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MC again ‘succumbs’ to political pressure
Ludhiana, May 6 The Municipal Corporation was all geared-up to remove encroachments in various parts of the city. Police personnel from Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Khanna and other areas were requisitioned for the drive. Around 400 police personnel and more than 50 employees from the MC were on their toes since 6 am today. They were all set to carry out the demolition drive. But the officials had to "succumb" to political pressure as many leaders descended on the Mayor's camp office to get the drive "stopped". Those who gathered at the Mayor's camp office included SAD leaders Manpreet Singh Ayali, Harish Rai Dhanda, BJP leaders Rajinder Bhandari, Parveen Bansal and RD Sharma. Congress leaders, including Bharat Bhushan Ashu and councillors, had a meeting with the Mayor at 9 am. As per the MC's demolition drive plan, encroachments at Sem Nullah and Pavittar Nagar were to be removed as the next date of hearing in the particular case in the High Court is May 27. All the staff and machinery had remained on "standby" till 3 pm when it was announced that drive had been "postponed". One of the officials said: "We have to face the wrath of the High Court as well as these politicians. They speak so rudely and we are mere puppets in their hands". The team was on its toes since morning but they stopped it abruptly. The official also said none of these political leaders wanted MC action in their "areas". Meanwhile, Bharat Bhushan Ashu said on one side of Sem Nullah, the MC had allotted plots to many while it wanted to demolish houses situated on the other side. "We have requested the Mayor to review everything before going for demolition," said Ashu. Manpreet Singh Ayali, SAD candidate from Ludhiana, said he had come to meet the Mayor and he was not aware of any demolition drive. He, however, said: "It is for the officials to see whether drive has to be carried or not," said Ayali. Meanwhile, Mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, in whose office the meeting between leaders and officials from the building branch was held in the presence of MC Commissioner Shruti Singh, said he was not aware of the demolition drive. The leaders were so upset at the entry of photo journalists into the camp office that Harish Rai Dhanda, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary, told them that that was no way to enter a place where a meeting was going on. He even asked them would they accompany him to "bed-room" or "washroom". Dhanda, however, said media persons should not have entered the office without permission when a closed-door meeting was going on there. "If they wanted to click pictures or take leaders’ comments, they could have waited for some time," said
Dhanda.
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International No Diet Day: Eat right, forget dieting
Ludhiana, May 6 A lot of diet clinics have opened up in the city, to help people diet the correct way, rather than reducing the intake of food. As International No Diet Day is observed, some of the residents vouch for eating right and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, rather than reducing the amount of food intake. Simrat Kathuria from Diet Mantra said it was because of the diet consultation centres opening in the city that awareness about healthy eating for losing weight and maintaining good health is now increasing. She said mindless dieting could cause a lot of harm to the body, and long-term weight loss is also not possible by just crash dieting. Another city-based dietitian Ruma Singh said crash dieting was supposed to be a big no. "Those who are looking for overnight results to lose weight must know crash dieting doesn't provide all the necessary nutrients to the body. Some people take only fruit and vegetable diet but other minerals are also important for a healthy body," she said. Long-term dieting can cause permanent damage to the body, warns Singh. It can affect vital organs and the damage may be irreversible. Following a diet plan in consultation with a dietician or physician is a better way to lose weight, she said. Fads like going on soya diet, besan diet, etc, can be detrimental for the body, says another dietitian Ritika. Some people even start stammering after losing weight, she said. The right way to lose weight is maintaining the right diet along with physical exercise. Rather than crash dieting, modifying the diet bears the right results. One can go for 'invisible' fat in nuts, curd, milk and healthy fat, as fat is also necessary for the body. Rather than taking table sugar, sugar in foods like milk in the form of lactose helps. Multi-grain atta, oats and poha, brown rice are rich in carbohydrates, she says. Fads not good for body
Fads like going on soya diet, besan diet, etc, can be detrimental for the body, says another dietitian Ritika. Some people even start stammering after losing weight, she said. |
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Youth hurt in attack
