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To give wings to development projects, the Chief Minister approved FMDA’s budget of Rs 773.24 crore

Chandigarh, May 4 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that special emphasis will be placed on enhancing the water supply infrastructure in Faridabad. He directed officials to ensure the timely establishment of all necessary infrastructure. In addtion, he also instructed that a new 20 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) be constructed to address sewerage-related issues in the Mirzapur Zone.

          The Chief Minister was presiding over the sixth meeting of the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA) in Faridabad today. During the meeting, a development budget of approximately Rs 773.24 crore was approved to accelerate infrastructure and civic improvements.

          The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Cooperation Sh Krishan Pal Gurjar, Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Sh. Vipul Goyal, Minister of State for Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Sh Rajesh Nagar, MLAs Mool Chand Sharma, Satish Phaganna, Dhanesh Adlakha, and Faridabad Mayor Praveen Batra Joshi.

          To ensure timely completion of development projects, the Chief Minister directed officials to expedite ongoing works. While reviewing the progress of decisions made during the previous FMDA meeting, hei emphasized fast-tracking the implementation of Phase II works before commencing Phase III of the CCTV surveillance project to strengthen public safety and traffic management. To further improve the city’s sewerage system, the Chief Minister instructed the immediate construction of a 45 MLD capacity STP and a Main Pumping Station in village Badshahpur. He also reviewed the status of water supply augmentation projects in Faridabad.

*Water Supply to be Augmented in NIT and Badkhal Assembly Constituencies*

          It was informed in the meeting that to bridge the gap between the existing water supply and projected demand by 2040, a proposal of Rs 2,174 crore as per the Master Development Plan 2031 has been submitted to the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) for financial assistance, following its approval in the fifth FMDA meeting.

          As part of this initiative, Rs 253.28 crore has been proposed to address water shortages in NIT and Badkhal Assembly Constituencies. The project includes laying 5 new rain wells, a 40 km pipeline network, and establishing boosting stations, which will collectively increase water supply by 50 MLD. This proposal was approved. In addition, the FMDA approved to takeover  5 acres of land in village Bajri/Gazipur under the jurisdiction of the Faridabad Municipal Corporation for constructing an intermediate boosting station to improve water supply in remote areas of the NIT and Badkhal constituencies.

          Approval granted for construction of new 20 MLD STP in Mirzapur, existing pumping stations in Mujesar, Anaj Mandi and Hari Vihar will be upgraded

          During the meeting, the Chief Minister was apprised that the existing Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in the Mirzapur zone has a current capacity of 80 MLD, which is proposed to be enhanced to 107 MLD in accordance with the Development Plan for the year 2031. To bridge this gap in sewerage treatment capacity, a proposal was presented for the construction of a 20 MLD STP using SBR technology, compliant with Central Pollution Control Board standards. The project, to be executed by FMDA at an estimated cost of Rs 57.30 crore, was approved during the meeting. Additionally, considering the need to repair the existing sewerage system, which was laid approximately 30 to 40 years ago, the proposal for reconstruction of Intermediate Pumping Stations (IPS) in Sectors 3, 4, and 24 of Mujesar was also approved. The proposal further includes the repair of IPS in Sector 9, Sector 18, Anaj Mandi, and Hari Vihar.

*Approval accorded to set up micro STP, emphasis on reuse of treated water in parks and industry*

          To conserve available freshwater resources and enhance groundwater sustainability, the proposal to promote the reuse of treated wastewater was also approved during the meeting. This initiative will cover over 349 acres of green belt area across 234 FMDA-maintained parks and 24 sectors. Additionally, directions were issued to utilize treated wastewater for industrial purposes as well. As part of this initiative, 12 micro STPs of 500 KLD capacity each are proposed to be developed. These plants will cater to the irrigation needs of parks and green belts, resulting in the conservation of approximately 6 MLD of freshwater.

*Proposal to develop groundwater recharge water body in floodplain area of Yamuna river approved*

          A proposal was also presented during the meeting to develop a groundwater recharge water body in the floodplain area of the Yamuna River. Approval was granted for the construction of a recharge water body on 20 acres of land in the revenue estate of village Nangla Majra Chandpur, which will be utilized for recharging groundwater. Also, FMDA will extend financial assistance to the Development and Panchayat Department, if required, for the construction of new ponds in 50 villages located along the Yamuna River, under the Government of India’s Amrit Sarovar Yojana. The issue of facilitating groundwater recharge through the Budhiya Nala was also discussed during the meeting.

