Amritsar, July 17
A large chunk of land near an educational institution on Chabaal road, earmarked as a disused dumpsite on MC records, has become a mass of filth and a den for drug addicts here.

The unhygienic conditions prevailing around in this area of Amritsar, which Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal has envisaged to transform into a world-class city, has become an eyesore to the residents of various localities here.

Even as a portion of land at Bhaktanwala was designated as an official garbage dumping site, vehicles belonging to the MC and private contractors brazenly continue to dump garbage at this site located adjoining Chief Khalsa Diwan International Nursing College.

Not only this, the place is also being used for the purpose of de-skinning dead animals. Residents say in absence of a proper check, the place has become a haven for drug addicts and anti-social elements.

Scores of Chabaal residents today took to the street to lodge their protest against the problem. With the garbage disposal process having virtually collapsed, a lack of monitoring of private garbage collection players has also resulted in the problem.

It has been learnt that private firms and individuals involved in garbage collection deliberately choose this dumpsite to Bhaktanwala for saving transportation costs.

After the site was filled with garbage heaps, they started dumping solid waste on the roadside, thus exposing the residents to various health hazards.

When asked, the MC official tried to pass the buck on others. As de-skinning of dead animals is done here with impunity, this also attracts stray dogs in huge number. Bacchitar Singh, a resident, said these dogs scare the people passing by.

Chief Khalsa Diwan vice-president Santokh Singh said, “Despite having airtight building, the foul smell travels to the classrooms of our college. We have repeatedly intimated the authorities concerned about the problem but in vain. Everyday, 20 to 25 garbage-laden trolleys come here to dump refuse.

During the rainy season, it becomes impossible to pass through without covering one’s face.

Principal,Chief Khalsa Diwan International Nursing College, Darshan Kaur Sohi said, “De-skinning dead animals here is a routine. It is horrible to witness this. They dump dead animals in an enclosure and de-skin them with sharp-edged weapons. You can imagine what our students witness everyday.

CKD president Charanjit Singh Chadha said, “I had proposed to the MC authorities to let us maintain this site as a green belt which would be open for public for leisure. But they perhaps didn’t like our idea of making the place eco-friendly.”

City Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora said, “The garbage dumping here is an offence. De-skinning of dead animals here is also against the law. I will ask the Health Officer to stop it immediately. We are identifying such properties which have been lying idle or are being misused. This site will be included in the list of properties which could be sold.”

Despite having airtight building, the foul smell travels to the classrooms of our college. We have repeatedly intimated the authorities concerned about the problem but in vain. Everyday, 20 to 25 garbage-laden trolleys come here to dump refuse. — Santokh Singh, Chief Khalsa Diwan vice-president

De-skinning dead animals is a routine here. It is horrible to witness this. They dump dead animals in an enclosure and de-skin them with sharp-edged weapons. You can imagine what our students witness everyday. — Darshan Kaur Sohi, principal, Chief Khalsa Diwan International Nursing College

I had proposed to the MC authorities to let us maintain this site as a green belt which would be open for public for leisure. But they perhaps didn't like our idea of making the place eco-friendly. — Charanjit Singh Chadha, Chief Khalsa Diwan president

Amritsar, July 17
Two groups belonging to liquor contractors clashed on the Amritsar-Attari bypass road near Ranjit Avenue yesterday, injuring four persons.

Reports said a group fired upon the other and also attacked them with sharp-edged weapons after their vehicle overturned.

The injured have been identified as Davinder Singh, Harjinder Singh, Daljeet Singh and Bhinda. They were rushed to the Guru Nanak Dev Hospital.

Though the police have registered a case in this regard, it has failed to arrest any accused so far. On the complaint of Harjinder Singh of Brar village, the police registered a case of attempt to murder against seven persons. The accused were also charged with inflicting grievous injuries.

Among those booked are Chiri of Khandwala area, Nishan Singh, Shiv Chander, Hardip Singh of Kotla village, Saabi of Chheena, Gurnam and Bika of Badala.

Harjinder told the police that they were coming from the Amritsar-Attari bypass road towards Ranjit Avenue by Bolero. The accused, he said, came in two cars from behind and shot several times on the vehicle and its tyres.

