|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Power woes only worsen
Ludhiana, May 29 While power shutdown at regular intervals has adversely affected the quality of life in most of the well-developed residential localities, people in the old city area are grappling with scarcity of water due to power cuts and outage which Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) is imposing on domestic feeders due to power shortage created by the two 100 MVA transformers at Lalton going non-operational and another transformer of the same capacity installed at Ferozepur Road substation still to become functional. The PSPCL chief engineer of central zone, KL Sharma, said a reconstructed transformer at Lalton Kalan had become functional late last night and full load of Gill Road feeders was shifted back to the substation. Similarly, some load of the industrial units from Giaspura for domestic supply had also been restored. "As of now, there are no restrictions on power supply to the industrial sector while some load shedding is being done on domestic feeders due to the prevailing gap between the total demand and availability of power," he said. Another 100 MVA transformer installed at the 220 kv substation (Ferozepur Road), which had developed initial hiccups, was also expected to become operational sometime this evening. Power supply would not only be completely restored, but also some cushioning capacity would be available with the PSPCL, he claimed. However, as things stand right now, the extremely hot weather condition, and the resultant spurt in the demand for electricity, has further compromised the precarious power situation. In many city localities, power supply was provided for a brief duration of half-hour and even 15 minutes before a shutdown for half-hour or an hour in the evening on Monday, with the same schedule continuing till this afternoon. Residents of Amarpura, Harcharan Nagar, Field Ganj and Kidwai Nagar complained that most of these localities were already getting deficient water supply and now the power shutdowns and cuts during the day had worsened the situation.
|
|
Follow norms or face action, PU warns colleges
Ludhiana, May 29 The conditions have been laid down by regulatory bodies, including the National Council of Technical Education (NCTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). A deadline for June 30 has been set by the university for all colleges to fulfill all the necessary conditions, failing which they will not be allowed to admit batches from the new session. Non-compliance of NCTE and UGC norms in certain BEd colleges has been pointed out in the past. The university has asked these colleges to submit fee and get the affiliations renewed. The step has been taken by the university to check the "casual" and "non-serious" attitude of some colleges towards inspections.
|
|
Women taking to tobacco products in a big way
Ludhiana, May 29 The city has been witnessing a rise in women smokers of all age groups over the last four-five years. Dr Aashish Chawla, in charge of the tuberculosis department at Lord Mahavir Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, said: "Earlier, we used to come across one or two women suffering from obstructive pulmonary disease in a year due to smoking. But now we receive one to two women patients every month. These people are from the poor strata of society and a majority of them are migrants." Not only migrants, but also the younger generation of the city is falling an easy prey to tobacco products. Chewable tobacco products are also being used by some women. Nageena (name changed) said: "I started chewing a tobacco product hoping to deal with stress during work. But with the passage of time, my teeth got discoloured and I became addicted to it. Now, I eat a pouch of it every day." Thirtyfive-year-old Sunanda (name changed) said: "The fragrance of these products made me fall for them. Earlier, my husband used to chew it, but now even I cannot do without it." The District Health Officer, Dr Kulwinder Singh, said: "During the recent raids conducted by the health department on hookah bars, we caught many youngsters enjoying flavoured hookah and some of these were young girls." Dr Raman Arora, an oncologist, said: "In our hospital, we receive a mixed group of women patients who smoke and hail from different strata of society." Dr Vikas Loomba, a consultant physician in the CMCH, said: "A few women patients who smoke and suffer from obstructive pulmonary disease visit the OPD often. Smoking may lead to paralytic stroke, heart attack and cancer." Ill-effects
Smoking may lead to paralytic stroke
|
|
Now, helpline to keep the city speckless
Ludhiana, May 29 People can register their grievances regarding lifting of garbage from their area to garbage falling from trucks and even rash driving by drivers of garbage trucks. A2Z Waste Management Ludhiana Ltd had started its operations in Ward Nos 56 and 57 from August 15 last year. Ever since its operations, the company was facing tough resistance from the private garbage collectors-most of them belonging to the Valmiki community. That is why the company was collecting garbage under police protection. Later, the safai karamcharis across the state had gone on strike from October 4 to 9, last year. However, after an assurance from the Chief Minister the strike ended. Ever since then the A2Z Waste Management Ludhiana Ltd has been operating from all wards of the city. They are lifting garbage from the garbage collection points in the city, while private garbage collectors are involved in door to door service. Manoj Mishra, Deputy General Manager, A2Z Waste Management Ludhiana Ltd, said the helpline number has started from today onwards. “If any person is having any complaint regarding non-lifting of garbage from the collection points or from our garbage bins placed in different parts of the city, he can register his complaint at our helpline number. If any of our company trucks is found scattering garbage on the road or if the truck driver is not driving properly and indulging in rash driving, residents can complaints that too. I assure the residents that we would redress the problem at the earliest,” said Manoj Mishra. Toll-free number