*Officer Ratings to be based on Public Feedback; Nodal Department to Be Formed for Anti-Encroachment Action*

          Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini directed officials of various departments to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for sewerage and repair-related works. The SOP will clearly define the responsibilities of each department. Furthermore, the performance of officers will be evaluated based on public feedback. Strict action will be taken against those officers whose performance is deemed unsatisfactory.

          The Chief Minister also instructed the formation of a dedicated nodal department to address the issue of encroachments, ensuring strict and coordinated action against such violations. Instructions were also given to engage sanitation workers through outsourcing in the villages recently integrated into the MCF.

          Lateron, while speaking to the media persons, the Chief Minister said that ensuring adequate water supply is a top priority and should not be viewed through a political lens. “Water is life, and every citizen has the right to receive their fair share,” he said. He added that all development works are being carried out in alignment with long-term planning for the next 20 to 30 years.

          When asked about the pending work at Raja Nahar Singh Stadium, the Chief Minister stated that an investigation report has been sought regarding the matter. He stressed that public funds must be utilized responsibly and warned that any negligence will not be tolerated. Officers have been directed to maintain quality standards and adhere strictly to project timelines.

          Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi attended the meeting via video conferencing. Also present were FMDA Principal Advisor D.S. Dhesi, FMDA CEO Shyamal Mishra, Urban Local Bodies Commissioner Vikas Gupta, along with other senior officials.

Two Individuals Arrested by Amritsar Rural Police for Sharing Intelligence with Pakistan

Chandigarh/ Amritsar, May 4:

In a significant counter-espionage operation, Amritsar Rural Police arrested two persons for their alleged role in leaking sensitive information and photographs of Army Cantonment areas and Air Bases in Amritsar.

The arrested duo identified as with the arrest of two individuals identified as Falaksher Masih, son of Jinder Masih, and Suraj Masih, son of Chuga Masih, both residents of Balarhwal, PS Ajnala, were transmitting sensitive intelligence to Pakistan’s intelligence agency.

Police teams have also recovered two mobile phones from their possession.

Preliminary investigation reveals their links to Pakistani intelligence operatives, established through Harpreet Singh alias Pittu alias Happy, currently lodged in Amritsar Central Jail.

SSP Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh said that based on a confidential input received by the SHO of Police Station Ajnala, it was revealed that accused Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih were in contact with Pakistan’s intelligence agency. Both were involved in collecting and transmitting crucial information such as army movements, location of BSF camps, location of airports, photographs, and other sensitive data to their handlers in Pakistan, he said.

Taking swift action, FIR No. 92 dated 03.05.2025 was registered at Police Station Ajnala under Sections 3, 5, and 9 of the Official Secrets Act, Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, and Section 61(2) of BNS.

The arrested individuals are being thoroughly interrogated. If any further involvement of others comes to light during the investigation, strict action will be taken against them.

Dignity of Students Paramount, Prompt Action Taken: Harjot Bains

Chandigarh, May 4:

          On the directions of Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, the In-charge of  Government Senior Secondary School, Goindwal Sahib in Tarn Taran district has been suspended with immediate effect after students were reportedly forced to serve snacks during a function at the school.

          Highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment in the schools, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that such misconduct is totally unacceptable and a swift action has been taken against Gurpartap Singh, Punjabi Lecturer-cum-School Incharge, for gross indiscipline and negligence. During the suspension period, the headquarter of the Lecturer will be the Office of District Education Office (Senior Secondary), Tarn Taran.

          The Education Minister Bains stressed that the dignity and respect of students is non-negotiable, while categorically stating that such misconduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

          S. Harjot Singh Bains also asked the other educators to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility, ensuring such incidents are not repeated in future, besides fostering a culture of respect and accountability in government schools.

Mann government enters into war-mode against drugs, Ministers take charge

Chandigarh, May 4:

The ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ campaign launched by the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has entered a decisive phase. On a war footing against drugs, cabinet ministers today led awareness programs at district and village levels, strengthening grassroots efforts through Village Defence Committees.

Ministers highlighted that the Mann government has shattered the spirit of drug smugglers as well as their ill-gotten houses—a stark contrast, they said, to previous administrations, which had allowed drug smuggling to thrive.

In Patiala, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh led the charge. Administrative Reforms Minister Aman Arora and Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal addressed gatherings in Bathinda. Information and Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains was in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar; NRI Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, and Local Government Minister Ravjot Singh Gill held events in Pathankot. Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat were in Gurdaspur; Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian in Amritsar; Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur in Malerkotla; and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal in Fazilka.

Ministers urged citizens to make ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ a mass movement, envisioning Punjab as India’s first drug-free state. They reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy, warning that no offender—whether a politician, bureaucrat, or trafficker—would be spared.

