Mansa, July 1
The irrigation and drainage authorities concerned seem to be inconsiderate about the residents of those areas, located in the close vicinity of Ghaggar river and are prone to floods, as they have failed to execute flood prevention tasks even as the monsoon has set in.

The authorities concerned could not execute the task as they could not find stones in the country to erect studs in the Ghaggar river flowing in Mansa district to restrict the flow of water into it.

PS Bhogal, Superintendent Engineer (SE), Drainage, Mansa, said, “ Though the Punjab Government has allocated Rs 95 lakh to the Drainage Department for erecting studs in the Ghaggar river in the Mansa district, we cannot execute the task as stones required for erecting studs remained unavailable to us till today.” “There was no flood in the Ghaggar river in Mansa area last year, we hope the same this year too,” he added.

He added that studs were to be erected at four points in the Ghaggar river course passing in the Mansa district area to divert the water from one direction to another. The tenders to procure stones in required quantity were floated a number of times but no bidder came forward to fulfill the requirement. Though the residents of the flood-prone areas were offered that Ghaggar banks could be strengthened by placing sand bags alongside them, they showed no interest in it. he added.

Interestingly, neither Bhogal nor BK Garg, Executive Engineer, Drainage, Mansa, could tell clearly as to how much money had been allocated to the district by the Punjab Government for other flood protection measures.

Garg said the state irrigation and drainage authorities would reimburse the money, which the local office would spend on the flood protection measures. He added that a meeting in connection with the requirements of field staff for carrying out flood control measures was to be held at Chandigarh shortly.

Meanwhile, Ravinder Singh, Deputy Commissioner, today ordered that no district official would take leave without the prior approval of the authorities concerned during the monsoon season. He further claimed that adequate flood protection measures had been taken in the district.

Bathinda, July 1
While the move of Haryana to build a concrete wall to divert the monsoon floods of the Ghaggar towards Punjab has triggered an inter-state dispute, the two earthen dams on the course of water bodies at Chandpura near Mansa and also at Dabwali in the periphery of the Bathinda district have also become a bone of contention between the two states.

Diversion of the water bodies at these places by Haryana has exposed more than 125 villages to the threat of floods. Most of these villages suffered enormous loss of life, crops and property during the floods last year.

Keeping in view the extent of destruction that any breach in the earthen dam on the Ghaggar at Chandpura in Haryana could cause in more than 25 villages of Mansa, the district authorities have established a temporary police picket to keep watch on the flood situation and also prevent any mischief.

Deputy Commissioner Ravinder Singh accompanied by the executive engineer, drainage, VK Garg and other officers in the afternoon visited the crucial point near the border of Punjab to take stock of the situation.

Although the water level at Chandpura this morning was recorded 12 feet that was about 10 feet below the danger mark, but what was worrying the authorities in Punjab was that any breach in the earthen dam had the potential to create havoc in more than 25 low lying villages on this side of the dam and inundate cropped areas. However, the damage to the dam would not cause any loss in the upstream areas of Tohana and Rafiabad in Haryana.

During floods, residents of the border villages of Haryana and Punjab keep an eye on the earthen dam to protect their respective areas from inundation. Residents of the border villages in Mansa in particular remain on their toes as any breach could cause immense loss in the villages in Punjab. They suspect that residents of the villages of Haryana might puncture the dam if there is a threat of flood on that side. The dam was in the Punjab territory before Haryana came into being.

The pleadings of Punjab to construct a concrete dam in its place have not been accepted so far. Haryana has also blocked flow of the Lasara drain into its territory at Dabwali in the Sirsa district which was causing threat to several villages of Bathinda during the monsoon.

After meandering through 225 kms in Punjab, the drain earlier flowed into Haryana that in 1992 blocked it with an earthen dam.

The drain originating from Dhamot in the Ludhiana district and passing through Sangrur, Barnala and Bathinda used to flow into Haryana.

Its blockage causes loss of crops in several villages including Doomwali, Pathrala, Kutti Kishenpura, Jassi Baghwali and Nachanna during rains when the drain starts overflowing.

