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For the progress of farmers, the state government is initiating pilot projects in a cluster mode: CM

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

The Haryana government is outlining pilot projects on a cluster mode for the progress of agriculture and farmers. These projects aim to boost crop diversification, micro-irrigation schemes, livestock improvement, and other agriculture-allied activities. Additionally, the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran will formulate new schemes to promote organic farming, natural farming, and cooperative farming.

A decision in this regard was taken by Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal while chairing the third meeting of the General Body of Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran held here today.

Energy Minister, Sh. Ranjit Singh, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. J.P. Dalal, Cooperation Minister, Dr. Banwari Lal, Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh. Devender Singh Babli, and Chairman, Haryana Bureau of Public Enterprises and Chairman, Executive Committee, Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran, Sh. Subhash Barala also attended the meeting.

Sh. Manohar Lal, while giving directions to the officers concerned, emphasized the need to adopt new agricultural systems alongside traditional farming practices to increase income and progress for small and marginal farmers, considering the decreasing size of arable land.

He highlighted the immense possibilities in the livestock sector for farmers to enhance their income. Cooperative farming is also crucial for addressing the challenges of small land holdings and promoting food processing industries.

He directed the members of Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran to prepare pilot projects in collaboration with relevant departments, inspiring farmers along the lines of Israel’s cooperative farming technique.

Prepare demonstration farms for integrated farming, CM

The Chief Minister said that the state government is encouraging initiatives like the “Mera Pani Meri Virasat” scheme and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technology to promote crop diversification and water conservation. He suggested creating demonstration farms for integrated farming and ensuring that farmers receive detailed information through visits to such farms.

He highlighted the continuous decline in groundwater levels, emphasising the need for establishing micro-irrigation projects in these areas. In areas where the groundwater level is 30 meters, solar energy-based agricultural borewells should be installed, and the state government is ready to provide new subsidies for the same. The government is also prepared to bear the expenses for water and electricity, said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister said that reservoirs should be constructed for the conservation of rainwater in the Shivalik and Aravalli mountain ranges so that water coming from the mountains can be collected and later used for irrigation and other needs. He directed officers of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department to prepare a pilot project for this.

Sh. Manohar Lal stated that checking the quality of soil is essential along with soil health. The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides today is causing several serious health diseases. Therefore, we need to move towards producing chemical-free grains. The solution to this is natural farming, said the Chief Minister.

He said that any village declared as a chemical-free farming village by its Panchayat will ensure that the government purchases all types of crops at a price 10 to 20 percent higher than the MSP. Branding and packaging of crops will be done in the fields, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

A budget of more than 300 crores has been allocated for new Gaushalas

The Chief Minister said that a tripartite agreement should be made between the Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Development and Panchayat Department, social organizations, and the Gau Sewa Aayog to open new cowsheds. Wherever Panchayat land is available, new cowsheds should be opened. Basic infrastructure will be made available, and social organizations will have to come forward to operate the gaushalas, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

He further informed that the budget for the Gau Sewa Aayog has been increased from Rs. 40 crores to Rs. 400 crores for the conservation of the gau vansh and the care of cattle. In this, Rs. 300 crores have been allocated for establishing new gaushalas, informed the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister said that under the concept of Sanjha Dairy, one can also engage in the livestock dairy business. He said that the state government has formulated a  scheme ‘Van Mitra’ to promote green cover, under which local youth will take care of plants planted by the forest department for up to 3 years. For this, the department will designate 500 to 700 trees in each village and assign them to the Van Mitras. A reward of Rs. 10 per tree will be given to the Van Mitras for the care of each tree, he said.

Sh. Manohar Lal directed that the forest department officers also prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Van Mitras.

Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal, Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner,  Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Sh. TVSN Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, Sh. Ankur Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary,  Industries and Commerce Department, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department, Sh. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, Sh. Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary, Development and Panchayat Department, Sh. Anil Malik, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Smt. Ashima Brar and members of the working group also remained present on this occasion.

People are benefiting from the welfare schemes of the Central and State governments: Kamlesh Dhanda

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

Haryana Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda, said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh.  Narendra Modi in the Country and Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal in Haryana, equitable development is taking place. Implementation of schemes for the welfare of every section has been undertaken, she said.

The Minister said that the Chief Minister,  Sh. Manohar Lal has formulated various schemes for the efficient management of Gaushalas in the state, ensuring the well-being of livestock.

During the program organized at the Gaushala in Madhad in Kaithal, Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda gave a cheque of Rs. 22,08,750 to representatives of Gaushala.

