Chandigarh, 10 September :

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that a relief package of Rs 1600/- crore for Punjab announced by Prime Minister of India is miserable meagre. He added  that rupees twenty thousand crores have been lost in this catastrophic floods and centre government is giving merely Rs 1600/- crore which is meager in commensurate to loss incurred due to ravaged floods in Punjab.

He further said that Punjabis are even then highly grateful to the central government whatever they have given to us.  Punjabi’s know how to stand on their feet after falling. Even in the past, Punjabis have made properties, mansions, cars, palaces, tractors by doing hard work and they will continue to do so in the future.

Furthermore, he highlighted that  the blessings of the Guru Sahibs are always with us. Punjabi’s always bow down their heads in front of the Guru Sahib and the Guru Sahib always fills their lap with everything.

Chandigarh, September 10:

The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is working tirelessly, day and night, to provide immediate relief and assistance to flood-affected people while resolutely tackling this natural disaster. With a decline in rainfall and water levels, the State Government has accelerated relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts, enabling flood-hit families to gradually return to normal life.

Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains informed that 100% road connectivity, electricity, and water supply have been restored in flood-affected villages of Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency. Residents of Singhpur-Plassi have begun returning from relief camps to their homes. He further said that connectivity to cut-off villages such as Harsa Bela, Patti Dulchi, and Bela Shiv Singh is being restored, and the wooden bridge at Bela Dhyani will soon be replaced with a robust motorable bridge.

He added that fumigation and spraying of medicines has been completed, special vaccination drives by health and animal husbandry teams are underway, and 10 truckloads of fodder have already been distributed. Special girdawari (crop loss survey) is being carried out by revenue officials, and compensation will be disbursed based on its report.

Cabinet Ministers Dr. Balbir Singh and Lal Chand Kataruchak today distributed financial aid of ₹51,000 each to 12 affected families in villages Baknour, Pamma, Ambi Khattkaran, Kolian Adda, and Anyal of Bhoa constituency. During their visit, they interacted with local residents, listened to their concerns, and reiterated the government’s commitment to provide concrete solutions.

Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, while reviewing the situation near villages along the Ghaggar river including Krael, Moonak, and Phoolad, said that the Punjab Government has strengthened river embankments, which has saved nearby villages and towns from major damage even though water levels remained above danger mark for several days.

He further stated that the Punjab Government and District Administration are on full alert, ensuring immediate sandbagging or any other necessary measure wherever required. Officials have been deployed at every kilometer along the Ghaggar embankments to address any issue promptly.

Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, while presiding over a meeting at the District Administrative Complex in Jalandhar, directed revenue officers to immediately verify claims concerning damage to houses caused by rain and floods so that no affected family is deprived of compensation. He instructed patwaris to conduct door-to-door inspections and reaffirmed that the Punjab Government stands firmly with every affected family during this crisis.

Chandigarh, September 10:

Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian on Wednesday informed that the flood situation in the state remained severe over the last 24 hours with 88 more villages, 374 people and 55 hectares of farmland impacted. The cumulative figure has now risen to 2185 affected villages across 22 districts with the number of affected persons reaching 3,88,466.

The Minister reported that one more casualty occurred in Ferozepur during the last 24 hours, pushing the overall death toll to 53 across 15 districts. Meanwhile, three persons are still untraceable in Pathankot.

He further said that 91 more people were rescued during the past 24 hours, taking the total number of evacuees to 23,297. Currently, 115 relief camps are operational across the state, accommodating 4533 people.

On the agricultural front, S. Hardeep Singh Mundian shared that the total crop area damaged has climbed to 1,91,981.45 hectares spread over 18 districts.

The Revenue Minister added that flood havoc has struck 2185 villages across 22 districts till September 10 with the affected population crossing 3,88,466.

The Cabinet Minister highlighted that 14 NDRF teams, 2 SDRF teams, 18 Army columns and 1 Engineer Task Force are actively deployed in flood-ravaged regions. Around 30 helicopters of the Indian Air Force and Army remain engaged in rescue missions. Besides this, 182 boats are pressed into service as part of the ongoing relief operations.

Chandigarh, September 10:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday profusely thanked noted Punjabi singer Mankirat Aulakh and renowned industrialist Pritpal Singh for helping the flood affected people of the state.

The Chief Minister, who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital, during telephonic conversation with the philanthropists reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to bail out the people affected by floods. He said that the state government is already leaving no stone unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the exemplary work done by both the philanthropists in this hour of crisis is really laudable as both of them are serving the flood victims with missionary zeal.

The Chief Minister said that similarly people are coming up in large number of generously contributing in the CM relief fund to help the people in flood affected areas of the state. Profusely thanking the people who were coming forward to help the distressed people in this hour of crisis, he said that it is the need of the hour to ensure that the needy people get timely help. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every penny of people’s contribution will give a major relief to the people of the marooned areas in the state.

