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Major snags hit city power supply
Kuldip Bhatia

Ludhiana, May 22
An eight-hour maintenance shutdown at the 220-kv Ferozepur Road sub-station taken by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) on Monday cost the power utility dear, as a CT transformer at its 220-kv Lalton Kalan sub-station burnt down late in the evening yesterday due to load shifting and overloading all through the day.

As a result, almost the entire city plunged into darkness, with power and water supply continuing to elude the city residents last evening and throughout the day today. To make matters worse, a new 100-mva transformer installed at the 220-kv Ferozepur Road sub-station also developed initial hiccups, which might take a couple of day to make it operational.

As the mercury went soaring on Monday, and the hot weather being relentless today as well, people in almost the entire city had to face load shedding at regular intervals from late evening on Monday till now. "The power supply is likely to become near normal by this evening," senior PSPCL officials said.

To add to the misery of the people, the water supply was also affected due to power failure and in most parts of the city, including posh localities, city residents had to go without even a drop of water right from Monday evening till afternoon today.

Residents of Haibowal, Sarabha Nagar, Rajguru Nagar, Civil Lines, Dugri, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Gill Road, Aggar Nagar and Model Town as also most of residential localities in the old city area said as the power supply was playing hide and seek, no water supply was available from Monday evening till the afternoon on Tuesday. "We have not received a drop of water for the past 18 hours due to the erratic power supply. The taps have gone completely dry and even when power is restored for some time, it again goes off before the water starts trickling out," complained scores of residents from Civil Lines and Aggar Nagar localities.

"Why can't the PSPCL and the Municipal Corporation officials have some degree of coordination to ensure that power supply to residential localities and the areas where tubewells are located is made simultaneously so that people could get water supply even for a short while to meet their daily needs," said Inderjit, an indignant resident of Dugri.

PSPCL Chief Engineer of Central Zone KL Sharma, who visited the 220-kv Lalton Kalan sub-station during the day to supervise the repair work of the burnt down CT transformer and the affected conductors, said the 90 per cent of the work had been completed till this afternoon and the equipment would become fully operational by the evening when the power supply was expected to become near normal.

Areas affected

Haibowal, Sarabha Nagar, Rajguru Nagar, Civil Lines, Dugri, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Gill Road, Aggar Nagar, Model Town and most of the residential localities in the Old City area.

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City girl 9th in Punjab pre-medical entrance test
Manav Mander
Tribune News Service

Some other successful candidates in a jubilant mood
Some other successful candidates in a jubilant mood. Tribune photos: Himanshu Mahajan

Ludhiana, May 22
"I am on Cloud Nine today after securing the ninth rank in the Punjab PMT. Though I studied really hard, I had never imagined of getting such a good rank in the entrance. It is a dream come true for me, “said Pratibah.

A student of Saint Thomas Senior Secondary School, Pratibah wants to be a gynaecologist.

"Although nobody in my family is a doctor, I always nurtured the dream of becoming a one since childhood and now I
am moving towards fulfilling my dream," she beamed with joy.

"I want to serve women of my nation and if given a chance, I would love to take up my first job in some rural area," she added with confidence.

"Ninth rank in the entrance examination is a fruit of my hard labour for the past two years. It was all work, work and work for me. After school, it used to be coaching classes and then again studies after coming back home. I have not watched television since I started preparing for the entrance exam. There were no Saturdays and Sundays in my life and weekends were meant for revisions. I had been long since I devoted time for my hobbies," added Pratibah.

It was her father's presence that Pratibah was missing today. “My dad is a civil engineer and presently posted at Meerut, but I talked to him over the phone and he was as elated as me while my mom and younger sister were around me to share my special moment," quipped she.

Pratibah dedicated sometime to meditation that helped her in achieving success and concentrating in her studies. Admission in a good medical college is Pratibah's next step and she wishes to get admission in Rajindra Medical College, Patiala.

Quick take

  • Rank: 9
  • Aim: Gynaecologist
  • Inspiration: Parents
  • Study hours: Saturdays and Sundays devoted to revisions and extra studies.
  • Stress buster: Meditation

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SI’s son shoots himself
Mohit Khanna
Tribune Nesws Service

Ludhiana, May 22
A 19-year-son of a policeman allegedly committed suicide by using the licensed gun of his father at Aman Nagar near Salem Tabri here today.

