 |
|
|
Power pangs: unplugging the economy
Schoolteacher braves snatchers, sustains injuries
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Prohibitory orders fall on deaf ears, police mull stern action
Better
jalandhar: Water woes-I
Meritorious School
Doorstep garbage collection to begin from June 10
Irregular power supply nemesis for fish farming
Shiv Sena threatens to take to roads
ATM loot bid case solved, 2 held
Chetan Singh is Director, Language Department
Two history-sheeters held with narcotics, stolen bikes
Officials asked to streamline drainage system before monsoon
|
|
Power pangs: unplugging the economy Demand for electricity rises to 7,000 MW in state, likely to go up further Umesh Dewan Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, June 8 As per the information, the demand for power in the state has already touched 7,000 MW. Immediately after the paddy transplantation begins, the demand will shoot up. While the demand for power had touched 12,000 MW last year, this is likely to go up further this summer. The demand in the first week of June has been recorded at 100 lakh units (LU), more than the corresponding period last year. Notably, for the last two year, Punjab is facing a severe power crisis. The power situation had turned so worse that the industry had to bear four-day weekly offs, whereas 12-hour power cuts were imposed by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in the domestic sector. Interestingly, following the announcement of Punjab Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal that with the commissioning of thermal units at Talwandi Sabo and Rajpura, Punjab had become a power surplus state, the PSPCL had declared the state as a power-cut free state early this year. However, the tall claims of the government have fallen flat as many state-owned thermal plants have tripped and a unit of the Talwandi Sabo thermal plant has stopped power generation. Though the power corporation authorities have claimed that they would bridge the gap between the demand and supply through the short-term power purchase, according to the reliable sources, unless and until thermal units of the Bathinda, Ropar and Lehra Mohabbat do not operate to their capacity, the demand for power cannot be met. Speaking to The Tribune, Badish Jindal, president, Federation of Associations of Small Industries India (FASII), said, "Though the PSPCL authorities claim to provide sufficient power to all categories of consumers, the reality is different . In the wake of the present scenario, it appears that it is likely to be a bleak summer for the industry." Representatives of the farming community are also a worried lot. During a visit to some villages in Jalandhar today, a majority of the farmers said the PSPCL had never been able to provide eight-hour uninterrupted power supply to them during the paddy season. "Considering the fact that electricity cuts have already been imposed in the domestic sector, we are anxious. It seems unlikely that we would get eight-hour electricity supply," said Nacchatar Singh, a farmer . Meanwhile, power cuts varying from two to three hours have been imposed in the domestic sector in Jalandhar and Kapurthala. However, the PSPCL authorities claimed that power supply was disrupted because of a technical snag. Though senior PSPCL officials were not available for comments, the Power Corporation spokesperson said they were purchasing enough electricity and there would be no power cuts. Challenging times
Voices off dissent Though the PSPCL authorities claim to provide sufficient power to all categories of consumers, the reality is different . In the wake of the present scenario, it appears that it is likely to be a bleak summer for the industry. — Badish Jindal, president, Federation of Associations of Small Industries India Considering the fact that electricity cuts have already been imposed in the domestic sector, we are feeling anxious. It seems unlikely that we would get eight-hour electricity supply. — Nacchatar Singh, a farmer It is ridiculous to say that Punjab is a power-surplus state as long as electricity cuts are being imposed. The Deputy Chief Minister and the state government stand exposed on the issue. — Nimisha Mehta, spokesperson, Punjab Pradesh Congress
|
|
Schoolteacher braves snatchers, sustains injuries
Jalandhar, June 8 Following the attack, the city police showed alertness and succeeded in nabbing the snatchers in half an hour. The incident took place this afternoon when the victim woman, along with her husband Chand Nayyar, was going to meet the cricketer on their bike. When they reached the Garha market, two snatchers suddenly drove close to their bike and tried to snatch her purse. The woman faced the snatchers boldly. While showing valour, she fell from the bike and the snatcher fled with the purse containing cash and other important documents. The schoolteacher sustained serious injuries and received several stitches on her arms, head and face. Her husband immediately informed the police control room. He gave the details of the snatchers and the registration number (PB08 CM 8817) of their bike. The control room immediately informed the division No 7 police and the anti-snatching squad. Later, the snatchers were intercepted by the police at the Milap chowk and were apprehended. Inspector Harpal Singh said after verifying the nature of injuries the woman sustained, they had registered an attempt to murder and snatching case under Section 307 and 382 of the IPC . During the investigation, the police also found the bike (Hero Splendor) used in the crime. The motorcycle was bearing a fake registration number due to which the police booked them under Section 482 (punishment for using false property mark) of the IPC. Manpreet Singh, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Model Town, said it was for the first time that snatchers were booked on the attempt to murder charge.
