HOSHIARPUR, 25th January 2026:

Inaugurating eco-friendly huts at Saleran Dam to give a major push to eco-tourism and job creation in the state, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is increasing employment by developing Punjab’s tourism destinations. He said that film shoots and destination weddings at Amritsar, Patiala and Chimraud Lake have also led to a rise in employment opportunities, adding that the Saleran Dam project will compete with tourism destinations of Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister said the AAP government has revived 52 rest houses that had turned into ruins and that they are now generating ₹1 crore in monthly rental revenue. He said previous governments sold government properties to their friends at throwaway prices, but the present government has recovered those assets.

Interacting with media persons after inaugurating the Saleran Dam Eco-Tourism Project, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today we have inaugurated the Saleran Dam Eco-Tourism Project to further strengthen tourism infrastructure in the state. Earlier, the Chohal Dam project has been running successfully, and this new initiative will add another attractive destination for tourists.”

The Chief Minister said the project has been conceived at a cost of ₹2.80 crore and is expected to generate more than ₹18 lakh in annual revenue. “This project will attract tourists to the area, create job opportunities for local youth and significantly boost their income,” he added.

Highlighting the facilities created under the project, the Chief Minister said, “A special playground spread over 16,000 square feet has been constructed for children, with a multi-play station and other recreational activities.” He further said, “Four eco huts have been constructed for tourists to stay, and a cafeteria with seating capacity for 80 people has also been built.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added that a large amphitheatre has been developed to enjoy the scenic views of Saleran Dam, noting that “this project will prove highly significant in giving a major fillip to eco tourism in Punjab.”

The Chief Minister said the project has been developed with a focus on environmental sensitivity and awareness. “Environment-friendly tourism and recreational infrastructure has been created, keeping ecological balance in mind,” he said, adding that the Punjab government is making sustained efforts to promote tourism in the kandi belt of Punjab. “There is immense potential in these areas, and they can be developed as ideal tourist destinations to attract visitors from across the globe,” he said.

Lamenting the neglect of these regions in the past, the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Due to the negligence of successive state governments, these areas remained ignored in the development process.” He said the government is now harnessing the untapped tourism potential of these areas known for their natural beauty. “Strenuous efforts are already underway to develop the entire region so that tourism in the state gets a major boost,” he added.

The Chief Minister said the region is blessed with abundant natural resources capable of drawing tourists from across the country and abroad. “Promotion of economic activity in this region is the need of the hour, as it will help transform the lives of the people,” he said.

Expressing confidence in the future, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The day is not far when, after improving infrastructure, this region will emerge as a major tourist hub. These areas can act as a catalyst in placing Punjab firmly on the international tourism map.”

Referring to steps taken by his government to revive tourism infrastructure, the Chief Minister said, “The state government has revived 75 abandoned rest houses, which are now fetching revenue of around ₹1 crore.” He said more such projects will be launched in the coming days to benefit people and attract nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. “Restaurants are also being developed along rivers for public convenience, whereas during previous regimes these assets were sold off to people close to those in power,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh stated the overarching objective is to give a strong push to the tourism sector by developing these areas in a planned and befitting manner. He also said, “Punjab’s tableau, showcasing the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji, will be part of the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.”

Reiterating the government’s broader governance agenda, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Since day one in office in 2022, our government has been working tirelessly for the welfare of the people. Initiatives such as Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, free power, Aam Aadmi Clinics, education reforms, water at tail ends, construction of rural roads and the Sadak Surakhya Force have been launched.”

On welfare commitments, the Chief Minister said, “The state government will fulfill its promise of giving ₹1,000 to every woman by making provisions in the coming budget.” He expressed hope that the Union government would extend a special package to Punjab in the upcoming Union Budget, saying, “Punjab’s contribution to the nation in every sector deserves recognition.”

Referring to economic and agricultural initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “The Punjab government has partnered with Japanese company JICA, which will invest ₹1,300 crore to boost horticulture in Punjab.” He said this would help save precious groundwater while promoting crop diversification.

On law and order, the Chief Minister asserted, “It is ironic that those who patronised gangsters are now questioning the law and order situation.” He said the government has launched campaigns like ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ and ‘Gangsteraan te Vaar’ to break the backbone of drug smugglers and gangsters. “We are fully committed to eradicating social evils and building a peaceful, progressive and Rangla Punjab,” he said.

The Chief Minister stated anti-drone technology has been deployed along the border and is yielding encouraging results in checking the inflow of drugs and weapons. “Our aim is to stop cross-border terrorism and narco-terrorism. Punjab is the first state in the country to adopt this technology,” he said, adding that the government is making continuous efforts for the welfare of every section of society.