The drain was built in 1963 in the undivided Punjab but few years after coming into being Haryana in 1992 de-notified the drain land and it was blocked by building an earthen dam.

Sriganganagar, July 1
About 3000 cusecs of water that had been released from Ottu (Sirsa) headworks in Ghaggar flowed normally through Hanumangarh. The water was much below the long bridge that connects Hanumangarh junction with the town area. The officials heaved a sigh of relief as the water management today resolved to reduce the supply from the Ottu headworks.

The temporary mud walls raised by some persons to prevent smooth flow of water were removed using JCB machines. The water has not so far been released in the Ghaggar diversion channel since the main river had the capacity of 5000 cusecs.

Round-the-clock vigil would be maintained by special teams. — OC

Mom (Barnala), July 1
The residents of village Mom and some of the adjoining villages are threatened with Hepatitis-C infection that has started spreading in the area at an alarming rate.

Out of the 64 samples taken from Mom and its neighbouring village of Seenewaal Kalaan, roughly about 13-15 have tested positive for Hepatitis-C.

Surprisingly, the government has neither any idea about the spread of the disease nor has it shown any intent to take remedial measures.

Manjeet Singh, a resident of village Mom, who is also the member of Sant Isher Dass Youth Club, a social service club, said, “In February 2010, we organised a blood test camp in our village. Out of 52 samples taken, 8-9 cases were positive for Hepatitis-C while in 2-3 cases, Hepatitis-B was reported.

“In February 2011, we again organised the camp in our village and shockingly, of the 54 samples taken, 10 were reported to be positive for Hepatitis-C. The villagers in the neighbouring Seenewaal Kalaan village informed us that three cases were reported positive in the blood test this year. The problem is also there at Kalala village and some other neighbouring villages.”

“The problem is more severe than it appears as a large number of people do not get their blood tested. The treatment for the disease is too costly and doctors tell us that it ranges from Rs 2.5 lakh to 5 lakh. A common man in our area cannot afford such a costly treatment. The government needs to do something for the patients.”

Sukhpal Singh, (31), a rich farmer from the village, who tested positive for Hepatitis-C during the blood testing camp here in February 2010, said that after he tested positive he got himself treated by Dr Dinesh Gupta, who on the basis of two tests told him he did not need treatment.

Dr Ajay Kumar, gastroenterologist, hailing from Malerkotla in Sangrur, informed The Tribune over the phone, “From the recent surveys in selected areas of Punjab, about six per cent population tested positive for Hepatitis-C, which is 5-6 times more than the national average of the country, which stands at one per cent.”

Deputy Commissioner, Barnala, Paramjeet Singh said, “I have no idea about the prevalence of the disease in that area. I would check it with the health department.”

Dr Harjinder Kaur, in-charge, Blood Bank at Civil Hospital (Barnala) confirmed that she knew about the prevalence of Hepatitis-C in some areas of Barnala district but went on to add that she was not aware of the exact names of the villages where the disease had been reported.

Moga, July 1
The Punjab Government has initiated a move to grant corporation status to the Municipal Council of Moga. The advocate general of the state has cleared the file, which is now with the local government department. Confirming this, Tikshan Sud, minister of the local government department, said, “We are in the process of granting corporation status to the local body of Moga.”

Rupinder Khosla, additional advocate general of Punjab, said he has cleared the file and recommended to the local government department to go ahead with the proposal. The additional secretary of the local government department Vinod Kumar Bhalla, who retired yesterday, said granting of corporation status to Moga is under the consideration of the government.

Barjinder Singh Brar, president, MC, said the council has already passed a resolution to grant corporation status to the local body without taking into consideration the extension of boundary limits of the town.

Former education minister and member of the core committee of the ruling SAD party Jathedar Tota Singh said he had convinced the CM to grant corporation status to the local body of Moga. The CM has also agreed to grant tehsil status to Dharamkot and grant Nagar Panchayats status to Kot-ise-Khan and Nihal Singh Wala towns, he added. 

