Chandigarh, July 15 – Public Health Engineering and Public Works Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said the Haryana government is working on a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption and will not tolerate it at any cost.

Speaking to media persons at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Sh Gangwa emphasized that the government’s primary goal is to ensure citizens receive quality basic services. Referring to the 42 officials and employees of the Public Health Department in Rohtak who have been charge-sheeted, he said these actions were taken in connection with irregularities in civil construction works.

“I am closely monitoring both departments,” said the Minister. “All officers have been directed to resolve public grievances on priority and within fixed timelines.”

Responding to questions about drainage arrangements during the monsoon, the Cabinet Minister stated that robust systems have been put in place, including the deployment of additional pump sets. Department officials have also been instructed to take immediate action if public complaints arise regarding waterlogging or drainage issues.

Road Repair Work Completed Across Haryana

The Minister stated that the PWD maintains a total of 30,664 kilometers of road network across the state. As per the target set till June 15, potholes across the entire stretch have been filled. Of these, 14,000 kilometers fell under the DLP (Defect Liability Period), and necessary patchwork was completed.

“Wherever negligence by contractors was observed, strict action has been taken, and erring agencies have been blacklisted,” he added.

In addition, there were about 5,000 kilometers of roads that were severely damaged and beyond patchwork. These stretches are now being taken up for complete reconstruction as part of the next phase.

Present Government Has Honored OBC Communities

Discussing the recent state-level celebrations of Maharaja Guru Daksh Prajapati Jayanti held in Bhiwani, Sh. Gangwa said that Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini made several important announcements for the Prajapati community. These include the upcoming appointment of the Chairman of the Haryana Mitti Kala Board and a major initiative to make Panchayati land—with specific Khasra numbers—available in 2,000 villages within 15 days for employment generation.

He called the event historic, noting the widespread participation of people from across the state. “The Prajapati community is a hardworking, most-backward community that suffered injustice under previous governments. However, the BJP government has not only restored their respect but also worked with all communities for inclusive development,” he said.

Punjab Government Misleading Public on SYL Issue

While responding to the question regarding the SYL canal issue, Sh. Gangwa strongly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government. “The SYL project is of immense importance to Haryana, especially its southern region,” he said.

He accused the Punjab government and its Chief Minister of misleading the public and avoiding responsibility. “Instead of deflecting the issue, the Punjab government must honor the Supreme Court’s order in accordance with the law,” he added.

Chandigarh:

Reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy against public littering, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh (MCC) has issued a challan to a littering violator in Sector 23, after identifying him through CCTV footage shared by alert local residents.

The incident came to light when residents submitted video evidence showing an individual discarding waste irresponsibly in a public area. Acting swiftly, the MCC traced the scooter registration number visible in the footage, identified the offender, and issued a challan under the Solid Waste Management (MSW) Rules. The violator was also served a strict warning against any future violations.

MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, said that this action should serve as a strong message that littering in public spaces will not be tolerated. Citizen cooperation is key, and the Municipal Corporation encourage more residents to come forward with such evidence.

The Commissioner has appealed to citizens to report such violations via WhatsApp No. 9915762917 by sharing images or video clips of littering acts along with location details. These reports will be verified, and necessary action will be taken in accordance with MSW rules.

He said that the Corporation reiterated its commitment to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene across the city and thanked the residents of Sector 23 for their proactive role in keeping Chandigarh clean. The public is reminded that littering is a punishable offense and strict action will follow any violations reported with credible evidence, he said.

Chandigarh July 15: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has accorded administrative approval amounting to Rs. 41.30 crore for the remodeling of the Badhwana Distributary in Charkhi Dadri district.

The rehabilitation project which is likely to be completed by December 31, 2026 aims to enhance irrigation facilities, ensure adequate pond filling, and improve the availability of drinking water for farmers and other beneficiaries. As part of the proposal, the distributary’s discharge capacity will be increased to 235 cusecs to meet future irrigation demands.

