Cong shifts show of strength venue to Chandigarh
Amarinder to take over as PPCC chief on Nov 12
Chandigarh, November 7
In a change of plans, the Punjab Congress will now put up a show of strength here on November 12 when former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh will formally take over as president of the Pradesh Congress, ensuring that the visit of the new state Congress chief to Amritsar on November 9 will be a subdued affair.

Six protesting teachers hurt in lathi charge
Rajay Deep
Tribune News Service

Lambi (Muktsar), November 7
Nearly half a dozen activists of the Sikhyakarmi Adhyapak Union, including two women, today sustained multiple injuries after the Muktsar police resorted to a lathi charge on the Malout-Delhi national highway in Lambi — the home turf of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

It is learnt that demanding the regularisation of all 7,739 Sikhyakarmi Adhyapaks, activists of the union had announced to sit on a relay fast at Lambi village from today. As per their pre-announced call, about 250 union activists belonging to different districts of the state today assembled on the outskirts of the village.

Before they could reach their destination-dera of a sect located on the highway in the village, where they had to sit on fast — hundreds of cops led by a battery of senior police officials of Muktsar district, intercepted them on the way.

Finding the union activists reluctant to give up their demand to lodge a protest at Lambi, the police finally resorted to lathi charge.

Seeing the policemen raining lathi blows in a brutal way, the protesters, who were being supported by the BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan), Democratic Teachers’ Front and several other associations, ran to the nearby agricultural fields to save their lives.

Ironically, two lensmen of Hindi and Punjabi dailies, who were capturing the whole incident, also were at the receiving end.

According to their versions, a senior police official from Muktsar, Ashutosh Sharma, directed the junior staff to snatch their cameras.

Acting upon the direction, SHO, Lakhewali, took away their cameras and damaged the memory cards to destroy the evidence of police cruelty.

Later, the agitators reassembled at the Tehsil complex at Lambi and started raising anti-government slogans. Meanwhile, five of them began the relay fast and warned the government to regularise all of them, failing which the protest would be carried for an indefinite period.

On the other hand, reacting to the incident, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who was in Bathinda today, marked an inquiry to the Inspector-General of Police, Bathinda range, NS Dhillon. He directed the official to find the cop who had directed his subordinates to misbehave with the mediapersons and take action against him.

Speaking over the phone late this evening, president of the Sikhyakarmi Adhyapak Union, Ajmer Singh Aulakh, said the SDM, Malout, had taken them to meet the Deputy Chief Minister and they were hopeful that something positive would emerge regarding their demand. However, till the filing of the report, the meeting had not started.

Fazilka, November 7
Arhtiyas and market committee officials have suspended the purchase of paddy for three days (November 6 to November 8) at the state’s one of the largest paddy market here. The reason stated for the suspension of the purchase of basmati quality of paddy is a glut of about 6 lakh filled bags of paddy (each weighing 35 kg) awaiting lifting.

Interestingly, the grain market which is spread on about 105 acres has the capacity of stocking about 4 lakh filled bags. The basmati quality of paddy is being purchased by about 48 private traders from the Fazilka grain market.

The market committee and the Commission Agents Association, Fazilka, have also stopped daily auction. They have also appealed farmers not to bring their produce, as there is a scarcity of space for stocking fresh arrivals.

“Roads are blocked and there is no approach way for lifting paddy due to heavy arrivals,” said Daya Krishan Sachdeva, President of the Arhtiya Assocaition, Fazilka.

Notably, about 9 lakh quintals of basmati quality of paddy arrivals have been recorded at the grain market so far. Besides this, about 4 lakh quintals of ‘permal’ quality of paddy has arrived at grain market. About 15,000 quintals of paddy arrivals is recorded during the peak season daily.

Amritsar, November 7
A former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht, Prof Darshan Singh, who was ex-communicated early this year, today hit the headlines following reports of he being reportedly given siropa (robe of honour) at Sri Harmandar Sahib. The SGPC has ordered a probe into the matter.

The former jathedar was here to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple in the morning. After offering prayers, he sat inside the sanctum sanctorum to listen to Shabad Gurbani. It was here that an SGPC employee allegedly gave him the ‘siropa’. The moment was purportedly seen during the live telecast of Gurbani from the Golden Temple.

