Ludhiana, September 15
The 37 teams constituted by the Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Aggarwal to prepare a report on the buildings under construction in all the four zones have submitted a list of 730 buildings to the Commissioner. The MC has “no records” of around 250 buildings, out of a total of 730 structures.

Though the building branch officials were making excuses that persons, who had been transferred, will have to be contacted to get the required details, the latter has given them two days’ time to submit the details of all the 730 buildings.

Talking to The Tribune, Pradeep Aggarwal said the record of 30-40 per cent of the total 730 buildings being constructed was not with the building branch. “The officials have no other option but to submit me the details of each and every building,” said Aggarwal.

He said either the building plans of all these 730 buildings had been cleared or challans must have been issued to a few owners by the department. “I want the approved maps and copies of the challans. If there is nothing of the two, then something is surely wrong. We cannot shut our eyes and let this practice continue,” said Aggarwal.

Maximum complaints in the MC are being filed about illegal buildings mushrooming in the city. Perturbed over getting complaints daily, Aggarwal had recently constituted 37 teams of MC employees who carried out a detailed survey of the buildings on September 13 and submitted their report to the commissioner.

A building branch inspector said no building could be constructed without the knowledge of the department officials. “If such steps had been taken earlier, no illegal building would have come up in the city,” he said.

Ludhiana, September 15
The city police have nabbed five persons on charge of planning a petrol pump robbery. One of the suspects had allegedly abducted a girl in the Division No. 7 area nearly three years ago and raped her. He was let off due to lack of evidence.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP-II) Jasdev Singh Sidhu said Lakhwinder Singh, alias Semi; Ravi; Balvir Singh, alias Babbu; Dharminder Singh, alias Vicky, and Sunil were nabbed at a park in the Model Town Extension area.

He said: “All of them are habitual offenders. They formed a gang while they were in jail. They have committed petty crime and thefts so far. After coming out of the jail, they decided to strike big and were planning to commit a robbery at a petrol pump. They had even conducted recce of nearly five petrol pumps änd were planning to strike at one of them.”

Model Town SHO Inderjit Singh and in charge of the CIA wing Rajan Perminder received a tip-off about their plan. A raid was conducted last evening and all four were arrested.

The police have recovered seizing drugs, three air-conditioners and Rs 18,000 that the suspects had stolen recently.

Lakhwinder Singh is facing 15 criminal cases. He was let off in the kidnapping and rape case as the victim did not turn up in the court to record her statement. The incident took place nearly three years ago when the victim was travelling along with her father in an auto-rickshaw.

Lakhwinder intercepted the auto, assaulted and robbed the victim’s father and kidnapped her. After rape her, he dumped the girl.

Ravi Kumar is facing three criminal cases, Balwinver was booked in two and Dharminder was facing one criminal case.

The accused are drug addicts and were committing crime for buying their daily dose of drugs.

Ludhiana, September 15
Three persons had been killed in separate incidents in different parts of the city in the past 24 hours.

In the first incident, Vir Bahadur, who was hit by the speeding truck near Dhandari Chowk on September 13, succumbed to injuries on Sunday evening.

He, along with his friend Hari Bahadur, was returning to his migrant quarters in the Dhandari area after finishing work. The condition of Hari Bahadur is still serious.

In the second incident, 18-year-old Deepak Kumar was crushed to death by a speeding truck near the Vishwakarma chowk on Sunday night.

The victim has been identified as Deepak Kumar. He, along with his father Bharat Bhushan, was returning home after work.

When the duo reached near the Vishwakarma chowk, a speeding truck came from behind and crushed the youth to death. The truck driver was arrested. He has been identified as Shashi Bhushan of Jammu.

Ludhiana, September 15
With the arrest of three persons, the city police have claimed to have busted a gang of robbers that was involved in a number of robberies in Daba and its adjoining areas recently. The trio used to operate on motorcycles and target their victims at desolated places.

The accused have been identified as Vijay Kumar, Saurav Kumar and Amit Kumar. The trio were nabbed on a tip-off from a locality near Indian Public School. They are residents of Gyaspura. They had created panic in the area with their repeated strikes.

Vijay, Saurav and Amit are school dropouts. They took to crime to buy their daily dose of drugs.

According to Jatinder Singh, Daba SHO, the accused robbed residents at knife point. Besides a motorcycle, the police have recovered an iron rod and a mobile phone from them.

