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CM trying to win back estranged leaders
‘Make siphons below riverbed’
New power policy anti-consumer: Experts
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SGPC Poll
Drive to check use of liquor to woo voters
Sangrur MC passes works despite code; DC says matter is under probe
Open wildlife sanctuary in Abohar faces threat from poachers
Dropsy outbreak reported in Nawanshahr village
147.76 hectares of Irrigation land with encroachers: RTI
3 missing Lalru kids traced to Bathinda
Three missing brothers from Deher village of Lalru tehsil, Mohali district, were traced in Bathinda yesterday. Identified as Suraj (12), Chand (9) and Karan (6), the children were missing since August 1.
Councillor’s spouse battles for life in Bangkok
Mahapanchayat
Panel of architects for approval of building plans
Faridkot youth killed in Canada
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CM trying to win back estranged leaders
Chandigarh, August 7 Markfed Chairman Jarnail Singh Wahad has played a major role in persuading Bajwa to rejoin the SAD.
Earlier in July, Badal had met Manjinder Singh Kang, Akali MLA from Beas (the first to rebel against the SAD leadership and join hands with Manpreet Singh) at his his residence in Amritsar. Though Kang has yet to formally announce his return to the SAD, he had stopped taking part in PPP meetings long back. Badal has also succeeded in winning back Charanjit Singh Brar, a longtime associate of Manpreet. Brar, one of the main architects of the PPP, is likely to join the SAD in the next few days. He has already met SAD chief Sukhbir Singh in this regard. Next on the CM’s radar is said to be Manjit Singh Calcutta, a Tohra loyalist. Sources said Badal had asked his confidants to win back Calcutta. Soureces said Badal was prepared to ‘suitably accommodate’ Calcutta in the party setup. Calcutta, a former minister, is close to Delhi Akali leader Paramjit Singh Sarna and his brother. Badal’s strategy appears to be to maringalise the Sarna brothers, who are close to former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. Badal does not want to take any chances in the SGPC elections. Besides wooing antagonised leaders, he is also trying to lure the Sant Samaj and leaders of some factions of the All-India Sikh Students by offering them SGPC seats.
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‘Make siphons below riverbed’
This means removal of the siphons where the Ghaggar waters cross under the Hansi Butana canal at Sarala village in Punjab and dismantling of the toe wall, being constructed on a 4 km-stretch along the Ghaggar embankment near Tatiana village in Haryana. Punjab Chief Engineer, Drainage, Vinod Chaudhary maintains what is non-technical will always remain so and no amount of promises of construction of more siphons by Haryana would make matters right. He said the siphon constructed by Haryana at Sarala village was not technically sound due to which it functioned at only one-tenth of its 1.65 lakh cusecs capacity. Chaudhary said the fact that the siphon was constructed along a bend reduced the velocity of the river at that point, resulting in silting. The solution according to the Chief Engineer was dismantling the siphons and construction of new ones below the riverbed. This would remove the obstruction in the free flow of the Ghaggar. As regards the toe wall, Chaudhary said Haryana was justifying wrong planning by stating that a bundh existed at the site, which it had partly used as left embankment of the Hansi Butana canal. A toe wall was being constructed along this embankment. Chaudhary said the bundh had been constructed parallel to the Ghaggar and was aimed at saving adjoining areas from flooding. “But when a bundh is used as an embankment of a canal, it no longer serves the purpose for which it has been designed”, he said. He said natural breaches in bundhs when the water rose above a certain level provided relief, but the toe wall was being constructed to plug all weak spots permanently. “This means water will continue to dam up even after it reaches a level of 11 ft”, he said, adding that work on the toe wall should be halted.
On Haryana’s claims that it was saving its area from flooding by constructing the toe wall, the Chief Engineer maintained that Punjab should not be made to suffer for Haryana’s “misdeeds”. He said heading up at the siphons as well as the Ghaggar bundh raised the level of water in the river due to which the Markanda river could not empty into it.
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New power policy anti-consumer: Experts
Patiala, August 7 In all, the government awarded projects with a combined generation capacity of 5,320 MW. The estimated cost stands around Rs 26,600 crore. On June 21 last, the government had notified its new power generation policy, as per which it could award any thermal project by signing an MoU with a private firm. And the government went ahead with its plans despite the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) advising against MoU route. The PSERC, in a letter to the government, even mentioned that the new policy was “purely aimed at encouraging private investment in the generation sector in the state, a step that would result in higher power rates to consumers”. Though senior Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) officials are tight-lipped over the issue, The Tribune has in its possession documents showing details (see box) of various projects signed with private players through the MoU route. PSEB Engineers’ Association president HS Bedi said: “At the Centre-level, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission had, in its advise to the Union Government, stated that thermal plants set up through the MoU route are costlier than those set up under the state sector.” Bedi said through the MoU route, the rates are fixed by the regulator on cost-plus basis, “a process that would deny affordable power to the consumers of Punjab”. A senior power sector expert, Padamjit Singh, said that “the government, as per the new policy, was covering the risks of the plant developers, but the profits would only be pocketed by the private companies. “A far better alternative would have been to set up a plant in the state sector, which will certainly give low-cost power,” he asserted.