Bathinda, July 1
The decade-old problem of rainwater accumulation in the city has reached another high. Local councillors are finding it tough to pacify agitated residents who are threatening to raise the issue as a deciding factor in the next Assembly polls.

Councillors have started lamenting that the problem has been aggravated to an extent that people are issuing warnings to them that if they want votes to be cast in the favour of their party candidates, the problem should be resolved with immediate effect.

In a quick reaction, the authorities of the local Municipal Corporation (BMC) directed the staff of the sewerage board to do the needful. But finding them "not cooperating", the BMC officials have now decided to hire some private agency to solve the problem.

Tenders will be invited from the parties interested. It is learnt that the main job of the contractors would be to clear all chronic blockages in the main sewer lines, which are reportedly the main reason behind the deluge-like situation across the city during rains.

When contacted, BMC commissioner Uma Shankar Gupta confirmed that the BMC was going to float tenders for removing the blockages in the sewerage system. "We had written several letters to the sewerage board but finding its staff reluctant to do the job, we have now decided to hire a private agency keeping in view the trouble that the city residents have to go through during rains," he added.

A retired sewerage board official said besides the clogged sewerage lines, less capacity of the disposal motors installed at the Sanjay Nagar pond was also a reason for the poor drainage.

While the city was still to recover from the problem of rainwater that accumulated after a mild shower on Wednesday, the intermittent rains today added insult to the injury by turning the city into a virtual pool. The Sirki Bazaar area, the 100-feet road, the Aggarwal Colony, the Amrik Singh road and the Power House road were the worst-affected points.

Bathinda, July 1
To play a pivotal role in addressing the serious problem of cancer, which has spread its tentacles in the Malwa region, the Central University of Punjab (CUP) has set up a state-of-the-art DNA sequencing facility at its city campus here.

The installation of 96 capillaries automated DNA sequencer in the CUP, the first of its kind in Punjab, is likely to be a milestone in research and development (R&D) for addressing cancer, genetic diseases and molecular medicine.

The CUP authorities have also initiated efforts to start specialisation in cancer genomics by introducing courses in that connection.

Vice-Chancellor Jai Roop Singh said, “Cancer, being a crucial problem of the Malwa region in Punjab which is causing repercussions in regional economy and development, is the thrust area for the CUP. The newly installed DNA sequencing facility is offering scientific fraternity a unique opportunity for pursuing research problems like early detection of cancer.”

He added that the DNA sequencer was purchased at a cost of about Rs 2.5 crores from the United States. It is expected to revolutionise the studies being made to find out the reasons for the disease, to develop methods for their prevention and treatment.

RG Saini, professor and coordinator, Centre for Biosciences, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, CUP, said, “Discovering novel proteins in blood, known as biomarkers — the presence of which indicate a particular disease initiation or progression— is a valuable and rapidly growing part of cancer research, with enormous potential for improving health.”

“It is now possible to perform advanced genomic approaches for biomarker discovery, including serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), using newly installed DNA sequencer. Another potential application is genotyping or measuring key mutations in caretaker genes, which are known to cause diseases such as cancer,” he added.

“It will now be possible to screen the population of Punjab to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using DNA sequencing facility and discovering if anybody has hereditary risks for developing cancer or not,” he claimed, adding   that another key scope for the facility was DNA barcoding— a molecular technology used to characterise molecular differences between individuals. 

“Other facilities that are in the pipeline at CUP include DNA microarray, advanced proteomics facility with 2D-GE and MALDI-TOF, whole genome sequencing platform, microplate multilabel detection system and molecular cytogenetics workstation. Most of these facilities are coming to North India for the first time through the CUP and are expected to create one of the avant-garde cancer research infrastructures in the country,” he asserted.

Bathinda, July 1
In the wake of ongoing rainy season, Deputy Commissioner Dr S Karuna Raju today held a meeting with the officials of various departments and took stock of the arrangements regarding sewerage and water supply besides health.

He directed the officials to initiate he requisite steps to check outbreak water-borne diseases and disposal of rainwater in a proper manner.