The victim, identified as Kulwant Singh, son of sub-inspector (SI) Nirmal Singh, used the .12 gun of his father to end his life.

The victim, who was pursuing engineering, fired at his stomach by using a gun. At the time of the incident , Nirmal Singh and his wife were reportedly present in the house. The sound of fire shot caused panic in area and residents ran hilter-skilter for cover.

Soon the police reached the spot and started investigation. SHO Salem Tabri Bitten Kumar said the police had taken the body in its possession and started the investigastion. He said the police was probing the cause of the death. Kulwant was the youngest among two sisters.

Body found

In another incident, a badly decomposed body of man was found from the lift of a furniture shop in Samral Chowk here today. The deceased identified as Mohinder Singh was working as a cleaner in the furniture shop.

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Accused made extortion call for Rs 30 lakh: CCTV footage
Was behind the killing during Ferozpur Assembly poll
Mohit Khanna
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 22
It was notorious criminal Gurshir Singh Shera, the accused behind the only murder that took place in Ferozepur during the Assembly poll on January 30, who threatened a city-based businessman for ransom of Rs 30 lakh on May 11.

According to the police, on May 11, Shera and his accomplices, visited the Airtel outlet of Gagandeep Singh, alias Raja, located on the first floor of a building on the Gill road.

It is learnt that during their visit to the Airtel outlet, Shera had pulled out a pistol and demanded Rs 30 lakh extortion. The police even got hold of the close circuit television (CCTV) footage of the two suspects, who tried to assault the victim.

Raja, a resident of Dugri, said Shera had called him and threatened him with dire consequences if he sounded the police.

Balwinder Singh, SHO, Shimlapuri, said a major manhunt operation had been launched to nab Shera and his accomplice following the direction of the Addition Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP-II) Bhupinder Singh Sidhu.

Shera has a huge record of criminal activities. The police is also probing the reason of targeting Gagandeep for extortion.

Punter Shera's prime targets

During investigation, it was found that Shera targeted punters, who were betting on IPL matches. Recently, Shera had kidnapped a punter, identified as Jolly, from Malout and extorted Rs 10 lakh from his possession. Jolly was kept hostage for nearly a day and after receiving the ransom, he was let off.

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DMCH Row
Employees’ union chief in dock
Hospital mgmt says Charan Dass not even matriculate
Mohit Khanna
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 22
President of the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC&H) Employees’ Union is allegedly in the dock after the hospital administration filed a complaint stating that he had got the job on the grounds that he was a matriculate.

However, the Punjab School Education Board’s (PSEB) records state that Charan Dass, president, DMC&H Employees’ Union, had failed in matriculation.

Secretary of the hospital management Prem Kumar Gupta said: “It started last year. As per the National Accreditation Board of Hospital and Healthcare Providers requirement all employees were asked to submit their original certificates for verification. A few employees were found to have submitted false certificates. Charan Dass name also figured in the list of those who could not produce their certificates.”

Col JV Singh (retd), DGM (Administration and HR), said, “Charan Dass was employed in the hospital as a ward boy in June 1985. The desired qualification for this post was matriculation. Charan Dass got the job by claiming that he was a matriculate, but failed to submit the certificate. He was charge sheeted. Charan Dass wrote a letter to us stating that he had submitted a copy of matriculation certificate at the time of his employment. An inquiry was conducted. It was found that Charna Dass had appeared for the matriculation examination of Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) in 1982. He secured compartment in six subjects.

He said he appeared again in 1983, but failed. He defrauded with the institution. Even his original date of birth (DOB) is January 1, 1960. In employment record his DOB is January 1, 1964."

Charan Dass claimed that the DMC&H management was against the association. He said he was being targeted after he raised the issue of labour law violations. He complained that he had submitted 17 demands before the labour commissioner that could have benefitted the employees. "But by doing so I ruffled feather of high and mighty of the hospital. And nearly five months ago, I along with press secretary of the association Hardish Masih was suspended," said Charan Dass.

