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Home Minister Anil Vij presented with a postage stamp scented with the fragrance of sandalwood of Shri Ram Mandir

IEP Chandigarh, February 2

Haryana Home and Health Minister, Sh. Anil Vij was presented with a gold foil printed postal stamp scented with the fragrance of sandalwood from the Ayodhya Shri Ram Temple by Haryana Chief Post Master General, Colonel SFH Rizvi, at his residence in Ambala today.

Home Minister Anil Vij expressed admiration for the postal ticket, describing it as exceptionally beautiful.

Chief Postmaster General Colonel SFH Rizvi explained that the Department of Posts has prepared a set of postal tickets for the occasion of the consecration ceremony in the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The printing process of these tickets involved the use of water and soil from the sacred land of the Ram Temple, imbued with the divine sentiments and blessings associated with Lord Rama.

He mentioned that these postal tickets are scented with the fragrance of sandalwood. Gold foil printing has been applied to certain parts of this miniature sheet to enhance the illumination of the postal tickets with divine light.

Home Minister Anil Vij orders action against SHO over alleged fake RC in car sale case

IEP Chandigarh, February 2

Haryana Home and Health Minister Sh Anil Vij directed to ‘linehazir’ the SHO of Kaithal Civil Line Police Station for not arresting the accused named in a fraud case in Kaithal.

Sh. Vij was redressing the grievances to people of the state at his residence in Ambala today.

          The complainant from Kaithal informed Home Minister Anil Vij that the accused had sold his car by creating a fake registration. A case was registered under cheating and other sections at Kaithal Civil Lines Police Station last year. The complainant alleged that so far, the police have only arrested one accused in this case, while the other two accused, involved in creating fake registration and buying the car, have not been arrested. In this case, Home Minister directed Kaithal SP to immediately ‘linehazir’ SHO of Civil Line police station and arrest the remaining accused involved in the case.

Instructions were given to arrest the army major who molested his wife

A married woman from Rewari complained to Home Minister Anil Vij that her husband, an army major, had remarried without giving her a divorce. She had filed a complaint against her husband with the Rewari police. After investigation, the police registered a case of misconduct against the husband, but he has not been arrested so far. Home Minister Vij called Rewari SP over phone and directed the immediate arrest of the accused Major, “We will not let women cry, arrest the accused immediately in this case.”

Home Minister Anil Vij also issued stern directives to the relevant officials to take decisive action on other complaints.

Haryana CM approves 6 new projects under Rural Augmentation & Mahagram Scheme worth over Rs. 98 crores

IEP Chandigarh, February 2

Haryana Government has decided to implement 6 new projects worth more than Rs. 98 crores under Rural Augmentation & Mahagram Scheme in 2 districts namely Charkhi Dadri and Bhiwani.

Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal today accorded administrative approval for these projects to be implemented by the Public Health Engineering Department here today.

Giving more information in this regard, an official spokesperson said that new works under Mahagram Yojana include Augmentation of water supply scheme of village Bapora, District Bhiwani which include repair of existing water works, 2 boosting station and laying distribution pipeline in the village at an estimated cost of Rs. 17.86 crore, Ensuring sewerage facility and sewage treatment plant at village Bapora, District Bhiwani at an estimated cost of Rs. 27.25 crore.

Further works under Rural Augmentation programme include Renovation and up-gradation of water supply scheme, laying of DI pipe line in village Alakhpura, District Bhiwani at an estimated cost of Rs. 7.86 crore, Renovation of water supply scheme in 2 group of villages of Ghikada, District Charkhi Dadri by constructing RCC tank and other structures, at an estimated cost of Rs. 5.09 crore, Renovation existing structures at water works and laying the balance pipe lines in village Balali, District Charkhi Dadri at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.60 crore, Replacement of water supply pipeline in village Gudana, District Charkhi Dadri at an estimated cost of Rs. 39 lakh will be taken up as well. 

State Level Workshop held under Atal Bhujal Yojna on Developing Convergence based Action Plans for Seeking Public Investment

IEP Chandigarh, February 2

The Irrigation and Water Resources Department Haryana today organised a State Level Workshop/ Training under Atal Bhujal Yojna at Panchkula. The workshop was inaugurated by, Chairperson, Haryana Water Resources Authority, Smt. Keshni Anand Arora.

