Amritsar, February 15
The district administration would soon launch a Centrally-funded beautification project for the historic Jallianwala Bagh. Landscaping would be done using plants and other features to recreate the history of the memorial.

Deputy Commissioner KS Pannu said the project, costing Rs 60 lakh, would begin in March and would be completed by July. The project has been given to the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU), he added.

The landscape design would recreate history which would give the visitors a sense of the events of the day of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. At the place where General Dyer had deployed his troops to massacre the unsuspecting public, life-size topiaries of the soldiers would be created. Also the view up to the buildings, which bear bullet marks, will be cleared through the judicious use of certain low headed plants/plant topiaries. Presently, standing near the firing point, the original open view is completely blocked by a few high growing shrubs and other plants. These plant obstructions would be clipped or removed to open the view so that the exact line of fire could be made visible. There will also be hand topiaries emerging from the earth in the form of fist symbolising freedom fighters raising the slogan of “Jai Hind”. There will be 20 life-size topiaries of soldiers in standing and sitting postures, besides 30 arms emerging from the ground and a few on the ‘stage’ or falling to bullets at a distance.

The outdated signage at the entry point would be replaced with black granite stone with inscription in golden letters. The area surrounding the concrete memorial would also be re-planned, as the Thuja plantation near it has dried up. The area would have fragrant low-headed trees, shrubs as well as small herbs. A swimming pool, which is lying abandoned, would be renovated to convert it into a geyser fountain at the upper level and lotus pond at lower level with recirculation of water.

The project also entails complete removal of malba from the garden, layout of irrigation system and underground cables, construction of green shade net house, construction of paths with no use of concrete, removal/replacement of existing unplanned/unwanted plants, preparation of soil for layout of lawns, lawn planting, and planting of trees/shrubs.

Pannu said the administration has also got the possession of a building, which was witness to the massacre and bears bullet marks on its walls. The building would be preserved and a library set up inside it at a cost of Rs 25-30 lakh. The building was in illegal possession of a local resident since 1956.

Ludhiana, February 15
If similar weather conditions persist in the region for another couple of days the farmers expect a bumper wheat crop this season in Punjab.

Apart from farmers, even the Agricultural experts expect a good crop as the ongoing weather was favourable for standing wheat crop.

Though farmers said the exact picture would come after 15-20 days they are hoping that the dip in the temperature was beneficial for standing crop in the fields.

The weather experts predict a further fall in the night temperatures while the day temperature will hover around normal.

President of Bharti Kisan Union (Rajewal), Balbir Singh Rajewal, said as per today's conditions, farmers expect bumper crop. “We have not received a single complaint from any of the region except for certain parts in the foothills of Hoshiarpur, Ropar and Pathankot districts. Yellow rust has started appearing but it is not alarming. Farmers are happy over the natural rainfalls in region,” said Rajewal.

Director Research of Punjab Agriculture University SS Gosal said the present weather conditions were good for the crop. The rainfall was normal and as per requirement. If similar weather conditions persist, there could be a bumper crop. He said experts had visited many parts in state and found that yellow rust had appeared on the DBW 17 (Delhi variety) and WL 343 varieties of crops.

Another award-winning farmer from Patiala district Nek Singh Khokh said in the foothill area, hailstorm may pose threat to the standing crops. “In these areas, yellow rust has already appeared. If days become warmer, then the diseases may spread,” said Khokh. He said otherwise, there was no major complaint pertaining to loss or disease to the crop. “We do expect a good wheat crop, which is spread in 35 lakh hectare area in Punjab,” said Khokh. 

Ropar, February 15
PPCC president Amarinder Singh today said the Congress has decided to approach the High Court against the Punjab Government for challenging the authority of the PPSC following a scam in the selection of doctors.

He said this while addressing a rally here today. He said the state government was trying to gain control over the PPSC members, who otherwise do not abide by its orders and have only selected people on merit.

“Vigilance Bureau’s list of tainted candidates does not mention the names of the daughter and son-in-law Faridkot MP Gulshan Kaur, nephews of Speaker Nirmal Singh Kahlon as well as MLA Balbir Singh Bath.”

He claimed purposely, the Vigilance Bureau has dropped details of the calls made by the SAD-BJP leaders to PPSC members and was instead playing in the hands of the ruling party. “Commission is a constitutional body and the government was trying to subvert its independence by building up pressure on some members either to submit to their diktats or quit,” he alleged.

He alleged the government wants to reconstitute the commission, introducing its own people in the organisation, so that 401 PPSC selections on the anvil can be awarded as per its will. He alleged the SAD-BJP government of indulging in hoarding.

From operating cable TV to running private buses and auctioning mining sites in the name of favoured politicians to liquor vends, the SAD has taken everything in its own hands. He said during 1997-2002 stint of the SAD, Rs 9 crore have been spent through sangat darshans. “However, later High Court directed that Rs 9 crore be deposited again into the state’s treasure as the funds were meant not meant for sangat darshan programmes but for other schemes in Punjab,” he said.