He claimed, “Matriculation has never been a prerequisite for a Class IV employee in 1985. I have never mentioned anywhere that I am matriculate. There are several other employees working in the hospital who not even done matriculation.”

Politicising the issue

Prem Gupta stated that the politicians were cashing in on the opportunity and exploiting the situation by supporting the erring employees. He further said the police had also buckled under the political pressure and was not taking any action against Charan Dass.

Biometric system

The installation of biometric system was the real issue behind this problem. This could have helped in regulating the attendance of employees, but it annoyed many of them.

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Swindler lands in police net
Mohit Khanna
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 22
A swindler devised a novel way of procuring gold ornaments to be given as dowry articles during the marriage of his two sisters.

The accused, identified as Shiv Kumar, alias Shibu (22), who was nabbed during a routine checking near Dyal Sweets, had till now duped many innocent women and committed thefts at their houses.

According to Balwinder Singh, SHO, Shimlapuri, Shibu used to first conduct a recce of the house of his target. His preferred targets were woman.

Shibu normally used to strike during the afternoon when the women used to be alone.

He used to dupe women on the pretext that their husbands had met with an accident. He then ferried the women on a motorcycle to a secluded place and left them there.

After this, Shibu used to return and strike at their houses and decamped with gold jewellery and cash.

He targeted one Armina Bagum, wife of Ikhtiar Rehmat Malik, of Dashmesh on May 5.

According to the complainant, Shibu entered his house on May 5 and told her that police had arrested her husband following a fight with a fellow shopkeeper.

In panic, she forgot to lock the house. After leaving her at Vishwa Karma Chowk, the accused returned to the house of Armina Bagum and decamped with Rs 42,000, a gold ring and a mobile phone.

During the investigation, the accused said he used to spend the cash, but he was collecting the gold ornaments for the marriage of her two sisters.

The police has recovered the gold ornaments and some cash from the accused.

Modus Operadi

Used to first conduct a recce of the house of his target. His preferred targets were woman. Shibu normally used to strike during the afternoon when the women used to be alone. He used to dupe women on the pretext that their husbands had met with an accident. He then ferried the women on a motorcycle to a secluded place and left them there. After this, he used to return and strike at their houses and decamped with gold jewellery and cash.

Cases so far

  • Rs 2,000 and gold earrings from the house of Meena Kayshap of Daba road
  • Decamped with Rs 10,000 from the house of Geeta Soni of Vish Karma Colony
  • Decamped with gold earrings and Rs 15,000 from the house of Rashmi Kumar of Harbans Pura
  • Fled with Rs 4,000 and gold earrings from the house Chandrawati of Sunder Nagar

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mc poll
Councillors, kin lobby hard for tickets
Puneet Pal Singh Gill
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 22
As the elections to the local municipal corporation, likely to be held on June 10, are nearing, councillors and politicians are trying hard to get ticket from various parties. From family members to business partners, the politicians have been lobbying hard with their political bosses in one way or the other to get ticket.

Senior leaders of the SAD met yesterday. They are expected to announce party ticket either today or by tomorrow evening. The BJP, too, interviewed 240 prospective candidates yesterday. They might also announce the candidates soon. The Congress is also expected to come out with its list soon.

Ward number 56 is one of the posh wards of the city. It comprises Sarabha Nagar and Gurdev Nagar. A senior cop, who was recently posted in the city and is considered close to Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, is lobbying for ticket for his “friend”, who not even resides in this ward. But a businessman is front runner for getting SAD ticket from this particular ward. Apart from him, another SAD (Youth wing) leader is also in the race for ticket from here.

“But, the candidates, who won municipal poll in 2007 as Independents or from some other party and later joined the SAD, might be denied ticket this time. But those who won as Independents and are from the Bains group are likely to get ticket. Jagbir Singh Sokhi is also expected to get ticket. But he would certainly face opposition from Bains group as he has now joined hands with former Cabinet Minister Hira Singh Gabria, a rival of Bains brothers,” said a leader, who attended the meeting held in Chandigarh yesterday.

‘Mayor in waiting’

Senior SAD leader Harish Rai Dhanda might be projected as the Mayor this time. He is likely to contest from ward number 28 of the city, which is predominantly of the Congress and is presently represented by Congress councillor Mukhtiar Kaur. However, Dhanda said the list of candidates would be released either today evening or tomorrow.