“Punjab is a land of warriors, and its people are firmly backing this war against drugs,” they said.

On the occasion, ministers also praised Chief Minister Mann’s robust stand on the BBMB issue, hailing him as the true protector of Punjab’s water rights.

Mann government enters into war-mode against drugs, Ministers take charge

Chandigarh, May 4:

The ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ campaign launched by the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has entered a decisive phase. On a war footing against drugs, cabinet ministers today led awareness programs at district and village levels, strengthening grassroots efforts through Village Defence Committees.

Ministers highlighted that the Mann government has shattered the spirit of drug smugglers as well as their ill-gotten houses—a stark contrast, they said, to previous administrations, which had allowed drug smuggling to thrive.

In Patiala, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh led the charge. Administrative Reforms Minister Aman Arora and Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal addressed gatherings in Bathinda. Information and Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains was in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar; NRI Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and Local Government Minister Ravjot Singh held events in Pathankot. Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat were in Gurdaspur; Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian in Amritsar; Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur in Malerkotla; and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal in Fazilka.

Ministers urged citizens to make ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ a mass movement, envisioning Punjab as India’s first drug-free state. They reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy, warning that no offender—whether a politician, bureaucrat, or trafficker—would be spared.

“Punjab is a land of warriors, and its people are firmly backing this war against drugs,” they said.

On the occasion, ministers also praised Chief Minister Mann’s robust stand on the BBMB issue, hailing him as the true protector of Punjab’s water rights.

YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: ILLEGAL HOUSE OF NOTORIOUS DRUG SMUGGLER DEMOLISHED IN BATALA’S QADIAN VILLAGE

Chandigarh/Batala, May 4:

In a continued crackdown against drug smugglers under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’, Batala Police on Sunday demolished the illegally constructed house of notorious drug smuggler identified as Navsharan Das alias Kaka in Qadian village. The demolition was carried out using a JCB machine amid heavy rainfall, under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Batala Suhail Qasim Mir. 

SSP Suhail Qasim Mir informed reporters that the drug smuggler, Navsharan Das, has six criminal cases registered against him in various police stations, including four under the NDPS Act. The cases have been registered at Police Stations including three at Qadian, while one each at Kahnuwan, Dinanagar, and SAS Nagar.

Issuing a stern warning to drug smugglers, SSP Suhail Qasim Mir emphasized that anyone involved in illegal activities will not be spared, and strict action will be taken against them. He affirmed that such crackdowns will continue until drug traffickers either return to mainstream or leave Punjab.

The SSP further highlighted that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav have given clear directives to take stringent action against those involved in drug smuggling.

He informed that Batala Police has registered as many as 250 FIRs in the last two months, besides, attaching properties worth approximately Rs 28 crore belonging to drug smugglers. 

Additionally, Batala Police has been working closely with village and ward-level defence committees, holding meetings to strengthen anti-drug efforts. So far, 110 villages have passed resolutions pledging to eradicate drug menace completely.

SSP Suhail Qasim Mir urged the public to report any drug-related activities to the nearest police station or inform anonymously at Safe Punjab Anti Drug Helpline number ‘9779100200’.

HARJOT BAINS VISITS NANGAL DAM 4TH DAY IN A ROW TO KEEP TABS ON PUNJAB’S RIGHTS

Chandigarh/ Nangal, May 04:

Standing at the forefront to safeguard Punjab’s interests, Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today made visit to Bhakhra Dam at Nangal consecutively for fourth day to ensure no excess water release to Haryana.

After assessing the situation, S Harjot Singh Bains emphasised that water is crucial for Punjab’s economy, which heavily relies on agriculture. He reaffirmed that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government is standing firm on the decision taken regarding water.

“We’re closely monitoring the situation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has already visited Nangal Dam, and also called a special Punjab Vidhan Sabha session tomorrow (May 5) to address the issue. The Punjab government is steadfast in fighting for farmers’ rights, and we won’t let the BJP-led Centre and other states violate our rights. Our Aam Aadmi Party workers have been vigilantly guarding Nangal Dam. With paddy sowing season approaching, our farmers need water, and we can’t afford to spare any extra water for any other state”, the Education Minister made it clear.

He also enquired from officials about water release from Nangal Dam, while assuring  the people of Punjab that their interests are safe.

S. Harjot Singh Bains also highlighted the challenges posed by excess water during heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, which often affects Punjab’s villages with the flash flood in Swan Nadi. He questioned why the neighbouring states wouldn’t accept the excess water during times of need, yet expect Punjab to share its water when it’s crucial for the state’s farmers as the paddy season is approaching.