On claims by the SAD-BJP government of turning cities of Punjab into Paris, Rajinder Kaur Bhattal said Badals were living in fool’s paradise. On her differences with Amarinder she said, “Despite difference of opinion and working style we are one.”

Chandigarh, February 15
Former Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal has said he had no role to play in the appointment of any member of the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC).

He said the appointments of members of the PPSC were either made during the Congress Government or under the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. Manpreet said he does not want his name to be dragged into any controversy.

“Not a single SHO was ever appointed at my instance, getting a member of the PPSC appointed was beyond me,” Manpreet said. He was reacting to Amarinder Singh’s assertion that of the six members of the PPSC had been appointed at the instance of Manpreet.

Pointing out that DS Mahal was the lawyer of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in all the cases of “disproportionate assets”, he said Mahal was even living in the house of the CM preparing legal defence at one time. His was appointed as member of the PPSC is merely a gesture of gratitude by the Badals, he said. “Despite whatever the Congress party may say or think, I have had no role what so ever in his appointment,” he said.

PPCC chief Amarinder Singh has said the State Vigilance Bureau was trying to pressurise the member of the PPSC to succumb to the dictates of the SAD-BJP.

Demanding an impartial probe into the “scandal” that has rocked the PPSC, the Congress chief said his party had no faith in the officials conducting the probe. He sought that the chain of command in the State Vigilance Bureau should be changed with officials who could conduct the probe without succumbing to political pressure.

Meanwhile, Joint Secretary of the SAD NK Sharma has said the PPSC chairperson was appointed by Amarinder Singh and the Congress President must take responsibility for any wrongdoing by the PPSC chief.

Panjhgrahian (Batala), February 15
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today asked the PPCC chief Amarinder Singh to stop himself from making personal remarks against his family members. This he said does not suit his stature as a former Chief Minister of the state, he added.

Badal was addressing a press conference at Panjhgrahian today.

Qadian MLA Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal conducted the proceedings. Cabinet Minister Balbir Singh Bath was also present. The CM doled out grants worth Rs 7 crore to 86 panchayats.

Badal said former CM had launched a personal vendetta against his family, particularly against his wife, who, at present, was undergoing cancer treatment at a hospital in USA.

He said, “I have never attacked Amarinder’s family members and will never do so. Amarinder has remained the Chief Executive of Punjab and his derogatory language against my family does not reflect him in a good light.”

Moga, February 15
Patron of the youth wing of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and former minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia has demanded the SAD to reserve 33 per cent for youth in the coming SGPC as well as the state assembly elections from the SAD.

Addressing a gathering at Moga he said the youth play an important role in the development process of the country.

He said educated youths could bring radical changes in improving the socio-economic status of the people with new ideas to take the state and nation forward on the path of development and for this they need to be given a due share in politics.

Adding that the younger generation should come forward and play a pivotal role in the democratic setup, he said, “The youths have a decisive role and they need to change the face of politics,” he added.

Senior leaders of the SAD, including SAD senior vice-president and former Education Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, district president of the party Tirath Singh Mahla, district planning board chairman Tarsem Singh Rattian and others were not given a seat on the stage at Majithia’s rally being organised over the past few weeks. Separate seats were arranged for the leaders below the stage. The leaders were not even allowed to address the gathering.

Majithia said the common masses were fed-up with the Congress as it has made their life miserable with unprecedented hike in the prices of essential commodities, besides, looting the hard earned money of the tax payers in various scams.

He said people would throw the Gandhi family out of country like the autocrat President Hosni Mubarak in Egypt.

Criticising PPCC chief Amarinder Singh for his irresponsible statements giving rise to vendetta politics said he and his family members were involved in the Hawala scam as well as Ludhiana City Centre scam. He said the Centre was not giving the required share of grants from the central taxes to Punjab, which led to scuttling of development works.

“Instead of blaming the state government of stifling centrally- sponsored schemes, Amarinder should advocate for a higher share in the central taxes,” he said.

Barjinder Singh Brar alias Makhan Brar senior vice-president of the youth wing of the SAD and president of the local body claimed that the SAD-BJP government has done great development works in the state over the past four years, besides, generating job opportunities for the youth.

Majithia’s demand for 33 per cent reservation of party tickets to youths in the SGPC and Assembly poll is being seen as a chance for a party ticket for organiser of the rally, Makhan Brar, who is aspiring for a party ticket from Moga Assembly segment as his father Jathedar Tota Singh who had earlier represented the area has indicated to try his luck from the nearby Dharamkot constituency. Tota Singh lost the last elections but Makhan restored his prestige by winning in the local body elections.

Patiala, February 15
Known for their innovative techniques in the agricultural sector, a group of farmers from Punjab, who are members of the Confederation of Potato Seed Farmers (Poscon), will grow crops, including pulses, maize, sugarcane and oilseeds, in Ethiopia, the second most populous nation in Africa.