He said people-friendly schemes are being implemented by plugging leakages and using public funds judiciously. “Our motive is to ensure the progress of the state and prosperity of its people,” Bhagwant Singh Mann said, while adding that “if the Centre releases all the funds stalled by it, development in Punjab can be further accelerated.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal and other senior officials.

CHANDIGARH/SAS NAGAR, January 25:

          In a major breakthrough against Pakistan-backed terror network amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) SAS Nagar has apprehended a key associate of Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and recovered .30 bore pistol from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Raman Kumar alias Golu, a resident of Gangyal in Jammu. Raman Kumar alias Golu was arrested by Ambala Police about a week ago in connection with a blast case at a Police Station in Ambala that was carried out on the directions of Shahzad Bhatti, in which the accused provided financial assistance to the perpetrators at Bhatti’s behest.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the arrested accused was in direct contact with Shahzad Bhatti via different social media platforms including Instagram and WhatsApp, and was involved in the Ambala Police Station blast case, he also provided financial support to the perpetrators.

          The DGP said that further investigations are ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.

          Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC SAS Nagar Deepak Pareek revealed that the police teams had arrested Jammu-based Gaurav Singh, who was planning to execute targeted killing, from Mohali and during questioning the latter had revealed that Shahzad Bhatti had provided a pistol to another individual, identified as Raman Kumar alias Golu for the purpose of target killing.

          He said that following disclosures of arrested accused Gaurav, accused Raman Kumar was was brought to Punjab from Ambala Jail after obtaining production warrant, and produced before the concerned District Court. During investigation, police teams have recovered .30 bore pistol from him on the basis of his disclosures, he said.

          The AIG said that the accused had been in contact with terrorist Shahzad Bhatti for a long period and was working on his directions. During interrogation, accused Raman Kumar revealed that he runs a meat shop in Gangyal, Jammu and was involved in local rivalries, he said, while adding that further investigation is ongoing.

          In this regard, a case FIR no. 13 dated 10.12.2025 had been registered under section 25(1) of the Arms Act and sections 113(1) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC SAS Nagar.

CHANDIGARH, 25th January 2026:

Punjab has recorded a decisive improvement in road safety outcomes after the constitution of the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), with road accident deaths in the state declining by 48 percent through a system focused on swift emergency response, immediate first aid and better trauma care. Once counted among the top three states in the country for road accident fatalities, Punjab has significantly reversed this trend, with lives now being saved due to faster hospitalisation and improved treatment protocols.

Highlighting the impact of this intervention, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Sadak Surakhya Force has been central to transforming accident-prone stretches such as the Sangrur–Patiala ‘killer road’ and supporting the construction of 43,000 kilometres of high-quality roads across the state, adding that the model has attracted interest from several other states and has even been referenced by the Prime Minister in Mann Ki Baat as a roadmap for the nation.

On Sunday, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that “Punjab has witnessed a 48 percent reduction in road accident deaths, due to which several other states are now eager to replicate this model.” He said that “many states have contacted the Punjab government to implement this unique public safety initiative in their own regions.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The Prime Minister of India spoke about road safety in Mann Ki Baat, but Punjab showed the entire country a new path by creating the Sadak Surakhya Force.”

The Chief Minister said, “A specially trained, freshly recruited force of 1,597 personnel is acting as the backbone of the SSF and has been provided with 144 latest, fully equipped vehicles. Since its launch in February last year, this force has reduced road accident fatalities by 48 percent, besides ensuring the safe return of valuables and money belonging to people injured in road accidents.”

He said, “The force has been deployed along 4,200 kilometres of highways that are prone to traffic accidents. Apart from patrolling their assigned areas, the SSF also acts as a strong deterrent against traffic violations. None of the previous governments paid attention to such serious issues of public concern, due to which Punjab earlier figured among the top three states in road accident casualties.”

The Chief Minister asserted, “Today, accident victims are receiving immediate first aid and proper treatment in hospitals. The Sangrur-Patiala road, which was once known as a killer road with an average of three deaths every day, has now been transformed into a safer road.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government is constructing 43,000 kilometres of high-quality roads across Punjab to connect villages with main highways.”

CHANDIGARH/SAS NAGAR, January 25:

In a major breakthrough against Pakistan-backed terror network amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) SAS Nagar has apprehended a key associate of Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and recovered .30 bore pistol from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.

The arrested accused has been identified as Raman Kumar alias Golu, a resident of Gangyal in Jammu. Raman Kumar alias Golu was arrested by Ambala Police about a week ago in connection with a blast case at a Police Station in Ambala that was carried out on the directions of Shahzad Bhatti, in which the accused provided financial assistance to the perpetrators at Bhatti’s behest.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the arrested accused was in direct contact with Shahzad Bhatti via different social media platforms including Instagram and WhatsApp, and was involved in the Ambala Police Station blast case, he also provided financial support to the perpetrators.

