Chandigarh, July 7:

Punjab Mines & Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today asked the officials of State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to expedite environment clearance procedures following the liberalization of the mining sector under the new Mining Policy.

The Cabinet Minister stressed that with landowners now empowered to apply for Environment Clearances (EC) directly to SEIAA, all applications must be processed on priority basis with comprehensive support to ensure minimum processing time.

Sh. Goyal was presiding over comprehensive workshop at MGSIPA, during which extensive discussions were held regarding various procedural bottlenecks encountered by the department in obtaining Environment Clearances. SEIAA members were briefed about the significant delays hampering the EC acquisition process. The authority acknowledged these concerns and provided firm assurance of expeditious resolution along with complete cooperation in streamlining the clearance mechanism.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders including Additional Chief Secretary Mines & Geology Mrs. Jaspreet Talwar, Director Mines & Geology Mr. Abhijit Kaplish, District Mining Officers, members of State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Coordinator Centre of Excellence IIT Ropar and other relevant officials to address critical issues pertaining to Environment Clearances and District Survey Reports.

The workshop facilitated constructive dialogue between all stakeholders, resulting in identification of practical solutions to enhance operational efficiency. SEIAA members meticulously documented all raised issues and committed to implementing corrective measures at the earliest to ensure seamless processing of applications.

In a stern directive to ensure round-the-clock vigilance against illegal mining activities, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal warns all the District Mining Officers (DMOs) and field officials that mobile phones of all officials must remain switched on throughout the night to enable immediate action against illegal mining operations and ensure 24×7 redressal of public grievances.

“Any official found with switched-off mobile phones will face strict disciplinary action. The fight against illegal mining requires constant vigilance and public grievances demand immediate attention regardless of the hour,” said the Cabinet Minister, stressing zero tolerance for negligence in duty.

The Minister further directed that all public representations must be addressed strictly as per established norms without any delay, ensuring transparent and accountable governance in the mining sector.

On this occasion, Chief Engineer (Drainage-cum- Mining) Mr. Hardeep Singh Mehandiratta and other officials were present.

CHANDIGARH, July 7:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state completed 128 days, Punjab Police on Monday arrested 110 drug smugglers and recovered 3.8 kg heroin, 5 kg opium and 906 kg poppy husk from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 20,878 in just 128 days.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 180 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 108 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 425 locations across the state leading to the registration of 78 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 475 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 54 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, July 7:

The Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department, Punjab is chalking out novel initiatives & plans in respect of 2025-26. Of the paramount importance among these is exploring the possibility of a pilot project of planting huge saplings of flowery variety along the highways especially at Sangrur, Jalandhar to Amritsar road, Pathankot to Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib and at village Khatkar Kalan on Phagwara – Chandigarh Road.

Besides, a poetry contest would be held on July 23rd in Batala in the memory of renowned Punjabi poet Late Shiv Kumar Batalvi on his birth Anniversary. The contest would be held in Primary, Middle, Secondary Schools and College student categories and would be centered on the theme of Trees & Environment Protection. The first 3 winners in each category would be given cash prizes.

In order to expand the area under Forest in Punjab, the State Government has envisaged ‘Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Haryaval Sankalp’ which would involve plantation of 3.50 Lakh saplings in every district during the year 2025-26.

While presiding over a meeting at the Forest complex in Sector 68 with regard to the plantation initiatives set to be undertaken during 2025-26, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak was apprised by the senior officers of the Department that Van Mahotsav also be organized in each District and saplings would be made available to the people at the nominal rate of Rs. 2 per sapling.

Apart from this, plantation under Compensatory Afforestation scheme would be done in 582.252 Hectare Area. Besides, soil and water conservation projects would also be initiated in 50 Hectare Area in Pathankot District.

The Minister was also apprised that under Green Punjab Mission during 2025-26, 3.31 Lakh saplings are set to be planted in 331 hectare area in Schools, Colleges, Punjab Mandi Board & Markfed. As many as 52 ‘Pavittar Van’ would be established as part of ‘Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Pavittar Van’ scheme. Furthermore, 289 ‘Nanak Bagichis’ would be set up in the educational institutions and 93 would be established in the Industrial areas.

As far as plantation along the link roads is concerned, 2.50 Lakh saplings of Popular and Drek varieties would be planted while 3 lakh saplings of Eucalyptus variety would be planted.

