Chandigarh, July 3 — The use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets has been made mandatory in brick kilns located in Haryana’s non-NCR districts. Following recent orders from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has issued a letter to concerned districts for immediate action. The use of biomass fuel was already mandatory in the NCR region. Now, to further reduce pollution caused by straw burning, all brick kilns across Haryana, including those in non-NCR areas, must start using biomass pellets made from paddy straw.

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Sh. Rajesh Nagar said that a phased plan has been laid out to achieve 50 percent blending of biomass pellets in brick kilns in non-NCR areas of the state. The minimum usage targets are as follows:

* From November 1, 2025 — at least 20 percent blending

* From November 1, 2026 — at least 30 percent blending

* From November 1, 2027 — at least 40 percent blending

* From November 1, 2028 — at least 50 percent blending

In line with this, letters have been sent to the Deputy Commissioners of Ambala, Fatehabad, Hisar, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Sirsa, and Yamunanagar, directing them to ensure timely and effective implementation.

Chandigarh, July 3 – The Chairperson of Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Sh. Rajesh Verma, today chaired a meeting regarding implementation of various environmental directives for abatement of air pollution in Haryana. Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi unveiled a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy to combat air pollution across the state, particularly in the NCR region, during the meeting.

The meeting was also attended by senior members of CAQM, Dr. Virinder Sharma and Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forests and Wildlife, Haryana, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh. Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Sh. AK Singh, Commissioner & Secretary, Development & Panchayats, Dr. Saket Kumar and senior officers of various departments were present in the meeting.

After participating in the meeting, Sh. Anurag Rastogi said Haryana is fully prepared to eliminate paddy stubble burning in 2025. He informed the Commission that the state has taken proactive steps involving both financial incentives and regulatory actions to address the issue in a holistic manner. Out of the total 41.37 lakh acres under paddy cultivation, the state anticipates a straw generation of approximately 85.50 lakh metric tonnes. Of this, 22.63 lakh acres are under basmati and 18.74 lakh acres under non-basmati cultivation. To support farmers, Haryana is offering financial assistance through three flagship schemes: ₹8000 per acre under “Mera Pani Meri Virasat,” ₹1200 per acre under the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme, and ₹4500 per acre for Direct Seeded Rice (DSR). Applications for these schemes are being received through the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal, ensuring transparency and easy access for farmers. On the enforcement front, the state has also implemented strict measures.

Further, Sh. Rastogi informed the CAQM about Haryana’s aggressive push to mandate the use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets in brick kilns located in non-NCR districts. Under Direction No. 92, a clear implementation timeline has been laid out—requiring 20% biomass usage by November 2025, gradually scaling up to 50% by November 2028. This environmentally sustainable initiative has already received approval from the Chief Minister of Haryana. Sh. Rastogi confirmed that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementation will be issued within 15 days to ensure uniform adoption across all concerned kilns.

To address dust pollution from roads and open areas in the Haryana-NCR region, the Chief Secretary outlined a robust strategy. He had earlier chaired a state-level review directing all departments to submit department-wise final action plans for the financial year 2025–26 along with financial commitments. Each road-owning agency has been asked to develop at least one model road stretch aligned with the Standard Framework prescribed by CAQM. A state-level orientation and training programme was successfully organized by the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, where detailed presentations were made by officials from CAQM, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), Jana Urban Space, and the Raahgiri Foundation.

Sh. Rastogi also emphasized the government’s commitment to urban road redevelopment in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Sonipat—three key cities identified for dust abatement. Departments including PWD (B&R), HSVP, HSIIDC, NHAI, FMDA, and SMDA have been instructed to prepare comprehensive proposals covering the redevelopment of sidewalks, greening of medians and traffic islands, paving of road shoulders, and proper disposal and management of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. These efforts aim not only to reduce dust levels but also to improve urban aesthetics and infrastructure quality.

