The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	‘Toxic’ fly ash dumped near canal, irrigation drains Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 18 Posing a grave threat to biodiversity, a huge quantity of “toxic” fly ash has been dumped near the irrigation drains and on the banks of a canal near Jagdev Kalan village, about 14 km from the city. There is no information on who threw the ash. Even the drainage department was caught unaware when the matter was brought to light. Even the soil from the embankments of these drains and canal has allegedly been stolen in huge quantity. A pile of ash was found on the bank of Lahore branch canal near Jagdev Kalan village. Beds of Laksi Nangal drain and another drain passing between Kotli Nagal and Jagdev Kalan village too were found to be filled with fly ash. The site was one km away from the main Loharka road. Villagers informed members of Mission Aagaaz, an NGO on environment, about the fly ash. Deepak Babbar, executive director, Mission Aagaaz, demanded a probe into the incident so as to unearth those responsible for the act and punish them accordingly. He said from the odour and texture of the fly ash, we feel that it has been sourced from pet coke and may be packed with potentially toxic elements, including arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, barium, chromium copper, lead, mercury, molybinum, nickel, radium, selenium, uranium and zinc. He said pet coke was an end product of petroleum oil refining. “These toxic elements will find way in the produce in the adjoining fields there by damaging human health and that of animals,” he warned. Former district forest officer Atma Singh said this is no less than a criminal act. He said the presence of toxic fly ash was a risk to flora and fauna of surrounding areas. Another environmentalist Gurbhej Singh said such ash was also responsible for skin allergies, asthma, gastro-intestinal diseases and genetic disorders. Citing the example of Mahal Kalan village, situated near the city, he said a study conducted by experts of PGI Chandigarh found genetic changes in residents due to groundwater pollution. Sohan Singh Grewal, Superintendent Engineer, Drainage Department, said he was unaware of the presence of fly ash in drains near Jagdev Kalan. He added that since the matter has now been brought to his notice, he would send a team of the department to enquire into the matter. expert speak Such ash is also responsible for skin allergies, asthma, gastro-intestinal diseases and genetic disorders. Citing the example of Mahal Kalan village, situated near the city, he said a study conducted by experts of PGI Chandigarh found genetic changes in residents due to groundwater pollution — gurbhej singh, environmentalist site of danger A pile of ash was found on the bank of Lahore branch canal near Jagdev Kalan village. Beds of Laksi Nangal drain and another drain passing between Kotli Nagal and Jagdev Kalan village too were found to be filled with fly ash.
	Man ends life, wife among 5 booked Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 18 Allegedly harassed by his wife and her family members, a man committed suicide by consuming poison. The deceased was identified as Babla of Dhapai. The Chheharta police has booked five persons, including the wife of the deceased in an abetment to suicide case. In his complaint, Babla’s father Kamaljit Singh alleged that his son’s wife and in-laws were responsible for his death. Babla was married to Neena of Jalandhar in 1998. Since the marriage, the couple did not have cordial relations. He alleged Neena starting quarrelling with Babla on petty issues. Kamaljit Singh alleged Neena and her family members abused Babla on June 21. “Yesterday, when he returned home he started vomiting. He said he had consumed some poisonous substance as his in-laws were mentally torturing him,” Kamaljit told the police. Babla died in the Guru Nanak Dev Hospital. The police has registered a case under Section 306 of the IPC against Neena, her brother Ajay, Anu, Sonu of Phagwara and Baby of Farari gate Phagwara in this connection. No arrest has been made so far, said the police.