The Minister said that the registered Gaushalas in the state have been allocated funds based on the number of cattle. The Chief Minister’s effort is to ensure that there is no problem in the care and feeding of as many cattle as there are in the state.

She said that the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has been organized by the government, through which the benefits of government schemes have been delivered to the poor. This Yatra has covered both rural and urban areas to extend the benefits of government schemes to the last person standing in the line, said the Minister.

Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda also heard the grievances of the people and directed the officers to address these issues on the spot. The Minister also administered the Viksit Bharat oath to the people present.

Earlier, the Minister visited the Shri Kapil Muni Tirth Complex, where she prayed at the temple. A cleanliness campaign was also carried out here.

Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda said that this campaign is being carried out under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and a cleanliness campaign is being conducted at every religious place until January 22.

The Chief Minister, along with all ministers, MPs, MLAs, and the general public, is participating in this campaign, said Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda.

Mohali DC Urges the Eligible Sikh Voters to get enrolled as Voters before Feb 29 

IEP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, January 17 

District Administration has marked Gurpurab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji with a distinction in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district, which has been carved out in the name of the eldest Son of Guru Sahib, Sahibzada Ajit Singh. Divulging details, the Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Aashika Jain who has been the instrumental in making the idea practical on the previous day by visiting multiple Gurdwara Sahiban in the district, said that special camps were held at all the Gurdwara Sahiban to keep the people well aware and enrolled as voter for Gurudwara Board (SGPC) Elections.

She said that the Patwaris in rural areas and Municipal Staff in urban areas were put on duty to set up help desks at all Gurdwara Sahiban to get maximum mileage from the sacred occasion of Gurpurab as the hundreds of people thronged the Gurdwaras on this day to pay obeisance. The Deputy Commissioner said that at most of the places, the people were informed well before organising the camps through announcements from the Gurdwara Sahiban. She said that the idea to capture the eligible voters has worked well and we have got a very good response.

She said that district administration would continue the move till February 29 to benefit the maximum number of people with the right to vote for Gurdwara Board Elections. Mrs Jain said that the Gurdwara Elections made it mandatory to have fresh electoral rolls before the election, so we are registering the voters by approaching them with innovative ideas. The Deputy Commissioner repeatedly appealed to the eligible Sikh voters to come forward and register themselves as Voters for Gurdwara Board Elections. The eligibility criteria for becoming a voter for Gurdwara Board Elections is to be Keshadhari Sikh with minimum age 21 years or above, non-drinker, non-smoker and non-trimmer, as mentioned in Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, Section 49, she added.

Director General of Police Initiates Progressive Measures for Police Welfare in Panchkula

IEP Panchkula, January 17

Haryana Director General  Police, Shatrujeet Kapur, marked a significant stride in police welfare by inaugurating the Central Mess for police personnel at the Sector-14 police station in Panchkula today. During his visit, Kapur meticulously examined the arrangements at the central mess and actively participated by sharing a meal with the officers.

This newly inaugurated mess, the second in Panchkula district, follows the successful launch of a similar facility at the MDC police station earlier. Kapur took the opportunity to inspect the police station’s essential amenities and offered crucial directives to the officers present.

Emphasizing the welfare initiatives for policemen, Kapur highlighted the department’s commitment to not only providing on-site dining facilities through canteens but also addressing the employment needs of their unemployed children. The Director General Police disclosed that the department is initiating crèches across the state to facilitate working women police officials in ensuring the well-being of their children.

In a groundbreaking move, Kapur disclosed an action plan tailored to employ the children of police personnel, aligning opportunities with their educational qualifications. To achieve this, the department is actively engaging them in diverse training courses, empowering them to build sustainable livelihoods.

This strategic approach underscores the Haryana Police Department’s dedication to enhancing the overall well-being of its officers and their families.

Chandigarh Mayoral elections today – Congress-AAP confident of victory despite BJP’s efforts

IEP Chandigarh


Ahead of the mayoral elections scheduled for January 18 in Chandigarh, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha and senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal met on Wednesday. A coalition has been formed between AAP and Congress for the Chandigarh mayoral elections. While AAP is contesting for the mayoral position, Congress has fielded candidates for the positions of Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor. There is a concerted effort to defeat BJP with mutual consent between AAP and Congress. Senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal stated that no matter how clever BJP tries to be, this time the math is in favor of our coalition, and we are poised to take control of the municipal corporation. This victory will set the stage for success in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

On Tuesday, AAP MP Raghav Chadha expressed confidence that the opposition alliance ‘India’ will secure victory in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections and that this triumph will mark the beginning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. AAP and Congress had formed an alliance on Monday for the elections scheduled to take place on January 18 in the union territory of Chandigarh. Both parties are part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (India).

