Chandigarh, March 15

In a significant move aimed at revolutionizing urban development in Punjab, the Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema unveiled an ambitious project to develop world-class streets across the state’s cities. This groundbreaking initiative marks a historic first for Punjab, with its initial phase targeting three major cities—Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar. Together, these cities will witness the transformation of 42 kilometres of prominent streets into meticulously designed urban spaces by spending more than Rs 140 crore.

Revealing this while addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema expressed confidence in the project’s potential, stating that based on the outcomes and public feedback, it would be extended to all cities in Punjab. He said that the four core activities have been outlined under this project that would redefine the city’s streetscape. He said that the roads will undergo comprehensive redesigns to address traffic bottlenecks, ensure uniform road width, and enhance drainage systems to prevent recurring damage.

“The initiative also includes the construction of universally accessible, resilient, and visually appealing footpaths complemented by landscaping to curb dust pollution. Services such as streetlights, bus stands, and water-supply lines will be realigned to improve aesthetics and functionality. Uniquely, the project includes a robust maintenance plan where the contractors developing the roads will ensure their upkeep for the next ten years, promoting accountability and long-term quality”, said the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

Disclosing further, the Finance Minister said this initiative would roll out in three distinct phases. The first phase focuses on design, engaging top urban planners and international experts to draft detailed layouts over a four-month period. The second phase involves an eight-month construction period, during which leading construction agencies will bring these designs to life in accordance with international standards. The final phase ensures a decade-long maintenance commitment from the construction agencies, coupled with regular mechanized cleaning using advanced equipment.

Roads in Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar have been carefully selected for this transformation. Amritsar will see upgradation on a total of 17.5 KMs long 7 stretches including Majitha Road (from Four S Chowk to Guru Nanak Hospital) 3km, Court Road (Rialto Chowk to Queens Road) 1km, Shubham Road outside Hall Gate (circular road that connects all gates) 7km, Amritsar cantonment road (Cantt chowk to Kachehri chowk to Rattan Singh chowk) 1.5 km, Race course road (Dasonda Singh road to Lawrence road to cooper road) 3km, Golbagh Road (from Hathi gate chowk to Bhagwan Parshuram chowk to wrestling stadium to Hall Gate) 1.5 km and GT Road (from Bhandari to Hall Gate) 0.5 km.

Ludhiana’s project will span 12.4 kilometres, including roads such as Old GT Road (Sherpur chowk to Jagraon Bridge) – 6.5 km, Chaura Bazaar – Starting from clock tower – 1.7 km, and Ghumar Mandi road (from Fountain chowk to Aarti Cinema) – 4.2 km.

Jalandhar’s streets, such as HMV Road (from Maqsudan Chowk to Jail Chowk) – 3.4km, Adarsh Nagar Road and Tanda Road (Jail Chowk to Pathankot Road via old city) – 1.4km, Pathankot Road (from old sabzi mandi chowk in the inner city to Pathankot Chowk) – 2.3km, Model Town main road (Guru Amardas chowk to Model Town T-junction chowk and Chunmunn chowk to Model Town T-junction chowk, Model Town T-junction to Shivani park exit) – 2km, and Nakodar-Jalandhar Road (from Wadala chowk to Nakodar Chowk) 3.2km, will also undergo significant upgrades over 12.3 kilometers.

Highlighting the stark contrast between the meticulously planned urban infrastructure witnessed by Punjabi visiting abroad and the current state of Punjab’s streets, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that despite having some of the best engineers and architects in the world, Punjab has lagged in providing comparable streets due to a lack of vision and intent of political interest of previous SAD-BJP and Congress led previous state governments.

The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this initiative of Aam Admi Party (AAP) led Punjab Government will set a precedent for urban development in India, transforming not just the physical landscapes of cities but also the way citizens experience urban life. With its focus on excellence, innovation, and sustainability, this project is poised to bring a much-needed overhaul to Punjab’s urban infrastructure, elevating it to world-class standards, he added.

