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25,000 people would benefit under Mukhyamantri Mushroom Vikas Yojana

IEP DEHRADUN AUGUST 28,2022

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that a Mukhyamantri Mushroom Vikas Yojana would soon be launched in the state and more than 25,000 people would benefit from the scheme. He said this after inaugurating a food processing and packaging plant in Buggawala in Haridwar district on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, he said that setting up of a 14 acre polyhouse in Buggawala would help in development of the area and said that the Nature Besto and MB Foods companies are providing livelihood to 150-200 families. He said that the State government has launched ‘ One District One Product (ODOP) project and that mushroom is the chosen product for Haridwar district. Dhami said that under ODOP, apricot for Almora, kiwi for Bageshwar, bay leaves and spices for Champawat, fish for Chamoli, bakery for Dehradun, peach for Nainital, malta for Pauri, chaulai for Rudraprayag, ginger for Tehri, apple for Uttarkashi, mango for Udham Singh Nagar and turmeric for Pithoragarh districts have been selected. He disclosed that loans for 48 beneficiaries have been approved under the scheme and out of them 28 units have already been set up.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State government is taking measures to double the income of farmers. He said that many enterprises have come up in Uttarakhand under Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme. The CM said that a new powerful, self reliant and developed India is emerging in a real sense. He said that Uttarakhand has a vast potential for the food processing industries.

“ Items chosen under One District One Product scheme ” Dhami said that the horticulture department provided a grant of 40 per cent to the MB Foods under the Horticulture Mission for the North East Himalayas (HMNEH) for setting up a Mushroom processing plant. He reiterated the commitment of his government to make Uttarakhand one of the leading states of the country by the year 2025. Agriculture minister Ganesh Joshi, Forest minister Subodh Uniyal, former CM and Haridwar MP Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, MLAs Savita Kapoor, Munna Singh Chauhan, Pradeep Batra, Ravi Bahadur and others were also present on the occasion.

SSP declares Rs 25k bounty on Bobby Kataria

IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 28, 2022

Dehradun SSPDaleep Singh Kunwar declared a bounty of Rs 25,000 on absconding social media influencer Bobby Kataria on Friday after the recent order of the Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Kumar. The police filed a case against the Haryana resident Kataria after his video of pouring and consuming alcohol allegedly on a busy road in Dehradun blocking traffic went viral on social media platforms. The police has already issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against him last week after he failed to appear before the police besides sending a team to Gurugram in Haryana for his arrest Kataria but he could not be nabbed so far.

The SSP said that the police have declared a bounty of Rs 25,000 on the accused and other necessary steps are also being taken to nab him as soon as possible. It is pertinent to mention here that the police have been making efforts to clamp down on the tendency of some people to drink and indulge in rowdy acts in public places. The police have so far penalised and taken other action against a number of people under Operation Maryada. At such a time when the authorities are trying to clamp down on hooliganism in public areas, the video clip by Kataria apparently showing off his blatant disregard for the law in the middle of the road did not go down well with the authorities.

Dehradun SSP appeals to SJA management on Rajpur Road/Subhash Road to cooperate with administration in improving traffic condition

IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 28, 2022

Taking a step towards resolving the regular traffic congestion and related problems caused on main roads outside prominent schools, the Dehradun senior superintendent of police Daleep Singh Kunwar appealed to the management of St Joseph Academy on Rajpur Road/Subhash Road to cooperate with the administration in improving the traffic condition.

According to the Traffic directorate, the school management altered the school timings and the parents of the students dropped them on time at school.

The vehicles of the parents and others coming to drop and pick up the students are being made to park properly on the school campus by the traffic police. After the school parking space becomes fully occupied, the remaining vehicles are being parked in an orderly line along the boundary wall so that other vehicle users do not face any kind of problem on the road. The traffic CO, traffic inspector and other police personnel have been deployed on the roads concerned during school timings to effectively manage the traffic on these roads.

In case of vehicle owners not cooperating or parking improperly on the road unnecessarily, the traffic police are taking action by towing and clamping. It is pertinent to mention here that Haridwar Road, Darshanlal Chowk, EC Road and various other busy roads in different parts of the city face regular traffic congestion and disorder during the times when the schools open and close for the day.