Jatinder Singh said the accused had confessed to have committed five snatchings. “We would try to get their remand, so more information could be extracted from them,” said the SHO.

The accused had robbed a youth of his mobile phone in Sector 32 a month ago. Then they struck at a cement shop on the Tibba road and robbed Rs 35,000 at knife point. The cement shop owner, Mohinderpal, has identified the accused. The trio had confessed that nearly two months ago they robbed a Nepalese resident of Rs 8,000 in the Focal Point area. A fortnight ago they robbed a commuter of Rs 1,000 and a mobile on the Tajpur road.

Ludhiana, September 15
Erratic power supply and long cuts since Sunday afternoon in many areas of the city continued today as well. Residents in the affected localities had to go without power and water supply for about two or five hours today as the officials of the power utility kept grappling with one snag after the other in a couple of 220 KV substations.

Even though power supply to most of the affected areas was restored by 8.30 pm on Sunday, as claimed the officials of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), some technical fault recurred at the sub- station, leading to power failure in more than half of the city localities once again. The fault was rectified after about an hour.

The claims of the PSPCL officials about restoring normal power supply by 9.30 pm on Sunday were rebutted by residents of many localities, who said all through the night, the power supply remained erratic.

At around 11 am today, the 220 KV Lalton Kalan substation was again shut down, disrupting power supply to the 220 KV Ferozepur road substation, and further to the 220 KV Humbran road substation. As a result, several localities along the Ferozepur road, Sarabha Nagar, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Civil Lines, Haibowal, PAU campus, Dugri, Kitchlu Nagar, Tagore Nagar and DC Complex remained without power supply for more than three hours.

In most of the affected areas, supply of piped water by the Municipal Corporation was also affected in the afternoon due to power failure. In some other areas where power supply remained erratic in the morning as well, residents complained that they had not received water supply for the past 24 hours.

It was officially stated that the 220 KV Lalton Kalan substation had developed a technical fault due to felling of a tree on the 220 KV lines, feeding the 220 KV Ferozepur road substation last evening. As a result, the substation remained non-functional for three hours in the evening on Sunday.

“The substation had to be shut down this morning for some time to shift the uprooted tree and mend the damaged 220 KV lines, after which normal power supply was restored to the affected areas by afternoon today,” said an official of Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited, which runs and maintains the grid substation.

Sore over the frequent and extended interruption in power supply in the city, several residents called for effective measures to strengthen and upgrade the distribution system, which leaves much to be desired.

“Even if the state goes power surplus, the people are destined to live with erratic power supply. The outdated and obsolete distribution network of the PSPCL is not in a position to withstand the load and needs to be revamped,” said Avtar Singh, a resident of Kundanpuri.

Ludhiana, September 15
Medical experts have find fault with the schedule of MC fogging operations in the city. According to them, the best time to carry out fogging operations is during afternoon when dengue mosquito is most active.

It has been observed when the MC teams carry out fogging on streets of an area either early in the morning or late in the evening. But experts at the CMCH said the timings for fogging should be during the afternoon, as mosquitoes are more active during daytime, otherwise all this effort goes futile.

Dr Charanjeet Singh Uppal, Health Officer of the MC, Ludhiana, said: “We carry out fogging from 6 am to 8 am and from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. The mosquito, responsible for spreading dengue, becomes active in sunlight. So, our timings for fogging operations are right.” We spray black oil on stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding.

However, Dr Aroma Oberoi, Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, said: “The fogging should be done at around 4 pm when maximum people stay out and mosquitoes also remain active. Second, fogging should be restricted to the areas with high chances of mosquito breeding.”

She said more emphasis should be laid on the areas having dampness, moisture and water bodies such as pools, drains. Dr Oberoi said: “Although they spray black oil on stagnant water, fogging should also be done around such areas and pools.”

Pots, plants and weed are suitable place for mosquitoes to breed. Such areas should be the focus of fogging operations, she added.

Meanwhile, cases of dengue continue to be reported in different parts of the city. Twelve cases of dengue have been reported in this season from Ludhiana district alone.

Health Dept efforts

Dr Anil Verma, District Epidemiologist, said: “Our teams daily conduct surveys to detect larvae of dengue mosquito and report to the MC authorities, so the erring persons can be challaned. The places, where larvae are found, are recommended for fogging.” He said whenever they received a case of dengue, they made sure a solution, pyritherum, was sprayed in the patient’s house and 50 houses close to it.”