	Youth shot at while trying to catch snatchers PK Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 18 In yet another incident in which unidentified motorcycle-borne snatchers shot a youth who chased and caught them near Gumtala bypass reported here in the evening today. The victim, who wished not to be named, was rushed to a private hospital where his condition is stated to be stable. The bullet pierced his leg while one of the suspects also injured his elbow with a sharp-edged weapon. It is the third such incident over the past five days. Mohinderpal Singh, a resident of Ranjit Avenue, and the victim's father said his son chased the motorcycle-borne youths who snatched a gold chain from two women who were out for a walk in the area. "My son, who was also on a motorcycle, chased and caught them near Guru Ramdas Nagar near the Gumtala bypass. He entered into a scuffle with the accused. The youth riding pillion took out a 'Datar' and injured his arm while the second youth shot at him," he said. Sohan Singh, SHO cantonment police station said the accused had snatched a gold chain from Surinder Kaur. He said a case of snatching has been registered by the Civil Lines police while another case of attempt to murder and Arms Act was registered at the Sadar police station. "The accused would be booked under Section 307 IPC and 25/27/54/59 of the Arms Act. A manhunt has been launched," he said. On July 14, a Karyana shop owner Jaspal was shot at by two youths when he tried to catch them. He was rushed to the hospital in a serious condition. A BSNL employee, Shobha, was injured with sharp-edged weapon by three unidentified snatchers who fled with her gold jewellery and Rs 3 lakh cash on July 16. Shobha, who came from Delhi on the Shatabadi Express, was on her way home from the railway station late in the evening.
	Ultrasound machines sealed Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 18 The ultrasound machines at a private hospital here were sealed after a raid conducted by officials of the health department today. The raid followed the misuse of the machines for sex-determination. Senior Medical Officer, Amritsar, Dr Balbir Singh Dhillon, Dr Rashmi and Dr Nidhi were part of the team. Dr Dhillon said, “We have recorded statements of two patients. One of them was suffering from excessive bleeding. Later she admitted that her foetus was aborted at a private hospital in Gurdaspur.” Dr Dhillon said the patient hailing from Batala claimed to have paid Rs 30,000 for the abortion to a middleman. Local authorities have informed their counterparts in Gurdaspur about the involvement of a private hospital in the case. “The other woman claimed to have paid Rs 5,000 to a tout for the determination of sex of her foetus,” said Dhillon. They are investigating the involvement of the tout, he added. He said the two patients in question were not asked to fill the mandatory Form F. He said the team during inspections of the records found that centre had failed to maintain the records. The team would submit its report with the District Appropriate Authority under the Pre-conception prenatal diagnostic techniques Act (PC PNDT), said Dr Dhillon. They had received secret information regarding involvement of the centre in sex- determination cases. The team sealed two ultrasound machines, including a portable machine. Earlier this month too, a health team from Delhi had sealed an ultrasound centre during an inspection. Civil Surgeon, Amritsar, Dr Hardeep Singh Ghai, said a show-cause notice would be served on the owner of the centre. He said a through investigation about the involvement of touts and private clinics in conducting abortions and sex- determination tests would be made. He said the ultrasound machines would remain sealed till the Appropriate Authority under the PC PNDT takes further decision.
	rajesh khanna (1942-2012) Superstar’s hometown in grief Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 18 From the dizzying heights of fame to quiet shadows behind the arclights, Rajesh Khanna's life had a theatrical sweep, almost like one of his films. Bollywood's original superstar, simply the phenomenon to some, died in Mumbai on Wednesday, leaving behind memories cast in celluloid of that famous crooked smile and head tilt. He was only 69. Born Jatin Khanna on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Rajesh Khanna was raised by foster parents and he spent his childhood and college life in the holy city. His lifelong friendship with Ravi Kapoor whom we know as Jeetendra of the Indian cinema, too began here. Death of the first superstar, who holds the record of 15 consecutive solo hits between 1969 and 1972, has left his fans and admirers in a shock. “He