The vehicles of parents and school cabs/buses transporting the children continue to cause major traffic woes on various busy roads in the city. The St Joseph Academy is situated near the police headquarters and secretariat, making traffic jams outside the school more noticeable to the authorities.

Haryana Govt will recommend for CBI investigation through a letter on the demand of family members

IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 28. 2022

 The Goa government will receive a letter from the Haryana government requesting that the matter of Sonali Phogat’s death should be handed over to the CBI. Sonali Phogat’s family members met Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal at his residence.

While meeting the family members of Sonali Phogat, the Chief Minister expressed grief over the sudden demise of Sonali.  The Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the government is firmly standing with the family in this sensitive time and the government will take every possible step to get justice delivered in this case. The family members requested the Chief Minister that a CBI inquiry should be conducted into the matter.

The Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal assured the family that a letter will be written on behalf of the Haryana Government to the Goa government requesting them to recommend the case further for CBI inquiry. The family expressed satisfaction after the Chief Minister’s assurance.

Punjab’s Municipal Corporations need to be proactive and coordinate better to fight air pollution 

IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Numerous city municipal corporations in the state of Punjab are not only struggling to understand the requirements under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) but are also unable to coordinate between various departments within civic bodies to address the issue of air pollution, the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) – a policy-research think tank – has assessed.

The analysis further states that municipal corporations, especially across Amritsar, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and Bhatinda, have asked CSTEP assistance in developing their understanding of the dynamics of air pollution as well as the requirements and strategies under NCAP. The NCAP, announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019, has led to the development of clean air action plans with an aim to reduce PM2.5 pollution by 20–30% by 2024 compared to 2017.

The findings were shared on the sidelines of the India Clean Air Summit 2022 (ICAS 2022) on Thursday at Bengaluru. ICAS is India’s premier event on air pollution and is organised by the Centre for Air Pollution Studies (CAPS) at the CSTEP to call for an integrated approach to resolving air pollution and climate change, highlighting the commonalities and identifying key benefits from framing policies that look at the two challenges jointly. The four-day event brought together scientists, policymakers, technologists, and affected communities to discuss solutions for air pollution.

Among the findings for Punjab, the NCAP initiated a tripartite agreement between state pollution control board, municipal corporation and an institute of repute. “Various city municipal bodies are struggling to understand the requirements of NCAP and coordinating among line departments. The municipal corporations have requested help in terms of building capacity about dynamics of air pollution and understanding the requirements, reagents and strategies under NCAP,” said Dr Pratima Singh, Head of CAPS.

Stating that CSTEP aims to provide Punjab with effective long-term management strategies for these polluting sectors she added that working in silos was not the solution for these civic bodies. “We all need to work in collaboration. Municipalities need to actively make use of the institute of repute identified by the Central Pollution Control Board under NCAP to help them build their capacity. Also, all the other institutions and think tanks working in these cities need to come together and support these civic bodies to understand the challenges associated with air pollution,” said Dr Singh suggesting that to achieve a comprehensive improvement in the state’s air quality, industrial and transportation emissions should also be kept in check.

Meanwhile, commenting on the stubble burning issue in Punjab, which is expected to begin in a couple of months, Dr Singh said that in order to effectively implement strategies, there must be better inter- and intra-district departmental cooperation and collaboration.

“Another critical element is empowering farmers by increasing their ability to handle agricultural leftovers. To a large extent, stubble burning can be decreased by raising public awareness of new technologies, governmental incentives, and the detrimental effects of air pollution on human health,” she said.

MCC conducts training of trainers on Disaster Management & Epidemic Response

IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has conductedtraining of trainers (ToT) on Disaster Management and Epidemic Response under Swachh Bharat Mission at MCC office premises here today, during which training has been imparted to officials of Fire & Rescue Services, MCC and other departments.

Following the directions of Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh the trainers were imparted training who will further train the frontline Municipal sanitation workers at 7 different locations of Chandigarh. Participants were trained about the topics like risk analysis, prevention, preparedness, effective response to the impact of a hazard, measures related to timely and effective warnings as well as evacuation and emergency planning, role of sanitation workers, personal safety, etc.