Addressing the department officers and participants present in the workshop, Smt. Keshni Anand Arora said that Atal Bhujal Yojana is a groundwater management scheme launched by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi on the 95th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on December 25, 2019.

She said that it is one of the flagship programmes of Govt. of India. The purpose of the scheme is to address the decline in groundwater levels and improve groundwater management by involving communities and line departments.

Smt. Anand stated that the Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal is very keen to make Haryana a leading state in saving groundwater. Regarding the importance of Groundwater, Water conservation is a critical aspect of sustainable development, and it’s commendable that the government is taking steps to address the challenges in this area.

During the inaugural session Dr Satbir Singh Kadian, Engineer-In-Chief cum Project Director, Atal Bhujal Haryana directed that execution and monitoring of the Atal Bhujal Yojana activities has to be done in time with regular organising review meetings of line departments. All the targets must achieve within the given time frame.

Dr. Satbir Singh Kadian has also highlighted the achievements made by the department under the “Mera Panni Meri Virasat” campaign. He has expressed his serious concern to stop water wastage, especially in rural areas and promoted judicial use of ground water.

Ms Neety Nayar, Deputy Director, NPMU, Government of India said during her presentation that the purpose of the scheme is to arrest the decline in groundwater levels and improve groundwater management by involving communities and line departments. Further, she shared that the main objective of this training is to sensitize the Government officials about Atal Bhujal Yojna, scope of convergence and role and responsibilities of line departments to achieve measurable outcomes under this scheme.

Smt. Keshni Anand Arora awarded “Best Bhujal Saheli of the Month” to Smt. Rinku Sharma from district Karnal Under Atal Bhujal Yojana for the month of January, 2024. Atal Bhujal Yojana will continue this award every month.

Officers from the line departments Forest Department, Pond and Waste Water Management Authority, Horticulture Department, CGWB, MICADA, Public Health Engineering Department, Development and Panchayats Department, Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Department, I&WRD attended the training.

Haryana Government to hosts ‘Urban Planning Conclave’ for Future-Ready Cities

IEP Chandigarh, February 2

The High-Level Committee on Urban Planning, under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Town and Country Planning Haryana, is organising the ‘Urban Planning Conclave’ scheduled from February 5-6, 2024, at Hotel Hyatt Centric, Chandigarh. The Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal will inaugurate the conclave, setting the tone for fruitful discussions

Giving more information in this regard, an official spokesperson informed that the main objective of this significant conclave is to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue and knowledge-sharing platform among stakeholders, shedding light on the state-specific initiatives and policies of Haryana concerning Urban Planning, Public Private Partnership, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Affordable Housing, and other pertinent urban development issues. The event will also feature insights from senior functionaries from other parts of the country.

He said that over 100 bureaucrats and technocrats from the Government of India and State Government Departments, including Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments (HODs), Town Planners, and other senior functionaries from department/agencies such as DULB, HSVP, GMDA, FMDA, PMDA, SMDA, HMRTC, HRERA, etc., are expected to attend.

Apart from this, distinguished speakers from the High Level Committee, MOHUA, NITI Aayog, Indian Institute of Human Settlement (IIHS), academic institutions like SPA, CEPT, Chandigarh College of Architecture (CA), HRERA, Institute of Urban Finance and Governance, Pune, and GIZ, among others, will present insights and perspectives on various aspects of Urban Planning during the conclave.

The spokesperson further informed that the two-day conclave will have 6 technical sessions along with panel discussion and valedictory session. The technical sessions on day 1 will include topic such as Capacity Augmentation of Urban Planning, Haryana Context- Statutory Framework and Role of Authorities, Public Private Partnership in Urban Development in Haryana and Strengthening Urban Finance & Institutional Mechanism. On day 2 technical session will include topic such as Sustainable Urban Mobility and Planning, Urban Renewal: Form Based Code and Brownfield Development, Panel discussion on How to exploit the geographic advantage of Haryana sub-region and the conclave will be concluded with Valedictory Session.

The spokesperson stated that the conclave aims to not only showcase the experiences and initiatives of Haryana but also set a comprehensive roadmap for future urbanization in the state. It is a crucial step toward fostering collaboration, learning, and innovation in the field of urban development from participating delegates. 

22 IAS and 94 HCS officers transferred in Haryana

IEP Chandigarh, February 2

Haryana Government has issued posting and transfer orders of 22 IAS and 94 HCS officers with immediate effect.

