, his father decided to purchase a motorcycle for him. Mayank, being a 16-year-old, was not eligible to obtain a driving licence. If the eyewitnesses are to be believed, Mayank was not to blame. He reportedly fell on the ground and was picking up his motorcycle when the over-speeding truck crushed him to death. Heart-rending scenes were witnessed at the house of Mayank Jain. The victim's mother and elder sister were inconsolable. As the news of Mayank's death spread, relatives started visiting Jain’s house. According to his classmate, Mayank was studious boy and always topped in the class. |
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Stink forces drivers speed up vehicles
Ludhiana, August 21 Currently in police custody, Vijay, who claimed that he had been driving the MC truck for nearly five years, said that garbage emanated unbearable smell and it was always a challenge for the drivers to take the garbage-laden truck to the dumping ground. When area residents nabbed Vijay, he seemed in an inebriated state. Taking him to be under the influence of liquor, residents staged a dharna at Tajpur road and also beat him up. However, when the Division No. 7 police conducted a medical examination of the accused, it was found that the driver had not consumed liquor. The allegations of drunken driving on MC drivers were not new. Even during the previous incidents when MC trucks crushed three children to death in separate accidents in March this year, allegations of drunken driving were levelled on MC drivers. However, the MC authorities have never conducted a surprise check to monitor the drivers. Many drivers, who have been employed with the MC, have further hired drivers on contract, allege sources.
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MC changes route of garbage tippers
Ludhiana, August 21 Since all the three incidents took place on the Tajpur road that leads to Jamalpur dump, the MC has told its drivers not to take this busy road. Talking to The Tribune after the incident, MC Commissioner AK Sinha said the common factor in these incidents seemed to be the Tajpur road. ‘‘So, we have decided to change the route of trucks carrying garbage,” he said. MC Additional Commissioner KP Brar said: “It is an unfortunate incident and an irreparable loss to the family. The MC takes all the responsibility as the child came under its tipper. But I have come to know that the boy was 16-year-old and did not have the driving licence.” Rash driving by MC drivers has claimed three lives in past five-six months. After the incident on March 13, in which two schoolchildren were crushed to death by MC trucks, MC Commissioner AK Sinha had personally checked the credentials of all the drivers. The heavy vehicles were taken back from drivers who possessed the licence of driving light vehicle.
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Release of water into Sutlej
Ludhiana, August 21 Residents of authorised and unauthorised colonies, especially near Chand Cinema and Haibowal situated along Buddha Nullah, fear if the water level rises in Sutlej, the colonies will be inundated. Devinder Jain, a resident of Basant Nagar, said that residents living along the nullah were living under continuous threat. "We have already started keeping our valuables at safer places. We have also seen the floods in 1988 when we lost all our belongings. The nullah itself poses a danger. If more water is released in Sutlej, it will start overflowing,” he rued. According to sources in the municipal corporation, the release of water into Sutlej was a matter of concern. “There is a possibility of overflowing of Buddha Nullah. Keeping this in mind, MC officials have been given instructions to be on a high alert,” said an official. He also said that 56,000 cusecs of water had not raised the level to an alarming situation. "There is no problem if water is released up to 1.5 lakhs cusecs. We hope that it does not rain in the coming days. If this happens, there will be a flood-like situation,” added the official. Executive Engineer of the operations and maintenance cell of the MC Kamlesh Bansal said: “In case of breach in Buddha Nullah, we have been asked to prepare ourselves well. JCB machines, four-wheelers, tippers and sewermen are all ready in case of an emergency. We have been asked to take all the details, including addresses of drivers and sewermen. Under Zone D, 50 sewermen are on alert for floods or breach in the nullah,” said Bansal.