4pm best time

Fogging should be done at around 4 pm when maximum people stay out and mosquitoes remain active. Second, it should be restricted to the areas with high chances of mosquito breeding.

Dr Aroma Oberoi, Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology, Cmch

Doraha, September 15
Deep ditches and potholes, especially on the service lanes of the National Highway 1, are taking a heavy toll on the commuters. Besides taking the bumpy ride, the commuters have to bear the loss caused to their vehicles as well.

“We were really happy in the absence of a toll. At least, we were enjoying a free and a comfortable ride. But now, the National Highway authorities and the so-called private contractor have literally reduced our lives to hell. They just know how to revise the toll rates. But, they don’t know how to provide facilities to the commuters,” rued Harbans Singh Sains, a social worker of Sahnewal.

Jogeshwar Singh Mangat of Doraha rued, “They are used to putting up the blame on the weather conditions. In winters, they blame the fog, in summers, they curse the scorching heat and now, they are holding the rains to be responsible for obstructing their otherwise routine and regular work of management and repairs.”

Arun Bector, another resident of the area, said, “The NHAI is simply befooling the commuters by justifying their technician stance. They keep raising the rates. But, we are not blind that we cannot even see the sordid position of the road. Even after paying heavily at the toll counters, we are no longer safe travelling on these roads.”

“The drains are blocked, rain water has no outlet and as a result, it stagnates and plays havoc with the lives of commuters, residents and their vehicles,” rued Ramesh Kapila of Sahnewal.

Pawan Kumar Kaushal of Doraha questioned, “When the government itself is blind to our problems and the purpose for which it is collecting toll is not being fulfilled then why should we take out even a single penny from our pockets for such irresponsible callous government?”

Sampooran Singh, another resident of Sahnewal, complained, “Every day while passing through this road, the commuters, in general, and the residents of Sahnewal in particular curse the authorities as it takes at least half an hour to cross this stretch.”

Meanwhile, project director Bipin Sharma said the drains have not been connected to the disposal points yet.

“We are well aware about the problems being faced by the commuters. Work is yet to be initiated. There are some issues due to litigation, but we will work out and plan the necessary repairs, maintenance as early as possible,” said Bipin Sharma.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, September 15
Activists of the Block-Level Extension Officers’ Association, Punjab, who have been protesting against additional charges for prevention of illegal mining, have threatened to shun complete work in case the decision is not withdrawn.

The protesters have been holding pen-down strike, in connection with mining work, for a week now.

To mark their protest, the protesters have been wearing black badges during duty hours.

The office-bearers of the association, led by state general secretary Rakesh Pathak, and state president Balinder Singh Mohali, accused the government of harassing their members by deploying them at risk prone avenues without offering any additional benefits.

“Although we have got nothing to do with illegal mining, yet our members are forced to visit odd sites during night and that too, without any security or conveyance,” rued Pathak and Mohali, maintaining that following the registration of cases, they have been visiting courts too in this regard.

The protesters alleged that some people in the Mining Department were hand in glove with the mining mafia and these very people leak vital information regarding cases that have been booked by them.

The BLEOs claimed that only 52 vacancies of the total sanctioned strength of 124 posts are there to look after 145 blocks.

Alleging that none of the political leaders or the officers had addressed their grievances during the past days, the protesters threatened to aggravate the agitation in a phased manner and shun complete work incase work related with mining was not withdrawn.

Meanwhile, sources in the Department of Industries and Commerce disclosed that office-bearers of the association have been invited by higher authorities to talk in this regard on Monday.

Ludhiana, September 15
The members of the Apparel Manufacturers’ Association presented a memorandum to the chairman of Traders’ Board, Madan Lal Bagga. The delegation, led by president of the association Sandeep Salwan, along with office-bearers and members of the association presented a memorandum to Bagga. The members urged the chairman to declare a part of the area near Buddha Nullah as mixed-land use.

Officials claimed that the members of hosiery and apparel manufacturers are facing many difficulties and are also facing harassment at the hands of the civic body and the PSPCL officials.