The names of the IAS officers include –

Sujan Singh has been posted as Director State Transport and Special Secretary to Government, Transport Department.

Dr. Harish Kumar Vashishth has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Panchkula.

Dr. Brahmjeet Singh Rangi has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Palwal

Swapnil Ravindra Patil has been posted as Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Faridabad.

Sahil Gupta has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum- District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Jind.

Dr Vaishali Sharma, has been posted as (i) Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum- District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Kurukshetra. (ii) Chief Executive Officer, Kurukshetra Development Board, Kurukshetra. (iii) District MunicipaI Commissioner, Kurukshetra.

Akhil Pilani, has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-Cum- District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Karnal.

Anupama Anjali has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-Cum- District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Rewari.

Vaishali Singh has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-Cum- District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Rohtak and Special Officer, APZ, Rohtak.

Anand Kumar Sharma has been posted as Administrator, HSVP, Faridabad and Additional Director, Urban Estate. Faridabad, in addition to his present duties.

Dr.  Balpreet  Singh has been posted as Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Gurugram.

Renu Sogan has been posted as Administrator, HSVP. Gurugram and Additional Director, Urban Estate, Gurugram.

Pradeep Singh has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-Cum- District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Nuh.

Deepak Babulal Karwa has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-Cum- District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Mehendragarh.

Pankaj has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-Cum- District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Panipat.

C Jayasharadha has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-Cum- District Citizen Resources Information Offier, Kaithal.

Harshit Kumar has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-Cum- District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Bhiwani and District Municipal Commissioner, Bhiwani.

Rahul Modi has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-Cum- District Citizen Resources Information Officer, Fatehabad.

Sonu Bhatt has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), South Gurugram, CEO, Shri Mata Sheetla Davi Shrine Board, Gurugram and Land Acquisition Collector, GMDA.

Vivek Arya has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Gohana, and Managing Director Cooperative Sugar Mills, Gohana.

Yash Jaluka has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Naraingarh and CEO-cum-Executive Director, Naraingarh Sugar Mill Ltd.

Ashwini Gupta has been posted as Additional Managing Director, HSIIDC.

The names of the HCS officers include –

Veena Hooda has been posted as Addl. CEO, Sonepat Metropolitan Development Authority, Sonepat.

Vatsal Vashist has been posted as Secretary, Haryana Right to Service Commission.

Jag Niwas has been posted as CEO, Zila Parishad, Gurugram and CEO, DRDA, Gurugram.

Mahabir Parsad has been posted as District Municipal Commissioner, Mahendragarh.

Satpal Sharma has been posted as Administrator (HQ) HSVP, Panchkula.

Sushil Kumar-I has been posted as District Municipal Commissioner, Kaithal.

Varsha Khangwal has been posted as Administrator HSVP, Panchkula and Additional Director, Urban Estate, Panchkula.

Virender Singh Sehrawat has been posted as District Municipal Commissioner, Jind.

Satbir Singh has been posted as CEO, Zila Parishad, Faridabad and CEO, DRDA, Faridabad.

Naveen Kumar Ahuja has been posted as CEO, Zila Parishad, Ambala and CEO, DRDA, Ambala.

Manisha Sharma has been posted as Additional Director, Model Sanskriti Schools.

Amit Kumar-I has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil)-cum-Additional Collector, Faridabad.

Anu has been posted as Secretary, Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA), Gurugram.

Vishal Chaudhary has been posted as CEO, Zila Parishad, Karnal and CEO, DRDA, Karnal.

Satish Yadav has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil)-cum-Additional Collector, Badli.

Vivek Kalia has been given additional charge of Additional Director, Art & Culture Affairs, Haryana in addition to his present duties.

Gaurav Kumar has been posted as CEO, Zila Parishad, Panipat and CEO, DRDA, Panipat.

Meenakshi Dahiya has been posted as Joint Secretary, Fisheries Department.

Richa has been posted as Additional Director (Admn.) Secondary Education and Joint Secretary, School Education Department.

Meenaxee Raj has been posted as Secretary HSVP, Panchkula.

          Virender Chaudhary has been posted as General Manager, Haryana Tourism Development Cooperation.

Satish Kumar Singla has been posted as Joint Director, Civil Aviation.

Paramjeet Chahal has been posted as District Municipal Commissioner, Palwal.

