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Garbage collection system collapses in city
MC POLLS, WARD WATCH
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SAD-BJP rift widens
Ruling alliance plays tug of war over seat sharing
New look for modern brides
Finnish students visit Global Institute
Police challans owners using black films on car pane
Police personnel remove black film from a window of a vehicle in Amritsar on Saturday. A Tribune photograph
Power corporation raids residences allowing PGs
Illegal hoardings: MC issues notices to violators
Illegal hoarding in Amritsar. Photo: Vishal Kumar
Three arrested for forging documents
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Garbage collection system collapses in city
Amritsar, May 5 Subsequently, the company has not cleared the fuel bills of petrol pumps and the garbage collecting vehicles of the company have come to a halt. At least 250 tonnes of garbage is lying along the roads and streets, forcing residents to live under unhygienic conditions. The company has also closed down its workshop on the Patahpur road and announced to lay off its staff for want of funds. A notice to this effect, a copy of which was sent to the AMC, too, was pasted on the main gate saying: "All workers are being informed that due to the non-payment of dues by the Amritsar Municipal Corporation, the company cannot afford to run the project on its own as the company has already exhausted its funds. Hence, the work of collection of garbage will be stopped till the release of payment. Till then, all workers would not work for the company as the conditions are beyond the control of the management." The move is likely to affect at least 200 staff members, including 72 drivers, around 90 helpers and other supporting staff, who will be without a job till further orders. Sources said the MC has failed to release the Rs 1.5 crore to the company since December 2010 and the company in turn could not clear the fuel bills amounting to Rs 20 lakh. Consequently, the filling station owners today withdrew the two-month credit facility to the company. It is learnt that garbage lifting has been affected for the past few days, but today the whole fleet of vehicles remained off the road. Fearing bleak prospects ahead, the company employees said they had become the victim due to a tussle between the company and the MC. Kuldeep Sharma, a driver with the company, said it was a big jolt. "As per the practice, we reached the workshop at about 7 am and found the gates closed. The notice pasted on the gate has rendered jobless," he said. Raj Pal, another employee, said they had been made a scapegoat for no fault of theirs. "We urge the government to consider us for the posts of safai karamcharis with the MC. Two months ago, it was the issue of non-payment of our salaries and now our jobs are at stake," he said. Manjinder Singh, operation manager, Antony Waste, said the MC was responsible for the problem as it has not paid the amount committed under the agreement. He clarified that the MC was liable to pay about Rs 35 lakh per month and the company declared not to resume the operation till the outstanding funds are released. "Since December, we did not receive even a single penny. Since the filling station owners declined to oblige us further, we were forced to take all our vehicles off the road. We have approached the MC officials to find a way out," he added. At least 250 tonnes of garbage is lying along the roads and streets. The company has also closed down its workshop on the Patahpur road and announced to lay off its staff for want of funds. The move has affected at least 200 employees of Antony Waste Handling Company, including 72 drivers, around 90 helpers and other supporting staff, who will be without job till further orders.
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MC POLLS PK Jaiswar Tribune News Service
Amritsar, May 5 Residents here, however, saw new roads coming up during the past five years. The sewerage problem and safe and regular drinking water is what they expect from the elected representatives. Residents say that for over three decades, the sewerage system in Karampura has been faulty and remains chocked. The area is in the limits of Ward Number 8 of the MC. The ward also has posh localities, including Basant Avenue and parts of Medical Enclave. Residents complain that the population in the area has increased manifold, but the sewerage system has not be upgraded.Residents of the area also face acute problem of drinking water. Dumping of garbage in the open vacant grounds is another problem. The huge dump could be seen on the road leading to Dr Vidya Sagar Mental Hospital. Ironically, the office of the Health and Family Welfare is a stons throw from the area. Residents of Basant Avenue and parts of Medical Enclave have different problem - law and order. Cases of snatching in the area has increased manifold, say residents, adding the police has miserably failed to curb this menace. Over-speeding school vans and young motorcyclists who zoom through the roads is another problem plaguing the area. A resident of the area said: "During morning hours, school van drivers are driving very fast, leading to a number of accidents. Young children also indulge in rash driving on their motorbikes." What are your achievements?
Although I am the leader of the Opposition and despite discriminatory attitude of the government, about 95 per cent of the works in my ward have been completed. New roads have been constructed. I have managed to provide 100 per cent streetlights in my ward. The estimates of remaining works have already been prepared and the pending projects will start soon. The people complain of faulty sewerage system in slums that falls in your ward.
