Amritsar, August 31
Two locals dying of swine flu and another one found positive should have woken up the authorities. However, this has not happened.

The health authorities are yet to prepare a plan to combat the re-emergence of the deadly flu.

Lack of awareness campaign and government measures make the city residents vulnerable to the flu.

Against the first wave of swine flu, which was concentrated on the persons coming from abroad, all these three patients had no foreign connection. Hence, it was an apparent indication that the flu had penetrated to the interiors of the society.

Satpal, 55, was the third positive case detected during this month in the city. Currently, he is undergoing treatment at the ESI Hospital.

Ritu, 22 of the Batala Road area, who was pregnant, died in Guru Nanak Dev Hospital on August 26. Earlier, Malti Devi, 48, a class four employee of Guru Nanak Dev University, died of the flu here on August 9.

Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr Hardip Singh Ghai, who is also District Nodal Officer for swine flu, said in all, six samples were sent to the laboratory in August. The reports confirmed three of them to be positive.

That the patients belonged to the university, densely populated Batala and Shivala roads have thrown a serious challenge before the Health Department and the district administration to chalk out steps on war footing to stop the deadly flu from spreading its tentacles.

Overall, 254 positive cases had been reported in the state since swine flu was first reported while 42 persons had succumbed to the flu.

The doctors, who had attended Malti and Ritu, said it seemed they had contacted the virus which became strong owing to their weak immune system.

Apart from the health authorities, the city residents also needed to be more vigilant in not allowing the flu to spread far and deep.

Ghai said it was not different from ordinary flu virus, just like that causes our typical seasonal flu symptoms. However, the big difference was that the swine flu, which is also known as H1N1 virus, was new and most of us did not have any immunity to it. “This was the reason that it became a pandemic virus with the potential of easily spreading from person to person,” he said, adding that now the matter of concern was that the flu was also developing stronger.

He also added a word of caution that the flu finding suitable weather conditions like rainy season and winters happened to see spurt in cases.

Amritsar, August 31
The Punjab Government has decided in principle to revise the Amritsar master plan following objections raised by various sections of the society in general and the industry in particular.

The decision was taken by Chief Town Planner Kuldeep Singh during a recent visit to the city. The government had invited suggestions from the public for the plan for which the last date for submission was on August 16.

The district chapter of the Punjab Rice Millers Exporters Association took umbrage at the plan as they stated that the draft of the master plan did not include rice industries that were situated on both sides of the Tarn Taran road.

They said the rice industry has been paying crores of rupees to the government in shape of taxes.

In support of their demand they had stated that the area was duly earmarked in the master plan, 1971, and was notified as Spot Industrial Zone in master plan 2000-2021.

For speedy and better development of Amritsar city, the Punjab Government constituted the Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) for area failing outside the Municipal Corporation limits.

The drafting of master plan, which envisages growth of the city for the next half a century, became mandatory for the government after the establishment of the Amritsar Development Authority (ADA).

Meanwhile, within the MC limits, the authority has a mandate to design, develop, re-structure and beautify those urban estates which have not been handed over to the MCA. The authority is also responsible for the overall development and maintenance of commercial pockets within the urban estates already handed over to the MCA.

The authority was created with a purpose to structure, design and organise the commercial, financial hubs in Amritsar yet to start functioning. It would broadly include over 300 villages which fall on almost all highways and other major roads connecting the holy city with adjoining towns and cities. They include the GT Road, Jandiala road, Majitha road, Batala road and others.

Obviously, the revision has delayed the project as it would take roughly another month for releasing the new draft of the plan.

Amritsar, August 31
In order to stem the problem of food adulteration, the government has initiated steps to implement the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006, to ensure safe, healthy and nutritious food for the people.

Five senior food inspectors from the region took training at Delhi to implement rules and guidelines framed under the Act in letter and spirit. The Act contains provisions of stringent action against those indulging in food adulteration. These food inspectors will further impart training to other food inspectors posted at various districts of the state.

They were being informed about the detailed instructions given in the Act which included offence and penalties, enforcement of the Act, food analysis, provisions related to import, etc.

Recently all fruit samples collected by the Health Department had failed showing a large-scale presence of calcium carbide contents.

Dr Chandanjit Singh Kondal, Civil Surgeon, revealed that the government was serious in providing safe food and to stem the problem of food adulteration which had led to serious ailments among the people.