Ludhiana, May 6 Ladowal SHO Mahinder Singh said the victim, an auto-rickshaw driver, was admitted to the CMCH with deep cuts. Last evening, Alia was standing near Amarjit Chowk when two persons accosted him. After heated arguments, the two attacked Alia with a sharp-edged weapon and inflicted deep cuts on his arm and leg. When Alia raised an alarm, one of the accused fled the scene while the other was caught by passersby and was handed to the police, the SHO said. “Alia had a scuffle with someone over a land dispute about two days ago," said Munshi Baljit Singh from the Ladowal police station. Decomposed body found at Chander Nagar
The body of about 50-year-old person was recovered from a nullah near Chander Nagar on Tuesday. The badly decomposed body was fished out by safai sewaks of the Drainage Department who noticed the body while cleaning the nullah. The police said the body was about 25 days old. "The person was about 50 years of age and was wearing just undergarments. No one has come to claim the body. It has been kept at the Civil Hospital mortuary," said
Rampal. |
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Civil Hospital CCTV camera project in limbo
Ludhiana, May 6 One CCTV camera was installed outside the Jan Aushadhi centre, one outside the burns unit and one each at the Emergency and at the entrance. "The CCTV cameras were installed by the Police Department in view of the parliamentary elections since a police post has been set up on the hospital premises. Once the elections were over, they were removed by the department. We have sent a proposal to the Director, Health Services, for the installation of 40 CCTV cameras inside the hospital," said senior medical officer RK Karkara. "We cannot install CCTV cameras on our own due to the fund crunch. Once the grant is released, we will install cameras on the entire hospital," added Karkara. The 40 cameras will be installed in every ward at a cost of Rs 1.5 lakh. There have been cases of scuffles among rival groups at the hospital and certain under trials had escaped from the hospital. |
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Ban on combine harvester’s use from 7pm to 7am
Ludhiana, May 6 He said the wheat harvesting season had started. It is observed combine harvesters are used for harvesting wheat 24 hours a day. He said night mist increases moisture content in wheat. This indirectly affects farmers as also the grain, as moisture content increases beyond the limit set by the government. Procurement agencies find it difficult to buy such wheat. All this also leads to discontent among farmers and sometimes situation becomes tense in mandis. He said it had been observed that after harvesting wheat, farmers set stubble on fire. The practice leads to damage to standing crops as fire spreads to surrounding areas. It also adds to air pollution. So the burning of wheat stubble should also be stopped. |
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From
schools Ludhiana: The kindergarten-block students of GMT Public School celebrated Colour Day on Tuesday. The tiny tots came dressed in colourful dresses. While nursery students wore yellow dresses, children studying in lower kindergarten came dressed in red attires. Green was the colour for upper kindergarten students. The children also brought fruits of the same colour. Mangoes, apples and grapes were relished by them during this class activity. Mother’s recipe contest
Various activities were conducted to celebrate Mother’s Day at Blossoms Convent School. While mother’s recipe competition was held for the students of Class III, students of Class IV recited poems on the topic “Meri Ma”. The students of Class V made posters for their mothers and also wrote slogans. Principal Amarjit Kaur said the activities gave the children a chance to show their love towards their mothers.
Guest lecture
BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School organised a guest lecture for the Class XI students who have opted for the financial market management course. Resource person Gourav Malhotra apprised the students of mutual fund investments. He also highlighted various investment tools of Tax Savings Funds. During the interactive session, several queries raised by students were answered.
Creative competitions
Ram Lal Bhasin Public School organised a zonal-level creative-writing and painting competitions for AISCE schools. Students were divided into two categories: junior and senior. The principal, Suman Arora, announced the topics. For the creative-writing competition, the topics were “Who makes a better leader?” and “Top professional athletes”. For the drawing competition, these were “Vanity and modernism” and “Beauty around me”. Around 90 students showcased their artistic and creative skills by designing a doodle.
Mother’s Day
A function to celebrate Mother’s Day was held for the kindergarten section at Guru Nanak Public School, Model Town Extension. The celebrations commenced with a video depicting the role of a mother and her immense contribution in shaping the personality of her child. The tiny tots presented a melodious song thanking their mothers for all the love and care.