Residents can dial toll-free helpline number 1800-120-0117 to register their grievances regarding the non-lifting of garbage in their area. They can also complain about garbage falling from trucks and even rash driving by drivers of such trucks. |
Garbage piles up as civic body in slumber
Ludhiana, May 29 The public convenience facilities in Jawahar Nagar, a busy marketplace, are in a loathsome condition. Water supply is erratic. Sweepers do not turn up for days in many parts of the ward, say residents. Heaps of garbage dot Middha Chowk. Stink emanating from the litter bugs residents. Statistics Major areas: New Model Town, Jawahar Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Gurcharan Park, Labour Colony and Gandhi Colony. Voters: 13,000 Population: 20,000 COUNCILLOR speaks I have completed most of the work in the ward. An amount of Rs 5 crore has been spent on various development projects, including renovation of parks and carpeting of roads. Inter-locking tiles have been laid in Jawahar Nagar. Three tubewells have also been installed. Roads have been constructed wall-to-wall in order to prevent encroachments. An amount of Rs 19 lakh has been given to government schools. I won the elections as an Independent last time. If re-elected, I will get a dispensary constructed in the ward — Kapil Kumar Sonu, councillor ReSIDENTS speaks Water supply is erratic. Sanitation workers show up at whims. They have started charging Rs 20 instead of Rs 15 per home for garbage collection. The MC should make the payment to these workers, why should the residents pay — Chandar Shekhar, a resident The councillor works hard to solve the problems. Although there are no major problems in New Model Town, I think parks in the area need to be spruced up — Narinder Kaur, a resident
|
|
Waterlogging plagues Ward No. 51
Ludhiana, May 29 Residents complain of waterlogging in the area. They say water enters their houses during rainy season. Sewerage remains choked most of the time. Nothing has been done to solve the problem so far despite residents raising the issue a number of times. Residents say rodents have become a nuisance in some parts of the ward. Loose electricity wires are a threat to residents' lives. There are a number of accident-prone areas in the ward. Sweepers do not come on a regular basis. They should be told to lift the garbage regularly from the area. Statistics Major areas: Bharat Nagar, Noria Mal Jain Street, Ram Gali, Sandeep Nagar, Harpal Nagar, Singh Pura, Dashmesh Gali, Sita Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Sham Nagar, Hargobindpura and Railway Colonies 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Voters: 13,500 Population: 25,000 COUNCILLOR speaks A amount of Rs 7 crore has been spent on development projects. I have worked for the improvement of roads and streetlights. I have got two tubewells installed in the area. Special emphasis is being laid on the cleanliness of the area. — Prem Mittal, councillor reSIDENTS speakds Prem Mittal is a good councillor. Even though he has become an MLA, he has deputed people in his office, to address the problems of residents. Speed breakers should be installed as the lanes are narrow and small squares are prone to accidents. Loose electricity wires are a threat. Parks in the area need to be maintained. — Aman Sharma, a resident Muddy water is supplied to the area. Quality of water should be improved. Apart from this, there is no other problem in the ward. The councillor has put in efforts to develop the area. There should be more green belts here. Plantation drives should be carried out frequently. — Parul Singla, a resident
|
|
MC poll: 353 file papers on last day
Ludhiana, May 29 In total, close to 700 candidates have filed papers for the elections to be held on June 10. Prominent among those who filed their nomination papers are Tanvir Singh Dhaliwal (SAD candidate from ward number 59), Bhupinder Singh (SAD candidate from ward number 56), Parvinder Singh Lapran (Congress candidate from ward number 45), Kamaljit Singh Karwal (SAD candidate from ward number 45), Parminder Singh Soma (SAD candidate from ward number 68), Rattan Singh Kamalpuri (Congress candidate from ward number 58), Swarandeep Singh Chahal (SAD candidate from ward number 69), Rakhwinder Singh Gabria (SAD candidate from ward number 61), Indu Thapar (Congress candidate from ward number 29), Paramjit Kaur Shivalik (SAD candidate from ward number 58), Surjit Kaur Dang (SAD candidate from ward number 47), Harish Rai Dhanda (SAD candidate from ward number 28), Ramandeep Kaur (BJP candidate from ward number 44), Inderjit Singh Makkar (Congress candidate from ward number 33), Jaswinder Singh Bhola (SAD candidate from ward number 60), Ashwani Sharma (Congress candidate from ward number 22), Hem Raj Aggarwal (Congress candidate from ward number 27), Satnam Singh Ahuja (BJP candidate from ward number 34), besides many others.