        While sharing this information today, an official spokesperson stated that the Badhwana Distributary is an irrigation canal located in the Charkhi Dadri district. It forms a part of the larger Loharu Canal system.

*Distributary provides irrigation and drinking water to Badhwana and surrounding areas*

        He said that the distributory serves the villages Imlota, Kanheti, Morwala, Sarupgarh, Sator, Bhagvi, Samaspur, Dhani Phogat, Tikan Kalan, Ghasola, Kaliyana, Mandola, Kalali, Balali, Dudhwa of Badhwana and surrounding areas by providing water for both irrigation and drinking purposes. This channel was constructed during 1971-72 with design capacity of 176 cusecs. It is offtake at RD 42400-L of the Lohara Feeder and caters to the sandy regions of Charkhi Dadri and Badhra constituencies.

*Badhwana distributary plays a major role in irrigating agricultural land through offtake Channels at various RDs*

        The spokesman said that the Badhwana Distributary plays a major role in irrigating the agricultural land through its offtake channels from various RDs. These channels include Badhwana distributory benefitting villages namely Imlota, Sarupgrah-Santor, Kanheti, Gothra, Adampura, Kheri Bura, Kalali, Balali, Bhagvi, Samaspur, Dhani Phogat, Dadri, Kapoori, Ghasola, Mandoli and Kaliyana, Kheri Bura Minor benefitting villages Kaliyana, Bharvi, Kheribura, Gahsola and Dadri, Dabri Sub Minor villages Dadri, Bharvi, Ghasola and Charkhi, Kheri Sanwal Minor villages Kherisanwal, Balkara, Ramnagar, Tikankalan, and Mehrana, 1-R Minor villages Kaliyana, Bharvi and Kheribura, Gothra Minor villages Mandola, Mandoli, Balkara, Mori, Gothra, Kheri Sanwal and Mehrana, Ram Nagar Sub Minor villages Mandoli, Ghasola and Ramnagar, Makrana Sub Minor villages Balkara, Makrana and Makrani, Dadhi Chillar Sub Minor villages Balkara, Dadhi Chillar and Mandola, Gohthra Sub Minor  villages Tikankhurd and Mori and Dhudhwa Minor villages Dadhibana Balali, Jhojhu Kalan and Changrod.

 *14 Water Works Tanks connected to Badhwana Distributary provide potable water to residents of several villages*

        He further said that 14 Water Works Tanks are also connected through Badhwana Distributory for providing potable water to habitant in several villages including Kanehti, Sarupgarh, Bahgvi, Kaliyawas, Sehlanga, Samaspur, Dhani Phogat, Gothra, Mori, Kapoori, Kheri Sanwal, Ghasola, Kaliyana and Kalali.

 *14 village ponds connected to this distributary benefiting various villages*

        The spokesmans said additionally, in-order to improve the depleting level of ground water and provide adequate potable water for drinking purpose for birds and cattle, 14 village ponds are also connected with this Distributary benefitting various villages including Bhagvi, Samaspur, Dhani Phogat, Tikan Kalan, Kaliali, Kaliyana, Adampur Dadhi and Balali. 

Chandigarh, July 15:

Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh on Tuesday announced in the Vidhan Sabha that the state government will bring together various departments and experts on to formulate a comprehensive strategy to address the stray animal menace in Punjab. 

The Minister informed the House that the Local Government Department will lead the coordination efforts among all concerned departments and stakeholders to devise an effective action plan. He reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the issue, recalling that the Chief Minister had already assured prompt action during the debate on the Amendment Bill of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Dr. Ravjot Singh highlighted that the department has already implemented “The Punjab Compensation to Victims of Animal Attacks and Accidents Policy, 2023″ under which financial relief is provided to families of deceased or those suffering permanent disability due to stray animal attacks. The compensation is disbursed by a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner of the respective district. 