Red Day
Ryan International School, Dugri, organised Red Day to make tiny tots aware of the colour. Students were told that how the red colour symbolised love and vitality besides power and courage. The children enjoyed the day by taking part in fun activities related to the colour: tearing and pasting papers to form strawberries, hand printing fishes and onion printing and leaf printing to create roses. Headmistress Ritu Syal said colours filled our life with joy and it was the ripe age for the children to recognise different colours.
Recitation competition
An inter-house English recitation competition was held at Green Land Senior Secondary Public School, Jalandhar Bypass. Around 30 students of Classes XI and XII recited poems on the themes scientific issues, economic problems and social values. Jaskirat Singh (Class XI, non- medical) and Niyamat Malhotra (XII, non-medical) won the first prizes. Noreen (XII, non-medical) and Namaya Jain (XII, commerce) stood second and third respectively.
Anniversary celebrations
Tiny tots at Pallavan School celebrated the institute’s first anniversary enthusiastically. The school authorities said they aimed at motivating children by helping them learn the right skills and abilities and giving them ample opportunities to display these skills.
— TNS
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Surprise checking of fruits
On the directions of the Senior Medical Officer, Sahnewal, Dr Parwinderpal Singh Sidhu, a team of the Health Department conducted surprise checking of fruit and vegetable shops in the area. The quality of fruits and vegetables being sold at the shops and kiosks was inspected by the team. Uncovered and overripe fruits were destroyed. Stale juice was also destroyed by the team. The officials said they would continue with the drive to ensure consumers were not served stale and overripe fruits and vegetables. Medical camp
A team of the Health Department organised a medical camp at Fatehgarh Mohalla. Three cases of mild diarrhoea were reported during the camp. Chlorine tablets, ORS and pamphlets to raise awareness on diseases were distributed. During a survey done in blocks number 86 to 96 at Jawahar Nagar, 196 houses were visited and five cases of mild diarrhoea were reported. Traffic woes
Shiv Sena, Punjab, has raised concern over the increasing congestion besides cases of overspeeding on city roads. In a memorandum submitted to the Commissioner of Police, under the Truth of Ludhiana campaign, Shiv Sena stated that the speed limit was never adhered to by many commuters. They also demanded the removal of encroachments for the smooth flow of traffic. Workshop
Punjabi Sahit Akademi will conduct a free, three-day computer workshop from May 15 to May 17 at Punjabi Bhawan. In a press release issued by the academy, it was stated that on the first day preliminary information on computers will be given, followed by tips on typing in Punjabi and sending an e-mail on the following days. Punjabi writers who want to attend the workshop may get registered at the office till May 12.
— TNS
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Private schools take admn call lightly
Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, May 6 The district administration had constituted a committee, led by Assistant Commissioner (Grievance) Bhupinder Singh, to address the issue of fee hike by private schools. The officials concerned had asked the schools to submit a report of fee structure, audit report, details of accounts and information, which they had to submit to a committee constituted by the High Court by May 6. Sacred Heart Convent School, Jamalpur, and Sacred Heart Convent School, Bhattian, submitted some details regarding the fee structure. Sacred Heart Convent School, Sarabha Nagar, demanded more time as the school principal had gone abroad. Bal Bharti Public School did not respond at all. Earlier, the administration had asked the schools to submit these details till April 30, but the schools demanded more time. Bhupinder Singh said: "The schools did not take the instructions seriously. The details submitted by two schools are incomplete. We will decide the further course of action soon." The parents’ organisations have demanded strict action against these schools.
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Preparation of synthetic milk, desi ghee Fourth suspect on the run, huge quantities of products seized Our Correspondent
Mandi Ahmedgarh, May 6 The accused have been identified as Mohinder Singh, Raghbir Singh and Chamkaur Singh of Saraud village besides Ram Singh of Babarpur village. While Chamkaur Singh managed to flee, other three accused were arrested by the police team led by SHO, Sadar, Tejinder Singh. They were booked under Sections 272, 273 and 34 of the IPC. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Amargarh, Gurmit Singh, said the accused used to supply the synthetic products to unauthorised outlets at various towns of the region. Though the accused had been running the illicit business for a long time, the crime remained undetected as they were allegedly associated with a number of social and religious organisations. The investigating team seized around 800 litres of milk, four boxes of refined oil, around 100-kg glucose and other equipment used in the preparation of synthetic milk and ghee. The police are yet to ascertain whether owners of outlets purchasing the synthetic products knew about the nature of the product.