Jitender Kumar II has been posted as Estate Officer, HSVP, Gurugram II and Land Acquisition Officer, Gurugram.

Pankaj Kumar has been posted as CEO, Zila Parishad, Yamunanagar and CEO, DRDA, Yamunanagar and Secretary, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Lohgarh Foundation (Trust).

Alka Chaudhary has been posted as Joint Director (Admn ), HIPA, Gurugram.

Sumit Kumar has been posted as Joint CEO, Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority and Joint Commissioner, MC, Faridabad.

Sandeep Aggarwal has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Hathin.

Jitender Kumar-III, has been posted as Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, NIT, Faridabad.

Satinder Siwatch, has been posted as Deputy Secretary, Health Department and Deputy Secretary, Medical Education & Research Department.

Sanjiv Kumar has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Mahendragarh.

Rakesh Saini has posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Jhajjar.

Pradeep Ahlawat-II has been posted as Joint Director (Admn.), Higher Education.

Shweta Suhag, has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil). Bahadurgarh.

Gajender Singh has been posted as Joint Commissioner Municipal Corporation, Faridabad.

Ashish Kumar has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Rohtak.

Surender Singh-III has been posted as District Municipal Commissioner, Sirsa.

Aditi has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Israna.

Vikas Yadav, has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil) Jind.

Ravinder Kumar has been posted as Sub Divisional Sub Divisional Officer (Civil) Rewari.

Sonu Ram has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Jagadhari.

Rahul Mittal has been posted as  Zonal Administrator, HSAMB, Hisar.

Suman Bhankhar has been posted as Joint Director (Admn.), HIPA. Gurugram.

Anupma Malik has been posted  as  Chief Protocol Officer, Gurugram.

Ashvir Singh has been posted as  Deputy Secretary Revenue  and  Disaster Management Department and Officer on Special Duty in Haryana Revenue Commission.

Vishal has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Bhiwani.

Kulbhushan Bansal has been posted  as CEO, Zila Parishad, Hisar and CEO, DRDA, Hisar.

Jitender Singh has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Narnaul.

Manoj Kumar-I has been posted  as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Bawal.

Manoj Kumar-II has been posted as  CEO, Zila Parishad, Mahendragarh and CEO, DRDA, Mahendragarh.

Laxmi Narayan has been posted as  Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Punhana.

Jaspal Singh, HCS (2019) has been posted as Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Karnal and Estate Officer, HSVP, Karnal.

Ranbir Singh has been posted as District Municipal Commissioner, Nuh.

Hosyar Singh has been posted  as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Pataudi.

Rajesh Punia has been posted  as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Chhachhrauli.

Parveen Kumar has been posted  as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Narnaund.

Dinesh has been posted  as Joint CEO, Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Limited, Gurugram.

Dheeraj Chahal has been posted  as Deputy Secretary, Industries  and Commerce Department.

DarshanYadav has been posted  as  Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Manesar and Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Manesar.

Harbir Singh has been posted  as  Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Tosham.

Jyoti has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Kharkhoda.

Mayank Bhardwaj has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Nangal Chaudhary.

Mukund has been posted as Estate Officer, HSVP, Rohtak  and Land Acquisition Officer, Rohtak.

Simranjeet Kaur has been posted as Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Panchkula.

Parvesh Kadiyan, has been posted as District Municipal Commissioner, Jhajjar.

Ajay Singh has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Julana.

Rajesh Kumar Soni has been posted as  Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Gharaunda.

Dwiza has been posted as  Sub Divisional Officer  (Civil), Hodal.

Aman Kumar has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Pehowa.

Suresh has been posted as  Managing Director, Cooperative Sugar Mills, Jind and  Estate Officer, HSVP, Jind.

Gaurav Chauhan has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Panchkula.

Harpreet Kaur has been posted as Estate Officer, HSVP, Panipat and Land Acquisition Officer, Panipat.

Mangal Sain has been posted as General Manager, Haryana Roadways, Hisar.

Deepak Kumar, (Awaiting orders of Posting) has been posted as Joint CEO, Haryana Parivar Pehchan Authority, Panchkula.

Vijay Kumar Yadav has been posted as Joint Director, SEWA, Haryana.

Sheetal has been posted as City Magistrate, Jhajjar.

Mannat Rana has been posted as City Magistrate, Panchkula.

Kunwar Aditya Vikram has been posted as City Magistrate, Gurugram.