The new Act promises stringent measures and severe punishment, even life imprisonment, against defaulters if the adulteration results in the death of a consumer.

Talking to The Tribune, Food Inspector Sukhrao Singh said as compared to the previous Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, this Act contained more financial fines, besides an increased period of imprisonment.

Under the Act, traders involved in any eatery business would have to register themselves with the Health Department while restaurants, shopkeepers, hotels, karyana shops, dhabas, etc. with a turnover of more than Rs 10 lakh would have to get a licence for the same. If any trader was found running establishments without a licence, he would be fined a minimum of Rs 2 lakh.

Tarn Taran, August 31
The border district is waiting for the proposed September 5 visit of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, when he will lay the stones for the development of three historic townships here.

The civil administration is making all possible arrangements to make the visit of the Chief Minister a success, besides Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat, is monitoring the arrangements.

The townships of Khadur Sahib, Goindwal Sahib and Chohla Sahib have been chosen for the integrated development at par with the historic Mukatsar and others towns of the state.

Bakhtawar Singh, SDM, said here today that the Chief Minister would lay the stones for the development of these towns that day.

Badal would also address rural gatherings at Khadur Sahib and Chohla Sahib, besides starting the work of cleaning of holy water of the historic Baoli Sahib founded by Guru Amar Das at Goidwal Sahib. The visit of the Chief Minister would start from Sheikhchak village, 12 km from here, where he would inaugurate the newly built 220 KW power station.

Then he would go to Khadur Sahib, where he would lay the stone for the integrated development of the town, besides laying the stone for 50-bedded hospital.

The hospital would be built at a cost of Rs 9 crore. The Chief Minister would also address a rural gathering here.

At Goindwal Sahib the cleaning of the holy Baoli Sahib would be started by the Irrigation and Public Health Department. The Chief Minister would be present on the occasion. At the nearby Fatehbad township, the new building of the Civil Hospital would be inaugurated.

In the end, the Chief Minister, besides addressing a rural gathering at Chohla Sahib, would lay the foundation stone for the integrated development of the town. The Chief Minister would also inaugurate the Rs 32-crore project of widening of the National Highway No 15 linking Fatehbad with Khara village.

The SSP, Preetpal Singh Virk, said security arrangements were being made at all the places where the Chief Minister would visit.

Amritsar, August 31
High drama was witnessed at the government-run TB hospital here today when a woman patient leveled serious charges of molestation against a doctor attending her. The enraged family members allegedly attacked the accused doctor and inflicted serious head injury to him. The doctor fled the hospital after first aid.

Dr NC Kajal, deputy medical superintendent of the hospital said the family members are yet to give a written complaint to the hospital authorities. He said a high level probe would be ordered after constituting a committee as soon as they would receive a complaint and appropriate action would be taken in this regard. Dr SS Gill, principal, Government Medical College, said he would seek a report from Dr Kajal.

Amritsar, August 31
Deputy Commissioner, KS Pannu inaugurated Green Amritsar campaign at Spring Dale School. He distributed saplings of medicinal value besides those which yield fruit and are known for high quality of wood.

Amritsar, August 31
To mark the National Sports Day, Sarhad-e-Punjab Sports Club, an NGO dedicated to promote sports among the youth in rural belt, honored as many as 50 renowned sports personalities.

National Sports Day is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. This is the 105th anniversary of the renowned hockey player.

On the occasion, Padma Shri awardee and former Director Sports, Punjab, Kartar Singh was conferred upon lifetime achievement award for his contribution in sports by former Congress MLA Jasbir Singh Dimpa and Harmanbir Singh Gill, Commandant Punjab police and chief patron of the club.

The club also gave away Major Dhyan Chand Award to former hockey Olympian and Arjun awardee, Surinder Singh Sodhi and Hari Singh Nalwa Award was granted to famous coach Sarabjit Singh Happy who produced many international, national level players. Amandeep Kaur Bhatti, who achieved major landmarks in Punjab School Sports and Junior State Athletics Championship in brisk walk competitions, was bestowed with ‘Maan Punjab Da’ award while ‘Majhe Da Maan’ award was given to folk singers Aujla brothers. Puran Singh Sidhu was conferred with ‘sports determination award’ for promoting sports at different levels.

