Amritsar, June 12
Even as the green cover is on the verge of depletion in the holy city, the authorities are chopping off trees for road-widening and the state government's ambitious projects, the latest being the Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS).

Some local NGOs have alleged that the trees that don't fall in the project area are also being chopped off. While 11.2 hectares of area comprising of forest cover has been bereft of green cover for upgrading the GT road from Bhandari Bridge to the GNDU road, compensatory afforestation has been proposed to be raised over 22.4 hectares of land, which is quite far away from the affected area.

They held a meeting with MC Commissioner Pradeep Sabharwal and other government officials of the PWD, the Forest and BRTS project today.

There is an urgent need to review the proposed BRTS project on the Mall road. Hundreds of fully grown trees comprising valuable varieties like silver oaks, sheesham, mango, peepal, Alistonia, gulmohar, amaltas and Ashoka, etc have been marked to be axed to pave the way for the dedicated track catering to the BRTS buses.

Sheenu Singh of Voice of Amritsar said that already considerable damage had been done to the green cover on the Mall road due to the construction of high-rise buildings and multiplex malls etc; further chopping of trees would do irreversible damage to the environs for the generations to come. "We are not anti-development but we want that damage control over the diminishing green cover should also be our prime concern. We have been assured that maximum trees would be saved while undertaking development projects," he said.

Surprisingly, the MC has no record of the number of trees in Amritsar under its jurisdiction as these bear no number marks.

Deepak Babbar of Mission Aagaaz said that even as the officials concerned had remarked that only those trees which pose obstruction to the traffic revamp projects would come under the axe, the trees along the wall of the Company Bagh as well as those located along the houses on the Mall road and even footpaths had been marked to be axed.

"It clearly shows that the officers have done no leg work and have passed the orders to chop off the trees while sitting in the comfort of their offices," he said.

Officialspeak
I have taken up the matter with officials of the PWD, B&R Department telling them that the maximum trees should be preserved while executing the BRTS project. As a compensatory move, we have contemplated to plant at least 10,000 trees in collaboration with the Forest Department in lieu of the damage done to the green belt due to development projects
— Pradeep Sabharwal, MC Commissioner

Amritsar, June 12
The meeting of Global Faith Leaders for Environmental Action at Ise, Japan, ended on a positive note this weekend. The meeting, organised by the Jinjo Honcho-Association of 80,000 Shinto Shrines, was keenly watched by observers from the United Nations, the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), R2 (a venture with patronage by Arnold Schwarzenegger), and the governments worldwide.

Representing Amritsar’s environmental interests and building a platform for sustainable development and living in the city on a par with global standards, Gunbir Singh, chairman, EcoAmritsar and WWF, Amritsar chapter, participated in the summit.

Issues of Amritsar brought to the fore were the need for a collection and waste management facility, sanitation, renewable energy and green spaces. “Apart from discussing a variety of issues, a good part of the summit was spent on building global green networks and the need for our efforts locally to connect them globally. A lot of countries had supported a top-down approach, where my plea was that the initiative should be passed on in the hands of the well-meaning, which will then reach the grassroots,” said Gunbir.

EcoAmritsar made a presentation of its work to the delegates. Its initiatives were widely appreciated. “Amritsar joined the Green Pilgrim Network (GPN) propounded by the Alliance of Religions for Conservation (ARC) as a founder member in 2011 largely on the support of Rajwant Singh, President Eco Sikh. With the formation of EcoAmritsar as a special-purpose vehicle to garner public support. The initiative has grown steadily, as has now been acknowledged as one of the main delivering partners for the GPN. The SGPC and the state government have been participating wholeheartedly in the GPN endeavour all along,” he added.

The event also saw a series of meetings on water, values, and other environmental solution-based approaches. Interactions between delegates from China, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, Japan, the USA, Africa, et al provided a forum for sharing best practices, customs and traditions. They also vied for attention of the aid agencies of the world watching this interesting new development.

Emphasis was also laid on involving religion into eco-conservation projects. Over 50 delegates from 12 different faiths were participating. “We have proposed faith-based action for 'grounds-up' action, supporting inter-faith collaboration for widespread community action. Using religious wisdom to motivate and inspire people to work for the environmental cause is an innovative approach,” said Gunbir, adding that the 80,000 Shinto shrines in Japan were the biggest examples of how religion could help aid eco-conservation. “They are a role model as one of the shrines covers and conserves over 55,000 hectares of forest area.”

Amritsar has been accepted as a strategic element in walking the GPN talk. Ready to implement and build a concept-based sustainable development in the city, Gunbir said that in another three to six months, a proposal would be worked upon in accordance with the state government for implementation. “We have sown organic seeds in the international arena for the betterment of the holy city and believe that fruits as global assistance will be available sooner than later."

Amritsar, June 12
The Forest Department is all set to take a massive tree-plantation drive during the current plantation season.