was a real performer. The honesty of his characters was always visible through his eyes. Who can forget his portrayal of a terminally ill cancer patient in Anand in which he got the better of Amitabh Bachchan and left many teary eyed,” says poet and writer Parminderjit Singh. “In the beginning of his career, he was referred to as “faaltu 9useless) hero” and his debut film, ‘Aakhri Khat’ (1966) directed by Chetan Anand seemed to have proved his critics right. But then came ‘Aradhana’, ‘Anand’, ‘Aap Ki Kasam’, ‘Hathi Mere Sathi’ and many more,” says Parminderjit. In the next three years, till the advent of the Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna reigned supreme on the Indian TV screen and seemed invincible. His popularity was evident from the fact that he was mobbed and kissed at public functions and is said to have received love letters written in blood. “His films were deemed hits. He was a phenomenon, a true star. He had a unique style, favourite romantic hero on screen in the era of performance. Though he made Mumbai his home, Rajesh Khanna was deeply attached to Amritsar and was also offered to contest elections from the holy city which he refused,” says Kewal Dhaliwal, director, Virsa Vihar. “He was a star no one could touch,” says noted theatre person Nita Mohindra. “I remember him as the true romantic hero and all through my college life. I witnessed the craze Rajesh Khanna was. Girls used to write love letters to him and swoon every time he had a beautiful smile on his face with his trademark head tilt. After all that fame and superstardom, he lived like a recluse after his separation from wife actress Dimple Kapadia. He remained out of sight for most of his later life and the absence of that very stardom probably took its toll,” she says. “What we remember most about him is his larger than life status on the screen and off it as well during the 60’s. He was also responsible for the resurgence of Kishore Kumar, who eventually became the playback voice of Khanna and the actor-singer duo delivered a number of hit songs, some memorable numbers like ‘Mere sapno ki raani’, 'Roop tera mastana’, ‘Kuch to log kahenge’ and ‘Jai jai shiv shankar,” says Pawandeep Singh, a theatre artiste from the city. But like all good things, he left this world with his family by his side during the last moments. a born star Born Jatin Khanna on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Rajesh Khanna was raised by foster parents and he spent his childhood and college life in the holy city. His lifelong friendship with Ravi Kapoor whom we know as Jeetendra of the Indian cinema, too began here. Death of the first superstar, who holds the record of 15 consecutive solo hits between 1969 and 1972, has left his fans and admirers in a shock.
	On a roll Mahie Gill loves to act pretty Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 18 She is a fan of everything that a Yash Chopra film boasts of, but she hasn’t been a part of one so far. Still actor Mahie Gill has no regrets as she gets to do the same with her latest Punjabi film ‘Carry On Jatta’. Her third Punjabi film, Mahie gets to dress up in chiffons, dance around Swiss Alps and mustard fields and romance popular Punjabi star Gippy Grewal. “It’s a mind-blowing romantic comedy, story of an orphan girl who wants to marry an orphan boy,” shares the pretty woman who was in Amritsar along with Gippy Grewal for the promotion of ‘Carry on Jatta’. The film has been directed by her friend Sameep Kang and will be released soon. “This is one of those films where I have indulged in looking glamorous and am doing all the singing and dancing drama,” she adds. It’s been five years since she changed her name from Rimpy to Mahie and stepped into Bollywood. It was tough initially, with her unconventional looks, no godfather or industry training, but Gill proved her mettle with films like Dev D, Gulaal, Dabangg, Not a Love Story and Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster. While her Bollywood favourite leading men include Abhay Deol, Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan, Punjabi film Industry too has some names that impress her. “Gippy Grewal, for instance, is too cool to work with. He is naturally funny and so it became easy to perform the role.” Gippy too gushes about his leading lady. “She is a big star and being a Punjabi girl, she suited the role perfectly and played it perfectly.” On his latest offering, he is hopeful, “It’s an entertaining film with loads of laughter and romance. The music too is peppy.” But isn’t he afraid of a Mirza disaster? “It was experimental, probably didn’t work well. But I don’t think about hits and flops. I just concentrate on my work.”