The sessions in the ToT were conducted by Sh. Sanjeev Kohli, Nodal Officer, Disaster Management & Senior CDI Civil Defense, Sh. Naveen Kumar, Fireman, Dr. Vinay Bhagat, Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ravinder Dhaliwal & Dr. Gaurav Lakhanpal. The training session was held under the supervision of Sh. Rohit Gupta, Joint Commissioner, MCC. 

To further train the Municipal sanitation workers, trainings have been planned from August 29th, 2022 in cascade model by master trainers trained in ToT today.

MCC carries out “Swachhata Ki Paathshala” at 10 schools from Aug 22 to 26

IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

“Swachhata Ki Paathshala”, an initiative of Municipal Corporation Chandigarh which was initiated in July, 2022 to motivate the young minds to follow the habits of personal hygiene, cleanliness in the surroundings etc. In this initiative, the Commissioner, Joint Commissioners and other senior officers along with employees of corporation visit the schools of daily basis to address the students about the importance of segregation of waste, ban on plastic, home composting and responsibility of the citizen.

During these sessions, Ms. Anindita Mitra IAS, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Chandigarh and other officers of MCC Mrs. Shalini Chetal, Sh. Rohit Gupta, Mrs. Isha Kamboj, Joint Commissioners, Sh. N.P. Sharma, Chief Engineer, Dr. Vinay Mohan, MOH and Dr. Vivek Trivedi, Social Development Officer addressed students between class 6th to 12th and emphasized upon the import of segregation of waste considering the amount of waste being generated and its negative impact on environment if not segregated.

“School authorities are actively participating in the activity and they are cooperating with the corporation in vision to make the city beautiful in real sense of cleanliness. The aim behind organizing “Swachhta Ki Paathshala” is to bring sustainable change in the attitude of students as well as adults.”, she added.

An interactive session was conducted with students by Representatives of Municipal Corporation during which Students ask their queries and all the queries are answered by the officials.  Videos are shown to the students for better understanding of the swachhata related issues.

Students are trained to take responsibility to keep the city clean and deter people from littering the streets, spitting in public places and stop using single-use plastic. The message taken by the students during “Swachhata Ki Paathshala” spreads to their parents, families and surroundings in true spirit of responsible citizens.

During the last week from August 22nd – 26th, 2022, MCC has covered 10 Government and Private Schools covering the urban and peripheral areas including GMSSS- MHC, Manimajra, GMHS, Sec-7, GMSSS- Karsan, St. Mary’s School- Sec-46, Kulwant Rai Sarvhitkari Vidya Mandir, Sec-43, Aanchal International  School, Sec- 41, Paragon Convent School, Sec- 24, Bhavan Vidyalaya, Sec-27, GMSSS- Sec. 44/B, GMSSS-Kaimbwa

Chandigarh rated as the best amongst the UTs in total solar power installation

IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Chandigarh has been rated as the best amongst the UTs in total solar power installation and received the first prize today on 27th Aug 2022 in a function organised by Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS) formed by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India on its 8th Foundation Day Ceremony at Cochin, Kerala.

 Chandigarh Renewable Energy & Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST), UT Chandigarh also got the awards for following categories amongst all UTs:

1. For achieving second highest renewable energy installed capacity as on 31.03.2022.

2. For achieving second highest renewable energy capacity addition during 2021-22.

3. For achieving second highest solar power capacity addition during 2021-22.

4. For achieving second highest numbers of solar street lights installed as on 31.3.2022.

        These prizes were distributed by Shri Bhagwanth Khuba, Hon’ble Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.

Chandigarh was selected as the Model Solar City and the Master Plan was approved by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), GOI in Feb. 2012.

    Under “AZADI KA AMRIT MAHATOSAV–To Commemorate the India’s 75 years of Independence”, CREST has set an ambitious target of 75MWp to be achieved by 15th August, 2023. Chandigarh is well ahead in terms of achievement & total aggregate capacity of 50.588 MWp Grid tied Rooftop Solar Plants at 4200 sites have already been installed & commissioned in Chandigarh.

     Sh.Dharam Pal, Adviser to the Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh appreciated the efforts of CREST in achieving this milestone and further added that with this pace, Chandigarh can achieve the dream target of Govt. of India to become 100% RE powered in near future. 

            Sh. Nitin Kumar Yadav, Home Secretary, U.T. Chandigarh congratulated the CREST team for making sincere efforts in producing Green Power for the city.