BMC Commissioner Uma Shanker Gupta said tubewell motors were continuously working to drain out rainwater from the water-logged areas. He also urged people to apprise the BMC authorities on the helpline number (18001802626) of any problem related to water supply, sewerage and health.

Civil Surgeon Dr Neelam Bajaj said the health department had formed teams to deal with water-borne diseases.

Besides, requisite supply of medicines for the purpose had also been ensured.

She said the department had also been making announcements through public address system to create awareness among the people about malaria, dengue and jaundice.

The Deputy Commissioner also asked the officials to ensure cleanliness at bus stand, vegetable markets and dhabas.

Bathinda, July 1
Giving a reason to smile to the people waiting for the Bathinda-Abohar-Fazilka direct rail link, the Indian Railways today announced the name and schedule of a daily passenger train to ply on this track.

Since the Abohar-Fazilka railway section is yet to get a clearance from the Commissioner Railway Safety (CRS), the final date of introducing the train is yet to be decided.

Sources in the Railways said the track will become operational within three months and the 54559 Bathinda-Fazilka passenger would be the first train to ply on it.

Originating from Bathinda railway station at 09:10, the train would reach Abohar at 10:45 and after departing from there at 11:05, the train would reach Fazilka at 12:15. On its return journey, it will be called the 54560 Bhatinda-Fazilka passenger train. Departing at 12:45 from Fazilka, it is scheduled to arrive at Bathinda at 16:05.

Meanwhile, the Railways has extended the 14519/14520 Bhatinda-Delhi Express (Kissan Express) to Meerut City. The departure time of the train from Bathinda remains unchanged. It will depart from Meerut at 12:35.

The train would have four stoppages on the extended stretch at Delhi Shahdara, Ghaziabad, Naya Dhaziabad and Muradnagar stations. Though the time-table has been announced today, the final date of plying the train on the extended portion is yet to be decided.

Confirming the details, SP Singh, assistant traffic manager, Bathinda section, said, “Though some procedural formalities are yet to be completed, the Railway authorities are putting their best to start the operations at the earliest.”

Moga, July 1
Baldev Singh, District Education Officer (Elementary) of Moga, has been nominated as a member of the Education Advisory Board of Punjab.

The Board has been constituted by the state government to transform education and bring in the required reforms and improvements in the school education system as per the changing educational environment and challenges in 21st century.

Baldev Singh, a teacher of English language, has earlier served as principal of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) at Jagraon (Ludhiana) before joining as DEO, Moga. — TNS 

Bathinda, July 1
With the arrest of two persons, the Bathinda police today claimed to have busted an inter-district gang of vehicle lifters. Four cars, two Boleros and a motorcycle have been recovered from their possession.

Bathinda SSP Sukhchain Singh Gill said here that on receiving a tip-off, a team of the CIA staff, led by its in-charge sub-inspector Rajinder Kumar, today arrested the mastermind of the gang, Surjit Singh of Kakuwala village in Ferozepur district and Satish Kumar alias Romi of Kutcha Goniana Road, Muktsar, from the T-point at Bulladhewala (Bathinda). Two Indica cars were recovered from them on the spot.

He said the police interrogated the arrested persons and on the basis of information provided by Surjit Singh, it recovered two cars, two Boleros and a motorcycle. The total cost of the recovered vehicles was Rs 33 lakh, he added. He said the recovered vehicles were stolen from outside Bathinda district.

Gill said the gang comprised four members, namely Surjit Singh, Satish Kumar, Rajinder Kumar and Harpreet Singh (Faridkot). He said Harpreet Singh was already imprisoned in Faridkot while Rajinder Kumar was yet to be arrested.

The SSP added that Surjit Singh stole the vehicles after he was released from jail on May 19.

The police has registered a case against them under Sections 379, 411, 420, 467, 468 and 471 of the IPC at Sadar police station here today.

The SSP said the arrested persons confessed that they had stolen the vehicles from Muktsar, Ferozepur, Moga, Jalalabad and Guru Harsahai. He said Satish Kumar used to prepare fake documents of the vehicles, which were sold at cheap rates.