In regard to vehicular pollution, the Chief Secretary outlined the progress made under various CAQM directions, including the phasing out of end-of-life (EOL) vehicles, the promotion of cleaner mobility by delivery aggregators and e-commerce platforms, and the migration of inter-city and All India Tourist Permit buses to cleaner fuels. He reiterated Haryana’s full commitment to shifting public transport fleets, including autorickshaws, to electric or cleaner fuel-based vehicles in a phased manner.

The CAQM Chairperson appreciated Haryana’s data-driven, time-bound, and financially backed roadmap and emphasized the need for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to raise public awareness about CAQM’s directives and promote greater environmental responsibility.

Chandigarh, July 3:
In a remarkable feat, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), SAS Nagar (Mohali) sent 21 cadets to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other prestigious defence training academies in just three weeks. This impressive achievement adds to the institute’s illustrious legacy, with a total of 276 cadets having been inducted into various defence training academies since its inception.

Sharing this today, Director MRSAFPI Major General Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM, (Retd) informed that a total of 18 cadets joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) for its-154 Course, including Aryan Sofeth and Ojas Gaint from Patiala, Anhad Singh Khatumria, Armaanvir Singh Adhi, Harkanwal Singh, Prjveer Singh and Aditya Mishra from Mohali, Bhavik Kansal from Sangrur, Mohanpreet Singh, Balraj Singh Heera and Ishaan Sharma from Ropar, Ranbir Singh and Ishmeet Singh from Bathinda, Samarvir Singh Heer and Nimit Soni from Jalandhar, Manjot Singh from Gurdaspur, Udhaybir Singh Nanda and Gurvanshbir Singh from Tarn Taran.

Additionally, Cadet Gagandeep Singh from Kapurthala joined the Cadet Training Wing of College of Military Engineering (CME) Pune for the Technical Entry Scheme (TES)-53 Course, while Cadets Arshdeep Singh from Gurdaspur and Karan Kaushish from Mohali joined the Air Force Academy for the 218 Course, he added.

While congratulating the cadets for joining the training academies, the Director Chauhan stated that some cadets of the Institute are still awaiting their joining letters and the Institute remains committed to becoming the primary feeder institution for the Armed Forces. Wishing the cadets success in their training, he urged them to work diligently while striving to become exemplary officers who bring pride to Punjab and the nation.

Chandigarh, July 2

The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making continuous efforts to expand the horticulture sector and boost the state’s agricultural economy by promoting crop diversification and enhancing farmers’ income. To assess the progress of horticulture initiatives, Horticulture Minister Mr Mohinder Bhagat held a review meeting with senior officers of the department at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Director Horticulture Mrs Shailender Kaur apprised the Minister of the various ongoing schemes and initiatives being implemented to promote horticulture and uplift farmers’ livelihoods. She shared updates on projects aimed at improving crop productivity, introducing advanced technologies, and facilitating better market access for horticultural produce.

The minister directed the department to ensure that farmers are regularly informed about the latest technologies, government schemes, and best practices through training programs, awareness camps, and digital platforms. He emphasized that timely access to such information will empower farmers to take full advantage of government support.

CHANDIGARH, July 2:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state completed 123 days, Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested 156 drug smugglers and recovered 7.8 kg heroin, 3 kg opium and Rs 1.43 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 20,206 in just 123 days.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 220 Police teams, comprising over 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 91 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 477 locations across the state leading to the registration of 104 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 483 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 59 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh 2 July 2025:

NRI Affairs Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal  today met C R Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, on a matter of significant concern regarding the River Ravi, which flows through the Ajnala district of Amritsar, Punjab, and forms an international border with Pakistan. He earnestly requested him to grant necessary funds to the Government of Punjab. These funds are crucial for implementing the required projects to safeguard our land, protect our security infrastructure, and curb the heightened risk of Illicit activities along this sensitive border.