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Punjab pmet
Ekjot, Rohan, Manmeet, Lehar share the honours
Get 30th, 43rd, 53rd and 64th rank, respectively
Manav Mander
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 22
Ekjot Singh of DAV Public School, Rohan, from KVM School and Manmeet Kaur Sidhu from Sacred Heart Convent School and Lehar Khanna from Radha Vatika School, Khanna, came with the flying colours in the Punjab Pre Medical Entrance Test (PMET) result declared here today. Ekjot managed to get 30th rank while Rohan secured 43rd, Manmeet got 53rd rank and Lehar Khanna secured 64th rank in the medical entrance examination.

Ekjot Singh belongs to a family of doctors. His both parents are doctors and following their footsteps, Ekjot too wants to join them. "It's all in the family and I also wanted to adorn a white coat since childhood," he adds.

"I used to study for 2-3 hours a day as keeping stick to the books all the time is not my cup of tea," adds Ekjot.

AIIMS, New Delhi, Maulana Azad College, New Delhi & DMCH, Ludhiana are Ekjot's 3 preferences for pursuing his studies further in surgery.

Quick take

  • Rank: 30
  • Aim: Surgeon
  • Inspiration: Parents and God
  • Study hours: 2-3 hours
  • Stress buster: Music and chatting on Internet

Rohan from KVM School secured 43rd rank in the Punjab PMET and gives full credit to his parents for his success. "It were my parents who always inculcated confidence in me and motivated me towards my goal," said Rohan.

"Nobody in my family is a doctor but it was a profession I always wanted to be in. My father is a businessman and mother is a housewife and both are happy over my success and cannot wait to see in my white coat, "said Rohan who wants to become a neuro-surgeon.

"Taking admission in a good medical college is the next step and I aspire to study at AIIMS-New Delhi," he adds.

Quick take

  • Rank: 43
  • Aim: Neuro Surgeon
  • Inspiration: Parents
  • Study hours: 10-12 hours
  • Stress buster: Talking to parents and watching TV

Manmeet Kaur Sidhu of Sacred Heart Convent School made her hometown Doraha proud by securing 53rd rank in the Punjab PMET. A few days ago, she secured 6th rank in the SMET conducted Shri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amritsar.

Daughter of Dr Narinder Singh Sidhu, Principal, Guru Nanak National College Doraha and Pal Rani Kaur, a Government School lecturer, Manmeet wants to become a successful doctor.

Manmeet, who still thinks that she should have got a higher rank than this says, "Success comes with single minded devotion. Once, I decided to become a doctor, there was no looking back and burnt midnight oil, keeping everything else aside. My principal and teachers have a lot to share in this success hour but it was my parents who were always there to support me in the hour of need," she adds.

Quick take

  • Rank: 53
  • Aim: Cardiologist
  • Inspiration: Parents and teachers
  • Study hours: 10-12 hours
  • Stress buster: Gardening

Lehar was always surrounded by doctors in the life. "Both my mother and father are doctors and I always wanted to become a one. I never though of something else," said an elated Lehar.

"Studying for 6-8 hours was in my daily schedule and whenever I use to get bore it was music and reading that de-stressed me," she said. After getting a good rank Lehar wants to pursue her further education from DMCH, Ludhiana.

  • Quick take
  • Rank: 64
  • Aim: Neuro surgeon
  • Inspiration: Father
  • Study hours: 6-8 hours
  • Stress buster: music and reading

(With inputs from Loveleen Bains from Doraha)

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Shops in residential area
BRS Nagar shopkeepers feel the heat
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 22
Members of BRS Nagar Approved Market Welfare Association met today to express concern over the mushrooming of shops in residential area of Bhai Randhir Singh (BRS) Nagar.

Satnam Singh, president of the association, said, “Although the High Court ordered cancellation of the allotment of the shops in residential premises, but nothing has been done so far.”

“The authorities had sealed six shops that were running from the residential premises last year, but the drive was stopped due to political pressure,” he added.