The driver lost balance and their vehicle overturned, he said. He alleged that the accused attacked them with sharp-edged weapons while they were stuck inside. The police recovered empty bullet shells and sharp-edged weapons from the spot. Ranjit Avenue police in-charge Nishan Singh said no arrest had

been made as all the accused were on run. Raids were being conducted at their suspected hideouts, he added.

This is not the first case of this kind as such instances have occurred earlier too. Liquor vendors usually resort to illegal trade practices, sources said.

In May last year, two groups clashed in the Green Avenue and Gumtala bypass area. They exchanged fires which led to tension in the area.

Even though the police had lodged complaints, the accused were not arrested due to the political clout they enjoyed.

Commissioner of Police Ram Singh said ADCP Amrik Singh Pawar had been handed over the investigation of the case. Those creating law and order problem would be dealt with strictly, he said.

Ramsar road in Amritsar. Photos: Sameer Sehgal

Amritsar, July 17
Even as the government demolished the shops and houses from Ghee Mandi near Jallianwala Bagh to widen the road, other approach roads leading to the Golden Temple are still crying for attention.

These roads are in a bad shape due to the constant rise in number of vehicles, rampant encroachments, and stationary rehrees (hand-driven carts) adding to the traffic congestion.

Many commercial markets have come up around the Golden Temple. Over the period of time, traders have thrived reaping dividends from a high footfall of pilgrims.

Hall Gate, Ram Bagh Bazar road, Maha Singh road, Shera Wala Gate road are located just next to Ghee Mandi road besides Sultanwind road, Ramsar road from Gurdwara Shaheeda leading to the Golden Temple.

Hall Gate is the most popular approach road to the revered Sikh shrine.

Ample wide lane and footpaths on the either side have made it a favourite market for shopkeepers and shoppers alike. However, parking by the shopkeepers, their employees, shoppers and visitors add to the traffic chaos. For security purpose, this is the only route to the Golden Temple for the VIPs and VVIPs.

Rampant encroachments by the shopkeepers and plying of rehrees are a bane on Ram Bagh Bazar road, another road with a significant width.

Naresh Johar, a senior citizen, rued that the potential of the road had never been utilised as the authorities failed to curb the encroachments by shopkeepers and rehrees.

Pilgrims do not muster courage to travel on this road keeping in view the mess here.

Maha Singh Road offers the shortest route for the visitors alighting at the bus stand. However, congested road, encroachments, open drains and heaps of garbage become eyesore to the visitors. Hence, they avoid commuting from here.

An elevated road has been constructed to cater to the pilgrims coming on vehicles as it ends up at Saragarhi parking.

Ghee Mandi road is the least used approach road to reach the Golden Temple as trucks remain parked here. Even as the district administration has got constructed Transport Nagar to shift all transporters out of the congested walled city, many transport offices are still operating from here.

Next entrance to the walled city is Sultanwind gate which leads to Jallianwala Bagh and the Harmandar Sahib.

Ramsar road is the shortest link road between Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Shahid and the Golden Temple. Hence, it is the most frequented approach road by pedestrians. A high number of shops selling garments, cosmetics and suiting and shirting have sprung up over the course of time.

Khasa (Amritsar), July 17
Senior IPS officer MF Farooqui who joined the Border Security Force (BSF) as DIG, Amritsar sector, on deputation basis today said curbing the smuggling of drugs and initiating steps for spreading awareness against drug addiction would be his priorities.

A President Police Medal winner, Farooqui has worked in various districts in Punjab.

"I will try to develop better coordination among various agencies, especially the police and the BSF. I have met senior police officials including IG (Border Range) Ishwar Chander and Commissioner of Police Ram Singh in this connection. I have also met DGP and ADGP-level officers who have assured help," said Farooqui.

Amritsar, July 17
Call it lacuna or a preferential treatment meted out to a former legal adviser of the Municipal Corporation (MC), Mukesh Chander Jaiswal, whose services were continued post-retirement in an illegal manner and he was allegedly found to be using the official machinery.

Though Jaiswal retired a month ago, till date he has been attending the office and enjoying facilities that included his official residence as well as the car.