|
|
Prohibitory orders fall on deaf ears, police mull stern action
Jalandhar, June 8 It has been learnt that the DCP, in his capacity and power vested in him under section 144 of the CrPc, has been issuing repeated orders on issues like domestic servants, noise pollution, sale and purchase of old mobiles and stubble burning. However, these orders are falling on deaf ears, showing disregard for the police directives It is learnt that one of the reasons why the police orders are being taken lightly by the residents is that the people are not aware of such instructions. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Naveen Singla said stern action will be taken against the violators. “Initially, I will send repeated orders just to remind the persons concerned that non-compliance may call for action under section 188 of the CrPc. I will personally hold meetings with the persons concerned to make them aware of the orders and later, after random checking, the required legal action will follow,” the DCP added. It may be mentioned that the police had recently issued several orders including those on sound pollution, ban on stubble burning, sale and purchase of mobile phones and registration of tenants. However, during a survey, it was found that none of the orders are being followed in letter and spirit by the residents. The police had directed the mobile shop owners to maintain a proper record of sale and purchase of old mobile phones. The order stated that no shopkeeper will buy any second hand mobile phone without verifying the IMEI number and the original mobile bill. Even during the sale and purchase of any mobile phone, shopkeepers must record the name of the seller or buyer, father's name of the customer, address, identity proof, signature or thumb impression and the IMEI number. During a visit to several mobile shops in the city, it has come to light that none of the shopkeepers are aware of the instructions. “When we have not received any instructions from the police, how can we start maintaining registers,” a shopkeeper said while requesting anonymity. The police had taken the initiative due to the use of mobile phones in crimes. In many recent incidents, the police had found that criminals had bought old mobile phones from shops and used the same for committing the crime. But due to lack of records, the police failed to reach the criminals. So is the plight of the other orders. “I am living in a rented accommodation at Gopal Nagar, but my landlord has not registered my details with the police,” said Aman, a tenant. “We have given our house on rent for the past five years but were never questioned by the police about tenant registration,” said Manish Sama, a local resident. Similarly, police orders on sound pollution are also not being followed. Loudspeakers or DJs are being played with impunity and the police has never seized such devices emanating sound despite the rule that these may be confiscated. |
|
Better
jalandhar: Water woes-I Aparna Banerji Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, June 8
Dependence on tubewells
The depleting water table is a cause for worry as the city depends on tubewells for water and the areas where tubewells aren’t available or out of order, the residents are the worst hit. The Superintending Engineer of the Municpal Corporation, Paramjit Jaggi, said, “There are 424 tubewells in the city for a population of 10 lakh. The approval for 22 tubewells has also been given. Of these six have been commissioned, 11 have been bored and work on other five is under progress.” Tubewells out of order
The Municipal Corporation claims that water supply is being provided to 98 per cent of the population. The water supply lines in the city are 1,045-km long. In the areas where tubewells are not working properly, residents are suffering. There are many areas where residents haven’t received water for the past three to four days. In other areas, contaminated water is being provided. The most common reason behind the problem is the mixing of groundwater with sewage. Illegal connections
While there are more than 10 lakh legal water connections in the city, conservative estimates put the number of illegal water connections at over 10,000. A report regarding illegal water connections in the city is being prepared. Of all blocks in the city, the mapping of two blocks remain. MC officials said they would be able to present the true picture with this and would be able to determine the number of defaulters. Every year, illegal water connections contribute to the outbreak of diseases. These connections come with loads of political pressure. In the Garha area last year, 50 water connections, initially identified for the outbreak of a disease, were reinstated for the reasons best known to the MC. Water supply and sewerage