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Admn heightens vigil
Ludhiana, August 21 Though the district administration claims to have taken necessary steps to avert the flood-like situation and have asked residents not to panic, some senior officials from the administration revealed that the state government had failed to release the “demanded amount” of Rs 14 crore to strengthen dhussi bundh on the banks of Sutlej. Officials said the “thikri pehra" by the villagers being a significant part of the vigil will go on for 40 days as the danger of the floods looms large till September 30. “The situation is under control till the first two releases of water but the situation becomes dicey with the third-fourth release as the dhussi bundh weaken with regular inflow of water," the officials said. When contacted, Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Rahul Tewari said: "The SDMs have already been briefed on the evacuation spots where the villagers would be taken if at all the floods hit the region. Also, we have put all the departments, including the department of health and family welfare, on high alert.”
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Bookshop gutted
Ludhiana, August 21 Four fire-fighting engines were pressed into service and men at work took about four hours to douse the fire. The shopkeepers alleged that the incident took place due to short-circuit in the electricity wires going through the main road. They maintained that two days ago, a minor fire broke out due to short-circuit. The owner of the shop, Inderjeet Singh, said that at the time of incident, his son and certain employees were there in the building. Fire first broke out in the third storey and soon the other storeys were engulfed in flame. "There was a noise of sparking in the electricity wires. We have complained to officials of Powercom but to no avail. Firemen took 30 minutes to reach here, by then the fire had spread in the building as all stationery items were kept", said Singh.
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Doraha residents livid over shifting of dispensary
Doraha, August 21 The officials of the Health Department justify their stand by commenting that there was no way out but to shift, as the civil dispensary was in a deplorable state and it was no way safe for both the staff as well as patients. The department had to be informed time and again by way of the media that the dispensary was in shambles and if necessary amends were not made at the earliest, it would collapse thus leading to a catastrophe. Such was the sordid picture of the building meant for rendering health services to the residents The residents demand that there is ample of government land around Doraha and more so in Doraha village itself. “The dispensary could have been easily shifted there. But no body ever thought of the residents, who are left at the mercy of fate in the absence of any health facilities in the town .How unwise and absurd seems to be the decision of the Health Department to shift the dispensary to a village, which is not less than 2 km from Doraha. How can a poor man, facing any sort of health ailment, whether in routine or in emergency reach the place without putting himself into inconvenience? It is really horrible to comment on the governments decisions .In the wake of diseases ever on the rise, due to the monsoons, the decision of shifting the dispensary may be wise but the place chosen for the purpose is in no way acceptable to the residents of the town” rued a social worker of the area. Dr Walia, SMO, Payal, said that they too were helpless in the situation. We tried out level best to seek some alternate arrangement in the town itself but failed. “I have personally written several times to the higher authorities but to no avail. Even the NGO’s or for that matter the Municipal authorities too have been requested for according some safe and hygienic place for shifting of the dispensary but no positive response has been met so far”‘ he added. He further assured that they would certainly again shift from Araichan to the town, once they get any space for the same.
