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PPP leaders protest outside ACP office
Private clinics told to report all TB cases
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Pollution levels come down a little on this Diwali
Plan to install CCTV cameras to curb crime incidents still on paper
GNDU cuts down fee for professional courses
6 booked for kidnapping minor girl
Algae found in soft drink
Panther Division celebrates Infantry Day
Experts urge farmers to adopt seed treatment
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PPP leaders protest outside ACP office
Amritsar, October 27 They gave an eight-day ultimatum to the Police Department demanding strict action and immediate suspension of the ACP. Sukhdev Singh, father of the victim, alleged that police officials had called Gurjant Singh regarding a complaint submitted by a woman who had accused him of raping and defrauding her. He alleged that his son was being falsely framed by the woman and the ACP. Ram Sharan Palsour, senior vice president, PPP, said as per the eyewitnesses, who took him to the police station, the accused ACP banged Gurjant’s head against the wall after which he fell unconscious. He was admitted to a private hospital. Ram Sharan Palsour said no constitution gave any right to a police official to act in this manner. He said they would stand by the family till they
get justice. Palasour said the agitation would be intensified if the Police Department failed to take any action against the ACP. The ACP refuted the allegations of the family and said it was all being done to hamper the probe against the youth.
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Private clinics told to report all TB cases
Amritsar, October 27 The instructions are aimed at getting right data about the patients of TB in the district. The officials said as many of the patients prefer to get treatment from private physicians, the department fails to know the true number of TB patients. Private physicians, clinics and hospitals are, however, allowed to continue the medication. District TB Officer Dr Naresh Chawla said, “The instructions don’t debar private physicians from treating such patients. The idea is to have knowledge about each and every patient.” He said the exact number of patients would help in formulating appropriate plan and policies at the national level. The instructions were issued earlier too but they failed to get desired response from the private health sector, he added. Dr Naresh said action could be initiated if the physicians fail to inform the department about such patients. He said the government hospitals provide free TB medicine and counselling to the patients. “If cough persists longer than two weeks, the person must get his or her sputum tested at the nearby DOT centre,” said Chawla, adding that people should maintain proper hygiene.
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Pollution levels come down a little on this Diwali
Amritsar, October 27 However, the level of noise was comparatively higher, pointing towards the need for creating more public awareness. Data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) shows that levels of the respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM), sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and other particles in the air dropped a little this time. In order to check air pollution, the board monitored air pollution level from the morning of October 22 to the morning of October 25. The PPCB had set up three air quality monitoring systems at Bhandari Bridge (commercial area), Ranjit Avenue A-block (residential area) and ESI Hospital on Majitha road (sensitive area); and for noise pollution, the monitoring system was set up at the Golden Temple. The data revealed that the RSPM in residential areas was 355 microgram per cubic metre (mpcm) as against 345 mpcm in 2013 and 360 mpcm in 2012. Similarly, SO2 was 19 this Diwali, it was same during previous Diwali and 20
in 2012. NOx level was 40 this Diwali, less from 38 during last Diwali and 39 in 2012. In commercial areas of the city, RSPM was 353 mpcm this Diwali and 370 mpcm in 2013 and 358 mpcm in 2012. SO2 was 19 this Diwali while it was 20 in 2013 and 21 in 2012. NOx level was 42, down from previous 44 and 43 in 2012. In sensitive areas, RSPM was 363 mpcm as against 371 mpcm in 2013 and 390 mpcm in 2012. Similarly, SO2 was 21 this Diwali, 20 in 2013 and 23 in 2012. NOx level was 40 this Diwali, less from 41 last year and 43 in 2012. The PPCB specifically recorded noise pollution at the Golden Temple. It was found at 74 dB (A) this Diwali, a point up as compared to the last Diwali. It was found 12 dB more in comparison to a normal day. However, the noise level in residential areas on this Diwali was found a little less as compared to the previous Diwali. It was 65 dB this Diwali and 66 dB last Diwali. However, the noise level rose in sensitive areas to 66 dB from 63 dB during the last Diwali. In commercial areas, the noise level during this Diwali was found at 71 dB from 70 dB last Diwali. The change has come following anti-cracker awareness campaigns launched by NGOs, delay in allotting shops for selling crackers and awareness created by the media.