Reacting to the incident, SGPC chief Avtar Singh said they would investigate into the entire matter. Darbar Sahib manager Harbans Singh Malhi said they would see the video footage of this morning’s telecast of Gurbani to unearth the truth.

Meanwhile, the alleged move is also being seen by some in the panthic circles as an indication of Prof Darshan Singh’s possible return to the panth. However, there is also a possibility that he may have been given the siropa after he gave cash as offering at the shrine. Anybody offering Rs 100 or above in cash is given siropa at the Golden Temple.

In January this year, the Sikh high priests had ex-communicated Prof Darshan Singh from the Sikh panth for his controversial Rochester gurdwara (USA) discourse and ostensibly for his ‘defiant posture’ towards the Sikh clergy during the hearing of the case. It was for the first time that a former Jathedar of Akal Takht was ex-communicated.

Chandigarh, November 7
In a change of plans, the Punjab Congress will now put up a show of strength here on November 12 when former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh will formally take over as president of the Pradesh Congress, ensuring that the visit of the new state Congress chief to Amritsar on November 9 will be a subdued affair.

According to informed sources, Amarinder will now be going to Amritsar from here by air, which means there will be no chance of road shows in between as would have been the case if he had travelled by road.

Talking to TNS, Capt Amarinder Singh confirmed that he will pay obeisance at the Golden Temple and the Durgiana Mandir and that only leaders as well as party workers from the Majha region were expected to receive him there.

Meanwhile, the party rank and file are making all efforts to ensure that the takeover at the party headquarters at Sector 15 is a grand affair.

Former minister Lal Singh and Barnala legislator Kewal Dhillon, who are involved in the exercise, disclosed that keeping in view the small space available at the Congress Bhawan, the party had requested the Chandigarh administration to allow it to close the road from the PGI chowk to the Sector 16 chowk.

Lal Singh, who is leading the preparations, said Chandigarh SSP Naunihal Singh had visited the spot and that a proper stage along with parking facilities would be created to cater to the huge rush.

Party sources said the biggest takeover till now had been that of former president Shamsher Singh Dullo. “This time arrangements are being made for a much bigger gathering,” he added.

Sources said besides party general secretary and Punjab in charge Mohsina Kidwai, Pradesh returning officer for the just concluded elections, Usha Thakkar, and senior leaders, including Balram Jakhar and R L Bhatia, were expected to attend the takeover ceremony.

The ceremony will involve a grand welcome for Amarinder, which will be followed by a formal takeover of the office of the Pradesh Congress president. Following this, the new state chief will address the gathering and also later address a formal press conference.

Meanwhile, Capt Amarinder while stating that he would start the process of meeting all party leaders immediately after taking over, claimed that he had not held any special meeting with Congress Legislature Party leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal. He, however, added that: “Having said that I am all for cordial relations with Bhattal as there is only one year left to the poll and we have to form a government”.

Rajpura, November 7
Farmers from six villages of Rajpura, protesting against the setting up of an IT Park in 1,369 acres of fertile agricultural land, today sat on indefinite hunger strike in front of the residence of Rajpura MLA and parliamentary secretary Raj Khurana.

Last week the farmers had blocked the national highway for more than five hours and disrupted schedule of thousands of commuters plying on Delhi-Amritsar and Chandigarh-Patiala roads. “The government is not going to set up anything, which will help farmers. It is a mere gimmick to encroach upon the fertile land of marginal and poor farmers of six villages,” said one of the protestors, Gurcharan Singh from Sehra village.

He said land from six villages, including Sehra, Sehri, Aakar, Aakri, Tahktumajra and Pabra villages had been acquired for the IT Park. Farmers said they had setup tents in front of the main entrance of the MLA and would continue hunger strike till the government rollbacks the decision to set up the IT Park on their land.

“Since no bidder has turned up at already acquired agricultural land for two IT parks in and around Ropar, the chances are bleak here too. Neither we are taken into confidence nor we are convinced that multinational companies will invest crores here,” said another Satnam Singh. He said though the land to be acquired belongs to village panchayats but the poor farmers had taken it on lease for past many years and kept their pots boiling after tilling land.

He said project of the IT Park is designed to hoodwink poor farmers who would be bereft of their precious land and mediators would ultimately end up earning crores through various land deals. Those who sat on hunger strike included Ravinder Singh of Aakri village, Joginder Singh from Aakar, Satnam Singh of Aakar, Satnam Singh of Sehri, Surinder Singh of Sehri, Amanpreet Singh Sehri and Ram Pal Singh of Sehra village.

