Chandigarh, July 16:

Punjab Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion and NRI Affairs Minister Sanjeev Arora informed that Punjab State has been awarded Gold in State category in the prestigious National One District One Product Awards 2024, which were announced on 14 July 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India recognising Punjab’s excellence and innovation in promoting district-specific products under the “One District One Product” initiative.

Furthermore, Sanjeev Arora highlighted that this remarkable achievement reflects the relentless efforts, dedication, and teamwork of the Department of Industries and Commerce.  A presentation showcasing the Best Practices of Punjab under the ODOP initiative was delivered by Kamal Kishor Yadav, Secretary, Department of Industries & Commerce, during the ODOP Awards 2024.  The presentation highlighted Punjab’s progressive and sustainable efforts in promoting district-based products and enabling ease of doing business. This award was received by Surabhi Malik IAS, Director Industries and Commerce, Punjab.

He added that this is a proud moment for Punjab, demonstrating how well-coordinated policy support and innovation can drive inclusive industrial growth. Key initiatives and outcomes of the Punjab include:- Green Stamp Paper Initiative, Quick approvals under Right to Business Act, 2020, Crop diversification through ODOP, Export achievements, Market promotion, Skill-building & innovation, Impressive growth.

Chandigarh:

In a landmark achievement under the aegis of ROTTO (North), the Command Hospital, Chandimandir, Panchkula , successfully conducted its first-ever live kidney transplant on July 15, 2025 , marking its official transition from a renowned Non-Transplant Organ Retrieval Centre (NTORC) to a budding Transplant Centre.

With guidance, leadership, and coordination provided by ROTTO (North) PGIMER, Command Hospital achieved this significant milestone shortly after being granted its license to perform live kidney transplants earlier this year. The hospital has demonstrated remarkable preparedness and dedication, having previously excelled as a Retrieval Centre and was even awarded as the Best NTORC during 2024 by National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO). .

The live donor transplant involved a 50-year-old female donor, Ms. Asha , wife of Late Karan Singh, who donated a kidney to 28-year-old Ms. Jyoti Bala . Both donor and recipient underwent successful surgery at Command Hospital, Chandimandir, further reinforcing the hospital’s readiness and infrastructure for transplant services.

Sharing his appreciation on the achievement, Dr. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER & Nodal Officer, ROTTO (North), stated: “This marks a proud moment for ROTTO North and Command Hospital alike. The transformation from a retrieval centre to a transplant-performing institution reflects the tireless commitment and coordinated efforts of the entire medical team. We are glad to see our vision of expanding transplant services across military and civilian sectors being realized with such precision and care.”

Dr. (Col) Anurag Garg, Transplant Coordinator & Palliative Physician, Command Hospital, Chandimandir , expressed his gratitude and optimism: “Receiving the license earlier this year and culminating with our first successful live kidney transplant has been both a challenge and a triumph. We deeply appreciate the continuous support from ROTTO North and look forward to further contributing to the national organ donation and transplantation movement.”

With this first successful transplant, Command Hospital Chandimandir has joined the growing network of centres in the northern region that are actively strengthening the transplantation ecosystem. This step will go a long way in enhancing accessibility and care for patients in need of organ transplants, particularly from the defense services.

Chandigarh, July 16:- Due to Re-erection work of MS 800mm i/d water supply pipe line on newly constructed truss bridge at cause way of Shastri Nagar, Manimajra, a shutdown has been allowed by the competent authority for two days i.e. 18.07.2025 to 19.07.2025. During the shutdown, the water supply to water works Sector 26 and water works Manimajra will remain closed. Due to above shutdown the water supply of whole area of Manimajra will be affected.  Accordingly, the schedule of water supply timing will be as under:

18.07.2025 (Friday)

Morning Supply:      05.00 A.M. to 08.00 A.M.               Water Supply at Normal Pressure

Evening:                    06.00 P.M. to 08.00 P.M.                 Water Supply at low Pressure

19.07.2025 (Saturday)

Morning Supply:                                                                  No Water Supply

Evening:                    06.00 P.M. to 08.00 P.M.                 Water Supply at low Pressure

The residents are hereby requested to bear with the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh.