|
|
BJP changes candidate from Ward No. 52
Ludhiana, May 29 Rajiv Nanchahal was announced as the party candidate on the first list announced on May 23. Sources within the BJP said the party wanted to “adjust” Sandeep Kapoor by allotting him ticket for the municipal corporation elections, scheduled for June 10. Ward No. 52 consists of areas such as Mall Road, Civil Lines, College Road, besides other adjoining areas. “Earlier, the party had decided to adjust him in Ward No. 54. But after Amita Rai (Pinky), daughter-in-law of former MP Lala Lajpat Rai, was allotted ticket from that particular ward, it was decided to adjust Kapoor from some other ward. Senior BJP leaders also thought that Sandeep Kapoor would be a better and stronger candidate,” said a senior BJP leader. On the third BJP list, Rajesh Kashyap has been announced as party candidate from Ward No. 53.
|
|
Bains brothers, Gabria in thaw mode
Ludhiana, May 29 Not only this, they even posed for lensmen present on the spot. Hira Singh Gabria, who was accompanied by his son Rakhwinder Singh and other supporters, had come to file Rakhwinder’s nomination papers at GLADA's office, while Simarjit Singh Bains and Balwinder Singh Bains had come with their supporters, who were to file their papers as well. SAD candidate Rakhwinder is contesting elections from Ward No. 61. Interestingly, when Bains brothers and their supporters were still inside GLADA's office, Hira Singh Gabria and Rakhwinder reached there. Some other party leaders, including Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Manpreet Singh Ayali and others too were present there. As Gabria and Bains brothers have been at loggerheads for a long time and have gone vocal against each other publicly on several occasions, the senior party leaders present in GLADA's office sensed that their presence might lead to some awkward moments for them as well as for both the leaders. That is why, the senior leaders urged Simarjit and Balwinder to wish Rakhwinder good luck, after which Simarjit hugged Rakhwinder. Two days ago, the party high command had issued directions to Bains brothers and Hira Singh Gabria asking them to work together for the MC elections, so that all their candidates registered victories from their respective wards. During the last MC elections held in 2007, Simarjit had fielded close to six candidates as Independents against the SAD (B) candidates chosen by Hira Singh Gabria. After most of these Independent candidates won, they joined the Akali Dal. But during the recently held Vidhan Sabha elections, Simarjit had contested as an Independent and had defeated Gabria from the Atam Nagar constituency by a margin of over 28,000 votes. Later, Simarjit and his elder brother Balwinder Singh Bains returned to the party fold. Even during the distribution of tickets for the upcoming MC elections, Bains brothers managed to secure around 12 seats out of total 38 for their supporters.