Raghav Chadha stated that he is confident that the ‘India’ alliance will defeat the BJP in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. He said, “The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections will witness the first major showdown between BJP and the India alliance. It will set the tone for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.”

Prior to this, there were allegations against Congress mayoral candidate Jasbir Banti of trying to align with BJP, leading to a commotion at the municipal corporation office on Tuesday night, even reaching the High Court. However, Jasbir Banti clarified that he is with his party and will withdraw his candidacy before the elections.

Haryana DGP Meets Telecom Companies, Addresses Network Issues for Helpline Numbers 112 and 1930

IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Director General Police Shatrujeet Kapur met with representatives of telecom companies to address network problems faced with helpline numbers 112 and 1930.

During a meeting with representatives of telecom companies, Kapur provided a comprehensive list of identified problem areas and issued instructions to rectify them promptly. The objective of the meeting was to find a permanent solution to network-related challenges faced by Haryana 112 and Cyber Helpline No. 1930.

The meeting included a thorough review of call connectivity to these helpline numbers from each district. It was revealed that police station in-charges and officers statewide engage in trial calls to the cyber helpline number 1930 at various times each month. The goal is to ensure the availability of calls on the helpline numbers mentioned.

Representatives from BSNL claimed a 100% phone connection success rate within their network. In response, Director General Kapur directed officials from all telecom companies to investigate areas where phone connectivity issues persist and resolve them promptly. He emphasized that telecom companies should guarantee that calls to 1930 connect seamlessly, even in roaming situations, ensuring individuals can register complaints without hindrance.

The trial results indicated an 86% success rate in connecting phones to the helpline number 1930 across various networks. Kapur, acknowledging the progress, instructed authorities to work towards achieving a 100% connection rate.

In a decisive move, Kapur instructed telecom service provider companies to address connectivity issues in districts identified in the list provided to them. He emphasized the importance of resolving these problems to ensure citizens in these districts do not encounter any hindrances while making calls.

During the meeting, it was revealed that signal problems had been identified in districts such as Kurukshetra, Jhajjar, Hansi, Sirsa, Rewari, Nuh, and Charkhi Dadri. Comprehensive data regarding network-related problems in all districts has been shared with telecom companies, urging them to take necessary steps to enhance connectivity.

Historical Achievement: Punjab Launches its first Human Milk Bank at AIMS Mohali

IEP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, January 17

Punjab scripted a history with launching its’ first Human Milk Bank (Comprehensive Lactation Mangement Centre), at Dr B R Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Mohali with the support of Rotary Club of Chandigarh.  

     The World President of Rotary International Dr. Gorden R. McInally inaugurated the State’s first Human Milk Bank, at Mohali.

     Dr. Gordon R. McInally commended Rotary’s endeavors in establishing this Center which also supports Rotary’s commitment to empower women, improving their health, and well-being, by protecting their children. 

      Dr Avnish, Director Research and Medical Education Punjab endorsed and appreciated the efforts of Rotarians for expediting the setting up of the plant by financial support of nearly Rs 38 lakh to buy vital equipment for the plant which would help the women provide best possible nutrition to their new born through this human milk bank. It is an example of a Public Private Partnership. S. Kuljit Singh MLA Dera Bassi also attended the function and appreciated the efforts made.

    AIMS Director-Principal Dr. Bhavneet Bharti informed that at the initiative of the Past President Rotary International Mr Rajender Saboo, President Rtn Anil Chadda and  Rtn. Abha Sharma, Director Special Projects and who shall also be the club President in 2025-26, an MoU was signed in July last year  with the Rotary Club of Chandigarh for setting up this unique facility in Punjab. 

     Also called as Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre (CLMC), Human Milk Bank is a vital health facility that offers lactation support and management for all mothers within the hospital, said Dr. Bharti.  She said that the Centre has facilities for collection, screening, processing, storage and dispensing of donated human milk for babies without access to their own mother’s milk and expression and storage of  mother’s own breast milk for consumption of her baby. 

    Former World President of Rotary International Rajendra K. Saboo was also present on the occasion who said that this project symbolizes the Rotary’s theme given by Dr. McInally, Create Hope in the World. 

