Category Archives: Chandigarh

DAY 110 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: 132 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 1.08KG HEROIN, ₹87K DRUG MONEY

CHANDIGARH, June 19:

          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 110 days, Punjab Police on Thursday arrested 132 drug smugglers and recovered 1.08 kg heroin and Rs 87,540 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 18,236 in just 110 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 220 Police teams, comprising over 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 96 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 544 locations across the state leading to the registration of 100 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 571 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 67 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Harbhajan Singh ETO orders Traffic Census in the State

Chandigarh, June 19

Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO on Thursday instructed officials to conduct a traffic census in the state. 

Directing the officials to complete the traffic census on the state’s roads by September 30, the Cabinet Minister said that the data would aid in rationalizing road upgrades and new constructions. Additionally, by gathering information on new construction, widening and other necessary road improvements through the traffic census, road safety can be enhanced, thereby preventing costly loss of lives in accidents. 

Earlier today, Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO chaired a joint meeting with officials from the Public Works Department and Punjab Mandi Board to discuss measures for improving the state’s roads and bridges. The Cabinet Minister reviewed proposed and ongoing projects under various schemes, with a special focus on link roads. The meeting was attended by Public Works Department Administrative Secretary Mr. Ravi Bhagat, Punjab Mandi Board  Secretary Mr. Ramvir, Special Secretary Mrs. Hargunjit Kaur and other senior officials.  

The Chief Engineer of Public Works informed that under the PMGSY scheme, tenders are being invited for the construction of 581 km of link roads using FDR (Full Depth Reclamation) technology. Additionally, under the NABARD scheme, work is underway to strengthen and construct new rural roads across the state at a cost of ₹281 crore. 

On this occasion, S. Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. also conducted a detailed review of other projects under PRBDB and sought updates on any challenges faced during execution. He instructed the officers to carry out their duties with integrity and high standards. 

The Public Works Minister stated that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to transforming the state’s roads into world-class infrastructure to further accelerate Punjab’s development.

PUNJAB SCHOOL EDUCATION DEPT. PROMOTES 126 CLERKS TO SENIOR ASSISTANTS

Chandigarh, June 19:

In a major boost to its workforce, the Punjab School Education Department has promoted 126 Clerks to Senior Assistants from field staff, recognising their hard work. This decision will not only enhance administrative efficiency but also motivate employees to deliver better services.

In a press communique issued today, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains shared that these promotions will fill all vacant Senior Assistant posts in District Education Officer (DEO) offices and District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), which would lead to enhanced governance.

Extending heartiest congratulations to the promoted employees, S. Harjot Singh Bains exhorted them to leverage this opportunity to further enhance their performance.

“I’m confident that these promotions will motivate our staff to deliver even better services,” the Education Minister said while adding that by promoting employees and filling key vacancies, the School Education Department showcases its dedication to further streamlining operations and enhancing administrative efficacy.

Ahead of monsoon season, MC Chandigarh to launch fortnightly deep cleaning drive

Chandigarh: To ensure a clean, safe, and hygienic environment ahead of the monsoon season, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh will launch a fortnightly deep cleaning drive across all city wards and zones starting Wednesday. Amit Kumar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, said that the comprehensive sanitation campaign is aimed at preventing waterlogging, curbing the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, and improving overall public health and sanitation conditions in the city. He said that under this initiative, dedicated teams will carry out intensive cleaning of roads, drains, public spaces, and garbage-vulnerable points. Waste will be collected in a systematic manner, segregated at the source, and sent to the appropriate processing facilities to ensure scientific and sustainable waste management. “This drive reflects MCC’s strong commitment to environmental health and public well-being. By involving all departments and encouraging citizen participation, the MCC aims to set a benchmark in monsoon preparedness and urban cleanliness,” said Kumar.

PGI to launch smart navigation App to transform patient experience & hospital management: Director Prof Lal

Chandigarh: PGIMER Director Dr Vivek Lal unveiled an ambitious roadmap to redefine patient experience and hospital functioning, with the highlight being the announcement of a smart mobile application developed in collaboration with C-DAC Noida. The upcoming app, expected to be launched by the end of the year, will integrate real-time indoor mapping, QR code-based patient identification, and crowd management features to streamline hospital navigation and reduce wait times. “This app will transform how we serve our patients and manage hospital systems. It is designed to make hospital visits smoother, more efficient, and patient-friendly,” stated Prof Lal while talking to Journalists in Chandigarh.