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SGPC Poll
Chandigarh, August 7 Speaking on the occasion, Ravi Inder Singh, former Speaker and President of the Akali Dal (1920), said the morcha had released a common list and more names would be added soon. Addressing mediapersons, the morcha leaders demanded deployment of central security forces for the gurdwara elections apprehending booth capturing and use of unfair means by the SAD. The second list would be released shortly, they said, adding the morcha had become a formidable force against the SAD and "it was hopeful of making a big dent in the SAD hold over the SGPC". Organisations that have come together under the banner of the Panthic Morcha include the Akali Dal (1920), Akali Dal (Longowal), Akali Dal (Delhi), Akali Dal (Panch Pardhani), Khalsa Action Committee and the Ad hoc Committee of the Haryana Gurdwara Committee. The media was addressed jointly by leaders of all the groups. Paramajit Singh Sarna, president of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee (DGMC), who was also present, was asked about his proximity with the Congress and if his joining the Panthic Morcha meant support from the Congress. Sarna said that while living in Delhi, the choice before the Sikhs was either to align with the Congress or the BJP. "It is not that we are the 'B' team of the Congress, we are fighting the Congress for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. But between the two, the Congress is more secular," he said. The list of the Panthic Morcha has been released today while nominations for the SGPC polls started on August 4 and will continue till August 11. Ravi Inder Singh said that the second list of the Panthic Morcha would be released shortly as the nominations had to be completed by next Thursday.
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Drive to check use of liquor to woo voters
“A network consisting of volunteers from all constituencies is being established to keep an eye on the activities of candidates,” said Phoolka at a press conference here today. He said if a candidate or his supporter was found distributing liquor or drugs or found consuming the same during campaigning, he would be ‘blacklisted’ and efforts would be made to have him disqualified. He said at least 50 volunteers from all constituencies would be enrolled for the drive. “On receiving a complaint, we will immediately inform the higher police authorities and the Gurdwara Election Commission for necessary action. If the authorities fail to do the needful, we will then approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court for intervention,” explained Phoolka. He sought the cooperation of the voters, religious and Panthic for eradicating this “unethical, unconstitutional and socially harmful practice adopted by the political parties for wooing the voters.” Phoolka said the drive had the support of the Sikh Missionary College, the Sukrit Trust and Sukhmani Sahib Sewa Societies. He said all social and religious Sikh bodies have been contacted and soon a joint committee would be formed to check the liquor menace. He said he would meet the Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Gurbachan Singh, in this connection.
US Sikhs’ appeal
Chandigarh: Dr Rajwant Singh, chairman of the Washington-based Sikh Council on Religion and Education, has appealed to all parties to select well-qualified and pious candidates for the SGPC elections. "The candidates should see this as an opportunity to serve rather than using this position as a stepping stone for political ambition. Some percentage of candidates should come from various fields of education who can guide the community in the future," Dr Rajwant said in a statement.
— TNS
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Sangrur MC passes works despite code; DC says matter is under probe
Sangrur, August 7 According to sources, four Congress councillors Darshan Kangra, Harbans Lal (former President of MC), Deepak Aggarwal and Jarnail Singh, who vociferously opposed the passing of these works at the meeting, have expressed their dissent in writing. What is shocking is that the meeting also passed proposals for construction of drainage, roads, water supply and sewerage system in 41 colonies declared “illegal” by it. “These illegal colonies are not contributing to the MC income as they do not pay development charges to the council,” said an MC functionary. Sangrur MC XEN Surjeet Singh said: “I have written a dissent note on the proposals passed by the councillors.” Deputy Commissioner Kumar Rahul said: “I have asked the ADC (general) to inquire into the matter.”