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Asthma — the scourge of
India
15-20 million people asthmatic in country; fear associated with inhalers adds to suffering Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, May 6 In India, rough estimates indicate 10-15 per cent asthma prevalence in children (in the 5-11 age-group). As per the World Health Organisation fact sheet, India has 15-20 million asthma patients. The talk was followed by an interactive session with asthmatic children and their parents. In response to the queries put forth by the parents, Dr Gulati reiterated that although asthma could not be cured, appropriate management could control the disorder and enable people to enjoy good quality of life. He said short-term medications were used to relieve patients showing symptoms of asthma. A workshop "Drug delivery system in asthmatic children" was also organised for nurses and nursing students. Dr Rajinder Gulati, pediatrician, Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, gave a demonstration on gadgets available for delivering the drugs by inhalation therapy to asthmatic patients. He said the advent of inhaled therapy would be known as the most important milestone in the history of asthma management and children were not therapeutic orphans to it. "New drugs and novel devices like metered dose inhalers (MDIs), rotahalers and nebulisers help children reap rich benefits," Gulati said. Children below five can also be taught to effectively use inhaled therapy. Different age groups require different inhalers for effective therapy, so the choice of inhaler must be individualised. Earlier, Dr KS Saini, Assistant Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, while inaugurating the workshop said paramedics should be well versed with the medical gadgets needed during emergency patient care of asthmatics. Dr RK Karkara, SMO, and Dr Jasbir Singh, Deputy Medical Commissioner, Ludhiana, were also present. Doctors of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital came together to sensitise the masses about the early diagnosis of asthma and the right treatment to control it. Patients, who are not under the right treatment, run the risk of asthma attacks which often requires admission to hospital and can even be life threatening. If asthma is treated as per guidelines, costs of managing asthma can be reduced tremendously, both for the individual and the government. Commenting on the current scenario of asthma in India, vice-principal Dr Sandeep Puri (professor and head of medicine), said, "Asthma is a chronic disease which requires long-term treatment. Many patients stop treatment after some weeks. This can be dangerous since stopping treatment can lead to reactivation of the disease and precipitate an asthma attack." Dr Akashdeep Singh, associate professor (chest), said there was fear associated with the word 'asthma' and 'inhalers' and it was this inhibition that was leading to the suffering. "It is indeed questionable that why almost 80 per cent of asthmatics in India are on oral tablets whereas the rest of the world treats asthma primarily with inhalers," he stated. He emphasised, "Control over asthma control is possible." To support asthma patients and their families in understanding asthma, its symptoms, the triggers, and to dispel the myths associated with the condition and its therapy, a website -- www.breathefree.com-- has been created by a pharmaceutical company. The website will ensure that a chronic condition like asthma is discussed and given importance not only on World Asthma Day but throughout the year. On the eve of World Asthma Day, SPS Apollo Hospital organised an awareness programme for attendants to sensitise the masses on the early diagnosis of asthma and the right treatment to control the condition. Dr Gurpreet Singh, senior consultant, pulmonology, SPS Apollo Hospitals, said, "There are many reasons why patients stop medication. These include unnecessary concerns about side-effects, myths about inhaler devices, social stigmas and sometimes cost of medication."