Salwan said about 1,500 small manufacturing units in the areas such as Guru Nanak Pura, Chander Nagar, New Chander Nagar, Haibowal Kalan, Haibowal Khurd have been operating for more than 25 years.

He said the area should be declared as mixed-land use on the lines of Janta Nagar and Shimla Puri. The manufacturers have been asked time and again to move from the area to a commercial area, but it is not possible for them to move outside because of many constraints and limited resources of the small-scale manufacturers.

He said no noise is created due to their establishment so there is no pollution in the area due to their units.

In fact, the units have been set up in the area much before declaration of the area.

“The civic body may not allow set up of more manufacturing units in the area, but the already existing ones should be allowed to operate there, as this is the only source of their livelihood,” added Salwan.

Ludhiana, September 15
The Department of Dietetics, Fortis Hospital, is holding a week long celebrations to observe Nutrition Week this month, with a mission towards creating awareness among the public.

Nutrition week was inaugurated by Dr Harpreet Brar, head, administration, Fortis Hospital, today. A pledge ‘Good nutrition is our mission’ was also taken on the occasion. Other staff of the hospital including doctors, consultants, nurses and technicians also participated and signed a pledge to consume nutritious diet for a healthy life.

Activities have been planned on a daily basis to celebrate the week.

A healthy food street was organised today to make people aware about the nutritious food choices. Various healthy food items were given names such as ghia shots, karela shots, beetroot shots, carrot and amla shots with other items such as high protein poha, moong dal puda, dhokla sandwich, papaya salad, three bean salads, sprouted idli, sprout corn salad, polenta, blueberry yoghurt and fruit jelly. A new concept was introduced with this activity which stated that even the street food such as samosa, burger, tikki and other fried items can be replaced with healthy and nutritious items.

Other activities such as nutrition quiz, nursing education programme on various therapeutic diets, healthy food tips to attendants in hospital, cooking competition with concept of super foods have been lined up for the entire week.

A CNE (Continuing nutrition education) will be held on September 20 which will keep in mind the importance of nutrition in hospitals.

Dehlon, September 15
With the help of local social activists and the police of the area, hearing and speech impaired girl from Maharashtra was reunited with her parents after five days.

The girl was found deserted at Kaind village on the Ludhiana-Malerkotla road a few days back by sarpanch Gurminder Singh Guri. She was taken care by the Management Committee of the Radhey Krishan Gaushala and the village panchayat.

The management of the gaushala, led by chairman Bimal Sharma, then informed the Dehlon police, who initiated the process for her rehabilitation.

An appeal by social activists and the police to gather information about the whereabouts of the girl through the public announcement system at various religious organisations of the region got a positive response.

After getting the information about her, her father Vishaw Nath and grandmother Khaira Bai of the girl reached the gaushala. On the directions of a court in Ludhiana, the police team was about to leave for Nari Niketan in Jalandhar when the kin of the girl reached the spot.

Vishaw Nath and Khaira Bai said the girl was born normal but lost her hearing and speech abilities after receiving a head injury during her childhood.

Ludhiana, September 15
Commissioner of Police Pramod Ban has put an end to multiple inquiries of cases. After the registration of first information report (FIR), the police conduct an inquiry. After the probe, a report is filed in which the person is either exonerated or indicted. In certain land disputes and financial matters, the police conduct prior inquiry before registering the FIR.

Complainants will no longer have to shuttle between offices for getting their statements recorded. The Commissioner said only in exceptional cases with genuine reason, the second inquiry will be conducted. He said the move aimed at the quick delivery of justice.

“Precious time of complainants is being wasted due to multiple inquiries. Instead of five officials conducting separate inquiries, one official will conduct the inquiry. Only in exceptional cases, where some issues required to be investigated, a re-inquiry will be marked,” said Commissioner of Police Pramod Ban.

Sources said many inquiries were pending with the police department.

An insider said the single inquiry system would help officials keep a tab on political interference in the working of the police.

“After being indicted in one inquiry report, a culprit approaches politicians and ask for their favour. The politicians then call up police officials and the inquiry is shifted. In high-profile cases, a police official works under pressure and prefers to delay the inquiry till the time he is transferred to some other place,” said senior criminal lawyer Ashok Lakhanpal.