There is no check and the number of shops running from the houses is increasing with each passing day. “There are approximately 160 shops in this residential area. Out of these, only 15 to 20 shops are there in the approved market. We are suffering losses as people prefer to buy from the nearby shops rather than coming to the market,” said Satnam Singh.

In addition to this, the shops running from the bylanes of the area does not have any safety measures whereas the shops in the market are fully equipped,” Tejinder Pal Singh, the press secretary said.

The problems of the shopkeepers of the approved market do not end here. The parking lot earmarked for the market has been encroached upon by the jhuggie dwellers. The entire parking space has been encroached upon and nearly 400 shanties have come up in it. “The authorities have turned a blind eye towards the problems faced by the shopkeepers of the approved market. We have also filed a writ in the High Court in this regard," said Deepinder Singh Grewal.

Assistant Town Planner SS Bindra said: “We are aware of the fact that writ has been filed by the shopkeepers. We took action last year and a few shops were sealed. But, the seals were broken by the mob. A case in this regard has already been filed,” Bindra added.

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CBSE launches new website
Board instructs all affiliated schools to upload their information
Charanjit Singh Teja
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 22
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched a new website to facilitate the students and parents. The domain of the website is www.cbseacadamic.in. The CBSE took this initiative to make the parents and students aware about the rules and regulation of particular school. The Board instructed to all the schools affiliated with the CBSE to upload all the information about school.

With this initiative parents would be aware about the real status of fee structure and other required information about the schools.

According to the parents most of the time schools do not give the authentic information about fee structure, uniforms and other expenses. Parents have no option to see the CBSE norms regarding these things.

According to the information, the website would also provide the information regarding activities organised in schools. Moreover, the website would be more helpful for the students on the time of results. All the results would be displayed on this site.

One of such parents, Dinesh Sony, who opposed the regular hike in fee by the CBSE schools while violating the Board laws said, "It is good imitative by the CBSE that schools would upload all the information on websites. Now there schools cannot change the roles with their own wish."

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cng stations
GAIL officials, MC identify 2 sites
Shivani Bhakoo
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 22
Officials of Gas Authority of India Limited along with those from the local municipal corporation and the district administration have identified two sites for installing CNG stations.

This step was taken following High Court’s directions to the state transport department to identify places in three most-polluted towns like 
Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar for installing CNG stations.

According to sources, a piece of land opposite Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar Bus Terminal has been identified for the Ludhiana City Bus Service working under the overall supervision and control of Ludhiana City Bus Service Limited and the municipal corporation. Regarding buses (owned by the Punjab government, its corporation or subsidiaries) plying in the city, a chunk of land in the aforesaid bus stand has been identified.

The pipeline for the proposed CNG stations crossing Jodhan village was about 17 kilometers from these two points. The GAIL officials have reportedly stated that the CNG station could be installed at these locations by drawing a SPUR pipeline from the major pipeline to these two stations.

However, a detailed survey was required and would start only when the transport department gave its consent.

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Insurance Cover
Date for making smart cards extended
Anupam Bhagria
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 22
The health department has extended the date for preparing “Smart Cards” by BPL families under the Rashtriya Swasthya Beema Yojna till June 30. Disclosing this, Dr AK Handa, District Nodal officer-cum-Deputy Medical Commissioner, Ludhiana, said, “The last for preparing the cards under the insurance cover of Iffco Tokyo Insurance company was May 31, but it has been extended till June 30. Fresh Smart cards will be prepared under the insurance cover of Reliance Insurance Company after June 15.”

Dr Handa said: “One needs to spend Rs 30 for getting Smart Cards prepared. Under this centrally sponsored scheme, five members of a BPL family are covered for free health insurance of rupees 30,000 for a year. In Ludhiana as many as 32 hospitals including 13 government and 19 private hospitals are treating these families. "

Saroj Nain State Nodal Officer of this project said,"Recently in a function organized by Punjab Health System Corporation at UT Gust house, Chandigarh, Anil Swaroop Director General of Labour Welfare department, Government of India awarded appreciation certificates to six districts including Roopnagar, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Kapurthala, Mansa and Amritsar for covering maximum BPL families under this free Health Insurance Scheme."