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Administration gears up for flood-like situation
Jagraon, August 21 Residents of flood-prone areas are to be alerted and assisted in moving to safer places. SDM Mukand Singh Sandhu said he had directed rank and file in various departments to be extra vigilant in view of the apprehended floods following release of extra water into Sutlej. Special teams have been constituted and each group headed by the office in-charge will watch the allotted localities closely and round the clock. “This is our testing time when we are supposed to do real missionary work. You have to ensure that minimum loss is incurred in case there is flood,” Sandhu told the official during a meeting convened on Friday afternoon. The officials were asked to rope in office-bearers of panchayats and other social leaders to persuade residents of the flood-prone area to move their belongings to safer places. Referring to the arrangements made at the cost of Rs 1.5 crore as part of a contingency plan few years ago and Sandhu claimed that Jagraon subdivision had enough equipment and machinery to cope with any flood threat. Though no formal warnings were received from the Punjab Irrigation Department, the administration had been raising concerns over the possibility of floods, as the Sutlej passed through the Bet area of the subdivision. Perusal of records showed that 28 villages in the subdivision had been declared flood prone under category “A” few years ago. These were Madepur, Kanya Hussaini, Parjjan Biharipur, Maniewal, Talwandi Nau Abad, Wallipur Khurad, Akkuwal, Hujra, Gagg Kalan, Hiatwal, Kot Umra, Gorsian Khan Mohammad, Bhundri, Shehbazpura, Baghian, Mand Tihara, Sherewal, Khurshaidpura, Bhaini Gujjran, Aliwal, Sheikh Kutab, Abbupura, Safipura, Baniawal, Ghamewal, Gorisan Kadar Bakhash and Bahdurke. Kiri, Kot Mana, Ahngarh, Taraf Kotli, Patti Multani, Kakar, Bhatha Dhua, Ranke and Kotli villages were listed in “B”category. The administration claimed it had sufficient equipment to fight with the situation. With at least one motorboat, three aluminum boats, five life- saving jackets and some tents in hand, the administration hopes to receive substantial assistance from the military in case of emergency. Sandhu said that officials concerned had been directed to ensure that the flow of water was unobstructed in Jassowal, Chachrari, Swaddi, Sidhwan Bet and Moga drains that passed through the subdivision. Directing designated officials to respond immediately to information received from observers, Sandhu called upon the residents to pass on their observation on telephone numbers announced by the administration. The flood warnings are usually sent by the SDE, Ropar Head Works, to the control room in the office of the DC, Ludhiana.
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Institute’s land used as garbage dump
No space for dumping
Doraha, August 21 It seems that the council has not been able to find any solution and space for its disposal as a result of which the land allocated for establishing the institute, has been turned into the dumping ground. So much so that this particular spot has become an eyesore not only for the passersby but also for those who reside near it. Thus, it is exposing the residents to numerous vulnerable diseases. “The situation is becoming all the more alarming day by day. Authorities, it seem, are not bothered about the consequences as the garbage and the waste is being allowed to get accumulated. Most of the people, unaware of the bitter consequences, too refuse to get the things cleared,” rued a senior citizen. “In future this problem is going to aggravate further. Reason- widening of the road along the canal and the resultant narrowing down of the drain along it where a partial sewage water drainage was hitherto being drained. The dumping and the drainage problem are going to multiply manifold, of which the committee and the authorities concerned seem to have almost negligible concern,” said another resident. About four months ago the institute’s director had decided to restrict the dumping of the garbage in the areas but nothing has happened so far. The Tribune had highlighted the problem in its columns but nothing happened. Residents have demanded setting up of a water treatment plant, which they think is the only solution to this problem.
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AYUSH: Homoeopaths await increments
Ludhiana, August 21 On the one hand contractual staff working under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the department of health and family welfare has been granted 15 to 33 per cent increment in the past one year, on other homoeopathic doctors have not received a single increment since their joining in January 2009. Appointed by the health department, homoeopathic doctors get their salaries from the NRHM. But the irony of the situation is that not a single department is ready to own them. The purpose to bring all conventional systems of medicines at par with the allopathic system stands defeated under the prevailing circumstances as the homoeopathic doctors are feeling discouraged. President of the NRHM Homoeopathy Association Punjab, Dr Hitesh Mahajan said: “The confusion between the above departments has discouraged the homoeopathy doctors as they are working on the salary of Rs 20,000 since January 2009.” The association’s representatives said the public response to homoeopathy was evident from the fact that the doctor in the community health centre, Bhadaur, in Barnala district gets 70 to 125 patients per day. Similarly, the number of patients in the OPD of homoeopathy in the health centres at Ferozepur and Gurdaspur districts is more than 100. Prevailing confusion has put the homoeopaths in a tight spot as they are answerable to the district homoeopathy officer and also report to the senior medical officers at the community health centres functional under the Punjab Health System Corporation. “We have to mark our attendance thrice every morning, one in the register of the SMO, second in the register of the homoeopathy department and the third on the biometric machine that adds to the frustration,” rued a homeopathic doctor. Commissioner AYUSH, Punjab, Vinod Bhalla, said: “Our department is just the appointing authority as the funding of homoeopathy doctors is done by the NRHM, thus the decision pertaining to their salaries and increments is not taken by AYUSH.”