The main reason behind the mixing of water and sewage is outdated pipelines in the city. While the problem has been recognised for years, it is not even a part of the MC budget. MC Commissioner Manpreet Chatwal said as the problem had been identified at the Centre, the Union government was mulling a project for the laying of new pipes. However, since the project is in its incipient stage, funds are yet to be allocated. Under the Punjab Municipal Infrastructure and Development (PMIDC) project, new water distribution pipes of 66.28 kilometres will be laid in new colonies in the city. The existing length of the water supply lines is 1,045 km. Meanwhile, the length of the sewage pipes in the city is 1,083 km (933 km branch sewer, 150 main sewer) and the work on the laying of 85.03 km of sewer line (again for new areas) has been approved under the UIDSSMT project. Sensitive areas
A number of areas in the city have been declared as sensitive due to the shortage of water. In all the areas where water is not available for the past a few days belong to this category. While over 14 water tanks have been pressed into service to provide water to the residents in various areas, the demand is not being meted out. Residents of Baldev Nagar, Kishanpura, Ajit Nagar, Arjun Nagar and Mithu Basti are getting water through tankers but the need of all residents has not been fulfilled. One tanker provides about 5,000 litres of water to 100 homes. But the total demand surpass a tanker’s capacity, leaving residents angry. Superintending Engineer Paramjit Jaggi said, “We are making utmost efforts to ensure that none of the areas face any trouble. Special teams of engineers have been pressed into service for their comfort. ” Financial crunch
A total of 227 crore is required for the completion of work on various sewerage plants and water pipelines. In some cases, especially STPs, funds from the Centre are not being received because the state government has not contributed its share. For the completion of all works, the MC requires funds. World Bank study
In view of the depleting water table across the state, the World bank is working on a project to provide Amritsar and Ludhiana water through surface water reservoirs such as canals. Jalandhar is also being considered for the same. AS Dhaliwal, Chief Engineer, Operation and Maintenance, said , “A pre-feasibility study is being carried out by the World Bank to find out whether the use of surface water for these cities is viable to sustain the water supply without harming their ecology for the next 30 years. As the study is about to complete, the initial indications are that surface water is sufficient for Ludhiana and Amritsar. But with a big chunk of Jalandhar falling in the dark zone, it can also be included in the plan.” “While the Beas and Sutlej rivers are at a distance of 30 to 40 km from the city, they can be made a part of the project," he added. Meanwhile, MC Commissioner Manpreet Chatwal said, “At a meeting pesided over by the CM, we have been instructed that all domestic or private entities with land more than a kanal must have a rainwater harvesting unit. We have been issued instructions to spread this information among all schools, colleges, malls or other commercial complexes that fall in the category. We have also started awareness drives in this regard.” While the list of defaulters is already growing, speaking on the action taken against non-complying units, Chatwal said, “We will spread awareness first and then motivate them before acting against defaulters.” Speaking on illegal connections, he said, “The illegal connections have been mapped under the Map India project and within a week or two we will have a list of all defaulters. Strict action will be initiated against them.” While talking about out-of-order tubewells he said," Tubewells have a short life but we are trying to make water available in all areas and setting up new tubewells. MC Commissioner speaks
— Manpreet Chatwal |
|
|
Low turnout for teachers’ recruitment exam
174 out of 300 candidates appear Aparna Banerji Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, June 8 However, candidates from Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala as well as Jalandhar appeared in the exam. The exam was taken by aspirants appearing for the posts of lecturers in science and commerce. Subjectwise attendance of candidates was as follows: physics 27, chemistry 25, biology 16, maths 28, English 18, commerce 18 and DPE 25. The staff allocated with conducting the exam was appointed by the state government. While professors from the Guru Nanak Dev University were deputed to provide the question papers and other paper work concerned with the exam, the other exam staff was deputed as per a panel list of teachers fit for the task sent by the District Education Department. District Science Supervisor Baljinder Singh and District Education Officer (elementary education) were appointed the observers for the exam by the DPI (school education) and Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar, respectively. Meanwhile, superintendents, deputy superintendents and supervisors for the exam were selected out of a list of government school principals, lecturers and arts and crafts teachers, respectively, sent by the Education Department. Speaking on the reason for few candidates appearing for the exam, the DSS said it was probably due to the lack of seriousness among the candidates because this was a golden opportunity for teachers. The exam took place at the Government Senior Secondary School at Ladowali Road. On Saturday, the exam for computer teachers for the meritorious school shall be conducted.