Dr Handa further said, “Initially this scheme was launched in eight districts of Punjab in the year 2008 but now it has been launched in all the districts of the state. He said, “The families covered under MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) and street vendors will also be covered under RSBY from next year."

Claims

10,000 BPL families were covered in the Ludhiana district alone in 2010-2011. It increased to 14, 500 families 2011-2012. Only 162 families claimed Rs 2.75 lakh in 2010-2011. However, in 2011-2012 340 families benefitted under this scheme through free health claims of Rs 14 lakh.

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Ward Number 30 cries for attention
Gurvinder Singh
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 22
Ward No. 30 is generally a clean and decently maintained ward, though some parts of the colonies near the Budha Nullah cry for attention. While colonies like New Upkar Nagar and New Deep Nagar are on the verge of being posh, areas like Shahi Mohalla present the picture of old, open-drained and squeezed streets. Parts of Upkar Nagar are dirt strewn, unclean and dotted with garbage.
Garbage being dumped on a roadside at New Deep Nagar, high-tension wires cross through roofs of the houses and a view of the poor condition of a road in ward number 30
Garbage being dumped on a roadside at New Deep Nagar, high-tension wires cross through roofs of the houses and a view of the poor condition of a road in ward number 30
(Clockwise) Garbage being dumped on a roadside at New Deep Nagar, high-tension wires cross through roofs of the houses and a view of the poor condition of a road in ward number 30. Photos: Inderjeet Verma

But most of the roads barring a few are relatively clean. The ward becomes a cause of worry during the rainy season. The area near the Domoria Pull is also in a pathetic condition.

The area due to its high population is congested, ill-maintained and garbage strewn. The residents say the Dussehra Ground should be cleaned and there should be proper plantation on the sides. Some residents complain that the development has happened, but it is not up to the expectations.

The councillor contested the last election on the BJP ticket for the first time and plans to do so again provided he gets the ticket.

The ward comprises Shahi Mohalla, New Kundan Puri, Guru Nanak Pura, Upkar Nagar, New Upkar Nagar and New Deep Nagar.

Statistics

  • Population: 25,000
  • Voters: 11,000

COUNCILLOR Speaks

I have tried to complete most of the development works. About Rs 6.5 crore was spent on the developmental works in the ward. Work on the coverage of the nullah near the Domoria Pull is underway, costing Rs 2.06 crore. A bridge over the Budha Nullah towards Dussehra Ground cost Rs 1.1 crore. A senior citizen home was built at Guru Nanak Pura at the cost of Rs 15 lakh. Streetlights were repaired at the cost of Rs 3 lakh. Streets of New Upkaar Nagar, Guru Nanak Pura and New Kundan Puri have been cemented. A fountain in Guru Nanak Pura is going to be well-maintained. Musical fountain at Guru Nanak Pura would be reinstalled soon. If re-elected, I would like to complete the pending works and would work towards the improvement and greenery of the ward. Upkar Nagar would be improved. I would get a healthcare centre opened in the ward. 

— Avtar Krishan Tari, councillor, ward No. 30

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Development alien to residents of ward number 31
Charanjit Singh Teja
Tribune News Service

Heaps of garbage in ward number 31
Heaps of garbage in ward number 31. Photos: Inderjeet Verma

Ludhiana, May 22
Residents of most of the areas of ward number 31 seem unfamiliar with the word development. The ward councillor, Roopamdeep Kaur Malhi, however, is claiming that the development works are going on in the area and would be completed soon. But the residents of the area rue that development in many parts of the ward was neglected in the last 20 years. They said dilapidated condition of roads, water logging, overflowing sewerage and shortage of transformers are some of the problems that residents of this ward are facing.

The areas located near the Budha Nullah are the worst, as heaps of garbage can be seen everywhere. Not a single road has been carpeted in Guru Hargobind Nagar. Open drainage system threatens breakout of several diseases with the rainy season on the anvil. Five colonies of the areas are still deprived of sewerage and potable water facilities.

To make the matters worse, there is no water supply in Guru Hargobind Nagar from the last two days. The residents are dependent on a gurdwara within the area for drinking water. The Civil City is the area in the ward, where all streets are uncarpeted. Most of the roads in other areas of the ward are patchy.

However, the councillor claims that these colonies are illegal but she has shown keen interest in developing these areas.