He informed that the current government’s pro-people initiatives have enabled irrigation for an additional 10,000 acres this year. Future plans include a lift irrigation scheme via pipeline to benefit the semi-mountainous Changar region.

Taking stock of the arrangements being made to prevent floods during the rainy seasons, S. Bains said that the state government is vigilantly monitoring water bodies, strengthening weak dams.

Mann government enters into war-mode against drugs, Ministers take charge

Chandigarh, May 4:

The ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ campaign launched by the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has entered a decisive phase. On a war footing against drugs, cabinet ministers today led awareness programs at district and village levels, strengthening grassroots efforts through Village Defence Committees.

Ministers highlighted that the Mann government has shattered the spirit of drug smugglers as well as their ill-gotten houses—a stark contrast, they said, to previous administrations, which had allowed drug smuggling to thrive.

In Patiala, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh led the charge. Administrative Reforms Minister Aman Arora and Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian addressed gatherings in Bathinda. Information and Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains was in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar; NRI Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and Local Government Minister Ravjot Singh held events in Pathankot. Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat were in Gurdaspur; Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian in Amritsar; Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur in Malerkotla; and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal in Fazilka.

Ministers urged citizens to make ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ a mass movement, envisioning Punjab as India’s first drug-free state. They reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy, warning that no offender—whether a politician, bureaucrat, or trafficker—would be spared.

“Punjab is a land of warriors, and its people are firmly backing this war against drugs,” they said.

On the occasion, ministers also praised Chief Minister Mann’s robust stand on the BBMB issue, hailing him as the true protector of Punjab’s water rights.

HARJOT BAINS VISITS NANGAL DAM 4TH DAY IN A ROW TO KEEP TABS ON PUNJAB’S RIGHTS

Chandigarh/ Nangal, May 04:

Standing at the forefront to safeguard Punjab’s interests, Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today made visit to Bhakhra Dam at Nangal consecutively for fourth day to ensure no excess water release to Haryana.

After assessing the situation, S Harjot Singh Bains emphasised that water is crucial for Punjab’s economy, which heavily relies on agriculture. He reaffirmed that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government is standing firm on the decision taken regarding water.

“We’re closely monitoring the situation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has already visited Nangal Dam, and also called a special Punjab Vidhan Sabha session tomorrow (May 5) to address the issue. The Punjab government is steadfast in fighting for farmers’ rights, and we won’t let the BJP-led Centre and other states violate our rights. Our Aam Aadmi Party workers have been vigilantly guarding Nangal Dam. With paddy sowing season approaching, our farmers need water, and we can’t afford to spare any extra water for any other state”, the Education Minister made it clear.

He also enquired from officials about water release from Nangal Dam, while assuring  the people of Punjab that their interests are safe.

S. Harjot Singh Bains also highlighted the challenges posed by excess water during heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, which often affects Punjab’s villages with the flash flood in Swan Nadi. He questioned why the neighbouring states wouldn’t accept the excess water during times of need, yet expect Punjab to share its water when it’s crucial for the state’s farmers as the paddy season is approaching.

He informed that the current government’s pro-people initiatives have enabled irrigation for an additional 10,000 acres this year. Future plans include a lift irrigation scheme via pipeline to benefit the semi-mountainous Changar region.

Taking stock of the arrangements being made to prevent floods during the rainy seasons, S. Bains said that the state government is vigilantly monitoring water bodies, strengthening weak dams.

Private schools to upload details of students online under CHEERAG Scheme by May 15

Chandigarh, May 3 – Under the Chief Minister Haryana Equal Education Relief, Assistance and Grant (CHEERAG) Scheme, free education is to be provided to the children of poor families in 689 recognized private schools from Class V to XII in the academic year 2025-26. 

A spokesperson of the Education Department said that the link http://117.239.183.208/cheerag2925-26/ has been made live till May 15, 2025 by the Directorate of Elementary Education to upload the details of students admitted on the seats shown by private schools on the departmental website. Instructions have been given to the concerned schools to update the details of the students on the said link and MIS by May 15. The spokesperson has informed that all the District Education Officers and District Elementary Education Officers of the state have been informed about this by writing a letter. He said the officers should ensure to get the daily report of data update from the schools and inform the Directorate of Education, so that the claim of fee reimbursement amount of the admitted students can be issued to the schools as per the data update.

 The spokesperson said that under the yojana, the approved recognized private schools were to receive the applications of the students from 15th March 2025 to 31th March 2025 and the admission process was to be completed from 1st April 2025 to 30th April 2025 for Classes V to XII.