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CPS supports property dealers’ agitation
Amritsar, October 27 Dr Sidhu made a surprise visit and joined the dharna of the Punjab Majha Zone Property Dealers Association that is also backed by Congress leaders. She said everyone should unite irrespective of any political party and impress upon the government to issue the notification to regularise illegal colonies in the state. With no notification in sight, the NOCs are not being issued, as a result which, it’s not only the government who is bearing revenue losses but individuals too are unable to sell off their properties. Meanwhile, the strike today entered the second day. Punjab Majha Zone Property Dealers Association president Sanjeev Rampal reiterated that the hunger strike would continue as long as the government does not issue notification in this regard. Many Congress leaders, including OP Soni, district Congress Committee (Urban) president Rajiv Bhagat, DCC (Rural) president Gurjeet Singh Aujla, councillor Raj Kanwal Preet Snigh Lucky and others were present to support the property
dealers.
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Plan to install CCTV cameras to curb crime incidents still on paper
Amritsar, October 27 Going by the version of the police authorities, the state government is waiting for funds from the Central Government under the Modernisation of the Police Force Scheme. Nonetheless, in the absence of modern equipment, anti-social elements are having a free run in cases of snatching and vehicle lifting. The fact that the incidents of petty crimes are increasing at an alarming rate, the need for installation of such sophisticated gadgets is being felt by different localities. In the latest incident, Vandana, a resident of Shakti Nagar in the walled city, lost her jewellery worth lakhs of rupees, besides Rs 4,000 from outside her parents’ home in Bazaar Hasian Wala. She had gone to her parents for celebrating the Bhaiya Dooj festival. According to information, she was waiting for her son when two motorcycle-borne youths came from behind and took away her purse. She said one of the accused was wearing a helmet while the second youth had covered his face with a cloth. The project was first conceptualised around five years ago by the then Member of Parliament, Navjot Singh Sidhu while the Amritsar Improvement Trust was to provide the funds for it. The city police had also identified the important locations and cross sections where high power CCTV cameras were to be installed. The idea was to curb the rising crime graph by catching the miscreants soon after the incidents with the help of CCTV cameras. But the project continues to hang fire. Even the repeated announcement by the government could not move anything on the ground. Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal showed keen interest and made announcements for installing the CCTV cameras in two districts — Amritsar and Ludhiana. The state Finance Minister, Parminder Singh Dhindsa, had kept a provision in the annual budget to bring Amritsar and Ludhiana under the ‘Safe City’ project by installing modern sophisticated technology worth Rs 150 crore. It was also the part of 2013 budget. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) (Security) Dinkar Gupta said the department had prepared the detailed project report in this regard and a proposal had been sent to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for allocation of required funds under Modernisation of Police Force Scheme. “We are totally prepared. As soon as the government receives funds, the project would be started without any delay,” said Gupta.
