IEP CHANDIGARH, September 29

Punjab Police struck a decisive blow in the ongoing war against gangsters being waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, with the arrest of Neeraj Chaska, the topmost wanted shooter of the Davinder Bambiha gang from Jammu, for his involvement in multiple murders including the sensational murder of SOPU President Gurlal Brar, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.          The murder of Gurlal Brar, who was a close relative of Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar triggered inter-gang rivalry between the Davinder Bambiha gang and Lawrence Bishnoi gang leading to spate of murders in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and National Capital Region (NCR) Delhi. Gurlal Brar was shot dead outside a nightclub in Chandigarh in October 2020.          The arrested gangster Neeraj alias Chaska, who is resident of Jaito in Faridkot, is the main shooter of Bambiha gang, being controlled by foreign-based wanted gangster Gaurav alias Lucky Patial. Patial is the main handler of Bambiha gang, after gangster Davinder Bambiha was neutralized by the Punjab Police in September 2016. Neeraj has been absconding since 2019.          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that in an ongoing intelligence-based operation, a team of the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of Punjab Police, in coordination with central agencies has arrested Neeraj alias Chaska from district Samba in Jammu. The police have also recovered two foreign-made pistols, including .30 caliber and .32 caliber, along with 17 live cartridges from his possession.          He said that apart from Gurlal’s murder, Neeraj has been directly involved in at least four more murders, including the murder of Kabbadi Player Money, who was killed in Jaito town of Faridkot district on the directions of Amna Jaito lodged in Ferozepur Jail in August 2019, and double murder case in which Pardeep alias Panja and Rahul were killed in Ambala in March 2021.          The DGP said that Neeraj Chaska along with his associates had also killed Surjit Bouncer at Sector 38, Chandigarh in March 2020, following which Davinder Bambiha group took the responsibility of the murder on Facebook claiming that Surjit Bouncer was killed to avenge the killing of bouncer Amit Sharma at Saketri.          Yadav said that further investigations and questioning of Neeraj alias Chaska will lead to the unraveling of more activities and plans of the Bambiha Gang.          The interrogation of Lawrence Bishnoi and his several aides arrested by the Punjab Police had revealed that on account of his involvement in the killing of Gurlal Brar, Neeraj alias Chaska was on the top hitlist of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Investigations are ongoing. 

IEP Chandigarh, September 29

Strengthening the machinery and equipment in Municipal Corporation’s fleet, Smt. Sarbjit Kaur Dhillon, Mayor, Chandigarh today flagged off new latest machines having Excavator-cum-loader, boom ladder, tipper hopper dumper, grabbing machine, back pack leaf blower and sewer inspection camera etc. worth Rs. 6.07 crores at MCC office premises, Sector 17, Chandigarh.

Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Sh. Dalip Sharma, Senior Deputy Mayor, Sh. Anup Gupta, Deputy Mayor, other councilors and officers of MCC were present during the occasion.

While speaking on the occasion, the Mayor said that with a major thrust on cleaning of sewer, lifting of C&D waste, horticulture waste, the MCC has equipped its engineering staff with new equipment and machinery. Some of the purchases include basic equipment, but others added new technological dimension to the fleet of MCC machinery & equipment, she added.

She said that equipment and machinery added by MCC include, 5 tipper hopper dumpers, 3 small tipper hopper dumpers, 3 excavator-cum-loader (backhoe loader), 2 sewer inspection camera, 1 grabbing machine, 2 boom ladder (8 mtr.), 20 tractors, 6 water tankers, 5 back pack leaf blowers, 70 brush cutters, 12 shrub masters, 2 cultivators from the dedicated budget allocations while 3 tipper hopper dumpers, 2 excavator-cum-loader (backhoe loaders) and 5 horticulture waste processing machines have been purchased under processing of Solid Waste Management budget allocation.

She briefed that the grabbing machine will help MCC move from manual maintenance of the city’s sewerage and drainage system to one backed by latest technology. Using inspection cameras, maintenance staff will be able to detect the type of blockage from outside and determine the equipment required for its cleaning. She said that grabbing machines are equipped with small, truck-mounted handles, which are lowered into the sewer to remove objects or waste blocking it and can also be used to carry them for disposal.