Mohali, March 13, 2025: To raise awareness about kidney-related ailments, Fortis Hospital Mohali marked World Kidney Day by organising a special session with Sahaayak, a support group for dialysis patients. Dr. Amit Sharma, Senior Consultant, Nephrology, Fortis Hospital Mohali, also highlighted the importance of early detection in preventing kidney disease.

Observed annually on the second Thursday of March, this year’s World Kidney Day theme revolves around “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.” The event aimed to educate patients and caregivers about medical, dietary, and psychological aspects of maintaining quality kidney health.

Around 35 dialysis patients, accompanied by their families, attended the session. Dr. Sharma hosted the interactive discussion, including a quiz competition, to engage participants in learning about kidney health. He emphasized that increasing public awareness about risk factors, early symptoms, and timely medical intervention can help reduce chronic kidney diseases (CKD) prevalence.

“CKD affects nearly 10% of the global population, with 80% of cases occurring in low and lower-middle-income countries. A significant 35% of these cases are reported in India and China alone. The increasing incidence of CKD is attributed to factors like aging, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, along with environmental threats such as air pollution and toxins. Therefore, regular and early diagnosis of kidney are crucial in preventing kidney diseases,” said Dr. Sharma.

Who is at Risk?

Individuals at higher risk for CKD include those with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, a family history of kidney disease, recurrent kidney stones, congenital kidney anomalies, exposure to toxins, and certain infections (Hepatitis B, C, HIV and parasites).

How to Maintain Kidney Health?

Adopting the 8 golden rules can help: healthy diet, hydration, physical activity, blood pressure control, blood sugar monitoring, avoiding smoking, limiting Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) use, and targeted kidney function testing for high-risk individuals.

Importance of Early Detection

A person can lose up to 80-90% of kidney function before experiencing symptoms. Regular urine tests, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) tests, blood pressure monitoring, and blood sugar tests are crucial for at-risk individuals.

Early detection can slow disease progression, reduce complications and mortality, improve quality of life, and lower healthcare costs. Fortis Hospital Mohali remains committed to promoting kidney health through awareness and education.

Chandigarh, March 12:

Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has stated that financial assistance amounting to ₹437.15 crore has been provided for the welfare of persons with disabilities in the state.

Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur mentioned that approximately 2.71 lakh beneficiaries have been covered under this scheme, receiving financial assistance from the department totaling ₹437.15 crore.

She further highlighted that the Punjab government has allocated a budget of ₹461.50 crore for the welfare of persons with disabilities in the current financial year.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to assisting the poor and needy. She urged officials to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive financial assistance on time. Additionally, she warned that any officer or employee found negligent in implementing government schemes would not be spared.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also appealed to officials to implement social security schemes with complete transparency, ensuring that maximum people benefit from them.

Chandigarh, March 12:

In a decisive move to put a full stop on the sale and purchase of the uncertified seeds in the state, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian has directed the Agriculture Department to develop an online portal for tracking and tracing of paddy seeds within a month.

The portal will mandate registered seed producers to log detailed information about every transaction involving paddy seeds including seed purchases, sales, and quantities to maintain digital record, ensuring transparency and accountability within the seed supply chain.

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, along with Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture Mr. Anurag Verma and VC Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, held a high-level meeting with the sheller owners and officials of Agriculture and Food & Civil Supplies departments at his office here, on Wednesday.

“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding the interests of our farmers and ensuring the quality of Punjab’s agricultural produce,” said the Agriculture Minister, while directing the Agriculture department officials to ensure the availability of the PAU recommended quality paddy seeds to the farmers of the state and strict monitoring should be ensured the seed supply chain.

The Agriculture Minister categorically said that no one will be allowed to exploit our farmers by selling substandard and uncertified paddy seeds, which lead to lower crop yields and financial losses for them. These uncertified seeds often lack the genetic vigour and disease resistance of certified varieties, resulting in stunted growth, reduced grain production, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases, besides creating a problem for the state sheller industry while milling the paddy into rice. This impacts the overall rice production and market value of the state’s agricultural output.