A city resident, who has been running from pillar to post for the past five years, said four inquiries were conducted, still she did not get justice. She claimed that a developer, along with his accomplices, was trying to usurp her land by creating fake documents. “I have been running from one office to another. It is strange that separate inquiries are being conducted. This is resulting in delay and unnecessary harassment,” the woman said. The sensational rape case of an aspiring model, in which famous Punjabi singer Nachhatar Gill was also involved, was also delayed by a year due to several inquiries. However, the matter was later settled in the court and the woman withdrew her complaint.

Ludhiana, September 15
Teen depression is a serious medical problem. It affects how a teenager thinks, feels and behaves. It can cause emotional, functional and physical problems.

Mood disorders such as depression can occur at any stage. Issues such as peer pressure, academic expectations and changing bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs for youngsters.

“Teen depression isn’t a weakness or something that can be overcome with willpower, it can has serious consequences and requires long term treatment. For most teens, depression symptoms ease with treatment such as medication and psychological counselling,” said Dr V Khanna, clinical psychologist.

Teen depression signs and symptoms include changes in emotions and behaviour.

Another city-based psychiatrist Dr Mahajan said it could be difficult to tell the difference between ups and downs that are just a part of being a teenager and teen depression.

“Talk with the teen. Try to determine whether he or she seems capable of managing challenging feelings, or if life seems overwhelming,” he stated.

“Depression symptoms likely won’t get better on their own and they may get worse or lead to other problems if untreated. Depressed teenagers may be at risk of suicide, even if signs and symptoms don’t appear to be severe,” he said.

Behavioural changes

• Tiredness and loss of energy.
• Insomnia or sleeping too much.
• Changes in appetite such as decreased appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain.
• Use of alcohol or drugs.
• Agitation or restlessness. Pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still, slowed thinking, speaking or body movements.

Causes

• Early childhood trauma.
• Hormonal changes.
• Inherited traits.

Symptoms

• Emotional changes
• Sadness (crying spells for no apparent reason).
• Irritability, frustration and sudden outburst.
• Loss of interest in normal activities.
• Conflict with family and friends.

Ludhiana, September 15
The Aam Aadmi Party, Ludhiana, has appealed to all residents to donate blankets and woollens for Jammu and Kashmir flood victims. Party’s spokesperson HS Phoolka said: “Floods have wrecked havoc on Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Our fellow countrymen in J&K need our help at this critical hour to tide over the calamity. I appeal to all Punjabis to come forward to stand with our distressed brothers and sisters in J&K and be part of the effort to support them in the hour of crisis. We appeal to the residents of Ludhiana to donate for the noble cause. The people of Ludhiana are known for their generosity.”

Ludhiana, September 15
Inclusive Education Volunteers, who haven’t received salaries from the last six months, announced to boycott the work.

According to leaders of Inclusive Education Volunteers, they were still going to schools to teach the students. But they have boycotted the ‘home-based education’ and other official work in protest.

Five years ago, they were deputed on a monthly salary of Rs 1,000 each which was later increased to Rs 4,500 per month.

Gurvinder Singh Budhewal, president Inclusive Education Volunteers, said, “We have been serving the nation by teaching special students. We have to search them from far flung areas and then take their classes. Sometimes, parents of such students do not take care of them but our volunteers are serving them for a better future. Still for our entire endeavour, the government pays us minimal salaries.”

“The volunteers have not received their salaries from the last six months. They don’t have money to visit far-flung areas to teach the students. We have written to the senior officials of the Education Department. And now, we have boycotted the home-based education and official work in protest,” said Gurdeep Singh, general secretary, Inclusive Education Volunteers. “We will not attend any camp organised by the department till the government releases the salaries,” he added. 

Ludhiana, September 15
The Parents’ Association protested outside New GMT Public School here today morning. Following which a meeting of office-bearers of the Parents Association, parents and management of the school was organised which failed to yield any result.

According to the information, the school management had rusticated two students Muskan and Harshita, both sisters, from the school for not depositing the fee from the last seven months. Manoj Kumar, father of the girls, alleged that the management asked the students to not come to the school on September 3.

According to Manoj Kumar, the school management did not send any advance notice to him so that he could make alternative arrangements for the admission of the girls.

Kumar said, “Now its fifth month of the academic session, which school will admit them? I have asked the school management to get my daughters admitted to any other school. There are around 400 students in the school, who haven’t deposited the fee. But the school management has targeted me only, because I have fought against the fee hike during the time of admissions.”