Chandigarh, July 16:

In a move to enhance citizen experience through more efficient governance and service delivery, the Punjab Government is expanding its services network by adding 44 more Sewa Kendras across the state.

This expansion includes construction of 16 new Sewa Kendras, while, re-opening of 28 previously closed Kendras, informed Mr. Aman Arora, Minister of Good Governance and Information Technology, Punjab. Apart from this, counters at six Sewa Kendras are also being increased in the state.

Mr. Aman Arora, while chairing the 22nd meeting of the Punjab State e-Governance Society (PSeGS) Board of Governors at Punjab Bhawan here, on Wednesday, shared that around Rs. 4.10 Crore will be spent on constructing 16 new Sewa Kendras and Rs. 1.54 Crore for reopening 28 Sewa Kendras. This expansion aims to enhance e-governance and improve citizen services through Sewa Kendras, which provides over 500 government services to citizens in a convenient and transparent manner.

The Good Governance Minister has directed the department officials to upgrade Sewa Kendra infrastructure including improved waiting areas, seating, air conditioning, and other essential amenities to enhance public convenience. All these measures aim to boost citizen experience, increase Sewa Kendra accessibility and drive efficient governance by addressing growing service demands and help reduce overcrowding in some locations.

Mr. Aman Arora also asked the officials to conduct a comprehensive review of all existing Sewa Kendras, analysing their geographical distribution, footfall and distance from residential areas and developing a plan to increase the number of Sewa Kendras in under-served areas.

The meeting also reviewed the integration of Revenue and Transport departments services at Sewa Kendras, along with other ongoing projects. Notably, 30 Transport department services and 7 Revenue services are now available through Sewa Kendras. Mr. Aman Arora directed officials to further streamline processes for efficient operations.

Additional Chief Secretary Good Governance & Information Technology Mr. DK Tiwari, Secretary Revenue & Rehabilitation Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Secretary Health & Family Mr. Dilraj Singh Sandhawalia, Secretary Expenditure Mr. VN Zade, Director Good Governance & IT Mr. Amit Talwar, Special Secretary Local Government Mr. Parminderpal Singh, Special Secretary School Education Mr. Rajesh Dhiman, MD Punjab Infotech Mr. Rahul Chabba and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala), July 16:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday called upon the people to take a pledge to curb the depletion of groundwater and control environmental pollution.

Addressing a gathering during an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the cleaning of the holy Kali Bein, the Chief Minister said that although Punjab is known as the land of rivers, the state is currently facing a severe water crisis, making water conservation a major challenge. He highlighted that since assuming office, his government has revived 15,947 water channels across the state, enabling water to reach even the remotest villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that at the time he took charge, only 21% of canal water was being utilized for irrigation in Punjab.

However, the Chief Minister proudly shared that today, 63% of the canal water is being used for irrigation. He urged people to come forward and support the state government in transforming the campaign for water and environmental conservation into a mass movement. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized the need for active public participation and full cooperation in this noble cause.

Quoting from Gurbani, the Chief Minister said, “Pavan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat”, which explains how our revered Gurus equated air (pavan) with the teacher, water (paani) with the father, and land (dharat) with the mother. Sadly, he remarked, we have failed to honor the teachings of the Gurus by polluting all three. Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that the time has come to sincerely imbibe the essence of Gurbani to restore Punjab’s ecological and spiritual glory.

The Chief Minister expressed his fortune at having had the opportunity to pay obeisance at the sacred land graced by the footprints of the First Sikh Master, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He reminded the gathering that it was here that Guru Sahib first recited the Mool Mantar, giving it to all humanity. Guru Sahib spent nearly 14 years in this holy town, and it was a moment of great pride for me to participate in the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Kar Sewa (voluntary service) of the holy Kali Bein, added Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister said that the monumental effort to clean the 165-kilometer-long Kali Bein is recorded in golden letters in history. He said that this exemplary initiative has sent a powerful message to the world about the importance of preserving air and water. Bhagwant Singh Mann lauded Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal for beginning the Kar Sewa on July 16, 2000, at Gurdwara Shri Ber Sahib with an Ardaas (prayer).