The matter came to light when the issue was raised by none other than a MC councillor, Surinder Singh Sultanwind, during the House meeting held yesterday. He said the former official had reportedly being looking after the legal files pertaining to MC cases, which otherwise was against the norms.

Clarifying the matter, MC Commissioner Bhupinder Singh admitted that Jaiswal had attained superannuation a month ago, but was still associated with the MC’s Legal Department under a “stopgap arrangement”.

“There was nothing illegal in it. Actually, all three posts of legal officials - law officer, assistant law officer and legal adviser - have been lying vacant. That’s why, after obtaining permission from the Local Bodies Ministry, Jaiswal’s services were sought for a temporary period. But, we are looking forward to relieve him as we would be appointing a legal panel soon,” he said.

This disclosure has also raised a question mark over the functioning of the MC as its legal wing, the most prominent department, lacks proper staff and experts, especially in the wake of number of instances wherein miscreants have encroached upon the its land.

The councillors objected to the MC’s move over engaging the services of retired officials without tabling the issue in the House to seek approval.

“Had the integrity of MC officials been fair, they should have sought the approval of the House before extending the services of the official in question,” said Congress councillor and Leader of the Opposition Raj Kanwal Preeet Pal Singh Lucky.

“It is pity that miscreants take advantage of the leniency of the MC by illegally encroaching upon the MC’s defunct properties without any guilt or fear as its legal branch is lying defunct,” he added.

Amritsar, July 17
The CIA staff has nabbed two persons allegedly involved in preparing fake driving licences and marriage certificates besides attesting notary affidavits.

The police recovered 11 fake stamps and two driving licences from their possession. The accused have been identified as Lalit Kumar of Gopal Nagar and Gagandeep Singh of Sandhu Colony.

A case under Section 420, 467, 468, 471 and 473 of the IPC has been registered against them at the Sadar police station.

Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Kulwinder Singh said the accused did not have any authorisation while charging heavy fee from their 'clients'. They also caused loss to state exchequer, he added.

He said during the raid, the police recovered 11 stamp. He said further investigations were under progress.

Amritsar, July 17
The Amritsar Improvement Trust’s (AIT) assurance to complete the development works at the 211-acre Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar (better known as the Mall Mandi Scheme) by February 28 seems to be a lip service as nothing has been done on ground.

Deputy Commissioner Rajat Aggarwal during his stint as the head of the AIT had announced to provide all basic amenities last year to plot holders and flat owners under the scheme.

Hopes of the harassed plot owners were revived as two out of the many roads were carpeted and the work of the sewerage laying was picked up. However, both works were abandoned midway, which shattered their confidence and faith in the AIT.

However, after the passage of over four months of the deadline, the plot holders felt cheated.

Under the Mall Mandi Scheme, about 700 plots were allotted in 2006 and around 500 were given in 2009.

Prem Sagar, a senior citizen and one of the plot holders, in a communiqué to officials reminded of the assurance and alleged that neither encroachment by the police nor the Education Department were removed from both entrances to the nagar.

He alleged that the scheme was planned over a decade ago but faulty planning led to the delay in inhabiting the area. This was despite the fact that Rs 150 crore was earned by the Trust from the allottees. He said about 1,200 people could not raise their dwellings even after paying the cost of plots. Even demarcation was yet to complete.

Prem Sagar said the Amritsar rural police was yet to remove verandah, entrance gate and some other parts of their office as these encroach upon a part of the road leading to the B-block of the 211-acre scheme. Notably, the city bus stand is also situated on the same road.

Though the colony is far from being developed, it has become all the more significant as the proposed city bus service is anticipated to take off in the near future. Under the project, as many as 150 buses, including 30 low floor; 25 non-AC semi-low floor; 70 non-AC; and 25 mini AC buses, are anticipated to be stationed in the proposed bus stand.

Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar Welfare Forum Mall Mandi general secretary Parminder Singh said the boundary wall of Government Saragarhi Senior Secondary School reportedly stand in the way of the laying of 80-ft wide entrance road to the locality.

He said even after making the full payment, a majority of the plot holders had no information about where their plots lie.