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Rare procedure saves 34-yr-old
Ludhiana, August 21 Monika, a resident of Malerkotla, was rushed to the Gynaecology Unit at DMCH as she was bleeding profusely after her Caesarean section operation was performed at a local hospital in her home town. The patient was admitted under Dr Shweta Gupta, associate professor at DMCH, who after conducting her further tests realised that the patient's uterus, had been severely affected. The patient could have been saved either through a high-risk surgery or by plugging the bleeding vessel through an intricate procedure called Uterine Artery Embolisation(UAE). As the patient's attendants were not willing to go for the high-risk surgery, the patient was taken up for UAE. The procedure requires a very delicate manoeuvring of a catheter into the bleeding vessel by the operating doctor and due to its intricacy is rarely performed. Commenting on the case, Dr Bishav Mohan, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, HDHI, who performed the UAE said, "When we took her for the procedure, she had already been transfused four units of blood but her condition was still deteriorating. She was give local anesthesia and a catheter was introduced into main artery at the groin and advanced into the bleeding vessel. Dr GS Wander, chief cardiologist and coordinator, HDHI, said, "In cases such as this particular patient's, the mortality rate, if timely medical action is not taken, is as high as 50 per cent. As a non-surgical procedure, like the UAE offers significant benefits, including less risk and less post-operation complications. And I congratulate the doctors involved for having performed the difficult procedure with such precision.”
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Industry wakes up to workers’ safety
Ludhiana, August 21 Industrialists are taking interest in safety equipment and products, including helmets, face shield, ear/eye protection equipment, respiratory masks, hand gloves, chemical suits and fall arrestors, which help reduce the risk of any injury. Rajesh Goel, director, GR Sales, said there had been a number of queries about workers’ safety equipment during the conference.
— TNS
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Seminar on rural health
Mandi Gobindgarh, August 21 The issues regarding improvement of health care delivery system of both the countries were discussed, après note issued here said.
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80 get scholarship
Ludhiana, August 21 Around 80 girl students from the economically-weaker sections of society were given annual scholarship worth Rs 1,000 each. An annual scholarship of Rs 24,000 was also given to a student of MCA. Among others present were school manager Ravinder Kaur Grewal; principal Inderjit Kaur Arora; former principal of DD Jain Memorial College for Women Kamla Jain; executive director of Vocational Rehabilitation Training Centre Sara Johnson and general secretary of School for the Deaf Children, Hambran road, Suvershsa Kalra. NGO president IV Thaman, secretary Jatinder Jain and project director RU Thaman were also present. The NGO has been helping needy students since 1984 by adopting them right at the school level and helping them with their higher education as well. Numerous girls have become financially independent due to the efforts of the NGO.