|
|
|
No stopping stubble burning
Ludhiana, May 29 The burning of stubble not only generates more heat, but can also result in a fire. It was found that burning of straw went unnoticed on the outskirts of the city. The practice continues unabated at villages, including Hussainpura, Gopalpur, Lehra, Dehlon, Lalton, Baruddi and Hambran. Dr Amandeep Singh Bains from RBS Roots, an NGO working to protect environment, said farmers were reluctant to leave the practice. He said the reality was that they themselves were the worst affected due to burning of straw in fields. "The fertility of soil gets badly affected. A majority of cases of asthma and other respiratory diseases were being reported from hospitals," said Dr Bains. Surdul Singh, a farmer from Dehlon, said they were left with no other option but to burn stubble. "We do agree that it is dangerous to burn the straw like this as in the past, many fire incidents have taken place due to the practice. The government should provide some other option as for the next crop, we have to clear our fields," said the farmer.
|
|
Brother, sister feud turns ugly
Ludhiana, May 29 SHO Ladowal Gurpreet Singh said the police had recorded statements of both the parties. "It is a land dispute case. The land belonged to Nacchattar Singh and his sons and his sister wanted a share. But we have checked the documents, the plot is in his name and that of his sons. On May 20, he had got a case registered against his sister and her sons as they were not letting them sell the property and we had arrested two sons of Nacchattar Kaur, who were later released on bail. We are further investigating the matter," the SHO said. Sandhu said the police did not register a case against him as he was not even present on the spot when his sister alleged that he had pushed her into fire. Arvinder, Nachhattar Kaur's son, however, alleged that the police was shielding his uncle. The police maintained that it had not got any copy of the MLR from the Civil Hospital even after two days of the incident, so a case could not be registered.
|
|
City girl second in state
Ludhiana, May 29 Simranpreet, whose father is a farmer and mother a housewife, aspires to become an electronic engineer. "My parents have always encouraged me to study hard. They always try to provide the best of facilities to me and my younger sister," she added. She is planning to do BTech from Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College (GNDEC). "My parents' joy knew no bounds when they came to know that I have attained second position in the entire state," said Simranpreet. Parminder Singh, Simranpreet's father, said, "My daughter has proved her mettle today and I am sure that my younger daughter will also follow in her footsteps." Quick take Name: Simranpreet Kaur Rank: Second in Punjab Aim: Electronics engineer Dream institute: Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College Success Mantra: Hard work and dedication Study hours: 7-8 hours Stress buster: Helping mother with household chores
|
|
Students excel
Students of Ryan International School have performed excellently in CBSE Class XII result which was declared yesterday. It was a proud moment for the students who topped in their respective streams. Scoring 94.4 per cent Mehak Chawla from the medical stream made everyone proud. Amanpreet Kaur topped the non medical stream by scoring 92 per cent. Ropamreet Kaur topped in the commerce section by obtaining 92.4 per cent. Toppers
Students of Spring Dale Senior Secondary Public School brought laurels to the institution by excelling in Class XII result. In non-medical, Sachin Aggarwal stood first by securing 96.6 % and Mandeep Singh stood second by securing 90 %. Vipin Kumar (commerce) stood first in the school by securing 94.6 %. — TNS
|
|
Ludhiana, May 29 The PAUTA president, Dr Mukesh Siag, said they have appealed to the board members to ensure the timely payment of salary. The Non-teaching union president, Paramjit Singh Gill, said they had appealed to the board members to take up the issue with the state government. ––TNS
|
|
New course
An advance course on "Conservation Agriculture: Gateway for Productive and Sustainable Cropping Systems" began here yesterday. The course has been jointly organised by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Cereal System Initiative for South Asia (CSISA), Punjab Hub and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The participants from across the globe, including countries like Iran, Afghanistan, China, Bangladesh and India, are attending the course which will culminate on June 9. Trilateral partnership
A four-member delegation from Ohio State University (OSU), USA, and Egerton University (EU), Kenya, visited the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) yesterday to identify and discuss the opportunities of trilateral partnership. The delegation members comprised J Mark Erbaugh, Director, International Programmes in Agriculture, OSU; David O Hansen, Senior Fellow, Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, USA; Susan Waage, International Agricultural Development Specialist, US Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Services and Prof Alexander K Kahi, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, EU. They held a meeting with Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, senior officers, deans, directors, heads and faculties of various department of the university. Training for rural women