The Chief Minister said that such contributions will go a long way in providing timely and much needed support to people combatting the natural fury.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the generosity shown by the philanthropists will certainly provide a healing touch to the flood-ravaged areas of the state. He said that already massive loss has been caused due to floods in the state adding that the state government has already started the process for compensating people for the grave loss.

In a significant achievement, Chandigarh has secured the 8th position in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2025, marking a remarkable leap from its 27th rank in 2024.

The Swachh Vayu Survekshan, conducted annually by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), assesses cities on their sustained efforts and progress towards improving air quality.

Chandigarh’s upward movement by 19 positions is a testament to its sustainable urban development initiatives, proactive air quality management strategies, and active citizen participation.

The collective efforts of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, Traffic Police, Transport Department, State Transport Department, and the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) have contributed significantly to this achievement through measures such as:
1. Expansion of green cover through urban forestry and plantation drives.
2. Strict enforcement of dust-control measures at construction sites.
3. Introduction of e-mobility in public transport and expansion of EV charging infrastructure.
4. Scientific remediation of legacy waste.
5. Development of an expanded non-motorised transport network.
6. Proper management of construction and demolition (C&D) waste.
7. Implementation of Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) to reduce congestion and vehicular emissions.
8. Automatic road sweeping and water sprinkling to control road dust.
9. Community-led awareness campaigns promoting behavioural change and citizen involvement.

The Director Environment-cum-Member Secretary, CPCC, Sh. Saurabh Kumar said, “This achievement reflects Chandigarh’s strong commitment to ensuring clean air for its residents. Our collective efforts, from policymakers to citizens, all have made this
possible, and we will continue to work towards a healthier and greener city.”

The Swachh Vayu Survekshan evaluates cities across eight major parameters: Management
of municipal solid waste, road dust mitigation, management of dust from construction & demolition waste, regulated vehicular emissions, strict enforcement on industrial emissions and other emissions, public awareness and particulate matter improvement trend.

With this milestone, Chandigarh further strengthens its position as one of India’s leading clean and green cities, setting a benchmark for other urban centres under the NCAP framework.

Chandigarh/Gurdaspur,
9th September,2025.Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh Shri Gulab Chand Kataria welcomes Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on his arrival in Punjab

Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh Shri Gulab Chand Kataria today welcomed Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi when he conducted an aerial survey of the flood affected areas of Punjab to take stock of the situation. Later, the Prime Minister held a review meeting in Gurdaspur to assess the status of relief and rehabilitation measures.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister announced special financial assistance of ₹1600 crore for Punjab. This amount will be in addition to the ₹12,000 crore already available in the State Disaster Relief Fund. The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. He also assured that the Central Government will provide all possible help to the affected families, farmers, students and orphans.

Shri Gulab Chand Kataria expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for this sensitive and farsighted decision and said that the Central and State Governments together will leave no stone unturned to provide relief to the affected families and compensate for the losses suffered.

Chandigarh : In an effort to promote awareness about the latest technologies and innovations in the field of construction, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Architects, the Fire and Security Association of India, the Ministry of MSME, Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited, and the Network of People for Construction, is organizing the 11th four-day “Ins & Out” Exhibition at Parade Ground, Sector 17, Chandigarh, from September 12 to 15.

Chair, Chandigarh Chapter, PHDCCI, SH. M S Vij shared that the exhibition will feature more than 150 business stalls, showcasing modern building materials and innovative construction solutions.

The event will be inaugurated on September 12 by Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dy. Secretary General Naveen Seth and PHD Chandigarh Chapter Chair Madhusudan Vij and Co-chair Suvrat Khanna will also mark their special presence at the inauguration.

Following the inaugural session, a seminar on Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development will be conducted. On September 13, an awareness program on the PM Surya Ghar Yojana will be organized, with active participation from officials of CPDL, CREST, PEDA, and HAREDA.

Sh. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Government of India, will grace the Valedictory Ceremony with his esteemed presence on 14th September 2025.
Across the four days, subject experts will hold seminars on diverse topics, including modern construction technology, fire safety, security, real estate, furnishing, and decoration. The exhibition is open to all residents of the Tricity region.
Highlighting Chandigarh’s unique global reputation in architecture, Chairperson Madhusudan Vij and Co-chair Suvrat Khanna noted that the Chamber has been successfully organizing this event for the past decade, providing thousands of people with valuable insights into modern technologies and research in the construction sector.

Sirsa:

The Persistent efforts of Kumari Selja, Member of Parliament from Sirsa, former Union Minister, and General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, have yielded a major result. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, has informed through an official letter that the renovation work of the Hisar to Dabwali stretch of National Highway (NH-9) will commence from October 1. Along with this, the MP has also requested the Minister to expedite the construction of the Sirsa Southern Bypass, which will connect Jalandhar-Taranagar National Highway 703, so that the city can be freed from heavy traffic and commuters face no inconvenience.