Acknowledging the severity of the issue, the Minister stated that the number of stray animals has increased significantly, often leading to road accidents and public inconvenience. He informed that 1.4 lakh stray animals as per the 20th Livestock Census (21st Census data pending release). He said that over 2 lakh stray animals currently housed in 518 registered Gaushalas. He informed that 77 cattle sheds constructed by the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department across 20 government cattle pounds.  10 additional cow shelters being managed by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Dr. Ravjot Singh said that Urban Local Bodies regularly secure stray animals and shift them to government/private gaushalas. He said that Financial assistance is provided to gaushalas based on availability of Cow Cess funds and ULBs’ resources. Continuous directives are being issued to ULBs to take special measures to control the stray animal population, he added. 

The Cabinet Minister said that the government is committed to multi-pronged approach involving experts, animal welfare organizations and administrative departments to ensure a sustainable solution to the stray animal challenge.

Chandigarh, July 15:

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barindar Kumar Goyal, while responding to a call attention motion, informed that the proposal to widen the Ghaggar river near village Tiwana in the Dera Bassi and strengthen its embankment is under consideration.

Responding to the call attention motion presented in the Vidhan Sabha by MLA Dera Bassi S. Kuljit Singh Randhawa, the Water Resources Minister said that due to heavy rainfall in 2023, the water level in the Ghaggar at Village Tiwana had risen significantly. Consequently, floodwater from the Ghaggar River inundated the cultivable land on the left bank and erosion caused the ground level to drop by approximately 8 to 10 feet. Subsequently, the department installed stone revetment and studs along a 2500-foot stretch to protect the cultivable land from erosion. To support this revetment, an embankment was constructed behind it by filling it with soil. He informed that the department spent Rs.5.06 crores on this project.

Sh. Goyal revealed that heavy rainfall in the Ghaggar’s catchment area on June 29, 2025 caused the river’s water level to surge suddenly, but the stone revetment remained completely intact. However, the soil embankment behind the revetment suffered some erosion in certain areas. The department immediately took action and completed the embankment repairs. This restoration work was carried out entirely at the department level. He mentioned that on July 8, 2025, substantial water flow occurred again in the Ghaggar River, but it passed through without causing any damage to the embankment.

The Cabinet Minister reiterated that the proposal is also under consideration to widen the Ghaggar River on the right side near Village Tiwana and utilize the excavated soil to broaden and strengthen the left bank. He indicated that according to the proposal, this work will be undertaken immediately by the department at an estimated cost of around Rs.11 lakh.

Chandigarh, July 15:

On a motion moved by Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha expressed deep sorrow over the death of eminent Punjabi Sikh runner Fauja Singh and paid tribute to him.

Dr. Ravjot Singh expressed grief over the demise of 114-year-old Fauja Singh in a road accident. He said that he was the world’s oldest runner who had brought glory to the Sikh community worldwide through marathon races.

The Minister said that Fauja Singh Ji will always remain in our memories. He prayed to God to grant the departed soul a place at His feet and to give the family the strength to bear the loss.

It is worth mentioning that yesterday, in a road accident, S. Fauja Singh died. He was walking outside his house when a car hit him.

Chandigarh, July 15

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday brought to the attention of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha the Justice Gurnam Singh Commission Report on the tragic incidents of the year 1986, a copy of which is in the Vidhan Sabha, but whose action taken part has mysteriously disappeared. He urged the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Kultar Singh Sandhwan, to form a committee to locate this crucial report. The Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker announces the formation of a committee to find out the missing report.