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Adding effects to a picture perfect
"Photography is no longer the same. For a casual hobbyist, it is much more fun and with a slew of photo editing applications, there is no end to what one can achieve and add a number of effects and online filters to the photos," said Amandeep Singh, a resident. Applying various colour effects, that takes a lot of time on software, can be achieved in a blink of an eye with the mobile apps. "Hardly any of my pictures are uploaded without editing with the colour effects," said Rahat, another resident. "Many people appreciate my creative editing and addition of effects to the pictures," she stated. Placing your pictures in interesting environments and ambiences such as on magazine covers or inside the photoframes lying in a room and achieving other effects are particularly popular. "It is not possible to make a magazine cover of your picture, but through editing apps, it is just a matter of seconds. And you can see the effect immediately and share your creativity and pictures with friends and acquaintances online," said Sheena, a student. Most of the apps are free. These lend a lot of options to play with the picture and add the desired tone and message to the pictures. Rather than just getting a sketch made, I just upload my picture, to get the sketch-effect on my photograph. One can easily add interesting effects and props such as caps and eye glasses to get both classy and comic effects. Text can also be added to the pictures in various colours with much ease through these apps.
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Online shopping gains popularity
Ludhiana, May 6 As online retailers have started offering cash on delivery, this is proving to be a boon, particularly for the youngsters, as most of them don't carry credit cards. "It is good that many online retailers have started offering cash on delivery. Payment through credit cards or plastic money is tedious and fraught with risks," said another resident. The option of guarantee and return of money for a specified time are some of the other options that are particularly attractive for the residents. "I had ordered shoes, but didn't find them up to the mark. I returned the shoes and requested for the refund. Within three days, the money was transferred into my account. This is something that you don't expect when making a purchase from the market. You don't generally get your money back," said Deepak, a resident. In many cases, online retailers offer discounts. Online retailers can avoid showroom maintenance expenses and employee overheads," said Ravi from a showroom. Now, the trust factor for online shopping has also increased, according to another resident. "People are still sceptical of using plastic money, like credit cards online, but the option of cash on delivery gives them much more confidence," he said.
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Activists protest at Civil Hospital
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, May 6 The major issues raised by the protesters were the absence of doctors after the OPD timings get over and lack of cleanliness and potable water besides the practice of telling patients to get medicines from shops outside the hospital. The SMO, Dr RK Karkara, listened to the issues raised and assured the protesters that he would look into them. SMO passes orders
Dr Karkara passed instructions to ensure a senior doctor remained on duty in the afternoon. He said medicines were available at reasonable rates on the hospital premises and that he would mark a departmental inquiry to see if any doctor was referring patients to chemist shops outside. Civil Surgeon Subhash Batta, too, reached the spot and said he would look into all the issues at the earliest.
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City roads drivers’ nightmare
Ludhiana, May 6 Patients, attendants, schoolchildren and the other commuters take the road to reach their respective destinations, but the bumpy ride perturbs them. Repeated pleas have fallen on deaf ears. "A number of accidents have taken place on the stretch in the past. It becomes difficult to ride a two-wheeler on the potholed road. The government had claimed that it had spent a huge amount on the re-carpeting of nine roads in the city, but potholes on the stretches narrate a different story. The roads have been in a pitiable condition for the past one year," said Kamlesh Kumar, a shopkeeper.
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Meritorious children of PAU staff awarded
Ludhiana, May 6 Union president Harbans Singh Mundi raised various demands of the employees on the occasion. He asked the authorities to initiate the promotion process besides providing the pending 40 per cent arrears and other financial benefits to employees. Dr Baldev Singh promised to pay the arrears at the earliest besides looking into other issues. Senior leaders of the union Lakhwinder Singh Sandhu and Charanjit Singh Sekhon also addressed the employees who were present at the function in large numbers.
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US chain opens hotel on Ferozepur Road
Ludhiana: A US-based chain of hotels has opened Best Western KG on Ferozepur Road. Managing directors of the hotel Naresh Ghai, Ashok Arora and Harjinder Singh Bawa said the chain has around 4,200 hotels across the world. "The hotel will provide quality food and other high-end facilities at a reasonable cost," said Naresh Ghai. The hotel has 32 rooms, two banquet halls with the capacity of 200 and 300 guests respectively and four kitty party halls besides a bar, coffee lounge and multi-cuisine restaurant. Sunsilk launches product to replenish hair roots
Sunsilk has launched a product by the name Natural Recharge to replenish the natural look and strength of hair. This new range has been tested to make hair look two times thicker and up to five times stronger, allowing girls to feel confident, stated a company release.
— TNS
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Ludhiana, May 6