Yes, sewerage system is a problem here. The sewerage system here is very old and needs to be replaced. The number of safai sewaks and safai machines are also less which results in choking of sewerage lines. Why should the people vote for you in the coming MC elections? I have personal rapport with residents of my ward. I have hired private safai sewaks and sewerage cleaner and give them salary from my own pocket. What is your agenda for the next five years? Laying of new sewerage pipelines will be my priority. Besides, completion of pending projects will also be my priority. The ward is represented by Ranjan Agarwal, the leader of the opposition in the MC. He has won the MC elections thrice in a row. He is graduate and a hardcore Congress leader. He had remained the senior vice-president of the district Congress for four years. He has been associated with the Congress for the past 20 years.
We are facing problems of faulty sewerage system and shortage of drinking water for many years. Repeated requests have failed to evince any positive response from political leaders. — Ashok Bharata, a resident of New KarampuraThe area is facing acute shortage of drinking water for the past many years. The pressure of water is so low that we have to wait for hours to fill water tanks. The authorities should look into the matter at the earliest. — Swarn Singh, a resident of Karampura People throw garbage in the open and in vacant land. The foul smell emanating from the garbage dump and mosquitoes have made our life hell. We want the authorities to solve our problem before the MC elections.— Davinder Singh, a resident of Navi Abadi, Karampura The streets were dug up to lay sewerage lines. But the roads were neither repaired nor re-laid. We have been requesting the political leaders to reconstruct the lane, but in
vain.— Tarsem Singh
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SAD-BJP rift widens
Amritsar, May 5 While rebel SAD leader Pargat Singh Bhullar has joined the BJP in presence of BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu, Amarbir Singh Sandhu, husband of a BJP councillor, has joined the SAD in presence SAD MLA and chief parliamentary secretary Inderbir Singh Bularia. Soon after the customary ceremony, Sidhu officially announced Bhullar as the BJP candidate from this ward in the ensuing polls. At present, Bhullar’s wife Manjit Kaur is the councillor from this ward as an independent candidate. However, this did not go well with the alliance partner who wasted no time to include Sandhu in the SAD’s group. Upkar Singh Sandhu, district president of SAD, when contacted said, “This surely is not a good indication and that too when the MC elections are around the corner. It was started by the BJP leadership who hardly bothered to take us in confidence before taking such an anti-alliance step.” He said a few days back a BJP leader from ward number 14 had approached us to include his wife in the SAD and to announce her candidature from the ward. But we out-rightly asked him to first bring the consent from Anil Joshi, BJP MLA and cabinet minister from the area before including his wife in SAD. “The BJP leadership did not think twice before including an office bearer of SAD into their party. On the other hand, Amarbir Singh Sandhu whom we included in our party was not an office bearer of the BJP,” Sandhu pointed out. Anand Sharma, district BJP president, while differing on the matter said Bhullar’s wife was an independent candidate who had contested 2007 polls. “An independent candidate can choose any party of his or her choice. We have not done anything which can be termed as anti-alliance. Instead, Amarbir Singh Sandhu who was included by SAD was our party member,” he said. Amarbir Sandhu had left the Congress in 2007 to join BJP. Bhullar, while confirming that his name has been finalised for contesting the elections from the BJP side, said, “There was indication from the BJP to join them and I took the opportunity. In 2007, I supported my wife who contested for councillor’s seat independently and defeated the BJP candidate with a massive margin. The BJP party was aware of my calibre that’s why it announced my candidature publicly from this ward,” he said. This surely is not a good indication and that too when the MC elections are round the corner. It was started by the BJP leadership who hardly bothered to take us in confidence before taking such an anti-alliance step. Amarbir Singh Sandhu whom we included in our party was not an office bearer of the
BJP — We have not done anything which can be termed as anti-alliance. Instead, Amarbir Singh Sandhu who was included by SAD was our party member — Anand Sharma, district president, BJP
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Ruling alliance plays tug of war over seat sharing
Amritsar, May 5 The SAD stalwarts said they have 60 per cent of people’s mandate in their favour and claimed to get at least 40 seats out of the total of 65. On the other hand, the BJP activists claimed to grab the major chunk keeping in view the number of MLAs. The district president of SAD, Upkar Singh Sandhu, said despite having major share of votes, the SAD leaders always suffered a dent over the issue of seat sharing. Earlier, in 2007 MC polls, the BJP contested 38 seats while SAD fielded 27 candidates. “This time, we would ask for more than half of the total number of seats as the major chunk of people’s mandate is with us. During the 2007 polls, the SAD had fielded seven candidates in the eastern side and won six seats. On the other hand, the BJP had fielded six candidates but could win only two seats. Likewise, there are many other examples which testify that our claim is always defeated,” he said. Countering it, the district president