The Chief Minister said it is a matter of pride that in 2022, Sant Seechewal Ji was nominated as a Rajya Sabha member from Punjab and continues to serve the people. He said that Baba Ji has been a relentless voice in Parliament advocating for the protection of water bodies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that tireless efforts of the state government and Baba ji are now focused on the cleaning of Buddha Dariya (formerly Buddha Nallah) adding he expressed hope that it will soon be restored to its pristine form.

The Chief Minister added that the Punjab Government is working on all fronts to protect the state’s water resources. He said that Development projects worth crores of rupees are currently underway to ensure the holistic development of Sultanpur Lodhi, the holy city associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that these projects would soon be completed.

The Chief Minister emphasized that commemorating the anniversary of the restoration of Kali Bein is not merely a symbolic or ceremonial event. Rather, he said that it is intended to raise public awareness about environmental conservation to ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann underlined that safeguarding the invaluable gifts of nature is a collective responsibility and urged everyone present to actively participate in a people’s movement for environmental protection.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to curbing sacrilege, the Chief Minister shared that on Monday, the government introduced the Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025 in the Vidhan Sabha. He said this sensitive and critical issue affects all Punjabis and has far-reaching implications for both current and future generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that stringent punishment is necessary to serve as a deterrent for those committing such heinous crimes.

The Chief Minister noted that Punjab is the sacred land of great Gurus, saints, and seers who preached love, harmony, and tolerance. However, he lamented that certain anti-Punjab forces have been trying to destroy this fabric of unity by orchestrating sacrilegious acts against holy scriptures since 2016. Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirmed his government’s unwavering resolve to ensure exemplary punishment for the culprits involved in such acts.

Highlighting key public welfare initiatives, the Chief Minister spoke about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna — the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment worth ₹10 lakh to every resident family of Punjab. He proudly noted that Punjab has become the first state in India to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage to every household. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will provide a huge relief to the general public by offering them quality healthcare services.

Addressing the issue of drug abuse, the Chief Minister said that the drug menace had long tarnished Punjab’s image. To counter this, he said that the state government adopted a multi-pronged approach: disrupting drug supply chains, arresting key offenders, rehabilitating victims, and seizing and destroying properties of drug smugglers. Bhagwant Singh Mann mentioned that the state has launched Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh (War Against Drugs), a campaign aimed at eradicating drugs adding that as part of this, village panchayats are passing resolutions to declare their villages drug-free.

On this occasion, Rajya Sabha MP Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal welcomed all the dignitaries present.

Chandigarh, July 16:

In a move to enhance citizen experience through more efficient governance and service delivery, the Punjab Government is expanding its services network by adding 44 more Sewa Kendras across the state.

This expansion includes construction of 16 new Sewa Kendras, while, re-opening of 28 previously closed Kendras, informed Mr. Aman Arora, Minister of Good Governance and Information Technology, Punjab. Apart from this, counters at six Sewa Kendras are also being increased in the state.

Mr. Aman Arora, while chairing the 22nd meeting of the Punjab State e-Governance Society (PSeGS) Board of Governors at Punjab Bhawan here, on Wednesday, shared that around Rs. 4.10 Crore will be spent on constructing 16 new Sewa Kendras and Rs. 1.54 Crore for reopening 28 Sewa Kendras. This expansion aims to enhance e-governance and improve citizen services through Sewa Kendras, which provides over 500 government services to citizens in a convenient and transparent manner.

The Good Governance Minister has directed the department officials to upgrade Sewa Kendra infrastructure including improved waiting areas, seating, air conditioning, and other essential amenities to enhance public convenience. All these measures aim to boost citizen experience, increase Sewa Kendra accessibility and drive efficient governance by addressing growing service demands and help reduce overcrowding in some locations.

Mr. Aman Arora also asked the officials to conduct a comprehensive review of all existing Sewa Kendras, analysing their geographical distribution, footfall and distance from residential areas and developing a plan to increase the number of Sewa Kendras in under-served areas.

The meeting also reviewed the integration of Revenue and Transport departments services at Sewa Kendras, along with other ongoing projects. Notably, 30 Transport department services and 7 Revenue services are now available through Sewa Kendras. Mr. Aman Arora directed officials to further streamline processes for efficient operations.