Addressing the Punjab Assembly during discussions on the Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema this missing part of Justice Gurnam Singh Commission’s report will enable the people of Punjab to ascertain the truth behind the 1986 incidents, understanding the actions of those involved at that time, and see the reality of their descendants’ current actions.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema mentioned the historical events to underscore the importance of the proposed legislation and the need for accountability. He stated that historically, whenever the Shiromani Akali Dal led government or a religiously aligned government came to power in Punjab, there were attempts, either directly or through conspirators, to desecrate the Guru Granth Sahib, aiming to destabilise the state. He cited the tragic incident of February 2, 1986, during a Shiromani Akali Dal tenure, when five sacred Birs were set ablaze at Gurdwara Sahib Guru Arjan Dev ji in Nakodar. He further recounted the events of February 4, 1986, when four youths – Ravinder Singh Littran, Baldhir Singh Ramgarh, Jhirmal Singh Gursiana, and Harminder Singh, were shot dead while peacefully protesting, mirroring the peaceful demonstrations seen at Bargari.

The Finance Minister pointed out that during these incidents, the state was governed by the Shiromani Akali Dal, with Surjit Singh Barnala as Chief Minister, Captain Kanwaljit Singh as Home Minister, and Sukhjinder Singh Khaira, father of current Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, as Education Minister. He expressed regret that not a single action or First Information Report (FIR) was filed by the then government.

Chandigarh, July 15:

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government took a historic step to safeguard religious sentiments by bringing the Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025 against sacrilege, while lambasting the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress regime for their inaction in sacrilege cases.

During the discussion on the Bill in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday, Mr. Aman Arora underlined the failure of previous governments, including the Akali-BJP and Congress regimes, to deliver justice in sacrilege cases, particularly the 2015 Bargari, Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan incidents, which involved the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Highlighting the hypocrisy of Congress party, Mr. Aman Arora stated that despite constitution of multiple Special Investigation Teams (SITs) and commissions by previous regimes, none had named the Badals as accused in sacrilege cases. However, after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to power in Punjab, a thorough investigation was initiated. A SIT led by ADGP LK Yadav submitted a comprehensive challan of over 7,000 pages, naming former Chief Minister Late Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir Singh Badal, former DGP Sumedh Singh Saini, and others as accused. The case is currently pending in the Court of Faridkot Additional Sessions Judge.

The Badals, who claim to be guardians of Sikh faith, did nothing when Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s sanctity was violated. Even SAD government sent a weak bill to the Centre in 2016, which was rejected because it only protected one scripture. Now, they have the audacity to question our government’s sincerity, said Mr. Arora. 

He pointed out that previous governments failed to take action against the main culprits in sacrilege cases, with investigations being delayed or stalled. In contrast, the AAP government has taken a decisive approach, filing chargesheets in all cases and naming individuals, including the Badals , as accused based on investigation findings.

Highlighting the key provisions of the Bill, Mr. Aman Arora stated that it prescribes stringent punishments for sacrilege, including 10 years to life imprisonment. The bill, drafted after extensive consultations, defines desecration broadly to include acts such as tampering, burning, tearing, destruction, and defiling of sacred texts, encompassing scriptures like Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Gutka Sahib, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Quran Sharif, and Holy Bible, among others. Notably, the bill makes desecration a non-bailable and non-compoundable offense, punishable with a minimum sentence of 10 years and a fine ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. A key aspect of the bill is its inclusive nature, covering all religions and emphasising equal respect for all holy scriptures.

He said that the bill also ensures speedy investigation by a DSP or above rank officer, and mandates respectful handling of evidence, prohibiting any disrespect to religious remains. This provision underscores the importance of dignity and reverence in the handling of sacred texts, while ensuring swift justice in sacrilege incidents.

Urging all political parties to support the bill, Mr. Aman Arora emphasised that the AAP-led state government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Punjab’s spiritual and social fabric, ensuring that no one would be allowed to exploit faith for political gain.

“We will not let Punjab’s religious harmony be destroyed again. This time, justice will prevail,” Mr. Arora affirmed.

Chandigarh, July 15:

Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond today launched a scathing attack on previous governments during a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, accusing them of promoting drug abuse and protecting drug traffickers in the state.