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Open wildlife sanctuary in Abohar faces threat from poachers
Sito Gunno (Abohar), August 7 According to the recently conducted census, 4,728 black bucks and 6,011 blue bulls inhabit in this sanctuary, which is being guarded by just two wildlife guards and one veterinary compounder and that too unarmed. Though the department has hired some locals as daily wagers to curb the menace of poaching, this illegal practice still goes on. The staff deployed here for patrolling round the clock does not even have binoculars or any government vehicle, which has turned them to mute spectators. The equipment provided to them a long time ago was also not in a working condition and were found dumped at their office in Abohar. The wireless communication in the wildlife office was also non-existent and officials were totally dependent on cell phones. A visit to the sanctuary revealed that the department was having just two check posts that too situated along the roadsides. “The area is too vast and it is not even fenced, so we are completely unable to monitor the day to day activities taking place inside the sanctuary. Sometimes we receive information after a gap of 24 hours. The shortage of staff and funds is the major problem, affecting our work,” an official of the Forest and Wildlife Department said. Due to the lack of all these basic requirements, the Wildlife Department is now relying on the support of Bishnoi community, who is against hunting, as they have huge affection towards these animals. A local doctor, Rajinder Kumar, who is known in this area for providing free of cost treatment to these animals, said, “The department is ill-equipped, as a result poachers enjoy hunting in this area. They come in SUVs and MUVs for this illegal act, which often causes injuries to the animals.” Confirming the facts and terming the paucity of funds a major hurdle in the functioning of the department, Sanjeev Tiwari, Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife), Ferozepur, said, “The problem will be resolved in a couple of months. We have written to the higher-ups seeking allocation of more funds to purchase equipment. The recruitment process will also begin in a short period.”
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Dropsy outbreak reported in Nawanshahr village
Ludhiana, August 7 Disclosing this to the Tribune, Project Coordinator of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project Deepak Bhatia said, “Only yesterday we got to know about this family. They have swollen lower limbs along with temperature and other clinical symptoms of dropsy. So we have sent their stool samples for testing. By Monday we will get the report.” Bhatia said a team of the Health Department had already been sent to get first hand information from these patients. “Most probably they seem to be suffering from dropsy. Only after the report we will be able to confirm it,” he added. Dr Sandeep Puri, Medical Superintendent of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, said, “In the last more than 10 years I have not come across any patient suffering from dropsy. Dropsy is collection of fluid in any part of the body. The clinical symptoms of dropsy are: swelling and puffiness in the feet, ankles, legs and possibly the face and hands. One may experience an expanded abdomen. If you experience difficulty in breathing or chest pain, it is possible that you may have pulmonary edema, which is dropsy in the lungs. Sometime patients also get fever along with other symptoms.” The year 1999 witnessed many cases of dropsy in Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Ludhiana, where migrant population lives in lakhs, too also witnessed the disease.
What is dropsy?
It is collection of fluid in any part of the body Symptoms Swelling and puffiness in the feet, ankles, legs and possibly the face and hands. One may experience an expanded abdomen Cause One suffers from dropsy due to consumption of contaminated mustard oil. If the seeds of argemone oil get mixed with mustard oil seeds, one becomes prey to dropsy
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147.76 hectares of Irrigation land with encroachers: RTI
Patiala, August 7 Valuable land belonging to the Bhakhra Main Line (BML) Division has been usurped to build religious shrines, deras and houses. This area could have been used for works to prevent floods. Superintend Engineer (BML) PS Bhogal said he had no information on the matter as the department was fighting numerous cases against encroachments. “My officers will get back to you and explain the case”, he said. Later, XEN (BML) BS Brar said he would verify the details as there was no collective record. “I will provide you the original documents of the land and its status”, he said. The facts were finally revealed through an RTI application by Karamjit Singh Jattana, president, Society for Welfare and Awareness, Patiala, with the department (read the BML Division) accepting that 147.76 hectares of a total of 177.65 hectares was occupied illegally by encroachers. It seems that Irrigation land in the three flood-prone districts of Sangrur, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib has been usurped by the land mafia for construction activity. The government has failed to get the land vacated, despite fighting court cases for the past over 40 years. The RTI elaborated that in Patiala alone, 158.97 sq km of the total of 181.70 sq km of land with the Irrigation Department had been encroached. “The department has failed to act against any officer for failure to save government land”, said Jattana, a retired Divisional Forest Officer.
Disturbing Facts
In Patiala alone, 158.97 sq km of the total of 181.70 sq km of land with the Irrigation Department have been encroached. “The department has failed to act against any officer for failure to save government land,” said
a retired Divisional Forest Officer
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3 missing Lalru kids traced to Bathinda
Bathinda, August 7 Gurjant Singh, a resident of Behman Deewana village, located the kids and informed an NGO Sahara that three children were standing near the village un-escorted. NGO president Vijya Goel took the children under his custody. The children told him that they belonged to Deher village, Lalru. The Lalru police and the children’s parents were contacted. SHO Gurdayal Singh sent children’s parents Ranjit Singh, mother Meena Devi and SHO’s subordinates to fetch the children. The SHO said the police had been looking for the children since August 1. According to the kids, some unknown people had picked them up in a vehicle from Lalru and abandoned them near Behman Deewana in Bathinda. “On August 1, the children left their school at 10 am, as against usual timing of 2 pm. We looked for them in every possible place, but could not trace them,” as told by the children to the NGO volunteers. “The two elder kids had some tiff with local shopkeepers and might have fled away on their own to escape scolding. Even their mother was confident that her children were not kidnapped,” added the NGO volunteers. “The children returned at late night. They are still scared. We will talk to them about the fleeing act once they settle down and become normal,” said the SHO. The father and mother of the kids are employed with a factory near Lalru.