A senior Rotarian and past district governor Subhash Garg, owner of Ruchira Papers Limited of Yamunanagar, was felicitated for providing Rs.31 lakh from CSR funds to make this project possible. 

    Dr. Bhavneet Bharti informed that this is the first milk bank to be operationalised in Punjab. AIMS Mohali is proud to be at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative – the establishment of the First Human Milk Bank in our city.

    There is a dire need for human milk especially for the preterm babies (born before 37 weeks of gestation) and their estimated global prevalence  is 9.9 percent  which  translates to 13·4 million preterm live births in the world .

    In this region, we too have similar requirements because as per a study, 10 to 20 percent of the babies who are in the NICU [neonatal intensive care unit]  may require donor human milk, Dr. Bharti said. The milk is obtained from lactating mothers voluntarily, which will be stored and preserved, pasteurized, and preserved, she said. It was emphasized that this would be accomplished with the state-of-the-art facility including firsthand knowledge of the advanced technology and stringent protocols in place to guarantee the highest standards of safety and quality

       Mrs Abha, Director, Special Projects and President Rotary Club Chandigarh 2025-26 also acknowledged the setting up of the first Human Milk Bank as a momentous occasion, and said it will play a vital role in amplifying awareness about the importance of human milk donation and its transformative impact on infant healthcare.

        Mrs Aashika Jain DC Mohali lauded this landmark initiative that underscores our commitment to advancing maternal and infant healthcare in the state of Punjab.

    Prof ON Bhakoo, former Head of the department of Pediatrics and Neonatology also known as father of neonatology  appreciated the efforts made in setting up a Comprehensive Lactation Management Center in true spirit. The function was attended by many senior officials, SMO DH Mohali Dr HS Cheema, Senior Rotarians, President of Human Milk Banking Association Mr Rajender Gulati, President IAP Chandigarh Chapter, Sahibzada Academy of Pediatrics Mohali. Senior Pediatricians and other dignitaries.

    Rotary Club of Chandigarh is in 65 years of its existence in the city and has to its credit setting up of Rotary PGI Serai, state-of-the-art blood bank in Sector 37, a Rotary Vocational Training Centre in Sector 18, international dolls museum in Sector 23, besides having done over 700 free heart surgeries of children, informed Rtn President Anil Chadha.

CM CONDOLES DEATH OF COPS IN A ROAD MISHAP

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

Expressing profound grief and sorrow over the death of three cops in a road accident near Hoshiarpur, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced Rs 2 crore as financial assistance to their families.

In a statement, the Chief Minister said that it is unfortunate that these cops had lost their lives in a road mishap adding that this is a huge loss for the state in general and for the aggrieved families of the cops in particular. He said that out of this Rs 2 crore, Rs 1 crore will be given as ex-gratia by the state government whereas another payment of insurance cover worth Rs 1 crore will be made by the HDFC bank. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that financial assistance to family of cops is in consonance with the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of the soldiers (from Armed forces, paramilitary and Police) and their families.

SADAK SURAKHYA FORCE WILL BE PRESSED INTO SERVICE OF PEOPLE FROM COMING REPUBLIC DAY: CM

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

          On the auspicious occasion of parkash purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann handed over recruitment letters to 461 youth and exhorted them to follow the footsteps of Dashmesh pitaah to dispense justice to people.

          Addressing the gathering here at Municipal Bhawan during a function to give job letters, the Chief Minister said that the great Sikh guru had taught us to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression. He said that on this sacred day all of us must take a pledge to discharge our duty with utmost sincerity, dedication and commitment to serve the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said we must tread the path shown by Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji to serve the people zealously and contribute to the progress of the state.

          The Chief Minister said that this venue has witnessed a number of such events in which youth have got jobs in various government departments. He said that this reflects the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of youth and opening new avenues of employment for them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him that till date more than 40,000 youth have been selected for these posts purely on the basis of merit.

          The Chief Minister said that now these youth have become integral part of the government adding that now should serve the people with missionary zeal. Bhagwant Singh Mann hoped that the new recruits will use their pen for helping the needy and underprivileged sections of society besides ensuring justice for them. He said that the newly recruited youth should ensure maximum welfare of the public so that every section of society is benefited from it.