Rajpura SDM Gurtej Singh said process of land acquisition had been completed and now entire land would be taken into possession after completion of payment. He said the entire land belonged to village panchayats and farmers from these villages took the land on lease to grow crop and vegetables.

Amritsar, November 7
With the US President Barack Obama reaching New Delhi today, radical Sikh organisations, in India and abroad, have urged him to “intervene for the sake of justice” and raise the issue of 1984 riots with the Government of India.

In a communique addressed to President Obama, Dal Khalsa president HS Dhami said, “You and your Indian counterpart, Dr Manmohan Singh, present the new face of world politics. However, the Sikh community is awaiting some concrete action from both of you.” Welcoming Obama to India, he said their reception would have been more sweet and fulfilling had the President visited the Golden Temple, Amritsar-the Vatican of Sikhs. He, however, hoped that the US President would take this opportunity “to go beyond the Indian mainstream and delve into the status and plight of Sikhs”.

Dr Manjeet Singh, leader of the Khalistan Affair Centre based in Washington DC, has also appealed to President Obama to take up the matter of “denial of justice” to 1984 riot victims. He said the Sikh community in the US took part in a rally organised by Sikhs for Justice in this regard outside the United Nations in New York on November 1. A memorandum was also submitted to the UN Human Rights Commission. According to him, the New York rally by American Sikhs, among other things, was meant to urge President Obama to forcefully bring up the issue of justice for the victims of the 1984 riots, when he meets the Indian leadership in New Delhi.

Chandigarh, November 7
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal today objected to the recent instructions of US Federal Transportation officials to physically frisk the turbans of Sikhs.

In a statement here, the SAD President said the instruction was discriminatory and targeted the Sikh community only. He urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take up the issue with US President Barack Obama for its immediate withdrawal.

In a communiqué to the Prime Minister, the SAD President said that according to the latest instructions of the federal transportation authority, Sikhs after undergoing whole body image scanners would have an option to get their turban patted by FTA officials or by themselves. After the thorough checking of turbans, FTA would also check the hands of Sikhs for traces of chemicals, if any.

Chandigarh, November 6
What do Nikki Haley Randhawa, Bobby Jindal and Arjan Bhullar have in common? They all belong to the second generation Punjabi diaspora of North America.

Bobby Jindal

Arjan Bhullar

Amritsar, November 7
The operationalisation of advanced category-II instrument landing system (ILS) at recently rechristened Sri Guru Ramdas Jee International Airport, earlier known as Rajasansi International Airport, has been hampered by an operational structure of the Indian Air Force (IAF), according to senior officials.

They said a small but strategic structure of the IAF was obstructing the smooth functioning of the advanced system installed at the airport during its expansion

They said the local functionaries of the Airport Authority of India had written to the IAF for shifting the building to another suitable place within the airport premises to make it functional.

At present, domestic and international flights operating from the Amritsar airport have to seek help from the archaic category-I ILS. Even as many years have lapsed since the local airport was elevated to the status of the international flying destination, its operational capability is severely curtailed during winters, as the region is invariably engulfed with fog. Many flights in the past had to be diverted to the Delhi airport.

The instrument landing system is a ground-based system that provides guidance to an aircraft in approaching and landing on a runway by a combination of radio signals and high-intensity lighting arrays. The airlines, operating aircraft from this airport, are apprehensive of the impending foggy season and expect that the obstruction would soon be resolved to facilitate smooth movement of flights.

The new system, also known as CAT-II, would enable the pilots to land aircraft even when the runway visibility is just 500 m. Besides, the new system would also help them during heavy rainfall.

The existing landing system allows operations only when the visibility is 1,200 m.

Notably, all major international airports in the country has category-III ILS system, but the Amritsar airport continues to struggle to get its category-II system operational.

Bathinda, November 7
“In line with the administrative reforms initiated in the state, the Punjab government is now going to check corruption in the Revenue Department by introducing a new pattern of collector rates, reducing the discretion of the registering authority,” said Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Sukhbir was here to lay the foundation stone of the Rs 12-crore railway underbridge (RUB) on the Bathinda-Mansa road. He also attended the Vishwakarma Day celebrations at different places.

Speaking to mediapersons, Sukhbir said the recent meeting of the Cabinet had mandated that registration of properties would not be done below the collector rate and one was free to get his property registered above collector rate.