Manoj alleged that the school denied his daughters to sit in the house tests.

According to the school authorities, all other students have been submitting fee regularly and they haven’t denied students to sit in tests.

Jasbir Singh Thind, chairman of the school, said, “The students haven't deposited fee for the last seven months. So, we asked them to shift to another school if they were not able to afford the fee here. We are even ready to give them Rs 30,000 to get admission in any other school.”

While Ajay Sharma from Parents Association said, “The school management has been violating the norms of the CBSE. A meeting is fixed for tomorrow morning to sort out the issue.” 

Ludhiana, September 15
Students who have been shortlisted to prepare science models to represent the district in the National-Level Inspire Award Science Exhibition have still not received funds for the models prepared by them for the state-level expo. Five students from Ludhiana were selected for the national exhibition during the State-Level Inspire Award Science Exhibition held at Rayat and Bahra on September 11.

Ironically, the students, who participated in the District-Level Inspire Award Science Exhibition on August 29, have not received funds till date.

Every year, the Education Department gives Rs 5,000 to each group of students for preparing a science model for the national-level exhibition.

According to the education officials, this time, the department demanded online registration of models to be exhibited. The students submitted their details online, including bank account numbers.

The department officials informed the students that they would send funds in their bank accounts. But till now, no funds have been received by the students. They had made the models by arranging money from teachers or school managements.

As many as 511 students from the district participated in the District-Level Inspire Award Science Exhibition. In which, 37 were students were selected to represent the district in the state-level exhibition.

Varinder Kaur, science supervisor, said, “Earlier, the department decided to deposit the money in the bank accounts of students directly. But some of the students do not have bank accounts. So to adopt the uniformity in system, they decided to send the funds through cheque, as they used to send in past years. Due to this, the funds for models are delayed.”

“The senior officials of the department asked us to collect the cheques from the head office. We will distribute the money within one or two days,” she added.

The National-Level Inspire Award Science Exhibition will be held in October in New Delhi. 

Ludhiana, September 15
The Panjab Agricultural University was in a state of mess after the conclusion of Kisan Mela on Saturday. Heaps of garbage was seen dumped in grounds and roadside on the campus premises. Even after two days, the university authorities failed to remove the garbage.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, September 15
A large number of great personalities from the world of Punjabi literature paid homage to the great poet Piara Singh Sehrai at his native village Kila Hans, near here.

The function organised by the Piara Singh Sehrai Memorial Committee was presided over by Dr Tejwant Singh Maan. Meanwhile, former director, Bhasha Vibhag, Dr Bhagwant Singh presented a critical analysis of the works done by the progressive poet.

Speakers, including Bhagwant Singh, Dr Pritpal Kaur Chahal, Surinder Rampuri and Jaswant Jaffar highlighted various aspects of literature which differentiated Sehrai from his contemporaries including Safeer, Mohan Singh, Shiv Kumar Batalvi and Amrita Pritam. Speakers acknowledged that more than any other contemporary Punjabi poet Sehrai was preoccupied with what he said.

Beginning his literary career as an admirer of Gur Bakash Singh Preetlari, Sehrai later joined the Progressive Writers’ Movement and remained loyal to it for all his life. His preoccupation was social justice.

Sehrai highlighted inequality of opportunities and the exploitation of the have-nots in a tradition-bound society and he fought to bring social justice.

Through his writings Sehrai had challenged the rich and the privileged. He wrote: The rich and the exploiter must know if the establishment is on their side history is on ours.

Unlike his contemporaries, ‘Sehrai’ did not talk about the moon like face of his sweetheart or her cascading fragrant tresses. His concern was with the problems of his time, what one finds in the newspaper. Yet it made fascinating poetry. But those looking for intense, delicately beautiful and rarefied pieces of poetry will find plenty of them scattered about in ‘Sehrai’s’ verses.

Gurpreet Billa Ghudani, Dharminder Shahid, Pali Khadim, Venu Gopal Sharma, Dr Ravinder Kaur Kakra, Amar Singh Aluna, Bachan Singh Daud, Jagjit Guram, Harman Sufi Lehra, Simar Latala, Manjit Ghangas, Ram Nimana Bhikhi and Jatinder Hans dedicated their poems to the memory of Sehrai. 