The DGP said that further investigations are ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.

Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC SAS Nagar Deepak Pareek revealed that the police teams had arrested Jammu-based Gaurav Singh, who was planning to execute targeted killing, from Mohali and during questioning the latter had revealed that Shahzad Bhatti had provided a pistol to another individual, identified as Raman Kumar alias Golu for the purpose of target killing.

He said that following disclosures of arrested accused Gaurav, accused Raman Kumar was was brought to Punjab from Ambala Jail after obtaining production warrant, and produced before the concerned District Court. During investigation, police teams have recovered .30 bore pistol from him on the basis of his disclosures, he said.

The AIG said that the accused had been in contact with terrorist Shahzad Bhatti for a long period and was working on his directions. During interrogation, accused Raman Kumar revealed that he runs a meat shop in Gangyal, Jammu and was involved in local rivalries, he said, while adding that further investigation is ongoing.

In this regard, a case FIR no. 13 dated 10.12.2025 had been registered under section 25(1) of the Arms Act and sections 113(1) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC SAS Nagar.

CHANDIGARH, January 25:

          Amidst the heightened security to ensure peaceful celebrations of the Republic Day as mandated by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police teams on Sunday carried out flag marches at the sensitive areas across the state.

          Pertinently, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav has directed the Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to ensure foolproof security arrangements in their respective jurisdictions. He also asked all the Station House Officers (SHOs) and Gazzeted Officers to remain in the field till the culmination of the Republic Day event.

          Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that Police teams led by CPs/SSPs conducted Flag Marches in the sensitive and vulnerable areas of their respective districts. The exercise was aimed to boost the confidence of the general public, besides, preparing police personnel to tackle any untoward situation, he said.

          He informed that the security has already been beefed up across the state and 20K police personnel have been deployed to keep vigil around the anti-social elements and ensure peaceful celebrations of the Republic Day.

          The Special DGP said that the CPs/SSPs were also directed to conduct a special Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) under the supervision of SP-rank officer at all the crowded places including Railway Stations, Bus Stands, Markets, Shopping Malls, Public Parks, etc across the state. “We had strictly instructed all the Police Personnel to deal with every person in a friendly and polite manner while frisking them during the course of this operation,” he added.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 330th day with 50 drug smugglers arrested on Sunday and recovered 150 grams heroin and 376 intoxicant tablets/capsules from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 46,443 in just 330 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced eight persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

CHANDIGARH/SAS NAGAR, January 25:

          In a major breakthrough against Pakistan-backed terror network amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) SAS Nagar has apprehended a key associate of Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and recovered .30 bore pistol from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Raman Kumar alias Golu, a resident of Gangyal in Jammu. Raman Kumar alias Golu was arrested by Ambala Police about a week ago in connection with a blast case at a Police Station in Ambala that was carried out on the directions of Shahzad Bhatti, in which the accused provided financial assistance to the perpetrators at Bhatti’s behest.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the arrested accused was in direct contact with Shahzad Bhatti via different social media platforms including Instagram and WhatsApp, and was involved in the Ambala Police Station blast case, he also provided financial support to the perpetrators.

          The DGP said that further investigations are ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.

          Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC SAS Nagar Deepak Pareek revealed that the police teams had arrested Jammu-based Gaurav Singh, who was planning to execute targeted killing, from Mohali and during questioning the latter had revealed that Shahzad Bhatti had provided a pistol to another individual, identified as Raman Kumar alias Golu for the purpose of target killing.

          He said that following disclosures of arrested accused Gaurav, accused Raman Kumar was was brought to Punjab from Ambala Jail after obtaining production warrant, and produced before the concerned District Court. During investigation, police teams have recovered .30 bore pistol from him on the basis of his disclosures, he said.

          The AIG said that the accused had been in contact with terrorist Shahzad Bhatti for a long period and was working on his directions. During interrogation, accused Raman Kumar revealed that he runs a meat shop in Gangyal, Jammu and was involved in local rivalries, he said, while adding that further investigation is ongoing.

          In this regard, a case FIR no. 13 dated 10.12.2025 had been registered under section 25(1) of the Arms Act and sections 113(1) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC SAS Nagar.

Chandigarh: Haryana’s Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam on Sunday participated in Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat programme at Baghel Chaupal, in Sheikhpura Mohalla of Palwal, and listened to the inspiring thoughts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On this occasion, Gautam said that through the Mann Ki Baat programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raises important issues related to national interest before the citizens of the country.
 He informed that the programme included detailed discussions on the Swachhata Abhiyan, environmental conservation, the impact of AI in changing times, and issues related to the future of the nation, all of which are extremely important for nation-building.