Addressing mediapersons here today, Divisional Forest Officer NS Randhawa stated his action plan for the current plantation season. He said a massive plantation stock of 20 lakh saplings had been raised in various departmental nurseries for this campaign. Out of this about 7 lakh saplings will be used for departmental plantation activities and supply to the NGOs, the Army, educational Institutions, village common lands, farmers and other institutional land. The remaining saplings will be converted into tall plants for the coming years and to cater to NREGA scheme being implemented by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats. The major thrust this year will be on Compensatory Afforestation Scheme, which is being implemented to compensate for the loss of forest cover. About 2.5 lakh saplings will be planted on Government Forest Lands under this scheme, which ensures their maintenance in the subsequent years also. Another 1.5 lakh saplings will be planted as part of maintenance of existing plantations done during the previous years. The department intends to supply 1.5 lakh saplings free of cost to the Army, the BSF, the NGOs, the educational and other institutions to plant these on their premises.

Keeping in view the shrinking land base of the Forest Department, the plantation drive under the Greening Punjab Mission (GPM) will be taken beyond conventional forest areas to non-forest lands in Amritsar city, its peripheral areas and rural areas. The Forest Department had already initiated this drive in Amritsar city last year, which will be further intensified. About 10,000 saplings will be planted in Amritsar city and its periphery, while another 50,000 saplings on non-forest common and institutional lands in villages. In order to rehabilitate birds affected by deforestation, groves of native tree species will be planted in the available blank areas of the city. Areas for this activity will be identified with the help of NGOs.

In order to give a boost to farm forestry, about one lakh quality poplar clones will be supplied to the farmers free of cost under a scheme, which will not only increase the green cover, but will also supplement the crop-diversification programme.

In order to maximise the survival percentage, the Joint Forest Management approach will be adopted, which envisages the participation of the NGOs and community in planning, execution and protection of plantations. Randhawa further added that this kind of participatory approach inculcates a sense of ownership for the plants and trees among the people, which ensures a better level of protection to them.

Amritsar, June 12
Continuing its drive against drug abuse, the city police has arrested at least 13 persons, including a woman, on the charges of possessing heroin, proscribed drugs, narcotic powder and illicit liquor during the past 24 hours.

The Amritsar rural police have arrested Harmeet Singh, alias Robin Singh, of Attari village for allegedly possessing 500 gm of heroin worth Rs 2.50 crore in the international market. The police also seized Rs 1 lakh in Indian currency from his possession.

The police also arrested Harmeet Singh, alias Meeta of Neshta, and Rajinder Singh of Dhatal village with 50 gm of narcotics each.

Meanwhile, the Division B police in the city police have arrested Sunil Kumar of Chuhar Beri Gali for possessing 40 intoxicant capsules while Division C police arrested Lakhwant Singh of Guru Gobind Singh Nagar with nine bottles of illicit liquor. The Kotwali police arrested Rajesh Kumar of Gali Kharas Wali, Vikrant Yadav and Suraj Kumar of Katra Sher Singh with 200 gm, 150 gm and 400 gm of narcotic powder, respectively. Similarly, the Islamabad police have arrested Rajwinder Kaur, alias Sneha, for allegedly possessing 100 gm of narcotic powder.

Jiwan Kumar of Katra Sher Singh was arrested by the Sultanwind police with 200 gm intoxicant powder. Gurdial Singh of Bharari Wal, Vimal of Rishi Vihar Jhugian located on Majitha road and Jagir Singh of Naushehra village with 45 bottles with illicit liquor, 50 gm of intoxicant powder and 110 gm of intoxicant powder, respectively.

Amritsar, June 12
The local Fire Department is grappling with outdated equipment, acute manpower shortage and inadequate fire stations. Astonishingly, for a population of around 15 lakh in Amritsar, there are only four fire stations with 20 firefighters and seven fire engines. The jurisdiction of this scant fire-fighting force also covers Tarn Taran, Khem Karan, Baba Bakala, Patti, Ajnala Mehta and Beas too, thus adding another 10 lakh residents.

Staff crunch

Against the 78 sanctioned posts of firemen (the main team to fight fire), the department has been managing with just 20 personnel. Barring the 12 sanctioned posts of sub-fire officer, none of the other approved posts were ever filled. At present there are 15 leading firemen. There is only one fire station officer, who is officiating as assistant divisional fire officer-in-charge.

As per official records, the strength of the total sanctioned staff of the Fire Department is 130. This strength was stipulated keeping in view the city’s population in 1980, which was around 7 lakh.

Not even a single person has been recruited in the department since 1980.

Of the four fire stations in the city -Town Hall, Gilwali Gate, Civil Lines and near Beri Gate - there are only 14 officials on duty in each station. The department does not have divers to help carry out rescue work in case of a drowning incident.