Gurmeet Singh has been posted as Secretary, Haryana Agro Industries Corporation Ltd. 

Arpit Gahlawat has been posted as Joint Director Consolidation of Holdings, Rothak.

Vipin Kumar has been posted as City Magistrate, Bhiwani.

          Apratim Singh has been posted as City Magistrate, Palwal.

Ashok Kumar has been posted as City Magistrate Nuh.

Raman Gupta has been posted as City Magistrate, Kurukshetra.

Ankit Kumar-I has been posted as City Magistrate, Faridabad.

Myank Verma has been posted as Joint State Project Director, Haryana School Shiksha Parishad Pariyojna.

Hunny Bansal has been posted as City Magistrate, Hisar.

Tinu has been posted as City Magistrate, Panipat.

Simran has been posted as OSD O/o Commissioner, Gurugram Division, Gurugram. 

Manjeet Kumar has been posted as City Magistrate, Mahendragarh.

Paras Bhagoria has been posted as City Magistrate, Sirsa.

Chief Secretary goes in action mode, conducts surprise visit of civil hospital Mohali

IEP SAS Nagar/Chandigarh, February 2

Punjab Chief Secretary Mr Anurag Verma on Friday conducted a surprise inspection of Civil Hospital Mohali. After the inspection, while talking to media persons, he said that the purpose of this inspection was to check and ensure that the announcement by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann regarding providing free medicines to the patients at Government hospitals was being properly implemented.

Mr. Verma also spoke to patients coming out of the Civil Hospital and inquired from them as to whether they had been provided all the medicines prescribed by the doctors free of cost. All the patients confirmed that they had got free medicines and appreciated this public welfare initiative of the Government.

 Mr. Verma said that in consultation with the doctors, an Essential Drug List (EDL) comprising of 276 drugs has been prepared by the Health Department. Out of these, rate contracts have been done for 90% of the drugs. For the remaining drugs and drug prescribed by Government doctors, the Senior Medical Officers (SMO) will purchase the medicines from the market and provide them to the patients so that patients do not have to spend anything from their pocket for purchase of prescribed medicines. For this purpose, Rs. 25 Cr has been approved by the Chief Minister. The Financial powers of SMOs have been increased from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 2.50 Lakhs to enable them to purchase these medicines.

The Chief Secretary said that there are 23 District Hospitals, 41 Sub Divisional Hospitals and 161 Community Health Centres in the State. The above system has been put in place in all these hospitals. He further said that yesterday on his directions all the Deputy Commissioners in the State had conducted an inspection of their District Hospitals to ensure implementation of above decision. In addition, all the Deputy Commissioners held detailed meeting with Civil Surgeons and SMOs to resolve any teething problems.

Mr. Verma said that if any patient coming to any of the above Government Hospitals does not get the medicine prescribed by the Government doctor, he/she should immediately get in touch with the SMO or the DC concerned. In addition, the matter may be reported at Helpline No. 1100. He also directed the Health Department to ensure that this public welfare decision of the Government is implemented in letter and spirit.

The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Principal Secretary, Health Mr. Ajoy Sharma and MD, Punjab Health System Corporation Mr. Varinder Kumar Sharma.

VB registers another case against Amritsar improvement trust accountant for taking Rs 45 lakh bribe

IEP Chandigarh, February 2

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in its commitment to combat corruption in the state, has registered another corruption case against Vishal Sharma, Accountant of Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT), for accepting Rs 45 lakh as illegal gratification.

An official spokesperson of the state VB disclosed today that FIR no. 01, dated 31.01.2024, has been registered against the said accused under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act at VB police station, Amritsar range. This case has been registered on a complaint lodged by Major Singh, a resident of Sultanwind village, Amritsar.

The spokesperson further informed that the complainant has submitted his complaint on the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line, accompanied by audio-visual evidence. Following an enquiry, VB Amritsar range found the allegations in the complaint to be true and correct, leading to the registration of this case against the said AIT official. Further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

The spokesperson added that the accused is currently in jail under judicial custody for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 8 lakh in another bribery case. He would soon be taken on a production warrant for his arrest. Notably, in the case registered on January 7, 2023, a co-accused AIT law officer Gautam Majithia, a resident of Green Field, Majitha Road, Amritsar, has already been arrested by the VB and is also in judicial custody.