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From Schools
The school was decorated. Kids made beautiful rakhis from flowers and butterflies. They also made greeting cards and decorative thalis for pooja. Principal of the school Veena Aggarwal spoke on the importance of rakhi in India. Contest
A rakhi competition was organised at Guru Nanak Model Senior Secondary School, Doraha. Students of two groups from Classes IV to VI and VII to IX participated in the competition. In the first group, Raj Verma of Class VI-A (Saturn house) and Deepak Kumar of Class VI-A (Jupiter house) stood first. In the second group, Daljit Kaur of Class IX-C (Earth house) stood first. Principal DP Thakur said the festival was not celebrated just to flaunt beautiful rakhis on the wrist, but also to celebrate the affection between a brother and a sister. Camp
A free medical check-up and consultation camp for senior citizens was organised at Nishkam Seva Ashram by the BCM Arya Health Club in association with medical specialists from Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital. A team of two doctors-Dr Arjun Gautam and Dr Tavneet Singh examined and diagnosed patients. Free medicines and supplements were also distributed at the camp. Blood pressure tests were conducted. The camp was successfully organised under the guidance of Dr Poonam Chaudhary, medical officer of the school. Graduation
ceremony
Graduation ceremony was held with great fervour at BCM, Basant city. Dr Baldeep Singh, Deep Hospital, presided over the function and congratulated students of classes VI and I. Besides, RB Khanna, chief education adviser, SK Mehta, manager of the school, and Dr Vandana Shahi, principal, BCM, Basant Avenue, were also present. Dr Baldeep planted saplings. School principal Amarjyoti Chawla said, “Clean environment is required for a healthy body. The ceremony boosts the confidence of students which is must for holistic development of students.” Talent hunt
Showcasing the unique blend of talent and spontaneity, students of the primary section of Guru Nanak Public School presented a talent competition which left an indelible imprint on the hearts of all present. About 150 students of Class I participated with great zeal and fervour in the competition. Tiny tots presented a fancy-dress show on themes like universe, summer session and celebrities. Young singers enthralled audience with songs like "Nani teri morni", "Nanha munna rahi hoon", "Remama remama re". Principal Pamela Lotey congratulated winners and gave away prizes. Saplings planted
A tree-plantation drive was carried out by the NCC cadets of Khalsa Girls' Senior Secondary School, Civil Lines, yesterday. Fifty cadets participated in the activity with different charts prepared by them on the topic of tree plantation. Special guests of the day NCC administrator officer Lt Krishna Dubey and girl cadets instructor Kanchan of 3Pb Girls' Battalion were welcomed by the cadets.
— TNS
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Auto-rickshaw menace State govt told to submit affidavit Anshu Seth Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, August 21 The court has also directed the state government to ensure that the adulteration of kerosene with diesel is curbed and has asked for a detailed information on the stipulated time required for the construction of auto stands and provision of yellow lines. Obstructing the road traffic, haphazard parking, mixing kerosene in diesel and jeopardising public life by plying discarded autos, form an extended list of inconvenience caused by auto-rickshaws in Ludhiana. Repeated complaints by city residents have fallen on deaf ears as the government machinery has failed to curtail the “auto-rickshaw nuisance” in the city. As a result, Anti-Corruption and Criminal Investigation Cell, city NGO filed a public interest litigation (PIL) at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The NGO through its writ petition had referred to the media reports, wherein various English dailies and vernacular papers had repeatedly referred to the auto-rickshaws being the major contributor to the haphazard traffic pattern in the city. The reports had categorically mentioned that these autos were the major air pollutants as a majority of them were illegally converted to diesel engine and diesel is mixed with kerosene resulting in emission of poisonous fumes causing health problems. Auto drivers overload passengers much beyond permissible limits by putting up wooden planks for making seating arrangement, violate all traffic rules with impunity, do not get their vehicles passed from the Motor Vehicle Inspector and do not obtain permits. Instead of three passengers, these autos can be generally seen carrying 8 to 10 passengers thereby risking the lives of people.