Ludhiana, September 15
Larvae of dengue mosquito were found in 15 coolers at Punjab Mata Nagar. Following the directions of Dr Subash Batta, Civil Surgeon, and Dr Anil Verma, District Epidemiologist, Ludhiana, officials checked the coolers. Dr Verma said the MC was carrying out fogging in various parts of the city. He urged residents to keep doors and windows during fogging.

Ludhiana, September 15
The Punjab Bank Employees Federation (Ludhiana) today demonstrated outside the State Bank of Patiala zonal office.

The All-India Bank Employees Association has decided to launch a campaign and agitation programmes against the fast emerging attacks on the banking industry.

Naresh Gaur, secretary, Ludhiana unit, said attempts were being made by the Government and the Reserve Bank of India to push through banking reform measures in one way or the other.

Ludhiana, September 15
Rajat Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, today held a meeting with officials of various departments.

The DC asked the officials to redress residents’ grievances that they received through the Punjab Public Grievances redressal and Monitoring System (PGRAM). It is a portal for public grievances launched in 2010. Kanu Singh, Assistant Commissioner, Grievances, Ludhiana, said, “The residents send their complaints online.”— TNS

For improving the quality of education, the infrastructure of the government schools must be upgraded. To channelise the energy of children, the authorities concerned must come up with more number of playgrounds. Even the primary health centres need to be strengthened so as to benefit the poor.

Besides, stringent checks are required on the ever rising drug menace. More drug de-addiction centres need to be set up. Improving the local transport will certainly make the life of citizens more convenient. For improvement in the local bus services, GPS facility is required. With the availability of this service, specific time of the arrival of a bus can be ascertained at the bus stops. Frequent checks on the over speeding of vehicles and drunk driving will help decresing the number of accidents. Underpasses or railway over bridges will help curb the traffic chaos. Setting up of separate paths for cyclists will help make Ludhiana secure and green. Establishing more ITIs in the city will not only increase the job prospects for the city youths but also will provide skilled labour for the industry. Participation of our industrial houses, non-resident Indians (NRIs) and other philanthropic organisations will help making our city beautiful.

Dr Kirti Dua, Ludhiana

Khanna, September 15
Two persons were killed while four others were left injured after a canter collided with a jeep at Khanna.

The deceased have been identified as Bhola and Mintu of Ludhiana, while the injured were identified as Sunil Kumar, Ram Avtar and Jeep driver Vinod Kumar, all residents of Ludhiana, and Nusraj of Saharanpur of Uttar Pardesh.

The SHO, Sadar, Khanna, said Bhola, Mintu, Sunil Kumar and Ram were heading towards Chandigarh.

Due to a mechanical fault in their jeep and inability to find any mechanic shop early in the morning, they decided to halt at a point and wait for a mechanic shop to open. Meanwhile, a speedy canter coming from the opposite side hit their jeep. The impact was so strong that Bhola and Mintu were forced out of the jeep and the canter crushed them to death. The speeding canter then tumbled down in the nearby fields, leaving the driver injured.

The SHO said a case has been registered under Section 304-A of the IPC against the driver of the canter. — OC

Ludhiana, September 15
Fine batting by Punjab Ranji player Karan Goel and an equally valuable contribution by Sunny Pandey helped hosts Ludhiana to crawl their way to hoist a big score in the first innings against Chandigarh in the match of the Punjab Inter-District Cricket Tournament for the Katoch Shield being played at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.

Batting after winning the toss, Ludhiana were placed comfortably with score board reading 273 for the loss of five wickets after 90 overs. The highlight of first day’s play was superb batting by stylish left hander Karan Goel and a patient inning by Sunny Pandey.

Karan scored 129 runs off 185 balls with the help of 15 boundaries and five sixes while Sunny consumed 200 deliveries and made 85 runs laced with five hits over the ropes and two sixes.

The pair shared an invaluable partnership of 198 runs for the second wicket which paved the way for Ludhiana to post a mammoth total.

At draw of stumps, Ludhiana skipper, Geetansh Khera was at the crease with 27 runs against his name while Deepak Bansal was accompanying him, holding the forte with five runs.

For the visitors, Gurinder Singh was the most successful bowler, capturing three wickets for 72 runs in 24 overs. Anshul Tripathi got rid of one batsman after conceding 14 runs in 9 overs and VRV Singh too grabbed one wicket for 29 runs in eight overs.