A two-day training course on "Methods for control of household pests" began here today at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The course, organised by the PAU Directorate of Extension Education, involves the participation of women and youth of rural areas. Giving details, Dr MS Gill, Director of Extension Education, said the PAU experts of family resource management, entomology and clothing and textiles will impart eco-friendly anti-pests tips to the participants. The trainees would be apprised of natural way of disinfecting clothes and accessories and preparation of eco-friendly home cleaners. Meanwhile, a training camp for the PAU Tree Growers Association will be held on May 30 at Farmers' Service Centre of the university, informed Dr Gill. — TNS
|
|
SSA members meet Dhillion
Members of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan met Cabinet Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon for their long pending demands. Baldev Raj, district president of the union, said that the government had promised to regularise the teachers and to hike in their salaries. However, nothing has been done so far. Feed a bird
Jeev Jantu Environment Smbahl Sewa Samity organised a programme at Shiv Mandir under the project of "Feed a bird". Dr Sandip Jain, member of Wildlife Board Sukhminder Singh and Dr Satish Joshi were also present on the occasion. Course in 3D animation
Institute of Engineering and Tecnology, Banur, near Chandigarh, introduced AICTE approved BTech course in 3D animation and graphics. This is announced by dean of the institute, Prof IK Kataria, yesterday during a press conference. Book release
A city lad Paras Pandha released his first novel "One Salty Soda n Two Sizzling Drinks" here today. The book was released by noted comedian Gurpret Ghugi. This novel revolves around love, friendship and society. — Tribune Reporters
|
One arrested for carrying habit-forming drugs
Ludhiana, May 29 Habit-forming drugs, including 2,000 capsules, 80 bottles of Recodex and 1,20,000 tablets of Microlit were recovered from his possession. He used to sell the drugs in Patiala. A case under Sections 21, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act has been registered against the accused. "The market value of these drugs will be around Rs 70,000," said ACP Swapan Sharma. Meanwhile, Rakesh Kumar of Baloke village in Ludhiana was arrested and 20 bottles of illicit liquor was recovered from him. 60 gm heroin seized The police has arrested Kuldeep Thapa, a resident of Kundanpuri, and recovered 60 gram of heroin from his possession. A case under Sections 20, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act has been registered against him.
|
|
Four hurt in mishap
Mandi Gobindgarh, May 29 Sources said two women, a man and a child of a family were coming from Chandigarh in an Indica car (No DLG8-CG-4569). A truck (No HR 64-8791) hit the car and the car fell into a nearby nullah. The people rang up Ambulance 108 and the wounded were taken to Civil Hospital, Mandi Gobindgarh. The doctors said the condition of Amar Kaur, one of the victims, is serious. The driver of the truck managed to escape. The police is searching for the driver. Man consumes poisonous substance, dies
Binder Singh, a resident of Kumbran village, consumed some poisonous substance by mistake. This was told to the police by his family members. He was taken to the local Civil Hospital but was referred to Sector 32 hospital, Chandigarh, where he died. The police have registered a case under Section 174 CrPC and the body was handed over to the family.
|
|
Realtor robbed of Rs
12 lakh
Phillaur, May 29 The victim, belonging from Aallowal village, was returning to home. The four motorcycle-borne robbers stopped his car and attacked him. Though Phillaur police has registered a case but no arrest has been made so far.
|
City lad strikes gold
Ludhiana, May 29 In the recently held national powerlifting championship in Ludhiana, Rahul gave a stupendous performance, clinching a gold medal in the 60kg category. He overcame stiff challenge from his opponents and romped home victorious with an attempt of 90kg lift in bench press event. Rahul's achievement was appreciable as the silver and bronze medal winners in the category could perform quite below his achievement. They lifted 85kg and 80kg, respectively, and had to content with second and third positions. Sharing his outstanding achievement, Rahul said he was inspired by his father, Vinod Kumar, who used to take part in wrestling when he was accompanying him and dreamt that one day, he would also take part in some sports discipline. Practising under the watchful eyes of three gold medals winner in weightlifting during the Commononwealth Games at Auckland (Newzealand), Parvesh Chander Sharma from Ludhiana and strong man of India for three consecutive years, Parveen Sharma of Raikot, has been aspiring to don the national colours and bring laurels to the nation at international-level competitions.
|
|||
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