The Minister while appreciating the blueprint for plantations, emphasized that the concept of Agro Forestry must be given boost as it promotes bio diversity. The Minister also called for the need to sensitize the people about environmental protection for the sake of leaving a healthy beathing space for our future generations.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of the Forest Force) Dharminder Sharma, APCCF cum CEO PUNCAMPA Saurav Gupta, APCCF (Administration) Basanta Raj Kumar, CCF (Hills) Nidhi Srivastava, CF Shivalik Circle Mr. Kannan were among those present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, July 7:

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Monday, said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government has made foolproof arrangements to deal with any potential flood-like situation across Punjab.

While chairing a high-level meeting, the Cabinet Minister reviewed ongoing flood mitigation efforts across the state, assessed the status of current flood control measures and evaluated the Water Resources Department’s preparedness to handle potential emergencies.

The Cabinet Minister was briefed on flood protection measures undertaken and detailed preparedness plans for vulnerable areas. He was informed that the government has incurred around Rs.230 crore for various flood management initiatives. A total of 599 projects have been completed under various financial heads including SDMF, MGNREGA and departmental machinery. These include activities such as desilting and cleaning of drains, rivers and choes spanning 4,766-kms with departmental machinery and through contracotrs, as well as strengthening of river embankments.

The Cabinet Minister was informed by the officials that in addition to this, a total of 1,044 check dams and 3,957 soak pits are also being constructed. 53,400 bamboo plantations have been done and vetiver grass has also been planted over a length of 294 km.

The Minister was informed that the department has procured 7.79 lakh sand bags, of which around 4 lakh have already been filled and strategically positioned in all districts to provide immediate response capability in case of flooding emergencies. Besides this, the department the first time has purchased jumbo bags that will enable teams to quickly fill any potential breach in embankments or flood barriers.

During interactions with field officials and engineers, the Cabinet Minister gathered information to assess real-time water levels in major rivers, drains and choes along with the progress of flood protection works including cleaning and desilting of drains, strengthening of embankments and departmental machinery operations.

He stressed the critical need for strict vigilance, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to ensure timely response to any emerging threats. Directives were issued to ensure that control rooms remain fully operational and emergency response teams are deployed with adequate machinery and materials in high-risk zones.

While taking stock of real-time water levels in major rivers and drains, the Cabinet Minister assured that the Mann government is closely monitoring the situation and is fully prepared to manage any eventuality during the monsoon season. He categorically said that lessons learned from the critical situation of 2023 have been incorporated into current planning.

Principal Secretary Mr. Krishan Kumar informed that weekly meetings were being conducted regularly with district and circle officials to monitor the progress of completed and ongoing works.

The Minister also commended the dedication of ground staff and urged them to continue their committed service during the monsoon season.

Chief Engineer (Drainage-cum-Mining) Mr. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta and senior officials of Water Resources Department attended the meeting.

Chandigarh:

Chandigarh, July 7:

In a significant decision, the Punjab Cabinet led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday decided to withdraw the decision of the Congress government to deploy the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Bhakra Dam.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the Council of Ministers held here under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister at his office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat I.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet bemoaned that the Congress government had arbitrarily given the nod to deploy CISF on Bhakra Dam through its decision on July 23, 2021. This anti-state stance was a sheer humiliation for the state as the Punjab Police was fully capable of guarding the dams. Turning the tables, the state Cabinet today withdrew this decision in the larger interests of the state adding that a resolution against the move to deploy CISF at Bhakra Dam will be passed in the ensuing session of the state assembly.

The Cabinet vehemently opposed the decision to deploy the outsourced CISF at the Dam adding that the state government will not pay a single penny for deployment of this force. It was opined that previous Congress government had jeopardized the interests of the state by giving this consent to deploy the force whereas Punjab Police has a glorious legacy of safeguarding the border state. The Cabinet wondered that when the well equipped Punjab Police can deftly maintain law and order in the state, where was the need to allow CISF to secure the dams.

GREEN SIGNAL TO PUNJAB PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (PUNJAB AMENDMENT) ACT 2025 AND THE PUNJAB PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (CONDUCT OF BULLOCK CART RACE) RULES, 2025

In another significant decision, the Cabinet also gave green signal to the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act 2025 and the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Bullock Cart Race) Rules, 2025. Pertinently, Bullock cart racing was an integral part of the rural sport events throughout the state but it faced numerous hurdles due to one or other reasons.