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Better amritsar: inadequate footpaths—Ii Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service
Amritsar, October 27 Traffic management need of the hour
Traffic management is the need of the hour. This fact was forgotten before the construction of the elevated road, which still remains under-utilised. It seems that the administration has completely forgotten zebra lines and footpaths. Both are necessary to help pedestrians. Zebra lines have not be painted on the roads while the city lacks footpaths. Meanwhile, the footpaths available in the city have been encroached upon by shopkeepers and vendors. Similarly, attention has not been paid to the need of slip roads, resulting in traffic chaos. Pawandeep Sharma Encroachments to blame
Encroachments by shopkeepers and vendors, haphazard parking from Hall Gate to the Golden Temple and then to Sikandari Gate welcome the tourists. Despite the presence of traffic cops, roundabouts and traffic lights, the road remains choked with traffic. Wholesale shops of textile, foodgrains, spices and dry fruit are situated in the walled city. Many educational institutes and government offices are also situated on the road. Hence, heavy flow of automobiles is natural. Notably, more footpaths are required along the road to end the traffic chaos. Dr Parminder Singh Need to construct subways
The crossing of road at many spots on the circular road has become an uphill task. The situation is precarious at Chowk Shaheedan, Queen’s Road and other stretches declared one-way by the district administration. Similarly, there is no space for pedestrians on Bhandari Bridge. After identifying these points, the administration need to construct subways so that pedestrians could cross the road safely. There was a plan to install a foot overbridge near the Queen’s Road intersection but it was abandoned later. Costly inter-locking tiles are being laid on footpaths across the city but footpaths have been encroached upon by shopkeepers. Sanjay Joshi Violation of bylaws by commercial buildings
As per bylaws, all commercial buildings above 500 sq yards have to provide space for the parking of vehicles in basements. The site plans for all commercial buildings were approved after the checking the site of the sites. However, a majority of commercial buildings utilise these spaces for other purposes, forcing people to park their vehicles on the road. This hampers the free flow of traffic. Adding to the woes, makeshift shops and kiosks are swallowing the footpaths. Pedestrians have been forced to use the roads, which creates traffic chaos on the city roads. Prem Sagar
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Film on drug mafia to hit cinemas this Friday
Amritsar, October 27 Mandeep Benipal, director of the movie, said, “It’s a hard-hitting film with no frills and fancies incorporated into it to make it entertaining. It’s an action-packed drama that will keep the audience hooked to the last minute.” Actor-producer Kuljinder Sidhu and debuant Unnati Davar accompanied the director. The film stars Rahul Dev, Girja Shankar, Nasir Khan and Hardeep Gill. Penned by Kuljinder Singh Sidhu and Amardeep Singh Gill, Kuljinder said expectations would be high from the film. “We never thought Sadda Haq would be a success. We just wanted to make an honest attempt. Similarly, Yodha too is an honest attempt to show the ugly side of the drug trade in Punjab. The film is set in the border area of Punjab where the drug mafia rules the roost and everyone, including policemen are involved in this racket.” Mandeep said the story of the new movie is backed by a thorough research. “We conceived the idea of the film long before Sadda Haq and the research started immediately after the film’s release,” Mandeep said. Unnati Davara is a television face and fully excited about her debut. She has worked with national award winners Rituparna Sengupta and Ananya Chatterjee. She hails from Raipur and has won a number of titles on the ramp as a model. ‘Working with this team was a dream come true as I always heared about the immense growth of the Punjabi cinema in Mumbai. I hope my acting will appreciated,” said the young actor. The film will also be premiered in Wolverhampton, UK, and Kuljinder will visit the UK for its special screening. “The city council of Wolverhampton took the decision to screen the film and the London and Birmingham Council were equally interested in it. I am absolutely delighted,” Kuljinder said.
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Protesting medical students to boycott exams
Amritsar, October 27 “We have decided not to appear in the exams as the college has been derecognised by the Medical Council of India. Even if we take the exams, we would not get degree from a recognized college,” said a student. Meanwhile, the students are eagerly awaiting the next hearing of the officials of the MCI, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences and the Directorate, Research, before the Nation SC Commission on October 29. Earlier, the SC students of the college had filed a complaint with the National SC Commission after which its Vice-Chairman Raj Kumar Verka had summoned all officials concerned. The commission has instructed the officials to find a solution to the problem and submit the action taken report on October 29. The students said they would continue their protest till the government issued a notification in favour of their demand. Chintpurni Medical College, run by senior BJP leader Swaran Salaria, was earlier derecognised by the MCI. The students said that as per the MCI norms, in case a college was derecognised at a later stage, it is the duty of the state government to either take over the college or shift students to other colleges in the state. “The state government has not followed the rules as the college belongs to a senior leader of the BJP,” alleged the students.