Punjab police avert target killings planned by notorious gangster happy jatt; one held with automatic pistol

IEP CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, February 2

In a major blow to organised crime in Punjab amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police have averted planned target killings in the state with the arrest of Harpreet Singh alias Happy Baba of village Aladinpur in Tarn Taran, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

Accused Happy Baba has been facing several criminal cases pertaining murder and attempt to murder. Police teams have also recovered one .30 bore automatic pistol along with a magazine and three live cartridges from his possession.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the arrested accused is an operative of most-wanted gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Jatt of Jandiala, who was hatching a conspiracy to execute target killings to disturb the peace and communal harmony in the border state of Punjab, and assigned the former to accomplish this task in lieu of huge money.

 “Accused Happy Baba is also one of the biggest weapon suppliers in Punjab, and was closely associated with weapon suppliers of Madhya Pradesh,” he said.

The development came 25 days after Counter Intelligence Jalandhar had arrested Vikramjit Singh alias Vicky Bhatti of Nanaksar Mohalla in Tarn Taran after recovering two pistols along with ammunition from his possession.

Sharing more details, AIG Counter Intelligence Jalandhar Navjot Singh Mahal said that during questioning of accused Vicky Bhatti, it came to light that the Happy Jatt has assigned Happy Baba to carry out target killings in the state. Acting swiftly, the police teams have launched a vigorous operation and arrested the accused Happy Baba, he added.

He said that during questioning Happy Baba confessed his involvement in inter-state smuggling of illicit weapons after smuggling them from Madhya Pradesh and since 2020-21, he has sold at least 100 illicit weapons in the area of Tarn Taran and Amritsar. Further investigations are on, he added.

The FIR No. 57 dated 29.12.2023 has been registered under sections 25 and 25(8) of the Arms Act at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) Amritsar.

Mining & Geology Dept refutes misleading statement of LoP

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

          The Punjab Government has taken strict actions to stop the illegal mining in the state with the intervention of the latest technical mechanism.

          Giving further details, the official spokesperson of the Mining and Geology department said that all the mines are geo-tagged and geo-fenced by the department before the starting of the mining operations. Currently, geotagging or geofencing of mines located in the state of Punjab has already been completed are also available in the public domain through department portal.

          The spokesperson said that pre mining survey has been done with the help of drones on all the mining sites, allotted by the department,  so that illegal mining can be stopped.

          A provision for online complaints has also been made in the Mining Portal (Mineral Sale Management and Monitoring System) https://minesandgeology.punjab.gov.in. An ‘android application (Punjab Sand)’, has been available on the Google Play Store which can be downloaded by any person, for the purpose of making complaints about the illegal mining along with the coordinates and pictures in any area in the State.

          It is worth bringing to the notice that up till October 31, 2023, a total 5366 cases have been registered by Police Department against illegal mining in the State.

          The Department of Mines and Geology has also constituted a ‘District Level Task Force’ to curb illegal mining in the State as per NGT orders.

          In compliance with NGT orders, a total of 110 FIRs have been filed, and 156 vehicles have been seized in Ropar District. Additionally, in instances of illegal mining in Ropar District, the Department has cancelled the registration of 13 crushers.

          He said that the mining and geology department is in the process of signing MoU with the IIT Ropar with the objective of sustainable management and monitoring of riverbeds and other mining sites using satellite data.

          Refuting the misleading statement of the leader of opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa, the spokesperson of the Mining and Geology department clarified that the allegations regarding mining activities in Punjab are categorically incorrect and contrary to the claims of LoP as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF) issued comprehensive guidelines in 2020, emphasizing the use of geo-fencing and geo-tagging for mining sites.

          The spokesperson further added that the Punjab government has diligently implemented these guidelines by creating Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files for all mining sites, utilizing GPS coordinates. These files serve as robust tools for geofencing and geotagging, enabling anyone to easily identify mining areas on platforms like Google Earth. It’s worth noting that every Mine Plan is accompanied by a mandatory KML file, and each Environmental Clearance (EC) application includes this essential documentation.

          He said that the department is currently at the final stage of obtaining 40 Environmental Clearances (ECs).

          He said that a few years ago, mining activities were conducted without the necessary ECs and permissions. However, under the present government, strict adherence to legal protocols is maintained, ensuring that mining operations are only permitted in areas where ECs or permissions from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) have been obtained. The state government is committed to upholding the law and safeguarding the environmental integrity of our region, he added.