So, to regulate the animal sports events in the State of Punjab, “The Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Kila Raipur Rural Sports Event and Fair) Rules, 2025” has been approved. The main objectives of these rules are safety measures for animals taking part in sports with adequate animal veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration/ documentation and penalty for violations. This will also help saving indigenous cattle breeds of Punjab besides promoting the traditional sports in the villages.

APPROVES CREATION OF 3600 POSTS OF SPECIAL EDUCATOR TEACHERS AT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVEL

The Cabinet also gave nod for creation of 3600 posts of Special Educator Teachers at Primary and Secondary level. As per decision 1650 posts of Special Educator Teacher (Master Cadre) and 1950 posts of Special Educator Teacher (Primary Cadre) have been approved. This decision will benefit 47979 Children with Special Needs studying in Government Schools across Punjab. These posts are being converted from vocational teacher, Art and Craft teachers and ETT posts and will be filled in a phased manner over three years.

GIVES GREEN SIGNAL TO PROVIDE SECURITY OF TENURE TO 22 EMPLOYEES

The Cabinet, while reviewing the decision taken by the Council of Ministers on 05.12.2016, provided Security of Tenure to the 22 individuals who are working against the 37 permanent posts created for the Rural Institute for Vocational Training, Badal.  As per the advice of the Finance Department and Personnel Department, it will help the Department/ Government to get relief from the legal complications that have been persisting for a long time. Similarly, this will also secure the future of these 22 employees working in the institute.

GIVES CONSENT TO INTRODUCE OTS BY AMENDING PUNJAB STATE DEVELOPMENT TAX ACT 2018

The Cabinet also gave consent to amend the Punjab State Development Act 2018 by defining the term Salary in the Act. This move will widen the tax base and ensure the comprehensive coverage of taxpayers across the state. Against the monthly tax liability of Rs 200 of the Taxpayer, he will be given one more option to opt for Lump Sum payment of tax Rs 2200 for the full financial year by April 30th of the new financial year.

This will simplify tax compliance and improve the collections and efficiency. The consent was also given to make an OTS settlement mechanism in the Act by inserting new sections and provisions were proposed to address the tax liability in cases of death, Company, Amalgamation or Liquidation.

NOD TO SET UP OF A PRIVATE SELF-FINANCED UNIVERSITIES NAMELY “CGC UNIVERSITY MOHALI” AND “RAYAT BAHARA PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY” HOSHIARPUR

In a significant decision aimed at imparting quality high education to the students of the state, the Cabinet also gave approval to set up of a private Self-Financed Universities namely “ CGC University Mohali” at Jhanjeri, SAS Nagar Mohali and “Rayat Bahara Professional University” in the District Hoshiarpur under “Punjab Private Universities Policy 2010”. These self financed educational institutions will act as a catalyst in providing quality education in Mohali and Hoshiarpur besides acting as a catalyst to boost overall development of the area.

“PGI Chandigarh is truly a national treasure — a hub where the brightest minds converge to push the boundaries of medical science. Over the past two years alone, PGI has secured 74 grants, with nearly half dedicated to developing new interventions and technologies. This is a testament to PGI’s relentless pursuit of excellence and its vital role in India’s innovation ecosystem,” underscored Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to Government of India, Department of Health Research and Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research while addressing as the Chief Guest at the momentous 62nd Institute Foundation Day celebrations of PGIMER.

Director General, ICMR lauded PGI’s crucial role in clinical trials and translational research during his keynote address themed on ‘Creating more physicians scientists and innovators in leading medical institutes,’  as he stated, “PGI’s position as one of the primary institutes conducting phase one clinical trials outside industry showcases our capacity to bring cutting-edge therapies from bench to bedside. This is essential for making India a global leader in medical research and development.”

Highlighting the importance of integrating research with clinical practice, Dr. Bahl said, “The future of Indian healthcare rests on our ability to develop new interventions and diagnostic tools. ICMR’s focus on evidence-based research, combined with its commitment to training physician scientists, is essential for India’s journey toward self-reliance in medical technology.”

Dr. Bahl emphasized the importance of Engineer-Doctor-industry partnership to create science and research into innovation to reach out patients as he highlighted, “ICMR’s strategic collaborations with IITs, AIIMS, and other premier institutions exemplify our collective commitment to bridging medicine and technology. The pioneering devices developed here, like the infrared hematoma detector, Mobi-lab etc. have already garnered international attention, even impressing global leaders like Bill Gates. It’s a proud moment for India and a validation of our leadership in healthcare innovation.”