Additional Chief Secretary Good Governance & Information Technology Mr. DK Tiwari, Secretary Revenue & Rehabilitation Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Secretary Health & Family Mr. Dilraj Singh Sandhawalia, Secretary Expenditure Mr. VN Zade, Director Good Governance & IT Mr. Amit Talwar, Special Secretary Local Government Mr. Parminderpal Singh, Special Secretary School Education Mr. Rajesh Dhiman, MD Punjab Infotech Mr. Rahul Chabba and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, July 16, 2025

Taking a significant reform initiative, Panjab University today introduced SAMARTH supported Online Admission Portal for specific Post Graduate Courses of Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) at PU.

PU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Renu Vig, launched the portal, which is an endeavour by PU to provide a common platform for CDOE students across the nation—especially those from rural and remote areas—enabling them to establish a better connection with the University. The objective is to create more responsive, transparent, supportive, and accessible facilities for students irrespective of their physical location.

The portal to cater to the students has been developed by Panjab University in collaboration with the SAMARTH team in Delhi under the Union Ministry of Education.

This student-friendly portal marks a major step toward digital transformation in higher education, in line with the Government of India’s guidelines. With this launch, the admission process will become streamlined and fully online, enabling students to complete registration, document verification, fee calculations, and secure seat allocation through just a few clicks.

Students will simply have to sign in and upload all required credentials, and a unique ID will be generated. This ID will help students applying for distance learning admission to even generate their Deb IDs through this portal. The students applying for admission in any category will have their fees fully mapped and calculated. Fee submission can then be done through multiple payment options available on the portal.

Prof. Renu Vig appreciated the outcome “This is a major milestone for Panjab University and a big step in making education more accessible and efficient for the students. This is PU’s endeavour towards its commitment to student-centric services. Now, the admission process shall become even more transparent, faster, and hassle-free,” she added.

“This platform not only enhances ease of access for students across the country but also ensures secure handling of student data, automated eligibility verification, and real-time fee calculation as per PU guidelines,” informed PU Registrar, Prof. Y.P. Verma. This integration ensures minimal manual intervention, reducing errors and delays.

“This initiative aligns with the Digital India mission and reflects Panjab University’s commitment to embracing innovation and technology in education,” said Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, Director, Research and Development Cell.

Dean College Development Council Dr. Ravi Inder Singh, Director, Computer Centre, Prof. Sonal Chawla, Chairperson CDOE Prof. Harsh Gandhar, and many other senior members of PU Administration were present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, July 16

Underscoring a truly unique and historic achievement of the recent Punjab Vidhan Sabha session, wherein all acts, bills, and resolutions presented by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government were passed unanimously, Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday attributed this remarkable consensus to the Aam Admi Party (AAP) government’s unwavering focus on the welfare and progress of the state’s populace.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema remarked that in his two terms in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, he had never before witnessed such complete unanimity on all legislative matters. He said that this signalled the meticulously planned and honest approach of the AAP government in guiding Punjab towards new heights of development.

Finance Minister Cheema elaborated that the assembly session was proactively extended by two days on its very first day, facilitating thorough discussions on crucial bills and allowing for meaningful contributions from the opposition. He specifically mentioned “The Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025,” which, following an extended discussion, was unanimously referred to a select committee. He said that this bill reflected the commitment of the state government to crafting a robust law that will unequivocally safeguard all religious scriptures from any form of desecration.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema further noted the unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal on the second day of the session, which strongly opposed the deployment of CISF personnel in BBMB establishments. He pointed out that while the Congress party had given its consent for CISF security to BBMB in 2021, the move was supposed to be a conspiracy against Punjab orchestrated by the BJP governments at the Centre and in Haryana, with the Congress party’s involvement. Finance Minister Cheema emphasised that over 70 years, the stringent security provided by the Punjab Police has never been compromised by a single incident. He commended the Congress party for rectifying its previous stance by supporting the AAP government’s resolution, which subsequently passed with full consensus.

He said that the “Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur Bill-2025” and the “C.G.C. University, Mohali Bill, 2025”, aimed at strengthening the state’s educational framework, also received unanimous consent from the opposition.

Highlighting “The Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Bill 2025” which was also passed unanimously, Finance  Minister Cheema said that this act, amended for the first time since 1958, provides substantial relief to Punjab’s shopkeepers, particularly small businesses, by ending the long-standing issue of ‘inspector raj’ that often led to harassment. “Additionally, “The Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Bill, 2025,” was introduced, with amendments designed keeping both the employers’ operational ease and workers’ welfare in mind, a sentiment that resonated across all parties, leading to its unanimous passage”, said Cheema.