            Sh.Debendra Dalai, Secretary, Science & Technology and Renewable Energy-cum- CEO CREST, informed that this is a proud moment for Chandigarh and Chandigarh could win these awards with active support and participation of the people at large in implementation of the projects. He further informed that there are many unique projects which are in pipeline such as 2 MWp Floating SPV Power Plant at Water Works, Sector-39, 2 MWp Canal Top SPV Power Plant at N-Choe in front of Garden of Conifers, Sector-52, 2 MWp Canal Top SPV Power Plant at Patiala Ki Rao, 500 kWp Floating SPV Power Plant along-with Fountains at Dhanas Lake and 4 MWp of other projects.

            It is a proud moment for Chandigarh that a small territory has competed with other UTs of India and got these awards. This is a true encouragement for Chandigarh Administration. The award ceremony was attended by Sh. Debendra Dalai, Secretary Science & Technology and Renewable Energy -cum- CEO CREST and Sh. Sukhwinder Singh Abrol, Project Director, CERST.

Chandigarh Smart City installs water ATM in Sector 35 market

IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27,2022

Prem Lata, area councillor inaugurated the First water ATM in the market Sector 35, here today in the presence of Sh. N.P. Sharma, Chief Engineer, MCC & Shopkeepers of the Market.

While sharing information about the scheme, the Chief Engineer said that Chandigarh Smart City Ltd. has provided Municipal Corporation 4 water ATMS which have been installed in the Market of Sector 35 Chandigarh. All the Water ATMs have been supplied by Punjab and Sind Bank under CSR funds at a cost of each Water ATM about Rs. 5.25 Lakh.

He said that the Municipal Corporation has incurred expenditure of installation and civil work costing about Rs 2 Lakh per Water ATM and also will bear its maintenance charges including electricity and water charges from time to time.

He further said that the potable water of quality as per BIS standards -14543 duly will be available to the Shop Keepers as well as visitors from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm daily at the following charges :-

Rs1/- for 300ML

Rs.3/- for 500ML

Rs.5/- for 1000ML

Rs.20 for 5000 ML

Rs.35/- for 20000ML.

The Chief Engineer said the Water ATM has been equipped with provision for chilled water (water with temperature around 15 degree celsius during summers. A LED digital screen has been provided to show four key parameters of water standards namely PH, Hardness, TDS & temperature on real time basis. The user may scan the card or insert the coin on WAU(Water ATM Unit) sensor and press the button depending on the water requirements.

He said the storage capacity of each Water ATM is 500 Ltr which has been enhanced by providing water storage tank of 1000 Ltr along Water ATM. This will meet the long pending demand of shopkeepers as well as visitors in the market of non-availability of drinking water in the market.


TRANSPORT MINISTER LALJIT BHULLAR APPOINTS MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTORS ON 11 VACANT POSTS TO SPEEDEN UP ISSUANCE OF FITNESS CERTIFICATES

IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has appointed Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) on 11 vacant posts to reduce the ever-increasing burden of passing and issuing fitness certificates of old vehicles in the state.

          The Cabinet Minister said that only four MVIs under 11 RTA offices are currently looking after the work of passing and issuing fitness certificates to the old vehicles in 23 districts of the state. As a result, very little work could be done and files are piling up in the department. Responding to the complaints of delays, the minister made internal arrangements by appointing staff from Punjab roadways to reduce the workload and bring more transparency. Now, all 11 dedicated MVIs will work under 11 RTA offices.

          The Transport Minister said that apart from the previously posted MVIs, now MVI Preetinder Arora will look after the work of district Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga, Bathinda and Mansa, while MVI Sukhwinder Singh will see the work at district Fazilka and Ferozepur, MVI Merik Garg at district Ludhiana, MVI Gurinder Singh at district Jalandhar and Kapurthala, MVI Leela Singh at district Gurdaspur, MVI Madhu Pushap at district Pathankot, MVI Navdeep Singh at district Amritsar and Tarn Taran and MVI Jaspreet Singh will see the work of district Sangrur, Malerkotla and Barnala.

          Emphasizing on the resolution of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann of zero tolerance policy against corruption, the Transport Minister categorically asked, any officer or employee found involved in corruption will not be spared at all, thus officers should discharge their duty honestly.