Sharing ICMR’s vision for Viksit Bharat, Dr Bahl underpinned, “Our goal is to support Indian scientists and entrepreneurs in creating first-in-the-world technologies. The recent challenge grants and patent support programs of ICMR are designed to catalyse this spirit of innovation, ensuring India remains at the forefront of medical breakthroughs.”

With Dr. Digambar Behera, Professor Emeritus at PGIMER and President of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi gracing as the  Guest of Honour, the celebrations marking 62^nd Institute Foundation Day, held at NINE Auditorium, were well attended by former directors, deans & heads including Prof. Yogesh Chawla, key functionaries Prof. R.K.Ratho, Dean (Academics), Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research) Sh.Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director Administration,  Prof. Vipin Koushal,  Medical Superintendent cum Head Dept. of Hospital Administration, Sh. Rawinder Singh, Financial Advisor, Heads of the Departments, senior faculty, resident doctors, nursing officers and others from PGIMER fraternity. 

Earlier, at the outset, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, reflected on the foundational ethos, paying tribute to the sacrifices of PGI’s founders and early leaders. He acknowledged that their dedication laid a resilient foundation that continues to inspire present and future generations. 

Prof. Lal emphasized, “To remain on the pedestal we have achieved, we must continue to uphold the same fierce commitment and remorseless motivation as our founding fathers.”

Acknowledging the PGIMER team’s diligence and hard work amidst an exponentially growing patient burden, Prof. Lal shared “We make up for infrastructure gaps through relentless passion,” demonstrating that dedication often outweighs resource limitations. He drew a parallel with the journey of the BrahMos missile—initially faltering over 2,700 attempts but ultimately achieving precision through perseverance.”

Thirty one PGIMER employees were honored by the esteemed Chief Guest on the occasion, Chief Guest Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Guest of Honour Dr Digambar Behera, along with Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, Prof. R.K.Ratho. Dean (Academics) and Prof. Sanjay Jain , Dean (Research) for their outstanding service and were presented appreciation certificates along with mementoes.  These were:

1. Sukhwinder Singh, Hospital Attendant, Office of Sr. A.O.(H)

2. Karan Singh, Hospital attendant, Department of Virology

3. Sheela Sahota,        Hospital Attendant, General Branch, M.S. Office

4. Krishan pal,Lab Attendant/Assistant Grade-I, Department of Pulmonary medicine

5. Sunita, Junior Administrative Officer, Service Book Section, Kairon Block

6. Pawan Kumar, Junior Administrative Officer,Security Establishment

7. Satish Kumar, Assistant Administrative Officer,Estate Branch-I

8. Madan Lal Pant,Assistant Administrative Officer,Establishment Branch-II

9. Veena Rani, Assistant Administrative Officer SR Section, Establishment Branch

10. Paramjit Kaur        ,Stenographer, Anesthesia & Intensive Care

11. Sanjay Kumar, Stenographer   Otolaryngology & Head Neck Surgery

12. Sushila Kumari, Private Secretary, MERC

13. Tarsame Lal,         Principal private secretary, Office of DEAN (ACADEMIC)

14. Varpreet Kaur, Senior Technician (Lab.)    Department of Medical Microbiology

15. Kaka Singh, Technical Assistant , Department of Biochemistry

16. Radha Uppal, Technical Assistant, Department of Cytology & Gynae Pathology

17.Kamaljit Kaur, Technical Officer (OT), Department of Anesthesia & Intensive Care

18. Rajwinder Singh, Senior Technician (OT), Department of Anesthesia & Intensive Care

19. Thingnam Subadani Devi         Nursing Officer    ENT, OT, Nehru Hospital Extension

20.Prem Shankar Malav, Nursing Officer,        Cardiology

21. Parminder Kaur , Nursing Officer, Private Ward, Nehru Hospital Extension

22. Manshinderjit, Senior Nursing Officer, Renal Transplant OT

23. Lalita Dass,Senior Nursing Officer,Nehru Hospital Extension OT

24. Poonam, Assistant Nursing Superintendent,        Main OT, AEC

25. Sonia Rohilla, Store keeper,Department of Obs. & Gynae

26. Dilbag Singh,Steward, Department of Dietetics

27. Rupinderjit Kaur, Multipurpose Worker (Female), Department of Community medicine and School of Public Health

28. Pankaj Kumar, Dark Room Assistant Grade-II, Department of Radiodiagnosis

29. Sahib Singh,  Driver Grade-I, Engineering Department

30. Babbu Devi,  Pharmacist Grade-I,Department of Pharmacy

31. Pritam Singh, Photographic Assistant, Clinical Photography

Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research), PGIMER proposed the vote of thanks to mark the formal closure of the event. 