of BJP Anand Sharma said though the contest would be in alliance with the SAD, yet the BJP’s claim for more seats cannot be ignored. “I don’t know how they can claim to possess the majority of people’s mandate? Out of five, four MLAs (North, East, West and Centre) are from the BJP and only one (North) from the SAD. Our parameter would be to grant the seats on the basis of number of MLAs. This implied that we should have at least 50 seats. But still, since we would be fighting in alliance with the SAD by all means, the seat swapping issue would be finalised by our high command. A report to this effect has already been sent to MP Navjot Sidhu and Punjab BJP president Ashwani Kumar, who would give the final verdict in this direction,” said Anand. Who deserve the largest share The SAD stalwarts say they have 60 per cent of people’s mandate in their favour and claimed to get at least 40 seats out of the total of 65. BJP says the parameter would be to grant seats on the basis of number of MLAs. The party feels it should have at least 50 seats. This time, we would ask for more than half of the total number of seats as the major chunk of people’s mandate is with us — Upkar Singh Sandhu, district president, SAD
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Flowing manes, curls and smart chignons
Neha Saini Tribune News Service
Amritsar, May 5 Colour Lounge in association with Loreal Professional's recently revealed their "Hair and Bridal Collection-2012" and the looks for the season at a glamorous event at MK International. Brushed with elegant chic and coated with innovation, these looks were a little 'hatke' for the modern bride. "We tried to change the followed routine of traditional bridal look with heavy doses of makeup and bulky hairdos. We wanted to get innovative and as fashion conscious as any fashionista (a person devoted to fashion clothing, particularly unique or high fashion) would get," shared Amar Sachdeva, owner of Colour Lounge. Professional models, sashaying down the ramp, unveiling the look for the season had everybody sit back and take note. Playing with the manes, dumping the usual bulky bridal buns, the looks had flowing manes, curls and smart chignons as the hottest style trends in hair. Undone chignons, the retro hair folds and even open, flowing manes, accessorised with flowers and jewellery gave just the right balance of catching the attention without being too flashy. Blowed out hair or slicked out ponytails, everything spelt stylish. As for the makeup, the summers demand subtly and soft feminine hues. But then the bride does deserve better than that. So, playing around with bold colours like fushia, pinks and reds, the attention to detail was evident. Important tip is to keep the skin fresh with translucent make-up to avoid excess shine and play with bold colours. If the eyes are bold with gold, silver and aquamarine colours, the lips were kept coral and soft hued. Heavy eyebrows and lashes make for the dramatic effect in summers. "You can ditch the extra pancaked face in summers for a cool refreshing make-up in softer shades," said Amar. "Our aim is to give you an amazing wedding day experience and we believe that having a professional hair and make-up artist for your wedding day is a luxury that every bride deserves. These looks have been designed by our team of professionals and are very international in their appeal," he added. Well, who says the bride has to come dipped in VIBGYOR!
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Finnish students visit Global Institute
Amritsar, May 5 During their visit they also socialised with the students of the institutes. Both the students had interaction with the MBA students and asked a number of questions related to studies, education and culture. The Finnish students appreciated the beautiful landscape, pollution free environment and modern labs, workshops and classrooms of the institute. Earlier, the students and the group were welcomed by the chairman of Global Institutes Dr BS Chandi, Vice-chairman Dr Akashdeep Singh, principal Dr AS Dhindsa, director Dr NS Bhalla and Dean Academics Prof BD Sharma.
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Police challans owners using black films on car pane
Amritsar, May 5 The Supreme Court recently passed an order stating that use of black films of any visual light transmission (VLT) percentage or any other material upon the safety glasses, windscreens and side glasses shall be banned throughout the country. Only car windows tinted by the manufacturer is permissible as per the orders. The decision came into force on May 4. From today the traffic police has launched a drive to challan the violators. However, with VIP syndrome plaguing the holy city coupled with the shortage of traffic police it would a daunting task for the police to impose the new guidelines. The traffic police teams holding nakas at various parts of the city today challaned about 100 persons and peeled off the black films from the cars. “From now on we advise all the car owners to abide by the rules,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police, SP Joshi. He said vehicles will be liable to be impounded if owners do not peel off the black films from their cars. Earlier as per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules the glass of windscreen and rear window of vehicles could have a visibility of at least 70 per cent and in case of side windows, there could be a minimum visibility of 50 per cent. As per new rules, a violator would be challaned Rs 100 as a fine if he has violated the rule for the first time. The next time he would be liable to shell out Rs 300 as fine. Repeated violation would result in the impounding of vehicle, said a traffic police.