He said while calculating the collector rate of the building portion, earlier there was an element of discretion with the registering authority, leading to corruption. In view of the menace, the Cabinet had decided to adopt a uniform formula according to which in case of single-storeyed building, the collector rate of building would be 10 per cent of the land collector rate. Similarly, for double, triple and subsequent storeys of the building, five per cent collector rate would be enhanced for every additional storey.

Vowing to accelerate the revenue collection, the Deputy Chief Minister said the Congress took 62 years to reach the mark of Rs 5,000 crore in VAT collection and within three years, he was hopeful to clock the Rs 11,000-crore mark in the same. He claimed that Punjab, with 33 per cent growth in revenue, emerged as the number one state in the country, having the fastest growth in revenue.

“We believe in improving tax collection to raise revenue to implement development programmes and provide subsidies to the poor section of society rather than curtailing subsidies to farmers,” he asserted.

Underlining the need for developing a sports culture in the state, Sukhbir said Punjab had decided to set up six residential sports schools and two sports colleges to nurture the budding sports talent.

He said children with sports talent right from Class VI would be provided all facilities in these schools, including boarding, lodging, sports training besides regular education, and selected talent would be promoted to sports colleges to prepare our players to compete in the Olympics.

Further, he said 14 new stadiums with floodlight facilities would be ready by Independence Day next year and the World Cup Kabbadi would be held in these stadiums in October 2011.

When asked about Manpreet Singh Badal being ousted from the party and the ruling SAD playing vendetta politics and implicating his supporters in false cases, Sukhbir refuted the allegations and said he had no grudge. So, he was not at all involved in such practices.

Patiala, November 7
In connection with the murder case of Rulda Singh, state president of the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Sewa Samiti, the Patiala Police has written to the state police crime wing to obtain sanction from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the execution of arrest warrants of four accused in the case, who are of Punjab origin, but are now residents of the UK.

According to senior officials, the police wants to interrogate Gursharanbir Singh, Gurdit Singh, Pyara Singh Gill and Amritbir Singh, who are in the UK, to get further breakthrough in this case.

Rulda Singh was allegedly shot at in his shop-cum-flat at Grain Market on July 28, 2009, by two assailants, who later fled in a car. He was admitted to the PGI, Chandigarh, but succumbed to injuries on August 15.

In a letter to the ADGP (Crime), the Patiala Police has said that the accused, Gursharanbir Singh and Pyara Singh Gill, along with their accomplices Jagmohan Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Darshan Singh, had allegedly fired at Rulda Singh at the instance of absconding terrorist Jagtar Singh Tara of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).

“They all are UK Citizens. The arrest warrants of these four have been obtained from the local court till April 11, 2011. Therefore, it is requested that the warrants should be sent to the UK through the MEA for execution,” reads the letter. In July this year, the West Midlands Police in the UK had arrested these four persons on suspicion of murdering Rulda Singh.

Patiala DSP (Detective) Ashish Kapoor said the arrests followed some meetings between Indian and British officials, where the police and intelligence agencies worked in close coordination. He added that the role of the BKI in Rulda Singh’s murder could not be ruled out.

Ferozepur, November 7
It was a day of joy for Balwinder Singh, a resident of Hamad village of this district, when his Nukra-breed colt was declared first in the livestock and milking competition, which was opened by Punjab Irrigation Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon here today.

A colt of Dashmesh Breeding Centre of Khippawali village was declared second in overall rating in the two-day competition. The livestock and milking competition attracted a large number of participants, as about 580 cattle owners registered their entries to participate in different events.

“Perhaps the Ferozepur district has attracted a large number of participants from all over the state so far. The competition is being held with the motive to encourage the farmers towards agriculture-allied activities to enable them to enhance their source of income,” said deputy director, animal husbandry, Punjab, Vinod Chaudhary.

“Every department, including rural development, dairy farming, fisheries, municipal council, Markfed, Milkfed and DRDA, have been involved to make this two-day event a great success,” pointed out Vinod.

In another competition, Satnam Singh of Ferozepur city got first prize for his Murrah-breed buffalo. Shamsher Singh of Pallamegha village got second prize for his buffalo.

Different yardsticks, including the physique, skin status, cleanliness, body strength, fitness, health and injury status, had been laid down to determine overall rating of the animals in the competition by the authorities.