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Inter-zonal youth festival begins at GND varsity
Amritsar, October 27 Dr Sawrajbir Singh IPS, IG, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), was the guest of honour. Dr Jagjit Kaur, Director, Youth Welfare, welcomed the chief guest and others. She gave details of the achievements of the Youth Welfare Department. Prof Brar encouraged the students to work hard to attain success in their lives. He said students should respect their parents, teachers and elders. Advocating unbiased judgment, he said that the credit of the achievements of the university went to the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers, principals and the Youth Welfare Department. Dr Sawrajbir Singh also presented his views on this occasion. Dr Jagjit Kaur honoured the chief guest and the guest of honour with mementos. The festival started with bhangra followed by a group song, costume exhibition, mime, mimicry, group shabad/bhajan, vaar singing, kavishri and fine arts. On October 28, competitions of one-act play, classical dance, folk instruments, folk song, geet/gazal, quiz preliminary, rangoli and phulkari will be organised. On October 29, competitions of one-act play, skit, group dance, classical instruments (non-percussion), classical vocal, group song (western), elocution, poetical symposium and debate will be organised. On the last day, competitions of gidha and western vocal solo, followed by a prize distribution function, will be organised. At the prize distribution function on the concluding day of the youth festival, Higher Education Minister Surjit Singh Rakhra will be the chief guest.
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GNDU cuts down fee for professional courses
Amritsar, October 27 This will be applicable to Guru Nanak Dev University Regional Campus Sathiala, and Regional Campus Fattu Dhinga, Sultanpur Lodhi for the students of the first semester of the academic session 2015-16 in technical courses such as MBA, MCA (five years), B Tech (civil), B Tech (mechenical), B Tech (ECE) and B Tech (CSE). This decision was taken during the meeting of the finance committee of the university, held here
today. Vice Chancellor Prof AS Brar presided over this meeting. The committee also approved Rs 20 lakh under UGC’s 12th plan to upgrade the University Health Centre. More facilities such as an emergency ward, ECG room, and staff room would be added, he said. Others present on the occasion included Dr Paramjit Singh, Dean, Academic Affairs, Dr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon and Registrar, Prof AJS Bhanwer among others.
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6 booked for kidnapping minor girl
Amritsar, October 27 A case under Sections 366-A and 363 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against them. Sawinder Singh, father of the victim, said the accused had forcibly bundled her teenage daughter into a car and ran away. He said the accused were his relatives. The police authorities said the accused were booked on the basis of suspicion raised by the complainant. The police said the girl and the car were yet to be traced and investigations were in progress.
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Algae found in soft drink
Amritsar, October 27 “It was like some jelly. I asked others to check the bottles before opening them,” said Arvind. Another friend Sukhchain Singh said, “While one of the bottles seems to have a dead insect, the other three had algae.” He said when they pointed this out to the shopkeepers, he offered to change the bottles. “Instead of getting new bottles, we have decided to report the matter to the local health authorities. All the four bottles, including the three sealed are in our possession. If a multinational company is not serious about quality control what can we expect from local brands,” said Navdeep Singh. District Health Officer Dr Shivkaran Singh Kahlon said they had not received any complaint. He said samples of the bottles would be sent to the food testing laboratory. He said strict action would be taken if the allegations were found
true. — TNS
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Panther Division celebrates Infantry Day
Amritsar, October 27 A two-minute silence was observed in reverence of all those valiant Infantrymen, who sacrificed their lives for the nation. It was on this day in 1947 that the 1st battalion of the Sikh regiment was airlifted to the besieged Kashmir valley to save the Srinagar airfield from falling into the hands of the enemy. As it was the first day of the first post-Independence operation launched by the Infantry, the day is observed as Infantry Day.
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Experts urge farmers to adopt seed treatment
Amritsar, October 27 Dr Parminder Kaur, a scientist, demonstrated seed treatment of wheat with Raxil to avoid seed-borne diseases. She distributed Raxil to 10 farmers of the each village. Dr Narinderpal Singh, another expert urged the farmers not to burn paddy straw. Dr Kirandeep Kaur advised the farmers to go for crop diversification. Dr Paramjit Singh DES (SM), in-charge of the Farm Advisory Service Scheme (FASS) under which the drive was held, advised to adopt new technology developed by PAU.
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