— TNS
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Councillor’s spouse battles for life in Bangkok
Ludhiana, August 7 While the deceased has been identified as Jaspreet Singh, alias Raju, a resident of Amar Pura, the condition of Om Parkash Ratra, husband of Poonam Ratra, councillor of Ward No. 37, is stated to be serious. Raju’s brother-in-law and nephew were with him during his trip to Bangkok but they were not accompanying the duo at the time of the incident. According to information, the group of four left for Bangkok on July 30 — to meet their friends in Pratunam — and was scheduled to return on August 9. Om Parkash and Raju entered a pub where they reportedly met a group of young women who befriended them and allegedly offered them liquor laced with poison, it is learnt. Both fell unconscious after consuming liquor and the women robbed them of their belongings. BJP councillor Gurdeep Singh Nittu said a Bangkok-based NRI, Gurmeet Singh, broke the news to the family. While Ratra’s family was tight-lipped about the incident, sources said a close relative had flown to Bangkok to pursue the matter.
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Mahapanchayat
Patiala, August 7 The aim behind calling the mahapanchayat was to make a joint strategy regarding the issue of the coming up of the 3.75-km concrete wall alongside the Hansi-Butana canal embankment near Khrail village in Haryana. “We will be holding the mahapanchayat at the grain market of Ramnagar village. The inhabitants of the flood-prone 47 villages of Haryana and 50 villages of Punjab will be attending the mahapanchayat,” said Dr Darshan, a resident. He alleged that he was continuously receiving calls from Haryana villagers that their government was threatening them with dire consequences in case they attended the mahapanchayat. AHBJF leader Avtar Singh Baupur said, “Both the Punjab and Haryana Government have failed to find a solution to save the villages situated near Hansi-Butana canal and Ghaggar. Hence, we have decided that now the inhabitants of the flood-prone villages will themselves prepare a plan to get their grievances redressed from the respective state governments and the Union Government.” The Patiala police has been told to remain alert. It is learnt that the intelligence wing of the state government had also been told to keep a watch on the proceedings of the
mahapanchayat.
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Weaving friendship bands
Patiala, August 7 “Initially I used to make the bands just for my friends and relatives, but after getting appreciation for my work, I decided to tie up with various tuck shops in schools and colleges, where these bands were sold in no time,” said
Ada. Her bands are available at the Rawalpindi stationers in the city. She makes 75 varieties of bands.
— TNS
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Panel of architects for approval of building plans
Mohali, August 7 These architects have been declared as Competent Authority u/s 2(m) of the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act-1995 for the limited purpose of sanctioning residential building plans. Additional Chief Administrator (HQ), GMADA, Parveen Thind, said the sanctioning of the building plans would continue to be governed by the PUDA Building (Rules) Bylaws-1995. — TNS
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Interstate gang of vehicle lifters busted
Patiala, August 7 Patiala SSP Gurpreet Singh Gill said, “During a special operation by CIA Staff, Nabha, a police team stopped a Pajero and following scrutiny of its documents, found that the vehicle had two engine numbers printed on it. Later, it was found that this vehicle had been stolen from Delhi.” The accused have been identified as Satgur Singh, a resident of Palasor in Sangrur and Malkit Singh, a resident of Hathan. The accused later revealed that there were two more such vehicles in their possession,” added Gill. The accused during questioning further said the vehicles were provided to them by one Paramjit Singh, alias Pamma, a resident of Amritsar. Satgur further revealed that he had procured around 15 more vehicles from Paramjit and sold them to various persons. A special investigation team was made and 15 more vehicles were recovered. “The possessors of these vehicles declared that they had purchased these vehicles from Satgur and Malkit and did not know if these were stolen or anything about the actual owners of these vehicles,” said the cops. The police further said, “The accused created fake Registration Certificates, tampered the engine numbers and prepared fake documents of the vehicles and sold them to innocent persons.” The SSP said the kingpin of the gang is Paramjit and has various cases registered against him. Paramjit is still at large. “Efforts are on to trace him,” he said. So far, 18 vehicles, including a Pajero, Bolero, Scorpio, Innova, Tavera, Indigo, Indica, Santro, worth Rs 1 .25 crore have been recovered. An FIR under Sections 420, 465, 468, 471, 379, 411 and120-B of the IPC pertaining to cheating, theft and conspiracy has been registered against the accused at Nabha, said the police.
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Faridkot youth killed in Canada
Faridkot, August 7 He was found injured in front of a hotel. The hotel staff tried to save his life, but in vain. The Sikh community at Winnipeg has expressed shock over this incident. Sidhu was running a transport company with his father.
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Chandigarh, August 7
Amritsar, August 7