Unfit for firefighting

Against the requirement of at least 25 fire tenders, there are only seven. Out of these, two of 2002 and 2009 model are outdated, but are pressed into service when the need arises.

The department was provided two new fire tenders recently at a cost of Rs 70 lakh. An equal amount was sanctioned by the Municipal Corporation for the purchase of two more fire tenders, but till date the amount has not been utilised.

The two Bolero-modified fire tenders cater to the interior narrow lanes of the walled city, but it is not enough. The hose pipes reach the congested lanes, but firemen do not have communication equipment to intimate the driver, left in the vehicle, to monitor the water pressure.

Multi-storey malls are coming up in the holy city, but the fire station has a ladder that reaches only 35 feet.

A proposal to purchase a hydro-platform vehicle with a capacity to reach 150 feet was passed in 2005, but to no avail.

The department does not have sufficient water filling points. The existing hydrant points in various parts of the city are dysfunctional. The demand for two tankers of 25,000-litre capacity each, used for supplying water to fire engines, has not been fulfilled.

Building needs repair

The main Town Hall Fire Station functions from a dilapidated building. a fire safety officer sits in a dingy room with no telephone facility. The whole building leaks in the rainy season. The overflowing sewage has damaged the approach road to the fire office.

Amritsar, June 12
As many as 27 students of MBA have been selected by Axis Bank through a campus placement held at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) at a salary package of Rs 3.17 lakh per annum. The bank hired the students for the post of assistant manager.

Prof Gurcharan Kaur, director placement, said the selection process included online test, which was conducted on the university campus followed by HR interviews conducted at the Axis Bank.

In another recruitment drive, Systacare Remedies, selected two MSc (chemistry) students of the GNDU at a salary package of Rs 1.32 lakh per annum.

The students will join their respective companies after completion of their course in June this year.

Till now, 356 students of different courses of 2014 batch of the university have secured placement in 27 different national and multinational companies. 

Amritsar, June 12
A 21-day special summer school started at the UGC Academic Staff College of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) here today. As many as 29 teachers from various universities and colleges from across India are attending the school. Prof ADN Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, was the chief guest on the occasion.

During his inaugural address, Prof Bajpai talked about the growing significance of the ancient Indian scriptures in the modern times. He said establishing a close link between the modern science and the ancient holy scriptures could also enhance knowledge in all spheres ranging from physical, chemical, environmental and mathematical sciences.

Refuting the criticism regarding the absence of any Indian higher educational institute among the world’s top ranking universities, he said the contribution of Indian scientists to all these institutes could not be ignored. “Instead of aping the West in all spheres, we should refer to the Indian philosophy,” he emphasised.

He said research means recurrence of search, which exactly meant the discovery of eternal truth.

Amritsar, June 12
The first meeting of the Traffic Advisory Committee headed by district community police officer Baljit Singh Randhawa has proposed the setting up of Traffic Education Park on the premises of historic Ram Bagh garden.

The move is aimed at sensitising the younger generation about the traffic norms in the city, which witnesses rampant traffic violations, particularly by youth. The committee decided to meet Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other authorities concerned managing the Company Bagh in this connection.

Among others, who attended the meeting were officials from the PWD, traffic police personnel, prominent residents of the city, including teachers and traffic marshals. The participants expressed their concern over the deteriorating traffic scenario in the city. They also proposed to take up the matter of repairing of defunct street and traffic lights with the Municipal Corporation authorities. The committee also suggested marking zebra lines missing from various chowks and fixing thermo plastic stop lines. The participants suggested that in order to streamline the traffic in the city there was a dire need to identify stoppages for auto-rickshaws and buses. At present auto-rickshaws and buses stop in the middle of the road leading to traffic jams, sometimes mishaps, which lead to brawls.

They also discussed streamlining of traffic around interstate bus terminus and its adjoining areas. They decided to visit the places of concern to understand the problem and its possible way outs.

Members of auto-rickshaw union raised the issue of no-auto zone near the Golden Temple. They pointed out that four wheelers were allowed to enter the area. The committee has sought a clarification from the traffic police staff in this connection. — TNS

Amritsar, June 12
An elderly woman,Rama Rani, was robbed of jewellery in Kot Baba Deep Singh area here. She was alone at home when the robbery took place .

According to information, two unidentified persons first enquired about her son, who runs a chemist shop. Later, they offered her sweets saying that they had bought a new house and had come to invite the family on the inauguration.

The victim stated to police that after eating sweets, she fell down in semi-conscious state. She alleged that, the accused took off her gold bangles, other jewellery items and other provisions from the house before escaping.

Arun Sharma, SHO, said a case under Section 380, 328 and 34of the Indian Panel Code had been registered. He said as the health of the victim was not well, they were not able to investigate the matter properly till now. He said the family was also yet to give the details of the items stolen.