One nation, one election is the need of hour & reflects public sentiment: Hry CM

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said that ‘One Nation, One Election’ is a vital part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary concept of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”. It is not just a slogan but a national approach towards a strong and coordinated democracy. The Haryana government extends its in-principle support to this initiative, and its effective implementation will yield multi-dimensional benefits for the country, said Saini. The Chief Minister said this during a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee held in New Chandigarh. The Committee is on a study tour regarding the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territory Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Chairman of the Committee, MP, PP Chaudhary, along with several other members, was present on the occasion.

Haryana Human Rights Commission resolves 3086 cases in six months

Chandigarh: The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC), since its reconstitution on November 27, 2024, has disposed of 3086 cases in just six months. Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information and Public Relations Officer, HHRC said that between November 27, 2024 and May 31, 2025, a total of 3086 cases were resolved, which included suomotu matters and 56 long-pending cases (over two years old). Between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025, HHRC received 2442 new complaints across various districts of Haryana. The highest numbers of cases were registered in Gurugram (320) and Faridabad (258), he added.

From Shambles to Glory: Burlton Park Set for Complete Transformation

Jalandhar, June 11 :

In a major push to revamp sports infrastructure in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the transformation of Burlton Park into an ultra-modern Sports Hub.

The project will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹78 crore.

Describing it as a historic moment, both leaders emphasized that these new sports facilities will significantly strengthen Jalandhar’s status as the sports capital of India. Under the Smart City Mission, Burlton Park is being developed into a comprehensive Sports Hub featuring a wide range of facilities. As part of the project, a state-of-the-art cricket ground will be constructed alongside various other stadiums and modern sports amenities.

They said that Two multi-purpose stadiums are also being developed—one dedicated to handball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and wrestling; and the other to weightlifting, judo, and kabaddi. Both leaders said that Separate stadiums for football and hockey are also planned, along with a dedicated yoga shed for yoga enthusiasts and a skating rink for young athletes. They said that in addition, cycling and jogging tracks will be constructed, and the existing lawn tennis courts will be modernized.

Both the leaders said that Sports Hub will include seating for 500 spectators indoors and 1,000 outdoors. They said that to enhance public convenience, the facility will also include amenities such as a cafeteria, shopping complex/vending zones, reliable electricity and water supply, and other necessary infrastructure. They further said that to ensure uninterrupted power, the complex will be equipped with transformers and DG sets.

Both the leaders said that park will feature three main entry gates, traffic lights for smooth traffic management, and renovated roads with aesthetic landscaping. They said that Parking facilities will accommodate over 200 four-wheelers and more than 150 two-wheelers. Highlighting Jalandhar’s rich sporting legacy, both leaders remarked that the city is globally renowned thanks to institutions like Burlton Park, Surjit Hockey Stadium, and the Sports College.

They noted that footballs, rugby balls, and other equipment made in Jalandhar are used in prestigious events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. They further added that top cricketers around the world use cricket bats manufactured in Jalandhar, and that Punjab’s sporting tradition began and flourished here. Both the leaders said that Punjab Government, they affirmed, is fully committed to advancing Jalandhar’s prominence in the field of sports adding they concluded by announcing that the project will be completed and dedicated to the public within the next year.

Chandigarh Fire Brigade Union Hosts Blood Donation Drive; Mayor Commends Firefighters’ Dedication to Humanity

Chandigarh Fire Brigade Union Hosts Blood Donation Drive; Mayor Commends Firefighters’ Dedication to Humanity*

Chandigarh

The Fire Brigade Workers Welfare Union, in association with Shree Kanwar Mahasangh Charitable Trust, Chandigarh, organized a blood donation camp today at the Sector 17 Fire Station. The event highlighted the compassionate and service-driven spirit of the city’s firefighters and was graced by city Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla as the Chief Guest, along with the dedicated personnel of the Chandigarh Fire Department.

Addressing the gathering, Mayor Babla praised the firefighters for their selfless service beyond emergency duties. “Our fire personnel are true heroes—not only do they save lives during critical situations, but they also step forward to serve humanity in every possible way. Today’s camp is a shining example of that spirit,” she remarked.

The blood donation drive was conducted in collaboration with PGI Chandigarh Hospital, with medical staff ensuring strict adherence to all safety and hygiene protocols. A total of 75 units of blood were collected during the camp.

Mayor Babla also interacted with the donors and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the fire department’s ongoing commitment to public welfare. The Fire Brigade Workers Welfare Union extended gratitude to all the volunteers, donors, and medical staff, reaffirming their continued dedication to both emergency response and community service.