He said the youth listened to these ideas with great seriousness and will certainly draw inspiration from them to play a significant role in the progress of the country and the State, as well as in the cleanliness campaign.

He further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana is continuously moving forward. Special attention is being given to development works in Palwal district, including providing better public services, further strengthening government hospitals, improving sports facilities, upgrading and beautifying roads, establishing a medical college, and expanding the metro network. He said the central focus of the State Government’s schemes is poor and middle-class families.

After the programme, the Minister of State for Sports formally inaugurated the renovation work of a senior citizens’ library. He said the library being prepared for senior citizens will be developed at an estimated cost of about Rs. 1.72 crore.

Chandigarh: Haryana’s Minister for Industries and Commerce Rao Narbir Singh on Sunday said the government is committed to the development of the entire State, including South Haryana. The present government is working in the spirit of Antyodaya under the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes reach the last person in the queue without any discrimination. The Minister was addressing a religious programme at the Shiva Temple in village Asalwas, Bawal, in Rewari, on the 26th death anniversary of Mahant Azad Nath Yogi. He said today the youth of the State are getting government jobs on the basis of merit, without ‘kharchi-parchi’. AIIMS, universities, and big colleges are being established, and along with this, roads in villages and cities, including National Highways, are being upgraded. He added that the State Government is carrying out development works in villages on the lines of urban areas to provide better facilities to rural residents.


Rao Narbir Singh said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has given the vision of Viksit Bharat–2047. This vision will be realised through the collective efforts of all sections of society, including farmers, workers, and industries. He said that an industrial revolution will also make a significant contribution to achieving this vision.


He further said that due to excellent industrial policies in Haryana, large industries are being set up rapidly in the State. Owing to these industrial policies, Haryana will also play a key role in making the country a developed nation. On this occasion, he also assured that the demands raised by the villagers would be fulfilled.

Chandigarh, January 25 — Haryana’s Minister for Cooperation, Prisons, Elections, Heritage and Tourism, Dr. Arvind Sharma, said that Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini is a person dedicated to the welfare of the common people and is committed to the upliftment of every age group. Through his work culture and tireless efforts, he has won the hearts of nearly 2.80 crore citizens of the State, which is why people across Haryana are today praying for his long life.

On Sunday, on the birthday of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Cooperation Minister offered the concluding oblation in a havan yajna at the BJP office in Gohana (Sonipat) and cut a cake along with party workers. Thereafter, he participated in the 21-Kund Mahayajna and community feast organised at the New Vegetable Market complex, where he again offered oblations and prayed for the Chief Minister’s good health and long life.

Dr. Arvind Sharma said every section of society is celebrating the birthday of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini with enthusiasm. Strengthening the BJP’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas in the State, the Chief Minister is working day and night to resolve the problems of the people.

He said that before the Assembly elections, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini had taken 217 pledges, out of which 56 have already been fulfilled, while work on the remaining is progressing rapidly. Whether it is the upliftment of the poor, the deprived and the needy, or providing financial security to daughters and sisters through the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Lado Lakshmi Yojana, the Chief Minister has fulfilled his promises with responsibility.

 Dr. Arvind Sharma also listened to the 130th edition of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat programme along with party workers at the Gohana BJP office. He said that through this programme, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi strives to reach every section of society and work for its upliftment.

Nexus Elante, the city’s leading shopping and lifestyle destination, is set to transform January into a vibrant celebration of patriotism, community spirit, and family entertainment with a curated line-up of Republic Day festivities and exciting shopping offers.

Marking the occasion, Nexus Elante will host a grand patriotic showcase featuring live performances by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Band at 5:00 PM, followed by an equally stirring performance by the CRPF Band, creating an atmosphere charged with national pride. Adding to the experience, visitors can witness an impressive ITBP Artillery Display from 3:00 PM, offering a rare and engaging insight into the strength, discipline, and valour of India’s defence forces.

As powerful patriotic melodies resonate across the mall, guests will come together to celebrate the spirit of the nation and pay tribute to its heroes in a truly immersive setting.

Reinforcing the significance of the occasion, Republic Day celebrations at Nexus Elante will include a flag-hoisting ceremony, symbolising unity, freedom, and national pride. The mall is decked up with installations on the theme of Bharat Sone Ki Chidiya.

Complementing the festivities, shoppers can enjoy a flat 50% off on selected brands from 23rd to 26th January, making Nexus Elante the go-to destination for both meaningful celebrations and rewarding retail experiences.

Through this thoughtfully curated blend of cultural programming, family-centric engagement, and value-driven shopping, Nexus Elante continues to reinforce its position as Chandigarh’s preferred destination for celebrations that bring communities together.