|
|
Doorstep garbage collection to begin from June 10
Phagwara, June 8 Chief Parliamentary Secretary Som Parkash said the Local Bodies Department has formed eight clusters for solid waste treatment plants in the state, including Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, Bathinda, Pathankot, Ferozepur and Mohali in areas under GMADA, to make arrangements for garbage collection from the residential and commercial establishments. Clusters in Bathinda, Ferozepur and Ludhiana are operational. Municipal Commissioner Sukhminderpal Singh Marar said here on Saturday that though the scheme could not be launched then, it would now be launched in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Phagwara from June 10. Executive Officer Adarsh Sharma said a charge of Rs 10 to Rs 100 per month would be levied for collecting garbage. Interestingly, despite tall claims, the scheme could not be launched across the state so far. It has also been learnt that the government has amended e-tendering system in all Nagar Councils and Nagar Panchayats to bring about transparency in the department as now all tenders above Rs 2 lakh can be filed online. |
|
Irregular power supply nemesis for fish farming
Jalandhar, June 8 Moreover, they said the Fisheries Department lacked vehicles due which officials failed to visit their fields. Lovesh Lekhi, who is into the business for the past seven years, said he had ponds for fish in 15 acres. “I have been requesting the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) for the past several years to provide regular power supply but no one bothered to solve the problem," he added. "Whenever I approach the Fisheries Department to urge officials to visit my fields, the point out the absence of vehicles, which is deplorable," Lekhi said. Dr Sawinder Singh, a former director of the department who is into the business for the past two years, said though fish farming gave more income than the cultivation of wheat and paddy, there were some lacunae that were yet to be addressed. “We are still trying to survive. Many farmers have quit the business," he added. Master Gyan Singh of Malsian village said in spite of all odds, he was into the business since 1991. He said he started fish farming on two acres and now after 20 years, seven acres of his land were under fish farming. “it is still profitable. I earned Rs 13.53 lakh last year,” he added. Fishery Extension Officer Bikramjit Singh Garewal could not be contacted for comments. |
|
Shiv Sena threatens to take to roads
Jalandhar, June 8 Yograj Sharma, president of the state unit of the party, said due the lethargic approach of the police, the accused were still evading arrest. He said the police had even failed to identify the accused . Following the attack, the police had claimed that the incident was recorded in a CCTV camera installed in a house but due to the poor quality of the footage, the accused could not be identified. Notably, three motorcycle-borne youths had thrown acid on Talwar on the morning of June 4 near Lal Bazaar. The youth sustained burn injuries on his face, right ear, right arm, chest and stomach. He is undergoing treatment at a city hospital. He works as an assistant in a jewellery shop. His father lives in Kuwait. The police said as the attackers wore masks and had come on a bullet motorbike, which was withoutany a registration number, it was difficult to identify and arrest them in the absence of any other evidence. |
|
ATM loot bid case solved, 2 held
Phagwara, June 8 SP, Phagwara, Gursewak Singh Brar, while addressing a news conference here on Saturday evening, said the arrested accused were identified as Jaswinder Singh alias Mangi and Narinder Kumar alias Nindi, both residents of Palahai. The police has also recovered the weapons and a bike bearing the registration number PB-36G-0921 used in the crime. The SP said that the burglars broke the outer shutter of the ATM booth. They also attempted to break open the ATM machine but could not succeed in taking away cash worth Rs 7.5 lakh that was kept in the machine. The miscreants left behind an iron rod, sharp-edged weapons and two broken locks while fleeing in haste. They also attempted to damage the CCTV cameras but could not succeed and the CCTV footage was being examined, the SP said. Both robbers would be produced before the local judicial magistrate.
— OC
|
|
|
Chetan Singh is Director, Language Department
Jalandhar, June 8 A double MA - in Punjabi and English - he is also a diploma holder in Urdu. After eight years of teaching, in 1987 he joined as a Research Associate of the Language Department and spent 12 years as
District Language Officer of districts like Jalandhar, Hosiarpur, Ropar among others. After holding posts of Deputy, Joint and Additional Director of the State Language Department, he has finally become its Director. During his tenure he wrote 12 books like Dholbaha Bajwara, Bhai veer Singh Chintan, Ankh Di Peer, Baba Nand Singh, translation of Khalil Gibran’s letters
in Punjabi. |
|
Two history-sheeters held with narcotics, stolen bikes
Jalandhar June 8 Bhushan Kumar, Assistant Sub-Inspector, said acting on a tip-off, they arrested them. During the investigation, the accused confessed that one of the bikes was stolen from the Football chowk. The accused have not revealed from where they stole the second bike. Both the accused are history-sheeters as two murder cases had been registered against Monu and three against Shanty in the past. The police said their remand would be sought to investigate their role in several thefts, snatchings and other crimes. |
|
Officials asked to streamline drainage system before monsoon
Jalandhar, June 8 He said as per the recommendations of 13th Finance Commission, reconstruction and preservation of sewage ponds in the villages is being done with waste water stabilisation techniques. Apart from waterlogging in the area, the same technique can be adopted elsewhere, he said. While giving instruction to the Panchayat Department officials, Paritam Singh said reconstruction work should be completed within six weeks and before the advent of the rainy season.
|
||
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
With mercury hovering around 44 degree Celsius, paddy transplantation slated to start from June 10, thermal units down with technical snags and the meteorological department predicting a below-normal monsoon, farmers and industrialists are a worried lot.