Chandigarh, July 6 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, said that to facilitate the purchase of crops grown using natural farming methods, the state government has established a grain market in Gurugram. A laboratory has also been set up in the market to test the quality of the produce. Once the quality is assessed, a committee will determine the price and purchase the crop accordingly.

The Agriculture Minister was addressing the gathering as the chief guest at the 7th Fruit Festival Mela organized at the Subtropical Fruit Centre in Ladwa on Sunday.He formally inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp and planted a mango sapling in the centre’s premises. He also felicitated 10 progressive farmers from the horticulture sector with Rs. 5100 each, a trophy, and a certificate of appreciation.

The Minister also inspected various stalls at the Mela and gathered information from experts on different mango varieties.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that the state government’s goal is to cultivate crops through natural farming on one lakh acres of land in Haryana. Currently, natural farming is being practiced on 10,000 acres, and this number is steadily increasing. He informed that the Subtropical Fruit Centre in Ladwa was established in 2016 under Indo-Israel technology. Starting with 10,000 saplings, the centre now prepares one lakh saplings annually for distribution to farmers. Research is being carried out on six crops including mango, litchi, pear, peach, and Chikoo. Scientists at the centre are also developing a mango tree whose fruit could fetch around Rs. 1 lakh per kilogram in the market.

The Minister further said that to increase farmers’ income and encourage a shift from traditional farming, 17 such centres will be established in the state, 11 of which have already been completed. Sub-centres for litchi in Ambala and for strawberries in Yamunanagar will be set up soon. He emphasised the need for farmers to diversify beyond wheat and paddy cultivation into horticulture, fisheries, beekeeping, dairy farming, and other sectors.

He said that the state government continuously formulates new schemes for the benefit of farmers. If any issues arise during implementation, the schemes are revised accordingly to ensure farmers benefit. He called farmers a crucial pillar of the nation and encouraged them to adopt modern and diversified farming practices. Under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, if farmers get a price below the MSP in the market, the government compensates the difference to protect them from losses.

He said that  with new schemes aiming to boost income across all sections of society, India will become the third-largest global power by 2027 under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi.

Chandigarh, July 6 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government is committed to public service and is working with full dedication, following in the footsteps of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

The Chief Minister paid floral tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary at Haryana Bhawan, New Delhi on Sunday. On this occasion, he also planted a sapling under the Prime Minister’s initiative ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and also encouraged people to plant trees in the name of great personalities to help protect the environment. BJP Haryana State President, Sh. Mohan Lal Badoli was also present and paid his tribute to Dr. Mookerjee and also planted a sapling.

While interacting with the media after the event, the Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a strong nationalist, founder of Jana Sangh, and a freedom fighter, always worked in the interest of the nation. He said that we must follow the path shown by him and contribute to building a developed India. Dr. Mookerjee always prioritised service to society and worked for the welfare of the underprivileged, which is why he is remembered as a true well-wisher of the poor, he added.

The Chief Minister further informed that an important meeting regarding the SYL (Sutlej-Yamuna Link) issue will be held in New Delhi on July 9. Positive aspects will be considered unanimously in the meeting, and since Haryana shares a brotherly bond with Punjab, we hope a solution will emerge through communication, said the Chief Minister.

He said that a large-scale plan to build a jungle safari in Haryana is in progress and will be implemented soon. He recently visited the Vantara Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, where injured or abandoned animals and birds are rescued and treated. The centre also works to protect and preserve endangered species.

The Chief Minister also said that he has requested Union Tourism Minister, Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to help establish a Disneyland amusement park in the NCR region. A 500-acre land has already been identified for the project, which is expected to become a major tourist attraction.

Chandigarh, July 6 – Haryana Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij today said that the state has witnessed a technological revolution in electricity distribution and consumer services. The number of electricity consumers in the state has reached 81.92 lakh, out of which 49.15 lakh consumers now pay their electricity bills through digital modes. This not only reflects Haryana’s digital literacy but also signifies increased convenience, transparency, and time savings for consumers.