	Garbage collection takes a hit for want of funds GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 18 The garbage collection in the holy city is on the verge of collapse. While the safai karamcharis are threatening to proceed on a strike due to non-payment of salaries, the Antony Waste Handling Company engaged to lift garbage too has withdrawn some of its vehicles due to non-payment of their dues. MC officials said the state government has not released funds since December last, despite repeated reminders. It has been learnt that the funds have already been arrived to the state head from the Centre, but could not be transferred in the MC’s account. The outstanding bills of the company amounted to about Rs 1.25 crore. The repercussion of this row is that the company has curtailed its operation and withdrawn its garbage lifting machinery. At least 250 tonnes of garbage is generated in the city daily. Now, the situation is that heaps of refuse are lying along the roads and streets, forcing residents to live under unhygienic conditions. The company has almost closed down its workshop on the Patahpur road and had even announced to lay off its staff for want of funds. Sources said when the MC entered into an agreement in 2009 with Antony Waste Handling Company, 54 garbage pick-up vehicles which were pressed into service for collecting door-to-door refuse. At present, only 22 are in operation. Similarly, out of 10 compact compressing trucks, only 3 are under operation while rest of them are lying in the workshop for want of repair. Out of five tipper trucks, two are non-functional and out of 10 garbage lifters (709 DP), six are out of service. In its defence, the company management said all these discrepancies erupted because the MC did not pay the dues since December last. Earlier in May, the company had stalled its operations because the fuel pump dealers had refused to fill the company’s trucks as it could not foot the pending fuel bills. The matter was resolved only when the MC had released a partial payment of Rs 10 lakh. Showing concern, a senior BJP councillor Bakshi Ram Arora said he had approached the company officials to streamline lifting of garbage, but they straightaway turned him down by saying that nothing could be done till their dues are cleared. Fearing bleak prospects ahead, company employees said they had become the victim due to a tussle between the company and the MC. They resented that they have not been paid salaries since March. Money matters Company engaged to lift garbage too has withdrawn some of its vehicles due to non-payment of their dues MC officials say the state government did not release funds since December last Without salaries since March, company staff say they have become the victim in the tussle between the company and MC.
	Despite instructions, no separate queues for senior citizens at hospitals Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 18 There are supposed to be different queues for senior citizens at health institutions, but hardly any government hospital, including Guru Nanak Dev Hospital and Jallianwala Bagh Memorial Civil Hospital, bother about facilitating the aged. The Directorate of Research and Medical Education had issued instructions in this regard around 19 years ago, but the orders were never implemented. In the absence of separate queues, senior citizens are forced to stand in general queues for registration and examination at these hospitals and have to wait for a long time in the queues. In the letter dated March 3, 1993, addressed to the Principal, Government Medical College, the DRME had conveyed the government decision to arrange separate queues for senior citizens. “It has become difficult for senior citizens to get treatment from specialists as they cannot stand for long in queues,” said BR Preenja, general secretary, Punjab Employees Rights Protection and Welfare Union. Preenja said the Medical Superintendent of the Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in a letter on August 1, 2001, reminded all the professors and heads of department about the instructions. He said, “But at present, all seem to have been forgotten. We want that instructions should be issued afresh in view of the harassment caused to the aged.” Gurnam Singh, a senior citizen, said, “Standing in long queues and waiting for the turn is not an easy job for a persons aged above 60 years especially when he/she is ill.” He said as the government institutions are crowded, the senior citizens should be given preference. He added that they are afraid of standing in long queues.
	Education dept begins inquiry against 13 teachers Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 18 On the directions of Education Minister Sikandar Singh Maluka, the District Education Office (Elementary) has initiated an inquiry against 13 teachers for various complaints ranging from individual behaviour to siphoning off funds. District Education Officer Sunita Kitan accepted that her office has received directions from the minister to conduct a fair and transparent inquiry. She added that various panchayats and villagers of Ajnala sub-division had complained against these teachers to the minister. She said the inquiry has been marked to Deputy DEO Jasbir Singh. However, a section of teachers under scanner have expressed their reservations over the appointment of Deputy DEO as inquiry officer.
	Chemists, selling medicines without prescription slips, to be dealt strictly Amritsar, July 18 Chemists, who sell medicines without prescription slips, will be taken to task, the health department has decided. Civil Surgeon Dr Hardeep Singh Ghai said, “The matter was discussed in detail at a meeting chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Supreet Singh Gulati. It was decided that the practice should be checked.” The department seized medicines worth Rs 10.42 lakh in June. He said these medicines were seized either from shops running without a licence or those who did not have proper records. Dr Ghai said as many as 52 cases are going on in courts against various chemist shops. “We are raiding shops on a regular basis. In June, we inspected 130 shops in total. During the inspections, we collected medicine samples from 25 places,” said Ghai. He also appealed to residents to take the prescription slip besides asking for the bill from the chemist. Jatinder Singh, a schoolteacher, said, “Chemists are too busy to ask for a prescription.” “There are few shops which give bills for the purchase. Many of these chemists frown at us when we ask for a receipt,” said Sunidi Khanna, a college student. — TNS