          S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the new online portal will create a more transparent and accountable seed supply chain, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future for Punjab. By eliminating the sale of uncertified seeds, the state aims to improve crop yields, enhance agricultural productivity, and boost consumer confidence in the quality of our rice.

          The Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Mr Varinder Kumar Sharma, Special Secretary Agriculture Ms. Baldeep Kaur, Director Agriculture Jaswant Singh and other officials of the department were also present in the meeting.

Box: PAU recommended paddy seed varieties

          The Agriculture Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian urged the state farmers to purchase the varieties of Paddy recommended by PAU Ludhiana, while asking them to get a proper receipt and bills of the seeds and other agri inputs. He said that PAU has recommended 11 varieties of paddy include PR 131, PR 130, PR 129, PR 128, HKR 47, PR 127, PR 126, PR 122, PR 121, PR 114 and PR 113.

Sri Muktsar Sahib/Chandigarh March 12:

As part of the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign launched by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the government is continuing its action against drug smugglers. Under this series, a building constructed illegally by a person in Madrasa village of Sri Muktsar Sahib district was demolished today. Giving information in this regard, SSP Dr. Akhil Chaudhary said that the building was constructed illegally by Sarabjit Singh, a person from Madrasa village under Lakhewali police station. In this regard, instructions were received from the competent authority to make security arrangements during its demolition. After which action was taken and this building was demolished.

He said that this building was constructed by Sarabjit Singh and 5 cases of drug smuggling have already been registered against him and his family. SSP Dr. Akhil Chaudhary said that as per the instructions of the Punjab government, extensive operations are being carried out in the district under the Mission War on Drugs. He said that whoever builds property by selling drugs will be attached and if anyone builds any building on government property, it will be destroyed. He also appealed to the people on this occasion that if anyone sells drugs, then they should fearlessly inform the police about it. Strict action will be taken against the culprits while keeping the identity of the informer confidential. On this occasion, Mr. Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal SP (H), SDM Baljit Kaur, Iqbal Singh DSP Malout, SI Darshan Singh SHO Lakhewali, Ins. Davinder Singh SHO Kabarwala were also present.

CHANDIGARH, March 12:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 12th day, Punjab Police on Wednesday conducted raids at 543 locations leading to the arrest of 118 drug smugglers after registration of 71 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 1658  in just 12 days.

          Police teams have also recovered 994 grams heroin, 4633 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 1.47 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          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 in coming three months. 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 250 Police teams, comprising over 1600 police personnel, under the supervision of 102 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 659 suspicious persons during the day long operation

          He said that Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive strategy and such operations will be continued till the scourge of drugs eradicated from the state.

          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 19 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 154 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have also conducted checking at as many as 281 pharmaceutical shops in five districts including Fatehgarh Sahib, Commissionerate Police Ludhiana, Ludhiana Rural, Khanna and Malerkotla to ensure that they are not selling intoxicant tablets or any other habit-forming drugs, and are adhering to the prescribed norms and regulations regarding the sale of medicines.

Chandigarh, March 12:

Punjab Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today directed officials of the transport department to ensure government bus services on every route throughout the state.

While chairing a meeting to review the functioning of Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS, PRTC and the State Transport Commissioner’s office, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar instructed officials to expedite the process of purchasing new buses. He said that the department must achieve its targets in a timely manner and take steps to increase government revenue.

S. Bhullar also ordered necessary measures to purchase new BS-6 stage buses in accordance with guidelines that only BS-6 stage buses are permitted to operate at Delhi Airport to reduce pollution in Delhi. He further directed that the tender process for purchasing buses should be completed promptly.

The Cabinet Minister stressed to ensure maintenance and cleanliness of bus stands across the state, stating that public services operated by the department should be made more effective and service delivery must be ensured in a time-bound manner.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included PRTC Vice Chairman S. Balwinder Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Transport Mr. D.K. Tiwari, STC Mr. Jaspreet Singh, MD PUNBUS Mr. Rajiv Kumar Gupta.