Rising trend of digital payments – Vij

Sh. Vij said that the trend of digital payments is growing rapidly in Haryana. The responsibility of power distribution lies with UHBVN (Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam) and DHBVN (Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam). Over 60 percent of their total monthly revenue is now received via online platforms. Consumers, both in cities and villages, are paying through net banking, credit/debit cards, RTGS, UPI, and other digital platforms. This has not only expedited the billing process but also eliminated the need to stand in long queues.

Digital revolution in consumer services – Vij

He said that electricity consumers now receive a range of services online, not just bill payments. Services like new connections, load increase/decrease, name change, grievance redressal, and meter transfers are all available through online portals. Consumers can also register complaints via the toll-free number 1912. A central customer service center in Gurugram, and call centers in Panchkula and Gurugram, have been set up. The Panchkula center has 80 seats in winter and 180 in summer, allowing for quick resolution of complaints.

Technological improvements and use of smart metering – Vij

Sh. Vij said that automated meter reading (AMR) has been implemented in urban feeders under technical reforms in Haryana. The electronic meter reading system has reduced manual intervention and improved billing transparency. Smart grid systems have been extended in industrial areas like Manesar and Kundli, enhancing reliability and quality of power supply.

‘Mhara Gaon–Jagmag Gaon’ Scheme: Transforming rural India – Vij

He highlighted the ‘Mhara Gaon–Jagmag Gaon’ scheme, which has transformed the rural landscape of Haryana. Under this initiative, 24-hour power supply has been ensured in 5,887 villages. Rural consumers are also now utilizing digital services, which has brought a significant improvement in their lifestyle.

Historic decline in technical and commercial losses – Vij

Sh. Vij noted a historic reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses over the past 13 years. In 2012-13, the loss was 29.31percent, which has now reduced to just 10.52 percent as of January 2025. UHBVN reduced losses from 35.60 percent to 9.38 percent, and DHBVN from 23.29 percent to 11.35 percent . This achievement is due to smart metering, line loss control, technical reforms, and increased consumer accountability.

Transformer damage rate also falls dharply – Vij

He informed that the transformer damage rate has also decreased significantly. In 1997-98, it was 30.45 percent, which has now come down to 4.74 percent in 2024-25. Even though the number of transformers has increased from 1.46 lakh to 7.08 lakh, the reduction in damage rate proves the strengthening of the power distribution system. This success is attributed to regular maintenance, timely repairs, modern technology, and improved monitoring.

Cyber Fraud: A new challenge in the digital age – Vij

Sh.Vij acknowledged that with the rise in online payments, cyber fraud cases have also emerged. Consumers sometimes fall prey to fraudulent calls or links. The Discoms receive complaints related to such fraud. There is an urgent need for consumer awareness and robust security measures by the Discoms to tackle this issue.

Sh. Vij said that Haryana’s electricity consumers have now become fully high-tech. Digital services, technological reforms, and 24-hour power supply have made the state a leader in the energy sector. In the coming times, the adoption of smart technologies and renewable energy will further accelerate this progress.

Chandigarh, July 6 – A grand jungle safari project, coming up in the Aravalli Hills, is going to redefine Haryana’s identity.

This ambitious project will not only promote green tourism in the state, but will also prove to be an important step towards the conservation of wildlife. With the aim of giving shape to this project, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini along with Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal and Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh visited Vantara, Jamnagar in Gujarat and gained information in this regard.

This jungle safari in Haryana will be developed in an area of about 10,000 acres, in which various types of animals, birds and natural biodiversity will be preserved. This safari will be equipped with modern technology and special arrangements will be made for eco-friendly tourism.  The development of safari in the Aravalli hills will provide new employment opportunities to the local youth in tourism, guiding, hospitality and other sectors. Also, this project will strengthen the regional climate and ecology.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini himself is reviewing this big project from time to time. He has given clear instructions to the Forest and Environment Department that the project should be completely eco-friendly. This project will prove to be a milestone in environmental protection, promoting tourism and creating new employment opportunities.

The Forest and Environment Department and the Tourism Department will jointly give shape to this project. The government aims to make this safari a major attraction for tourists from the country and abroad and make Haryana a leader in the field of eco-tourism.

Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, this jungle safari project will not only be a tourist destination but will also be an inspiration for generations to come.