Among others who were honoured during the occasion included Sawinder Singh Sidhu, Baljinder Singh Mand, Baljit Singh Randhawa and Amrik Singh Puar (both international hockey players), Arjun awardee Hardeep Singh Bhullar, Dr Daljinder Singh Kahlon (Athlete), Harvinder Singh (former Indian cricket player) etc. Speaking on the occasion, Harmanbir Singh Gill said the club would continue its endeavours for promoting sports activities among the youth of state he appealed to sports personalities posted at various positions to contribute for the cause of the club and budding sportspersons.

Amritsar, August 31
Physical Education Department of DAV College, Hathi Gate, organised a sports-cum-cultural programme “Halla Bol” to pay tributes to hockey legend Dhyan Chand on his birthday which was celebrated as national sports day on August 28.

Principal Satish Sharma highlighted the achievements of Dhyan Chand. He said the need of the hour was to emulate his achievements so that once again the name of hockey shine in the world.

Paramjit Singh Randhawa, a staunch hockey supporter, and Jinny Sharma anchored the event. Floral tributes were paid to Major Dhyan Chand by chief guest Municipal Corporation Commissioner D.P.S. Kharbanda. “Halla Bol” boys mesmerised the audience with their performance. A group of girls performed on the song “Chak De India”. On the occasion, the centre of attraction was the Berlin Olympics video depicting the sportsmanship of Dhyan Chand. The players of the college reiterated their resolve to excel in their chosen games. Former vice-captain of the Indian hockey team Olympian Harcharan Singh was the guest of honor. International hockey player Balbir Singh Randhawa spoke on some of the unique qualities of Major Dhyan Chand. Among others K.L Godara, Baldev Sachdeva, Rajneesh Popi, Gurdas Sekhon and Gurjit Singh Sidhu were also present.

Amritsar, August 31
A rousing reception was extended to the Guru Nanak Dev University team at the railway station, which returned here today after being declared a joint recipient of the coveted Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (MAKA) 2009-2010.

In this rare instance, since the inception of the MAKA Trophy in 1956-57, two universities - GND University and the Punjabi University - would share the trophy in the same calendar year.

Being the equitable winner, the original running trophy was handed over to the Punjabi University, Patiala, for the first six months.

After staying with them for six months, the trophy would change its destination to the GND University.

Nevertheless, President of India Pratibha Devi Singh Patil presented this esteemed trophy in sports jointly to the GND University and the Punjabi University for their all round best performance in sports for the year 2009-10, in an investiture ceremony held at the Ashoka Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, yesterday.

Award money of Rs 10 lakh each, was also presented on the occasion.

From the GND University’s side, Prof Ajaib Singh Brar, vice-chancellor of the university and Dr Kanwaljit Singh, director sports of the university, received this honour.

Nevertheless, with this addition, the university can boast of grabbing the trophy for a record of 21 times.

Principal (Dr) Jaspal Singh Randhawa and Principal (Dr) Sukhbir Kaur Mahal, respectively, the presidents of the University Sports Committees for men and women, were also present during the award ceremony.

Out of 38 years of its actual participation in the inter-university and other tournaments, the Guru Nanak Dev University has been winning one or the other position for this trophy since 1971-72.

Director sports Dr Kanwaljit Singh and University Women Sports Committee President, Principal Dr Sukhbir Kaur Mahal were welcomed by a large number of officials and teachers of physical education, principals of local colleges, director physical education (DPEs), players and students.

Dr Kanwaljit and Dr Mahal, while reciprocating the congratulations extended by the gathering, said this unparalleled and unique achievement earned by the university is because of our collective and sincere efforts, including our principals, players, faculty, coaches, students, members of the University Sports Department and teachers of physical education of colleges.

Meanwhile, vice-chancellor, Prof Ajaib Singh Brar congratulated all the principals of affiliated colleges, faculty, coaches, DPEs, students and university sports department for their sincere contribution.

“This great honour is not only for the university, but also for the whole of Punjab and Punjabis. The university has maintained its supremacy in the field of sports once again and described it as an unparalleled and unique achievement of the university. No other university in the country could boast of such a performance,” he said.

Earlier, this university had received this prestigious running trophy for the year 1976-77, 1978-85 (seven times in a row), 1986-87, 1991-94 (three times consecutively), 1996-97 to 2000 (four times in succession), 2001-02 to 2003-04 (three times in a row) and for the year 2005-06.

The director sports said the university has produced six Padamshree, one Dronacharya Awardee, one Dhayan Chand Awardee, 27 Arjuna Awardees and 44 Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awardees so far.