The competition, which also drew a large number of spectators from nook and corner of this one of the largest districts of Punjab, was also attended by a number of traders, who deal in sale and purchase of the cattle. A number of traders enthralled the spectators by making their cattle to dance on the Dhol beats.

Ropar, November 7
Paddy procuring agencies at Ropar grain market are allegedly working hand-in-glove with the rice millers causing utter chaos in market and late lifting of procured lot, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) president Balvir Singh Rajewal said here today. Rajewal was here to see the lifting problem that looms large on the market. He said Muktsar grain market too faced same problem couple of days ago. “Farmers here have told us that procuring agency officers refuse to procure paddy on one pretext or the other. After they refuse, the rice millers approach farmers and tell them to sell produce at cheaper rates,” he said.

If the farmers refuse to sell their produce on cheaper rates, they end up spending more than a week looking for buyer, Rajewal pointed out.

Presently 18,970 quintals of paddy is waiting to be lifted from the grain market. He added that earlier paddy was not being procured properly because of being discoloured and damaged. But now, after the government increased percentage of acceptance of the two physical variations from four to 10 per cent, the procurement procedure should have gained momentum.

Rajewal said the union would tomorrow stage dharna at Chandigarh against the Punjab State Farmers’ Commission (PSFC) for advocating use of the PAU 1120 variety, which had brought losses for the farmers. “The commission feels that farmers get at least 25 per cent profit out of this crop, which is totally untrue. When state’s farmer commission does not believe its farmers, what can we expect from the Centre,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner AS Miglani said he had directed district mandi officer to get formal complaints from the farmers over the issue and sort it out.

Fatehgarh Sahib, November 7
The Fatehgarh Sahib police recently claimed to have recovered detonator, explosive material and a Chinese pistol (30 mm) on the information of already arrested three persons involved in terrorist activities.

The police had arrested three accused, Jasmel Singh, alias Sahib Singh of Rupalheri village in Bassi Pathana, Rashpal Singh of Bhagaura village in Nawashahr and Kulvinder Singh of Shyampur village in Mohali.

Officials claimed that the accused are associated with the Babbar Khalsa International and the Bhindranwala Tiger Force. Earlier, three pistols (19 mm), 18 live cartridges and Rs 9,500 were recovered from their possession, besides car bearing registration number of Delhi. The police claimed that accused were arrested from near Buga Kanchian village, near Amloh during a naka.

Fatehgarh Sahib SSP RS Khattra said during interrogation accused disclosed more details about hidden explosive and a pistol, which were recovered. The cops said the explosive seems to be of low intensity and would be sent for lab testing. They added that arrested accused had admitted that they were instrumental in killing Ajit Singh Poohla in Amritsar jail and were also planning to kill Punjab ADGP (vigilance) Sumedh Singh Saini. Meanwhile, Jasvir Kaur, sister of arrested Sahib Singh, alleged that the cops were lying over arrests made during a naka. While talking to TNS over phone, Jasvir Kaur alleged that some unidentified cops in plain clothes scaled boundary wall of her house and took away her brother to an undisclosed place.

Jasvir said she had been residing in Chunni Kalan with her father and three kids. “The cops, in name of search, ransacked entire house and even scrutinised children books after taking my brother away. The cops are lying about the place of arrest and explosives and arms recovered from my brother,” said the wailing Jasvir. She said her husband died six years ago and her brother had been helping her by participating in religious hymns in gurdwaras. Jasvir suspected that a dera head based in Haryana is behind the arrest of her brother. Khattra has refuted all allegations levelled by Jasvir Kaur and said they had arrested the accused as they indulged in unlawful activities and various cases were already pending against them.

Patiala, November 7
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur has recommended the Union Government for widening and strengthening of several roads and bridges of Patiala under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). During Preneet’s visit to flood-hit areas of Patiala during past few months, various gram panchayats had requested her that there was immediate need for the improvement of roads.

Taking into account the demand of village panchayat, as many as eight roads were identified that required widening and strengthening. “The recommendations for the widening and strengthening of roads, in accordance with the guidelines of the PMGSY, have been sent to the Punjab Public Works Department (PWD), so that the department can submit the same to the Central Government for release of the funds,” stated Preneet.