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Power corporation raids residences allowing PGs
Amritsar, May 5 Members of Enforcement Wing of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) last night raided scores of houses in Kabir Park locality, situated opposite to Guru Nanak Dev University. Residents were panelised for renting out rooms to paying guests without possessing commercial power connections. Gurminder Singh, a residence of Kabir Park, commented that they were never informed by the power corporation about the need to switch to commercial connection in case they are renting rooms to PGs. He said no prior notice was issued to them. He said the time is not right to ask the students to leave their accommodations. “Final examinations are on and leaving their PGs now will disturb them mentally,” he said. He said he allowed the students studying Psychology and Neuro-surgery to stay in his house as they would be able to help him during any medical exigency. He added that his son was mentally challenged. “I am retired and my wife and mother are not alive to take care of my son,” he said. Another resident Davinder Singh said his family allowed girl students to stay as PG as they came with a reference of a senior official of Guru Nanak Dev University. He said majority of the PGs are girls who preferred to stay in safe family environment. Students on the condition of anonymity said there are not enough rooms to accommodate them in the university and colleges. It is convenient and also cheap to share rooms with friends in the nearest possible houses. The Students also said at present final examinations of under graduate and postgraduate courses were underway and shifting houses would be next to impossible right now. Chief Engineer (Border Range), Sudeep Singh Sandhu, said officials of the enforcement department of the PSPCL conducted the raids and its results were yet to come out. On educating people regarding conversion of their residential power connections into commercial ones before allowing the PGs, Sandhu said all terms and condition were clearly mentioned in the forms, which are submitted at the time of getting any category of connection. y PSPCL says to keep paying guests power connections need to be converted to commercial one
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Illegal hoardings: MC issues notices to violators
Amritsar, May 5 Owners of these properties are earning a handsome amount by leasing their rooftops to private firms to put up their hoardings without seeking approval, which was a clear violation of the norms and defy the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Simply a random ride in the city would be enough for one to observe countless hoardings fixed on huge iron frames put up on rooftops, green belts, footpaths, government or private buildings, which deface the city striving for officially donning the heritage status. Giving scant regard to the orders of the Supreme Court and the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the ban on these structures, most of these hoardings are not only illegally erected, but also convey an undesirable message which was contrary to the basic culture of the holy city. A majority of the hoardings and billboards have come up on private properties located on the areas like Lawrence Road, Crystal Chowk, Bhandari Bridge and Hall Gate. These hoardings could also be seen on the GT Road till the Attari-Wagah International Border. The authorities, too, prefer to turn a blind eye to this menace due to the fat booty they get in return from multinational corporate sector players. Residents feel that all the exercise of issuing notices to violators is just a farce exercise and just an attempt to garner money through imposing taxes on proprietors. When there was no place left for erecting fresh unipoles, this illegal activity finds place on rooftops of residential and private commercial buildings while enjoying the patronage of local political leaders who themselves make big moolah. “The truth is that commercialisation is the main motive of the authorities here. They are least concerned about the defacement of the holy city. Every time the AMC will be ready with one excuse or the other when questioned about the authenticity of hoardings and posters. I have been witness to this bitter fact that this illegal trade prospers right under the nose of the authorities and enjoys immunity because politicians themselves are involved in this multi-crore illegal trade,” said NS Gabarhia, a retired Railway official. We have launched a drive against illegal hoardings. At least 100 such residential and private buildings have been identified whose owners have been misusing the rooftops by erecting hoardings illegally. We have issued them notices to remove them on their own or we will remove them and all damages, along with penalty, will have to be borne by proprietors~ — Dharampal Gupta, MC Commissioner
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Three arrested for forging documents
Amritsar, May 5 The accused have been identified as Manjit Singh (47) of Jhabal Kalan village in Tarn Taran, Raman Kumar (45) of Khai Mohalla and Joga Singh (30) of Sohian Kalan village in Majitha. Their accomplices who managed to flee include Dilraj Singh of Fatahpur Colony at Kudipur village and Satnam Singh of Gilwali gate. The police said Manjit Singh had a fake identity card of a nambardar in the name of Jasbir Singh of Ghanupur Kale village. Raman and Joga Singh forged ‘jamabandi’ of properties located at Ghanupur Kale. Vikram Sharma, in charge, CIA staff, said the accused had formed a gang and used to help criminals facing trials in different courts in cases from loot, robbery, theft, vehicle lifting and murder for getting bail. They used to submit guarantee on the behalf of criminals on the bases of forged documents and take huge amounts from the undertrials. Sharma said the accused had submitted documents before the court of judicial magistrate for bail of an accused. The police told the court about fake documents. The court immediately took action and asked the police to initiate a probe. The inquiry report confirmed the charges and the accused were nabbed from the Sohain Kalan bus stand.
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Amritsar, May 5
Peel off the tinted black films from the car windows as you might invite a penalty from traffic police.
Cracking a whip on illegal hoardings which have mushroomed on private buildings in different parts of the city, the Amritsar Municipal Corporation has issued notices to violators.
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