The ward consists of areas such as Chandar Nagar, New Chandar Nagar, New Tagore Nagar, Ragbeer Park, Rajesh Nagar, Naseeb Enclave, Kamal Vihar, Chandar Vihar, Inder Vihar, Sun City, Civil City, Guru Hargobind Nagar and Chandar Vihar.

Statistics

  • Population: 80,000
  • Voters: 24,000

COUNCILLOR Speaks

Ward number 31 is the biggest ward. The area was totally undeveloped five years ago. It is my first tenure as the councillor and I have done more than 80 per cent of the development works in the area. I have got 12 tube-wells installed in different areas of the ward to get rid from the shortage of potable water. Besides this, I can claim that 85 per cent areas of my ward have sewerage system. For constructing the roads, work orders amounting to Rs 16 crore have already been issued. Besides, I have also developed illegal areas such as Civil City and other adjoining ones.

— Roopamdeep Kaur Malhi, councillor

reSIDENTS Speak

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Protests over dams on Ganga

Ludhiana, May 22
A non-government organisation, Ganga Sewa Mission held protest here at mini-secretariat against making dams on river Ganga and handed over a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana Rahul Tiwari, here.

The agitated members of the NGO said that no dam should be constructed on river Ganga, there should be no rivulets and canals should fall into river Ganga, Bheemgoda Bairaj should be closed down.

Aarti Thakur general secretary of Punjab Ganga Sewa Mission said, “We have written to the Government of India many a time about it but nothing has been done so far. We will also go on fast unto death if required for saving holy river Ganga. — TNS

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Junk food is harmful: Scientists

Ludhiana, May 22
"Food is one of the basic needs of life and is vital for the growth of human beings. But, with the passage of time, the change in food varieties, availability and taste has been witnessed," expressed the home scientists of the PAU.

The young generation prefers to take junk food such as burgers, pizzas, French fries, hot dogs, etc. because they are reasonably priced and readily available alternatives to the home cooked food, they added. While being convenient for a busy life style and inexpensive, fast foods are typically high in calories, fats, saturated fat, sugar and salt. The home scientists disclosed, "Nearly, 20 per cent of school going children and 60 per cent of adults are obese in India." They called upon the general public to avoid junk food as it has no nutritional value and is considered unhealthy to consume.

Dr Sukhjeet Kaur, HoD of home science extension and communication management, said that most of junk food lacks in vitamins and minerals which are, generally, present in properly cooked food. Sometimes, it is prepared of ingredients that are not very clean and can spoil the stomach, liver and intestines. Elaborating further, she said that junk food hastens the effects of aging. The continuous eating of junk food exposes the body to long period of bad nutrition. — TNS

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Samples of eatables collected
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 22
A team of officials from the health department today raided wholesale shops near the Jalandhar Bypass and collected samples of eatables. District Health Officer, Ludhiana, Dr Kulwinder Singh, said: “We took three samples of refined oil from a wholesale store near the Jalandhar Bypass. Three samples of squashes, including of an orange, lemon and rose, from another wholesale store and one sample each of mustard oil and Dalda were also taken.

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Mahua Shankar enchants schoolchildren
Tribune News Service

Kathak dancer Mahua Shankar performing at DCM Presidency School in Ludhiana
Kathak dancer Mahua Shankar performing at DCM Presidency School in Ludhiana. Tribune photo: Himanshu Mahajan

Ludhiana, May 22
Rhythm is part of our life and we can’t live without music. This was stated by Mahua Shankar, a legendary Kathak dancer. Referred to as role model for young enthusiasts of Kathak, Mahua Shankar accompanied by her co artistes Nupur Shankar, Vijay Mishra and Gulam Waris Khan gave a scintillating performance at DCM Presidency School, Ludhiana, under the aegis of the Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture (Spic Macay) among youth.

The artistes presented a lecture -cum demonstration about kathak in simplified terms. This enabled the students to understand the dance performance. The entire auditorium resounded with the soul stirring sounds of “gunghroos” and tabla with the repeated applause.

Mahua presented various dance forms like “Ardhnarishwar”, “Jhumri”, “Krishan Raas” and “Makhan Chori”.