Participating in a discussion on the issue of drugs, Sond alleged that both the Akali-BJP alliance and the Congress governments had actively supported drug peddlers, resulting in widespread addiction among the state’s youth. He read out excerpts from media reports highlighting the busting of an illicit liquor factory in Khanna and the arrest of a notorious drug dealer, Gurdeep Rano, from the Payal constituency, presenting them as concrete evidence of past governments’ complicity.

“Before 2007, synthetic drugs were unheard of in Punjab. But thereafter, substances like ‘chitta’ infiltrated and devastated an entire generation,” Sond remarked. “One former Chief Minister even took a false oath to eliminate drugs but did absolutely nothing to act on it,” he added.

Sond said that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, the government has launched a full-scale ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ which is yielding positive results. “We have dismantled the networks of drug traffickers, many of whom are now fleeing the state,” he asserted.

He informed the House that under this campaign, anti-drug camps have been organized in nearly 7,000 villages, where thousands have taken pledges to quit drugs. Over 4,500 villages have already declared themselves drug-free, and the campaign will now expand into urban wards with awareness camps to reach every corner of the state.

To safeguard the future of the youth and keep them engaged in healthy activities, Sond announced that the government will dedicate over 3,000 new sports grounds to the public within the next six months. “Each of Punjab’s 117 assembly constituencies will have a model sports complex to ensure boys and girls have access to safe recreational spaces,” he said. “These grounds will also be open for citizens for morning and evening walks.”

Sond concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to transforming the state into a ‘Rangla Punjab’, stating that all MLAs, ministers, and volunteers of the Mann government and AAP are working tirelessly, and the day is not far when Punjab will be completely drugs free.

CHANDIGARH/BATALA, July 15:

          In a significant breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has successfully foiled a targeted killing plot with the arrest of five operatives linked to the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, being operated USA-based Husandeep Singh, and recovered two weapons— PX5 pistol and .32 bore pistol— from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

          The intelligence-led operation was jointly conducted by Counter Intelligence Punjab and district police of Amritsar Rural and Batala.

          Those arrested have been identified as Lovepreet Singh, Sikandar Kumar alias Gola and Onkarpreet alias Jashan, trio resident of village Shahabad in Batala; Gagandeep alias Giani, a resident of Gandhi Camp in Batala and Mehakpreet Singh, a resident of Amritsar.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that preliminary investigations revealed incarcerated gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria— currently lodged in Silchar Jail (Assam)— had hatched a conspiracy to carry out a target killing of an alleged rival gang member to avenge the recent murder of his mother, an incident that has further intensified the turf war between rival criminal factions.

          The DGP said that Jaggu Bhagwanpuria had been conspiring to execute this target killing through his USA-based associate Husandeep Singh, who collaborated with ground handlers including Lovepreet Singh to mobilize shooters and execute the plan. Further investigations are underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he added.

          The first breakthrough came when Amritsar Rural Police led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh apprehended an individual identified as Mehakpreet Singh. On being interrogated, the latter disclosed that one Sikandar Kumar alias Gola, son of Sutresh Kumar, resident of Village Shahabad, PS Rangar Nangal, Batala, had crucial information about the shooters and the execution plan.

          Sharing operational details, SSP Batala Suhail Qasim Mir said that acting swiftly on this information, Batala Police traced Sikandar Kumar and apprehended him along with his aide, Onkarpreet alias Jashan. Further interrogation led to the arrest of another associate, Gagandeep alias Giani, he said.

          He said that during sustained questioning, accused Sikandar Kumar revealed that he was being handled by one Lovepreet Singh— a key coordinator in this plot—, who was eventually apprehended by Batala Police in a separate operation.

          The SSP said that accused Lovepreet disclosed that the entire plan was being orchestrated by Jaggu’s close associate Husandeep Singh remotely from USA. The objective of the plot was to eliminate an alleged rival gang member, he added.

          A case FIR No. 80/2025 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act and sections 61(2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Rangar Nangal in Batala.