The assembly also unanimously passed the “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025,” which specifically permits bullock cart races at Kila Raipur, thereby protecting and promoting Punjab’s rich cultural heritage. From his own department, Minister Cheema mentioned the introduction and unanimous passage of two bills, including “The Punjab State Development Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025,” which introduces a Rs. 200 discount for those opting for a lump-sum annual payment, and the “Punjab Appropriation (Repeal) Bill, 2025” aimed at repealing numerous outdated bills from 1985 onwards.

Concluding his address, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema underscored the extensive and constructive discussion held on the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, where all parties unanimously pledged their cooperation in eradicating the drug menace from Punjab.

CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB

Take Pledge for Preservation of Water and Environment: CM Gives Clarion Call to People

Participates in Function to Commemorate 25th Anniversary of Cleaning of Holy Kali Bein

Lists Several Pro-People Initiatives of the State Government

Lauds Baba Seechewal for vehemently raising the issue of water conservation in Parliament

Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala), July 16:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday called upon the people to take a pledge to curb the depletion of groundwater and control environmental pollution.

Addressing a gathering during an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the cleaning of the holy Kali Bein, the Chief Minister said that although Punjab is known as the land of rivers, the state is currently facing a severe water crisis, making water conservation a major challenge. He highlighted that since assuming office, his government has revived 15,947 water channels across the state, enabling water to reach even the remotest villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that at the time he took charge, only 21% of canal water was being utilized for irrigation in Punjab.

However, the Chief Minister proudly shared that today, 63% of the canal water is being used for irrigation. He urged people to come forward and support the state government in transforming the campaign for water and environmental conservation into a mass movement. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized the need for active public participation and full cooperation in this noble cause.

Quoting from Gurbani, the Chief Minister said, “Pavan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat”, which explains how our revered Gurus equated air (pavan) with the teacher, water (paani) with the father, and land (dharat) with the mother. Sadly, he remarked, we have failed to honor the teachings of the Gurus by polluting all three. Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that the time has come to sincerely imbibe the essence of Gurbani to restore Punjab’s ecological and spiritual glory.

The Chief Minister expressed his fortune at having had the opportunity to pay obeisance at the sacred land graced by the footprints of the First Sikh Master, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He reminded the gathering that it was here that Guru Sahib first recited the Mool Mantar, giving it to all humanity. Guru Sahib spent nearly 14 years in this holy town, and it was a moment of great pride for me to participate in the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Kar Sewa (voluntary service) of the holy Kali Bein, added Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister said that the monumental effort to clean the 165-kilometer-long Kali Bein is recorded in golden letters in history. He said that this exemplary initiative has sent a powerful message to the world about the importance of preserving air and water. Bhagwant Singh Mann lauded Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal for beginning the Kar Sewa on July 16, 2000, at Gurdwara Shri Ber Sahib with an Ardaas (prayer).

The Chief Minister said it is a matter of pride that in 2022, Sant Seechewal Ji was nominated as a Rajya Sabha member from Punjab and continues to serve the people. He said that Baba Ji has been a relentless voice in Parliament advocating for the protection of water bodies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that tireless efforts of the state government and Baba ji are now focused on the cleaning of Buddha Dariya (formerly Buddha Nallah) adding he expressed hope that it will soon be restored to its pristine form.

The Chief Minister added that the Punjab Government is working on all fronts to protect the state’s water resources. He said that Development projects worth crores of rupees are currently underway to ensure the holistic development of Sultanpur Lodhi, the holy city associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that these projects would soon be completed.

The Chief Minister emphasized that commemorating the anniversary of the restoration of Kali Bein is not merely a symbolic or ceremonial event. Rather, he said that it is intended to raise public awareness about environmental conservation to ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann underlined that safeguarding the invaluable gifts of nature is a collective responsibility and urged everyone present to actively participate in a people’s movement for environmental protection.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to curbing sacrilege, the Chief Minister shared that on Monday, the government introduced the Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025 in the Vidhan Sabha. He said this sensitive and critical issue affects all Punjabis and has far-reaching implications for both current and future generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that stringent punishment is necessary to serve as a deterrent for those committing such heinous crimes.