The Mayor further said that the system is being strengthened in the MCC so that service delivery will be improved and at the same time, the engineering staff at the cutting edge will be empowered and facilitated to deliver better. The equipment and machinery will give a boost to the cleanliness and smooth functioning of waste processing in the city, she added.

IEP CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 29

Department of Cardiology held a walk under the leadership and guidance of Prof Yash Paul Sharma, Prof & Head in PGIMER sports ground on September 29, 2022, on the occasion of world heart day. The theme for this year’s world heart day is” Use Heart for Every Heart”. He said that this theme has two meanings one for the doctor community to treat patient with compassion and empathy and secondly for the patients it means that they should do physical activity which will increase heart rate and thus decreasing the incidence of cardiovascular disease. World heart day is the largest event on earth for creating awareness in the public regarding cardiovascular disease. World heart day was started in the year 1999 by world heart federation and since then every September 29, 2022 is celebrated all over the globe. Also the achievements and future prospective of the department of cardiology was discussed. It was decided that our vision is to decrease the cardiovascular mortality by further 25% by 2025. 

Total number of patient attending out-patient department in the year 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 were 46829, 28674 and 71942. The total number of procedures performed in 2019 to 2022 were 11270, 4655 and 8308 respectively. Even during Covid pandemic of 2020 & 2021 Department of Cardiology provided its services to large number of patients and the mortality of ACS patients during pre-covid and covid era was comparable. The department of Cardiology with its persistent innovation and strategic treatment methodology has achieved least mortality in ACS patients (6.8%).

A seminar was held in the department of cardiology under the guidance of Professor and Head Dr Yash Paul Sharma. The management of acute coronary syndrome both in the COVID and Pre COVID era was discussed and how we could achieve even comparable mortality in both these era. Use of compassion, innovation, integration and collaboration   in the treatment of ACS patients has lead to this remarkable achievement. Primordial and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease was discussed like diabetes, hypertension, avoidance of smoking, lack of physical activity, less intake of fruits and vegetables and stress at workplace and home was discussed and how to decrease the risk factors was discussed upon.

Emphasis was given in the treatment of patients with ACS and comorbidities like sepsis and other lesser moribund diseases. The concept of endothelial dysfunction and, slow flow, in coronary artery was discussed. The strategies given by us has been adopted across the globe. It was also emphasised that people in general population should not exercise beyond their maximal capacity. Exercise should be done in graded manner. They should perform only 70-85% of their exercise capacity. This will prevent sudden death, like we have seen in people having sudden events on treadmill while singing or performing.

In the public lecture it was emphasised that all patients who have cardiovascular risk factors like Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol smoking history should report to nearby cardiologist whenever possible in case of development of symptoms like chest pain, palpitation, dyspnoea and fatigue in order to provide timely therapeutics.

IEP Chandigarh, September 29

          The Punjab Government will organise a state level function to celebrate International Elderly Day on 1st October, 2022 at Guru Nanak Bhavan, Ludhiana.

Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur will be the chief guest on this occasion.

          Divulging in this regard, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that on this occasion free eye checkup will be organised for the elderly and spectacles will be given free to the needy elderly.

Apart from this, forms of old age pension and other financial assistance schemes and approving pensions will be filled during the event. A camp will also be organized by the department for Senior citizens to make their senior citizen cards.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur has appealed to the needy senior citizens to attend the function to avail the benefit of this opportunity.

          On this occasion, a cultural program will also be organized by the Department of Social Security and Women and Child Development in honor of the elders of Punjab, in which a presentation will be made by the elders.

Organizations working in the field of welfare of elderly persons will also actively participate in this event.

IEP Chandigarh, September 29

Haryana Home Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that the footage of CCTV cameras is an important link in reaching the criminals, so the work of installation of CCTV cameras at bus stands and other public places in all cities should be expedited. Cooperation of other organizations like CSR, RWA, Vyapar Mandal and Banks can also be taken. The Home Minister was holding a review meeting with the senior officials of the Police and Home Department here today.

Experts should be taken on the panel for Cyber Crime

The Home Minister said that till the regular recruitment of forensic experts is not done, private experts should be taken on the panel to solve the cases related to cybercrime. There has been an exponential surge in the cases of Cyber Crime everywhere, he added.

Focus on infrastructure

        The Home Minister said that the emphasis should be on police modernization. All police stations should have bullet-proof jackets, updated vehicles and modern equipment for investigation.