Some of the identified roads includes road from Retgarh to Shutrana, villages starting from Dhanetha to Chichadwal in Patran and Smana blocks, Sarla Kalan to Naneola up to Haryana Border, village enroute Sarla Kalan to Naneola in Ghanour and Bhunderheri blocks, Rajpura-Chandigarh road to Fatehgarh Sahib Landran Road, villages from Jansua to Biromajri in Rajpura Block, Patiala Main to Swajpur and road from villages from Sullar to Dashmesh Nagar in Sanour block. Preneet said these roads had been identified, keeping in view the availability of 10-feet or more lands on the brims for widening, as per guidelines of the PMGSY.

Preneet has also recommended construction of some high-level bridges under the PMGSY.

Anandpur Sahib, November 7
The Dasmesh Academy at Anandpur Sahib is being showered with liberal funds from the state government, while its neighbouring government schools from the Changar area continue to be run from dilapidated and inadequate buildings.

Since the present SAD-BJP government took over in 2007, the school’s trust has been receiving Rs 25-30 lakh every year from the Punjab Government for development purposes. School lies strategically close to the Changar villages of Thappar, Barotu and Mohiwal. Government schools in these villages are being run from two or three room building, which does not even fulfill the seating arrangement needs of the students.

As per sources in the Education Department, these schools have got Rs 60,000 grant under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyaan and that too for building kitchens for the mid-day meal scheme. While the academy gets funds to the tunes of lakhs, despite being run by a trust, the same few lakhs can bring whirlwind change in these government schools.

Owned and managed by Sri Dasmesh Academy Trust with Prakash Singh Badal as its chairperson. The academy caters to students up to class XII and presently has around 600 students and is spread over 200 acres of land. Congress Nangal MLA Rana KP Singh said the academy was established in the late 70s with the public funds from the Government of India and the state government.

“Down the time, we proposed that incumbent Chief Minister of the state should head the trust. The idea was never implemented and instead the Badal clan took over this prestigious project,” he said.

Patiala, November 7
In what could be termed as a rare case, just using Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 as a tool, a Sunam based -NGO has been able to help hundreds of inhabitants of Village Arnetu, most of whom are suffering from physical deformities, allegedly because of consumption of unfit drinking water. Though it was a known fact that water of village Arnetu, which comes under Pattran Sub-Division of Patiala, is not fit for consumption on account of extremely high level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) but the government departments concerned were not taking any corrective measures.

“After reading some news report about the village, I visited Arnetu, having population of 2500, situated on the bank of the river Ghagger and was shocked to see that persons with physical deformities were there in most of the houses. Immediately after, I made complaints about water problem in the village to Punjab Pollution Control Board, Patiala District Administration and Civil Surgeon Office early this year”, said Jatinder Jain of NGO Sankalp, while speaking to The Tribune.

Elaborating that how RTI helped the villagers, Jain said after making the complaints, he sought information on his complaint from all the departments under RTI Act. “Though when the Departments failed to supply information, I had to knock the doors of State information Commission but this created a great impact and all the three departments came into action.”

Patiala, November 7
With a view to beautification of the royal city of Patiala, the Municipal Corporation (MC) authorities have chalked out a comprehensive plan under which flowers will be planted at specially identified points in the city. Besides, the green cover of the city will be enhanced and there is plan to increase the water fountains with glittering lights.

“Patiala carries the tag of a royal city but now we are committed to making it city beautiful as well. We want that apart from Patiala residents, whosoever comes to the city should get a whiff of fresh air and must appreciate the scenic beauty of the historic city of Patiala,” said Patiala Deputy Commissioner Dipinder Singh, on whose instructions, the municipal authorities have drawn the plan to undertake the beautification project.

Dipinder said in collaboration with a private company, the Patiala MC would undertake the work of beautifying Bhupindra Road, vicinity of Thapar College, Jail Road and few other places by planting ornamental flowers. He further said work of the green belt on road from YPS Chowk to Thikriwala Chowk and the Baradari Garden Road is already underway.

“It is really nice that the Patiala municipal authorities have assured me that they will leave no stone unturned to make the city cleaner and greener. In order to attract the tourists, all steps for the upkeep of gardens and greenbelts will be taken by the MC,” said the DC.

On the issue of enhancing the green cover in the city, Dipinder said, “I have realised that we have given enough of the iron roofs and cement walls to the city. Now, is the time to go back to nature and for that I would definitely convene deliberations with the civic officials for launching plantation drive in the city at large scale in near future,” he said.