Sandeep Rishi, Chairman, AIT, said a six-member committee, appointed by Rajat Aggarwal, DC, was working out on a re-alignment of the boundary wall of the school, which was erroneously built by Galliara Project authorities. The multi-department committee comprised the District Education Officer, school Principal, AIT’s Superintendent Engineer and Town Planner, Galiara Project Executive Engineer and Municipal Town Planner.

He said there was no dispute regarding the main building of the school and said the wall of the school on the rear side had been built in a zigzag way and a portion of it falls at the entrance of the main road of the scheme.

He said the AIT would bear the expenses of demolishing the wall and compensate the school with equal area at another side.

The AIT Chairman said the committee was finalising its outcome as a digital survey had been done. The report would be submitted to the DC who would forward it to the Education Secretary for taking a final call.

He added that a notice had also been issued to the Amritsar rural police to remove the encroachments.

About the removal of two other government schools, land of which has been allotted to the allotees, he said arrangement was being made to allot alternative plots to the allotees in the same scheme.

While speaking about the delay in undertaking development works, he said tenders had been allotted to lay roads, sewerage, power line and the actual work would start soon.

Amritsar, July 17
Monsoon and arrival of less than the required quantity of crops at the wholesale market has sent vegetable prices soaring in the local retail market.

Amardeep Singh, a resident of Guru Nanak Nagar and an employee of a private firm, felt that the high prices of vegetables had been burning a hole in their pockets.

The prices of vegetables and fruits had increased as the transportation system in the neighbouring states had been hit badly due to rains that had delayed the regular supply of fruits and vegetables to the city, said a vegetable merchant, Sukhdev Singh. Tomatoes are being sold at Rs 80 per kg in posh areas of the city while the same can be found at Rs 50 per kg in other vegetable markets like the Lohgarh Gate. While onion is available at Rs 35 per kg, capsicum at Rs 90, gourd at Rs 40, Okra Rs 40, beans Rs 30, green chilly Rs 40, spinach Rs 70, pumpkin Rs 30, potato Rs 20 and sweet potato at Rs 10.

Out of season vegetables are the costliest at shops. Peas are being sold at Rs 100 per kg and cauliflower Rs 50. — TNS

Amritsar, July 17
Teachers and students from Guru Nanak Dev University, DAV College, and Global Institutes brought laurels to the holy city by presenting their research works at the International Conference on Sustainable Manufacturing and Operations Management held recently 
at Mauritius.

In a press release issued here yesterday by Global Institutes Vice- Chairman Akashdeep Singh said this was one of the rare initiatives taken by different institutes of the city towards strengthening and steering the research activities.

Nidhi Kaushal, Assistant Professor, DAV College, Amritsar, presented a paper on ‘artificial intelligence and the impact of expert systems’. This paper provided an in-depth study of the expert system applications, expert system structure, and expert system development and tools. Akanksha Bhardwaj, a student of BTech from GNDU, Amritsar, presented a paper on ‘e-waste management - issues and challenges’. This paper highlighted the hazards of e-waste and need for its management and measures taken for implementing the e-waste management systems in the country. Prof BD Sharma from Global Institutes presented a paper on ‘review of literature on microeconomic determinants of equity share prices’.

This study attempted to examine the relationship between different microeconomic variables. Prof Jatinder Bhalla from Global Institutes presented a paper on ‘study of parameter for bead geometry deposited by MAG welding process using AISI 1018 steel’.

The conference was jointly organised by Global Institutes, Amritsar, and the University of Mauritius. Over 100 delegates from countries like Australia, France, Italy, UK, USA, Malaysia, Czech Republic, Norway, Canada, India, Mauritius, Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe. presented their papers during the parallel technical sessions.

Dr Akashdeep in his address said the conference would go a long way in bringing the environmental considerations to the forefront and affirmed that it would be an annual event to be held in different parts of the world.

Dr Arvind Bhardwaj, Chairman of the conference and Director, Global Institutes, in his address talked about sustainable manufacturing for the world in general and India in particular.

He said rapid industrialisation and increasing standards of living have drastically increased the use of natural resources and the demand for new products.

The conference concluded with a visit of all delegates to the University of Mauritius where they interacted with its faculty, students and also visited different facilities such as laboratories, library, workshops and administrative offices.