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J A L A N D H A R E D I T I O N

Biodiversity undergoing irreparable changes: Expert
Kapurthala, May 22
The trend of setting wheat and paddy straw on fire after harvesting the crops not only causes air pollution but also adversely affects the fertility of soil and poses threat to the existence of various species of plants and animals.

Pathakot boy tops PMET
Pathankot, May 22
Dinesh Walia and Gurleen Kaur brought laurels to the city as their names figured in the merit list of the Punjab Pre-Medical Entrance Test (PMET) examination. Dinesh Walia, whose father Jagmohan Singh works in the ESIC dispensary as a pharmacist, claimed the top position in the merit list of the PMET.

Woman kills self, husband booked
Hoshiarpur, May 22
A mother of four children committed suicide by setting herself ablaze at Badla village. She succumbed to her burn injuries today morning.

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	Biodiversity undergoing irreparable changes: Expert Dharmendra Joshi Tribune News Service Kapurthala, May 22 The trend of setting wheat and paddy straw on fire after harvesting the crops not only causes air pollution but also adversely affects the fertility of soil and poses threat to the existence of various species of plants and animals. Dr MS Saini, Department of Zoology, Punjabi University, Patiala, stated this while delivering a special lecturer at Pushpa Gujral Science City (PGSC) to mark ‘International Bio-Diversity Day’.The expert further stated that due to massive induction of chemical fertilisers, insecticides, over-exploitation of soil and water, biodiversity of Punjab was undergoing irreparable changes. He exhorted the farmers to discontinue harmful practices and to restore healthy life of soil.On this occasion, PGSC director general Dr RS Khandpur stated that 10 per cent of Indian plant species were under threat. More than 150 medicinal plants have already disappeared in the recent decades and about 10 per cent of flowering plants, 20 per cent mammals and 5 per cent of birds were facing extinction threat.
	Pathakot boy tops PMET Our Correspondent Pathankot, May 22 Dinesh Walia and Gurleen Kaur brought laurels to the city as their names figured in the merit list of the Punjab Pre-Medical Entrance Test (PMET) examination. Dinesh Walia, whose father Jagmohan Singh works in the ESIC dispensary as a pharmacist, claimed the top position in the merit list of the PMET. He secured 732 out of 800 marks. Dinesh studied for 12 hours a day to meet the goal. Self determination was the key to his success, he added. Gurleen Kaur got 35th rank in the list. Gurleen, whose father Mahavir Singh, who is posted as the DFO here, gave the credit of her success to her parents.
	Woman kills self, husband booked Our Correspondents Hoshiarpur, May 22 A mother of four children committed suicide by setting herself ablaze at Badla village. She succumbed to her burn injuries today morning. The police sources said Kulwinder Kaur married Harmesh Lal of Badla in 1997. They had two sons and two daughters. Harmesh Lal allegedly developed illicit relation with another woman, Bindi. Kulwinder Kaur wanted her husband to end his relation with Bindi, however, he continued his relationship. Sources said yesterday when Kulwinder Kaur threatened to set herself ablaze Harmesh Lal provoked her instead of stopping her. She sprinkled kerosene and set herself on fire. Her husband did not make any effort to save her, sources alleged. She got severe burn injuries and was admitted to the local Civil Hospital where she breathed her last. On the statement of Baljinder Singh, the brother of the deceased, Mehitana police has booked Harmesh Lal and his paramour Bindi under Section 306 of the IPC. Man commits suicide Phagwara: A rickshaw-puller, identified as Amrik Singh, reportedly committed suicide by consuming poison at his house in Ward Number 4 at the local Bhagatpura area last evening. Poverty and his prolonged illness forced him to take the extreme step, said ward councillor Sarabjit Kaur. The police has initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC. He has left behind three children.
	Two killed in road accidents Our Correspondent Tarn Taran, May 22 Two motorcyclists died in two different road accidents last evening. Sources said Pal Singh (57), a resident of the local Nanaksar area, was coming back from Amritsar on his motorcycle (PB-46 A, 3050) when the incident took place. The deceased, who was an employee of water supply and sanitation department, lost control over his bike and hit with a roadside tree. He died on the spot near Gohalwar village. The city police has lodged a report under Section 174 CrPC. In the second incident, Harinderbir Singh (47), a resident of township Goindwal Sahib, was returning home along with his daughter when one of the tyres of his vehicle burst. He lost control and the scooter hit a tree. Harinderbir Singh died on the spot, while his daughter, Jagdeep Kaur, had a narrow escape. The local Sadar police has lodged a report under Section 174 of the CrPC. Postmortems were conducted at the local Civil Hospital today.
	Rs 3 lakh snatched Our Correspondent Hoshiarpur, May 22 Two unidentified motorcycle-borne youths snatched Rs 3 lakh from a couple at Pul Pukhta yesterday. The police sources said Jagjit Singh and his wife were going to their relative’s house at Firoz Rorian village on a motorcycle. When they reached near Pul Pukhta two persons on a black motorcycle suddenly appeared before them and snatched the bag containing Rs 3 lakh from his wife. Tanda police has registered a case under Section 382 of the IPC in this connection.
	2 held with 100 gm intoxicants Our Correspondent Phagwara, May 22 The police has arrested two youths with 100 gm of intoxicants. The accused were identified as Baljit Singh and Jatinder Kumar of Gunachaur village. SP Harkamalpreet Singh Khakh, while talking to newsmen here today, said violators of law could not be spared at any cost. They should be punished severely.