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Disposal
of bio-medical waste
Ludhiana, July 21 The court has ordered SMO JS Salhan to appear in the court on November 3, 2010, for trial. The orders came on a complaint moved by the Punjab Pollution Control Board(PPCB). The board had accused the civil hospital authorities of not disposing of the bio-medical waste in a proper manner. A criminal complaint was moved by the PPCB against the then Senior Medical Officer (SMO) of civil hospital, who was transferred to Jallandhar. The complaint was filed under Rule 8 of Bio-Medical Waste(management and handling) and under section 15 and 17 of the Environment Protection Act. The hospital authorities have been accused of disposing the bio-medical waste in a manner not prescribed. Following a complaint pertaining to the violation of these rules, the PPCB officials had earlier visited the hospital in February. It has been alleged in the complaint moved by Law officer of the PPCB Jasbir Singh Tiwana that the hospital was resorting to indiscriminate disposal of bio-medical waste, including tubes, disposable gowns, masks, scrubs, needles, syringes, dressings and blood. In April 2010, the PPCB officials had again visited the civil hospital and observed that the waste was strewn in and around the hospital. The liquid waste management was also not found to be proper, says the complaint. It has been claimed in the complaint that during the visit, the record maintained by the hospital regarding generation of bio-medical waste was checked and it was found that 2.5 to 4 kg of bio-medical waste was disposed of per day, whereas the generation of waste varied between 40 and 50 kilograms per day. The law officer had submitted that despite a show-cause notice and personal hearing, the hospital authorities did not mend its ways.
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Guru Nanak school dominate
Ludhiana, August 21 The main architects of GNIPS victory were Karanjeet Singh and Sukhpreet Singh who scored nine and five points, respectively, while Hanish with six points played well for the losers. In another match in the youth boys section, Shaheed Major Kuldeep Singh Club of Surjapur fought tooth and nail against Individuals Registered Club before going down with a wafer-thin margin (35-36). For the winners, Kunal Bakshi played the pivot role with 21 points, followed by Jorawar who netted eight points. Balraj and Jagraj accounted for 19 and 12 points, respectively, for Surjapur outfit. The match played between New Public School, Sector 18, Chandigarh, and Green Land Senior Secondary Public School, Ludhiana, turned out to be a one-sided affair in which the former came out triumphant (63-15). In other matches (youth boys), Police DAV Public School, Amritsar, routed Polo Ground Centre, Patiala, 65-37; Ace Club, Khanna, beat Kundan Vidya Mandir, Ludhiana, 54-37; Government Senior Secondary Model School, SAI Centre defeated Raja Porus Sports Club, Gidderbaha, 60-53; Gymkhana Club, Ludhiana, outplayed BCM Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh road, Ludhiana 54-32; Spring Dale Public School, Amritsar, outnumbered Guru Harkrishan Public School, Amritsar, 41-15; Sangrur Youth Club trounced Delhi Public School, Ludhiana, 46-15; Government Senior Secondary School, Kotkapura, overwhelmed MGM Public School, Dugri, Ludhiana, 54-6. In the youth girls section, Khalsa Girls Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana, along with GTB National Public School, Dakha, and Polo Ground Club, Patiala, wrapped up their matches to surge ahead. Khalsa Girls Senior Secondary School pipped Shaheed Major Kuldeep Singh Club, Surjapur, 36-8, GTB National Public School, Dakha, beat Bhartiya Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Kitchlu Nagar, Ludhiana, 50-15 and Polo Ground Club, Patiala, outwitted Gymkhana Club, Ludhiana 35-21. BCM Senior Secondary School, Dugri road, Ludhiana, and Doraha Public School, Doraha, got walk over as their respective opponents Sacred Heart Convent School, Ludhiana, and Guru Nanak Public School, Mullanpur, failed to turn up.
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Kila Raipur emerge U-14 football champs
Ludhiana, August 21 In the U-17 category, Ludhiana Zone II, romped home victorious, while PAU Zone finished at second place. In the
U-19 category, Raikot Zone won the title, while Kila Raipur Zone stood second.
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Chess
Ludhiana, August 21 In the boys U-14 category, BCM Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar, and Green Land Senior Secondary Public School, Jalandhar bypass, secured the second and third positions, respectively. In the U-17 section, the second and third positions were bagged by Kundan Vidya Mandir and BCM Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar, while in the U-19 category, Sargodha Public School finished runners-up and Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, stood third.
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LUDHIANA: Maple Bear Canadian Play Way and Nursery School, Udham Singh Nagar, celebrated Raksha Bandhan with great enthusiasm. Kids were dressed in traditional attires.