Ramandeep, student of Class XI, said it was wonderful to see the classical performance and added we should put efforts to conserve our heritage.

LS Lamba, senior faculty member, said we should give opportunities to the youngsters to witness such performances which would go a long way to preserving our rich cultural heritage.

Dr MA Zaheer, Founder, Spic Macay, Ludhiana chapter, said not only youth but people from all age groups and professions should also contribute towards the sustainability of this heritage.

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Proclaimed offender nabbed
Jaswant Shetra

Jagraon, May 22
A proclaimed offender, who was wanted for duping a person into giving several lakh of rupees on the pretext of sending him abroad, was arrested today. The man has been identified as Jasveer Singh, son of Banta Singh of Dehraka village near Jagraon.

Jasveer Singh was arrested by a police team after being tipped off today morning.

According to the police, Jasveer Singh was wanted in a cheating case registered against him at the Sadar police station in February 2011. After this, Jasveer fled from the state. A local court had declared him a proclaimed offender in December last year.

During interrogation, the accused confessed he had been staying in Uttar Pradesh since then. In fact, Jasveer Singh was arrested after he came to meet his family members at the village.

He was produced before a local court and remanded in judicial custody.

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Newborn abandoned, police begins probe
Jaswant Shetra

Jagraon, May 22
A newborn (male) was abandoned by a few unidentified persons at the main gate of an orphanage (SGB Children's Home) run by Swami Ganga Nand Bhuri Wale International Foundation at Dham Talwandi Khurd village, about 15 kilometers from Jagraon last night.

According to Kuldeep Singh Mann, secretary, Swami Ganga Nand Bhuri Wale International Foundation, a few unidentified persons came in a vehicle and left the baby outside the orphanage before fleeing.

Giving details of the incident, Mann said the security guards rushed towards the gate, but the vehicle speeded away. The guards found the newborn wrapped in a cloth outside the gate.

The newborn appears to be three to four days old. Mann said the management had informed the police in this regard.

SSP Ludhiana (rural), Gurpreet Singh Toor said the police had initiated proceedings in this regard.

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Gang of thieves busted, 2 arrested

Ludhiana, May 22
With the arrest of two persons, the Division No 3 police has busted a gang of thieves who were breaking into the house of residents in the city.

The accused were identified as Harbir Singh and Surjit Singh. They were operating as rickshaw pullers during the day and used to commit thefts during the night.

The police has recovered a huge quantity of stolen articles, including Rs 61,000 cash and gold and silver ornaments.

ACP Raj Kumar said hunts were on to nab the mother-in- law of Surjit Singh, who fled with huge cash and gold ornaments that the accused has stolen recently. — TNS

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Dhruv Pandove Trophy
Ludhiana manage draw against Amritsar
Anil Datt
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, May 22
Amritsar forced a follow on but Ludhiana managed to draw the match in the Punjab State Inter-District Cricket Tournament (U-19) for the Dhruv Pandove Trophy played at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) campus ground here today.

Ludhiana owed it to Sandeep Singh, as he remained unbeaten (43 and 60 runs) in both innings, which also denied visitors an outright victory. He also chipped in with four wickets in Amritsar’s first essay.

In reply to Amritsar’s first innings score of 232 runs in 75.1 overs, Ludhiana resumed the day’s proceedings at 32 for three and eventually tumbled at 101 after 46 overs.

Medium pacer Sandeep Singh played the main role for the hosts, reaching the three figure score. He remained unconquered on 43 runs. Nikhil Chowdhary contributed 16 runs, while Sunny Pandey made 13.

For the visitors, Vinay was the wrecker-in-chief, as he claimed seven wickets for just 29 runs and Sunny took three for 37.

Facing a deficit of 131 runs, Ludhiana were asked to bat again and they finished the day at 182 for eight in 76 runs.

Again it was Sandeep Singh who rose to the occasion and succeeded in saving his wicket till the end. He carried his bat with 60 runs. Sunny Pandey was fortunate enough, as he was dropped thrice during his innings of 53 runs. For Amritsar, Vinay secured three wickets for 54, while Rahul Kanojia and Jatin scalped two victims each after conceding 34 and 37 runs, respectively.

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