The Chief Minister noted that Punjab is the sacred land of great Gurus, saints, and seers who preached love, harmony, and tolerance. However, he lamented that certain anti-Punjab forces have been trying to destroy this fabric of unity by orchestrating sacrilegious acts against holy scriptures since 2016. Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirmed his government’s unwavering resolve to ensure exemplary punishment for the culprits involved in such acts.

Highlighting key public welfare initiatives, the Chief Minister spoke about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna — the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment worth ₹10 lakh to every resident family of Punjab. He proudly noted that Punjab has become the first state in India to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage to every household. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will provide a huge relief to the general public by offering them quality healthcare services.

Addressing the issue of drug abuse, the Chief Minister said that the drug menace had long tarnished Punjab’s image. To counter this, he said that the state government adopted a multi-pronged approach: disrupting drug supply chains, arresting key offenders, rehabilitating victims, and seizing and destroying properties of drug smugglers. Bhagwant Singh Mann mentioned that the state has launched Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh (War Against Drugs), a campaign aimed at eradicating drugs adding that as part of this, village panchayats are passing resolutions to declare their villages drug-free.

On this occasion, Rajya Sabha MP Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal welcomed all the dignitaries present.

Chandigarh:

The General Secretary of
All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and MP from Sirsa Kumari Selja said that due to the negligence of the Haryana government and officials of the Public Health and Engineering Department, flood-like situations have arisen in almost all cities of the state including Sirsa during the very first monsoon rains. In many areas of the city, water has accumulated up to knee level, causing great hardship to the people. This situation has exposed corruption and negligence in the Amrut Yojana and Smart City projects, and the BJP government’s hollow development model has been washed away by the rains. Roads have developed potholes, colonies have turned into lakes, making daily life extremely difficult for common people.

In a statement released to the media, Kumari Selja said that the rains have revealed the truth about the BJP government’s so-called development works in Haryana. In a city like Sirsa, the government had constructed drainage projects costing approximately Rs. 38.76 crores under the AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme, but the reality is that after the first rain itself, potholes have appeared on roads, colonies have turned into lakes, and the common people’s lives have become difficult. Pipelines in Sirsa city have been laid multiple times, but due to technical faults, poor construction, and bad design, the same waterlogging repeats every year. Despite spending crores of rupees, the Sirsa Municipal Council has not established any permanent drainage system. Similar situations are seen in cities like Gurugram, Faridabad, Karnal, Hisar, Rohtak, and Panipat, where Smart City projects worth crores are only on paper, and conditions on the ground remain unchanged. Will the Chief Minister and Urban Local Bodies Minister explain to the public why independent audits of the work done under AMRUT and Smart City schemes have not been conducted? How many contractors and officials have been held accountable?

Kumari Selja asked if the BJP government would answer why, despite spending huge budgets, the development is not visible on the ground? Why do people face waterlogging, potholes, and traffic jams every time it rains? The people of Haryana want to know for whom the BJP government’s development model is designed for common citizens or for contractors and corrupt systems?
Under the AMRUT project, pipelines worth about Rs. 38.76 crores are being laid. The project includes laying pipelines from Bal Bhavan to Hisar Road, which will further go to Rangoee Nala on Hisar Road. In the second phase, rainwater from Valmiki Chowk via B Block to Anaj Mandi and Dabwali Road will be drained into the Ghaggar river. Kumari Selja said that both projects are incomplete because they have not been connected to the water discharge points. Kumari Selja said that the administration and government only have projects to show the public, but everything on the ground is half done. Despite spending so much money, the municipal council has not been able to free the city from waterlogging.

MP Kumari Selja said that officials of NSAI have never paid attention to cleaning drains on National Highway-9, even though cleaning drains before the rains is essential. Officials have only shown drain cleaning on paper, but nothing has been done in reality. This is why waterlogging occurs on NH-9 during rains. NH-9 passes between villages Odhan and this rain caused two feet of waterlogging on the NH, causing major inconvenience. Vehicle drivers had to take alternate routes to travel to Sirsa and Dabwali. Officials are busy filling papers in their offices, and NH-9 is damaged in many places, but no repairs are being done.