In a statement released to the media, MP Kumari Selja said that according to the letter received from the Ministry, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the reconstruction and repair work of the Hisar-Dabwali National Highway has been prepared and the contractor has already been allotted the work. This project will be executed under a Performance-Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC). Furthermore, overbridges and underpasses will be constructed in the villages of Ding, Sahuvala-I, Odha, Chormar, and Sattakhera. This will make it easier for villagers to cross roads and help reduce accidents. The government has also informed that streetlights along the Hisar-Dabwali route have been repaired and signboards have been installed. Kumari Selja said that this project will bring great relief to the people of the region. However, some pending works still need attention particularly the improvement of the Fatehabad entry point in Sirsa and installation of new lights at elevated locations. These matters will soon be placed before the Ministry.

The Ministry has shown a positive approach toward the demand raised by MP Kumari Selja for the construction of the Sirsa Southern Bypass. The Ministry has assured that the DPR for the bypass connecting the southern part of the Jalandhar-Taranagar Road will be prepared soon. Kumari Selja has urged that the bypass be constructed at the earliest so that the pressure of heavy vehicles passing through Sirsa city can be reduced and the residents of the city get relief.

Kumari Selja said that National Highway 703, which connects Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, will have its southern bypass in Sirsa linking Sikandarpur directly to Bhadra Road. This will ensure that vehicles coming from Punjab and Rajasthan will no longer need to pass through Sirsa city, thereby eliminating traffic congestion in the city. NH-703 will connect Jalandhar with Moga, Barnala, Sardulgarh, Sirsa, Nohar, Taranagar, and Churu. The Selja said that a letter will be sent to the Union Ministry of Road Transport to ensure the early commencement of the construction of the Sirsa Southern Bypass.

A special workshop was organized at the BJP Chandigarh State Office, Sector 33 Kamalam, regarding the Seva Pakhwada.
The Seva Pakhwada will be observed across the nation from 17th September to 2nd October. This workshop was part of the nationwide service campaign being held on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.

Senior party leaders, workers, and conveners and co-conveners from various districts were present in large numbers. The workshop was convened by State General Secretary Sanjeev Rana and co-convened by State Vice President Naresh Panchal, Bharat Kumar, and Indira Singh.

BJP National Secretary Dr. Alka Gurjar participated as the chief guest and explained the importance of Seva Pakhwada and shared details of its various activities with the attendees.

In her address, Dr. Gurjar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday is not just a celebration but a day of inspiration for service and dedication. She highlighted that during the Seva Pakhwada, activities such as health camps, blood donation camps, tree plantation, cleanliness drives, assistance to the needy, and other social welfare initiatives are being carried out nationwide.

State President Jitender Pal Malhotra also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the BJP is not limited to politics but considers service as the foundation of the organization. He reiterated that PM Modi has always given the message of “Seva Hi Sangathan,” and the Seva Pakhwada further strengthens this ideology. He urged workers to organize programs systematically in their respective areas and involve more people in this campaign.

“Traditional sports competitions will also be organized in all districts under the Seva Pakhwada.
These competitions will inspire the youth to participate actively and also spread a strong message of keeping away from drugs.”

Conveners and co-conveners from different districts shared their views and strategies to ensure the success of the Seva Pakhwada. Workers were also guided on how this campaign can bring about positive change in society.

It was also decided that in the coming days, programs will be organized in every mandal and ward of Chandigarh. Special focus will be given to cleanliness drives, health check-up camps, blood donation camps, tree plantation, and distribution of essential items to the needy.

All workers present took a collective pledge to make the Seva Pakhwada historic in the state.

Chandigarh, September 9:  

Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) today hosted a one-day conference ‘Investment Bazaar for Energy Efficiency,’ to explore investment opportunities in energy efficiency projects within Punjab’s industries and MSMEs. The event brought together key stakeholders, including industries, financial institutions, banks, designated consumers, MSMEs and equipment manufacturers , to discuss and promote investment in this crucial sector.

While addressing the conference here at Kisan Bhawan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) PEDA Ms. Neelima emphasised upon importance of energy efficiency & implementation of new and innovative energy efficient technologies in Industries & MSMEs in the State. She also focused on the investment potential in Industries & MSMEs which can enhance the infrastructure at the state level, while stressing upon the dynamics of industry, transport, buildings and agriculture sectors are bringing new opportunities.

She also deliberated upon importance to bridge the communication and knowledge gap between project implementers and funding agencies for the implementation of energy efficient activities within Industries & MSMEs.

Highlighting the role of industries and MSMEs in state-wide energy efficiency projects in promoting economic growth and encouraging financial support,  Ms. Neelima said that under the leadership of New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr. Aman Arora, the state is leading country in energy transition by focusing on clean energy solutions and the conference was aimed to make energy efficiency more market-driven. During the conference, the successful energy efficiency projects were presented to inspire broader adoption among stakeholders in industries and MSMEs.

Mr. Shyam Sunder, Director from Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, GoI, stressed on the importance of Energy Efficiency and shared insights on the various schemes offered by BEE for industries with special focus on the ADEETIE (Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries & Establishments) Scheme.

PEDA senior officials and representatives from Industries, MSMEs, Financial Institutions / Banks, SIDBI, Union Bank of India, UCO Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Equipment Manufacturers also attended the  conference.