Special investigation team members will be honoured

In the meeting, Sh. Anil Vij commended the STF team for taking prompt action in nabbing the criminals in the case of threatening of MLAs and said that they will be honoured with cash prizes soon.

Focus on lane driving so that no one gets killed in road accidents in Haryana

        Sh. Anil Vij stated that he does not want anyone to die in a car accident in Haryana. To this end, he suggested that the police concentrate on lane driving on interstates and state roads and install lane driving sign boards in various locations. At least home guards should be deployed at every traffic intersection. He said that as soon as vehicles from other states, especially trucks, enter Haryana, the truck driver should know that lane driving has been made mandatory. He said that he himself will make a surprise check.

        Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Sh. T.V.S.N. Prasad, Director General of Police, Sh. PK Agrawal, ADGP CID, Sh. Alok Mittal, Special Secretary, Home Department, Sh. Vinay Singh, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

IEP Chandigarh, September 29

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala said that the state government will compensate the farmers for the damage caused by the rains in the last few days and orders have been given to the district administration to conduct special girdawari. Apart from this, farmers themselves can also report the loss of their crops on the ‘e-Fasal Kshatipurti Portal’. Apart from the fields, directions have been given to the district administration to take prompt action regarding the drainage of water logging in rural and urban areas as well. The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing a public meeting at village Tazia Khera in district Sirsa on Thursday.

        During this, he also heard the grievances of the people and directed the concerned officers of the department to take appropriate action. The Deputy Chief Minister said that due to the incessant rains in the entire state in the last few days, there has been a situation of water logging in the fields as well as the residential areas. Therefore, orders have also been given to the officers of the Irrigation and Revenue Department to drain water from the fields. He added that sowing of Rabi season crops should not be delayed due to stagnant water.

        Sh. Dushyant Chautala said that the farmers who have got their crop registered on Meri Fasal-Mera Byora portal can directly register their crop damage information on the ‘e-Fasal Kshatipurti Portal’. After this, Kanungo and Patwari will assess the damage recorded on the portal and submit their report in a week.

        The Deputy Chief Minister said that we are strenuously working to accelerate the pace of development of rural areas. He added that everyone’s cooperation is necessary in this work. Sports grounds are being developed in the villages of the state to enhance the upcoming talent.

        The Deputy Chief Minister said that today inclusive development is being ensured in Haryana without any discrimination. 50 percent reservation has been made for women in the elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions. He further added that Chandigarh Airport has been named after Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh on the request and efforts of the State Government. He said that the improvement of the park in Tazia Khera village should be done with the aim that the villagers and youth get the complete benefit of it.

IEP Chandigarh

Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam is committed to provide uninterrupted power supply to the consumers. Several ambitious programs are being run by the Nigam for quick resolution of the problems of the consumers. The Chairman Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum (CGRF) of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam along with the members of the Forum would take the proceedings of the forum in the office of SE/OP Circle, UHBVN, Panchkula, SCO-96, 1st Floor, Sector-5, Panchkula to redress the grievances / to hear the complaint of the consumers (belonging to Panchkula District only) and to entertain new complaints from 11:30 AM on dated September 30, 2022 (Friday).

The CGRF shall take all grievances/complaints of consumers like billing problems, voltage complaints, problems in metering, disconnection and reconnection of power supply, interruptions, failure of power supply, efficiency, safety, reliability, noncompliance of Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission orders etc. However, the cases of theft and unauthorized use of electricity, offences and penalties as specified under section 126 and section 135 to 139 of Electricity Act, accidents and inquiries as under section 161 of the Act will not be considered by the Forum.

All the consumers are requested to avail the opportunity for the redressal of their grievances.

IEP Chandigarh, September 29

An MoU has been signed between the Haryana Government and the University of Birmingham for the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Crop Post-Harvest Management and Sustainable Cold Chain in the state.

        In the presence of the Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. J.P. Dalal, Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. Sumita Misra, signed an MoU at Birmingham (UK) today.

        The present state government is implementing many schemes to make the farmers of the State happy and economically well. Under the able leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, the state government is continuously running several welfare schemes in the interest of farmers. Starting a new initiative, Haryana has also launched Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana for horticulture farmers. Besides this, the state government is also continuously encouraging farmers to adopt crop diversification to promote horticulture crops.