          The Chief Minister said that on the coming Republic Day Sadak Surakhya Force will be dedicated to the service of the people. He said that currently the force is undergoing training at Kapurthala adding that this force will be pivotal to check the fatality rate due to road accidents in the state on one hand and to streamline the movement of traffic on the roads of the state on the other. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the first of its kind specialized force will be instrumental to save several precious lives that are lost in road accidents daily in Punjab adding that this force will be entrusted with the task of checking rash driving, streamlining vehicular movement on roads and others to check the road accidents.

          The Chief Minister said that initially around 130 vehicles equipped with ultra modern gadgets will be deployed after every 30 kilometres to man the roads. He said that these vehicles will also have a complete medical kit for providing emergency treatment to any person in need. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the force will be duly connected with trauma centres to ensure that people get required medical help on time.

          The Chief Minister said that Punjabis are born entrepreneurs and leaders due to which they have proved their mettle across the globe. He said that the hard work and resilience of the Punjabis is unmatched due to which they excel in every sphere. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this spirit of Punjabis can be duly used for taking the state ahead, for which the state government is already making strenuous efforts.

          The Chief Minister said that in order to provide employment opportunities to the youth of Punjab, the State Government is carrying out regular recruitment drives in various departments. He said that recently, appointment letters have been given to 200 freshly recruited civilian support staff in the Investigation Cadre which includes Legal Officers, Assistant Legal Officers, Financial Officers, Assistant Financial Officers and Forensic Officers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that apart from this, 245 new sub-inspectors have also been recruited in the Punjab Bureau of Investigation wing for the first time for the investigation cadre, who are undergoing training at the Punjab Police Academy Phillaur.

          The Chief Minister said that today appointment letters are being given to newly recruited Head Constables in the Investigation Cadre. He said that this is for the first time in the history of Punjab Police that Head Constables are being recruited directly. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Induction of Head Constables in the Punjab Bureau of Investigation (PBoI) wing will help in improving the quality of investigation at a cutting edge level and will further enhance the conviction rate.

          The Chief Minister said that recruitment of Head Constables will also give a boost to the police force to tackle different kinds of crimes and to help in carrying out in-depth investigations. Moreover, he said that as committed by the State Government, the yearly recruitment process to 1746 posts of Constable and 288 posts of Sub-Inspector is also going on. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in future also, the State Government will continue to recruit 1800 Constables and 300 Sub-Inspectors in Punjab Police every year, so that every youth gets an opportunity to be a part of this prestigious police force.     

          The Chief Minister also said that the state government is opening eight hi-tech centres for imparting training to the students for competitive exams. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these centres will provide quality training to youth for clearing the UPSC exams and sit on coveted positions in state and country. He said that the target of the state government is to ensure that youth sit in high offices and serve the country.

          The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that Punjab Police is discharging its duty to ensure that more than three crore people of the state sleep well. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that ever since he has assumed the charge of office his government has been laying major trust on the upgradation of the Police force. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that focus is being laid on the modrenisation of the Police force on scientific lines and even Artificial Intelligence is being introduced.

          The Chief Minister said that apart from discharging its core duty of maintaining law and order, the Punjab Police has always safeguarded the interests of the country and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the changing scenario the challenges for the force have increased manifold due to which modernization is the need of hour to combat them effectively. He said that his government has ensured that the political pressure on the Police is removed so that they can discharge their duties efficiently.

          The Chief Minister said that gone are the days when fake cases were registered against the innocent people out of political vendetta. Rather, he said that the Police is now doing its duty in a fair and impartial manner to assure that justice is given to people. He said that instead of using the Police as a remote and a computer his government has handed over these gadgets in the hands of cops to enhance their efficiency. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though there are several challenges in form of cross border smuggling, narco terrorism, organized crime in form of gangsters along with others, but the Punjab Police is capable enough to face them valiantly.

Sports Minister Meet Hayer condoles the sad demise of Kabaddi legend Devi Dayal

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

          Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has expressed deep grief over the sad demise of legendary Kabaddi player and coach Devi Dayal. Kabaddi legend, who was 76 years old, passed away last evening.

          In his condolence message, Meet Hayer said that Devi Dayal’s contributions to the Kabaddi game cannot be forgotten. He took the Kabaddi to the international level. He said that the memorial services performed by Devi Dayal in the sports field will always be remembered with respect.

          The Sports Minister said that after making a name as a player in the country and abroad, Devi Dayal also served the Kabaddi game for a long time as a coach and sports officer in the sports department. He retired as a Senior Kabaddi Coach from the Sports Department in 2005.

          Meet Hayer prayed to Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and to grant strength to the entire sports field including the family to bear the loss.