While confirming this, secretary-general, Poscon, Jang Bahadur Singh Sangha, stated that the process to take land for farming on lease in Ethiopia was underway and hopefully, the farmers from Punjab would start farming in Ethiopia by the end of this year.

While stating that Ethiopia was a good option for Punjab farmers due to its good climate, Sangha told The Tribune, “In order to identify the land, which is best suited for cultivation, a delegation of Poscon had visited various regions of Ethiopia last year. Another delegation of Poscon visited Ethiopia in January this year and we have identified sites, which are best suited for cultivation.” He further said that mainly they were identifying the land, which received a good amount of rainfall and the ground-water quality was good.

Sangha further sated that they were getting the land on lease for a period ranging between 25 to 45 years at a nominal rate, varying between Rs 500 to Rs 750 per acre per annum. “Initially, in the first year, we plan to start farming on 1,000 to 5,000 hectare land. Before the start of monsoons in Ethiopia, another delegation of Poscon will visit Ethiopia in April-end and will complete the necessary formalities for taking land on lease from the Ethiopian government,” he said. Sangha also said that at present they had offered the proposal only to the members of Poscon, who were interested in taking up farming in Ethiopia.

Patiala, February 15
The famous Maha Kali temple in Patiala will soon be one of the religious shrines covered with gold.

The authorities have decided to start covering the temple with yellow metal. The famous temple was built in 1936 by the then Sikh ruler of Punjab, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. It is considered sacred in terms of belief after the famous Maha Kali temple in Kolkata.

Sources confirmed that the managing committee of the temple has already decided that gold work would be done in the main praying area and slowly be spread across the temple.

“The Maha Kali idol would get the gold cover in the first phase. The first phase is expected to start soon followed by the work in the other parts,” they added.

The temple is considered to be the biggest in North India and has a huge religious following. Recently, Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif had also visited the temple during a film shoot in Patiala.

“The sacred statute of Maha Kali was brought from Bengal with full honours by Bhupinder Singh and he had also offered the first sacrifice in the temple,” management committee member, Dr Naveen Saronwala, said.

“Every Saturday, devotees from across the region come to pay obeisance at the temple and donate money, liquor, gold and even sacrifice animals and birds once their wishes are fulfilled by the goddess,” he added.

The management committee, headed by Patiala DC Dipinder Singh, has decided that the 2.9 kg gold donated devotees would be mingled together and used in the temple premises.“More gold would be in offing as the temple has its own revenue earnings through donations, which run in lakh per annum,” Dipinder Singh said.

Member of the management committee, Ravee S Ahluwalia, said the income of the temple, through donations, had increased from 48 lakhs per annum to 1.75 crore per annum. It was decided that once the first phase was complete the gold work would be done on the other parts, including the inner bhawan. “There are suggestions to cover the dome with gold as well,” he added.

The temple shares proximity with the historic Rajindra Lake on the Mall Road which the government wants to develop as a tourist spot. The lake is considered to be sacred and was a taposthan (praying area) of several saints in the past.

“Copper plating work has already started on at the venue, and the gold plating from pillars to the ceiling is expected to be complete by April,” said Satnam Singh. Satnam has previously done similar gold work for the Golden Temple Amritsar.

Amritsar, February 15
A four-year-old boy, Rehan, who was kidnapped by three unidentified persons on February 13, was rescued by the city police. The police also recovered the ransom money of Rs 26 lakh from the accused.

The police, with vital inputs from the State Special Operation Cell, arrested four persons in this connection while one person managed to escape. The accused were helped by the domestic help in the crime. “The family was allowed to continue negotiations with the accused to ensure the safe return of the child,” disclosed Deputy Commissioner of Police Amar Singh Chahal.

After the Rehan return safely to his family, the police teams launched a manhunt to nab the culprits. The police had already identified the accused by the time the negotiations were going on.

As soon as the boy returned safely, the police teams barricaded Faizpura and launched the massive search operation. The operation continued till 4 am.

Those arrested include the mastermind of the kidnapping, Mahesh Kumar (30), of Uttar Pradesh and residing near Lal Hospital, local residents Vicky (23) and Ravi Kumar (23) of Navi Abadi Faizpura and Sonu (21) of Anand Avenue.

Their fifth accomplice, Goldy, is still at large. The police also recovered the ransom money of Rs 26 lakh and the three daggers used in the crime.

“Out of the five persons, two remained outside the gate, and the other three barged into the house.

They duct taped the mother, Neha Sehgal, and the servant at knife point and took away Rs 1 lakh and the child,” Chahal said.

Later, they demanded Rs 20 crore as ransom which was later settled at Rs 20 lakh for releasing the child.

Initial investigations put a suspicion on the domestic help Dhani Ram alias Ramu, who had been living with the family for the past six years, as he did not lock the door of the residence. This had helped the accused enter the house. Later, he was to let off after the culprits demanded his release.

“Raids were being conducted to catch Goldy and Dhani Ram,” said Chahal.