        The Agriculture Minister, Dr. Sumita Misra and Director General, Horticulture, Dr. Arjun Singh Saini are in Birmingham to attend the Cold Chain Summit at this University on September 29 and 30. They will also visit various institutes which are involved in the establishment of this Centre of Excellence.

        Sh. J.P. Dalal said that this Centre of Excellence will be a milestone for the reduction in post-harvest losses, updating the knowledge of stakeholders including farmers, use of eco-friendly and farmer-friendly technologies in supply chain and Research and Development as well, resultantly there will be a big boost for diversification towards horticulture in the State.

        Sh. J.P. Dalal addressed the participants in the Cold Chain Summit and stated that Horticulture in Haryana at present has around 7 percent of the total gross cropped area in the State.

        To encourage diversification into horticulture and increase the income of the farmers, several new programmes and initiatives have been taken up by the Haryana Government. He emphasized reducing the post-harvest losses which are around 7 to 18 percent, he said.

He informed that 393 horticulture clusters have been formed, 13 integrated pack houses have been established, 50 another are under establishment and in the next five years 500 more integrated pack houses shall be established.

        He said that Haryana will be the most advanced state in the organized supply chain of fresh fruits and vegetables and linking farmers directly with the market and so far 59 MoU with the agri-sector companies have been executed by the FPOs.

        Sh. J.P. Dalal said that the cold chain itself is an energy-intensive application, often relying on diesel for off-grid and on-vehicle cooling. Therefore, future development must harness the portfolio of renewable energy resources, new thermally focused energy systems, and innovative thermal management. It is needed to establish integrated pack houses, and create pre-shipment treatment facilities such as irradiation, Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT), and Hot Water Dip Treatment (HWDT) to strengthen the supply chain.

        Further, Sh. J.P. Dalal focused on capacity building and awareness of different stakeholders including policymakers, senior executives, consumers and staff involved in the cold chain.

        Dr. Sumita Misra stated that support to the small and marginal farmers is essential for reduced wastage at the farm gate level, Improving the Financial capacity of small and marginal farmers on access to finance for purchasing equipment and supporting post-harvest product storage though the creation of on-farm integrated pack houses.

        She focused on developing an ecosystem to promote clean green energy, and cold chain systems to prevent food loss between harvests to retail.

IEP Chandigarh, September 29

Haryana is all set to develop the world’s largest jungle safari park on an area of 10,000 acres in the Aravalli mountain range of Gurugram and Nuh districts. This project will be the largest such project in the world.

Currently, the largest curated safari park outside Africa is in Sharjah which was opened in February 2022 on an area of about 2000 acres. The proposed Aravalli Park would be 5 times more this size and it would include a large herpetarium, aviary/bird park, four zones for big cats, a large area for herbivores, an area for exotic animal birds, an underwater world, nature trails, visitors, tourism zones, botanical gardens, biomes, equatorial, tropical, coastal, desert, etc.

In this regard, Union Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Sh. Bhupender Yadav, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal along with the delegation has visited Sharjah Jungle Safari. 

On visiting there, the Chief Minister said that the NCR region of Haryana has immense potential to be developed into a jungle safari.  After the implementation of the Jungle Safari scheme, not only the tourism in the State will get a big boost but it will also provide ample employment opportunities to the local people.

“The Jungle Safari project of Haryana would be a joint project of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India and the Government of Haryana. Under a scheme, the central government will also provide funds to Haryana for this project,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

He further informed that an international EOI was floated for the project and two companies with international experience in designing and operating such facilities have been shortlisted. The said companies will now compete in an international design competition for the designing, overseeing and operating of the park. An Aravalli Foundation will be set up which will manage the project, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Chief Minister said that the Central Zoo Authority has done an evaluation study of the area for this and has agreed upon for the technical feasibility of setting up such a park.

He said that on one hand developing jungle safari would help in preserving this mountain range while on the other a large number of people from Delhi and adjoining areas would come here for tourism, which would create ample employment opportunities for the local people.  Furthermore, villagers in the surrounding villages will be benefited from the Home Stay Policy, said the Chief Minister.

Notably, the Aravalli mountain range is a cultural heritage where many species of birds, wild animals, butterflies, etc. are found. As per a survey conducted a few years ago, 180 species of birds, 15 species of mammals, 29 species of aquatic animals and reptiles and 57 species of butterflies exist in the Aravalli mountain range.