During periods of heavy flooding, the areas along the Ravi in Ajnala experience substantial damage. This includes not only the loss of valuable cultivable land for our farmers but also severe damage to critical Army and BSF outposts. This damage directly impacts our national security and the operational capabilities of our border guarding forces. Furthermore, the disruption caused by floods in these border areas unfortunately enhances the chances of drug trafficking, posing a serious threat to our state and nation, said Dhaliwal.

Dhaliwal further informed the Union Minister that to effectively control and mitigate these pressing issues, it is imperative that we undertake significant strengthening and protection measures along this stretch of the river. This will involve robust flood control infrastructure and reinforcement of the border security installations.

Chandigarh, July 2 – In a significant initiative to transform Haryana into a global tourism hotspot,  the ‘Nayab Sarkar’ is gearing up for a series of ambitious projects that promise to boost the economy, create jobs, and put Haryana firmly on the international map. From building a world-class Disneyland in the heart of Delhi-NCR region to expanding the scale of the International Gita Mahotsav, the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini-led state government is set to become a hub of cultural celebration and spiritual heritage.

Additionally, to establish the state as a global destination for pilgrimage, a proposal has been made to organize three Melas every year at Surajkund and to celebrate the International Gita Mahotsav on a larger scale, with a request for financial assistance from the Central Government.

Leading this vision, on Wednesday, the Chief Minister paid a courtesy visit to the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi to discuss these ambitious projects. During the meeting, the Chief Minister discussed ways to promote tourism in Haryana and preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage, with the aim of establishing the state as a prominent tourist destination on the global map.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Disneyland in Haryana, particularly in the Delhi-NCR area, will be a game-changing project. This entertainment hub will bring economic, cultural, and social benefits not only to the state but to the country as a whole, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the objective of the project is to capitalize on market potential and connectivity to create a world-class amusement center. It will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, develop infrastructure, and bring major changes in the surrounding areas, he said.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that many Fortune companies have their headquarters in Gurugram, which is a major contributor to the state’s economy. The upcoming Global City project in Gurugram will be another milestone for the region. Hence, Gurugram is the most suitable location for the proposed Disneyland, he said.

He informed that approximately 500 acres of land near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar, Gurugram district, have been identified for the project. This site is strategically located on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, said the Chief Minister. 

He said that the Disneyland project will significantly contribute to Haryana’s economic growth, and if Disneyland establishes its park in India, it will boost tourism and attract international tourists, thereby increasing revenue for both the state and the country, he said.

*Three Melas to be organized annually at Surajkund*

The Chief Minister further shared that the International Surajkund Mela is held annually in Faridabad district to position Haryana as a tourism hub and to provide a large platform for artisans from across India and abroad. The Mela showcases a unique blend of Indian art, culture, handicrafts, music, and cuisine. Every year, artisans, artists, and folk performers from around the world participate and exhibit their regional products and cultural heritage. The theme of the fair changes annually, focusing on a different Indian state to highlight its unique traditions and folk art. The Surajkund Mela is not only a celebration of Indian diversity but also a key cultural event that promotes tourism, he said.

The Chief Minister said that considering the popularity of the Surajkund Mela, the government is planning to organize a Diwali Mela and a Book Fair at Surajkund as well. This initiative will provide an excellent platform for artisans, artists, and folk performers from local, state, national, and international levels to showcase their talent, he said.

*CM urges Centre Government to support for International Gita Mahotsav*

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government organises the International Gita Mahotsav every year to spread the message of ‘karma’ delivered by Lord Krishna to the world. During the event, a crafts Mela and cultural programmes are held, attracting a large number of international artists and artisans, thereby fostering cultural exchange, he said.

He emphasised that the International Gita Mahotsav is a major platform for establishing Haryana as a unique spiritual tourism destination with high potential to attract global tourists. To achieve this vision, active support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is essential. Hence, he urged the Central Government to provide financial assistance for organising the Gita Mahotsav on a grand scale, so that Haryana can emerge as a key pilgrimage destination on the global map.