Chandigarh, May 13:

Punjab Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat today reviewed the ongoing projects and various schemes of the Horticulture Department during a review meeting held at Kheti Bhawan, Mohali.

The Minister said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuously working to strengthen the horticulture sector, ensuring better opportunities for farmers. He emphasized that promoting horticulture is a key step towards increasing farmers’ income and achieving agricultural diversification in the state.

Mr. Bhagat stressed the need for transparent and timely disbursal of subsidies to farmers so that they can avail themselves of the maximum benefits of government schemes without delay. He also directed officials to ensure the swift completion of all horticulture-related initiatives and to engage proactively with farmers at the grassroots level.

During the meeting, Secretary Horticulture Mr. Mohammad Tayyab and Director Horticulture Mrs. Shailender Kaur apprised the Minister of the progress made under various schemes and projects of the department. They also highlighted key achievements and shared updates on field-level implementation.

On the occasion, Deputy Director Horticulture Mr. Dalbir Singh, Mr. Harmail Singh, Dr. Harpreet Singh, and other officials were also present.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, May 13:

          Taking swift action after a tragic loss of lives due to spurious liquor in Majitha in Amritsar, Punjab Police has arrested 10 persons including the kingpin of the racket along with several local distributors in connection with the illicit liquor trade and main suppliers of Methanol— a fatal chemical used in industrial products, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

          The arrested kingpin of the racket has been identified as Sahib Singh, while, main suppliers of methanol have been identified as Pankaj Kumar alias Sahil and Arvind Kumar, owners of Sahil Chemicals at Sukh Enclave in Ludhiana. Police have also arrested local distributors— identified as Prabhjit Singh and Kulbir Singh; and local sellers— identified as Ninder Kaur, Sahib Singh, Gurjant Singh, Arun alias Kala and Sikander Singh alias Pappu.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the Methanol chemical, after being procured online by Kingpin Sahib Singh, was being used for manufacturing spurious liquor. Investigation is underway to uncover the entire modus operandi and to bring all involved to justice, he said.

          The DGP informed that DSP Subdivision Majitha Amolak Singh and SHO Police Station Majitha SI Avtar Singh have been suspended for gross negligence in discharging their official duties, which resulted in the fatal incident. Departmental inquiries have been initiated against the delinquents, he added.

          “We all stand united in grief and in our resolve to ensure justice is served and such tragedies are prevented in the future,” reaffirmed DGP Gaurav Yadav.

          Sharing details of modus operandi, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh said that the investigations have revealed that the local distributor Prabhjeet Singh had received methanol chemical filled in 50 litre jerry can from kingpin Sahib Singh. During questioning, the latter revealed he has ordered the methanol from a Ludhiana based chemical firm, Sahil Chemicals, via online platform, he said.

          The SSP said that the probe has also revealed that another consignment of methanol, ordered by kingpin Sahib Singh, from the Delhi-based firm is also in transition. Excise and Police teams have been dispatched to retrieve and seize the consignment as soon as it arrives, he said, while adding that all the culprits involved in this racket will be arrested.

          Two separate cases FIR no. 42/25 at Police Station Majitha and FIR no. 16/25 at Police Station Kathunangal in Amristar Rural have been registered under sections 105 and 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), section 61A of the Excise Act and section 3 of the SC/ST Act.

CHANDIGARH, May 13:

          In a significant step towards strengthening healthcare at the grassroots level, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday, inaugurated the reconstituted Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) across the state and exhorted these committees to work in tandem with the Government to save people from vector and water borne diseases and help in making Punjab a drug-free state.

          Notably, a remarkable turnout of over 1 lakh members from 12,977 VHSNCs participated in the inauguration program via a YouTube link, demonstrating their commitment to community health.

          During the virtual interaction, Dr Balbir Singh also directly engaged with over 100 members from selected VHSNCs from six districts including Mansa, Patiala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, and Bathinda.

          Emphasising the crucial role of VHSNCs in tackling prevalent health issues, Dr Balbir Singh said that key areas of focus included the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases like Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya, as well as addressing waterborne diseases like diarrhea. He informed that all the ASHA workers have been trained to identify mosquito larvae as part of the “Har Shukarvar Dengue Te Var” campaign, aimed at eliminating stagnant water – a breeding ground for mosquitoes— from in and around the houses. Health Department has also been providing Gambusia fish— as a biological control measure, to be released at village ponds, he said.

          He highlighted that Dengue testing is now free at all Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs) and in case of diagnosis of dengue disease people can avail free treatment from any government facility.

          Beyond vector-borne diseases, the Health Minister also addressed the importance of ensuring safe drinking water and creating “Nasha Mukt” (drug-free) villages with the help of Village Defence Committees, and the need for community vigilance against drug peddlers.

          Dr Balbir Singh said that he will be regularly interacting with the VHSNC members in the coming days and the next interaction will focus on Maternal and Child Health.

          With the ongoing heatwave, Dr Balbir Singh provided essential guidelines, urging people to drink adequate water, avoid working in the sun, wear loose cotton clothes, and seek immediate shade for anyone showing signs of heatstroke. He also stressed the importance of planting more trees for environmental protection.

          Recognising the valuable contributions of VHSNCs, the Health Minister announced that well-performing committees will be rewarded with grants and commendation certificates.

          In a subsequent meeting with Civil Surgeons of all districts, Dr Balbir Singh emphasised a paradigm shift in the approach towards public healthcare facilities. He directed the Civil Surgeons to be proactive and to “own the hospitals just like their own,” urging them to move away from a mere “government ownership” mentality. He stressed that these qualities should “percolate to the patient level,” advocating for treating patients with empathy, care, and good behaviour, highlighting the positive “placebo effect” such an approach can create.

          Meanwhile, the Health Minister also took stock of the primary and secondary health services of each district.

          On the occasion, Vice Chairman PHSC Maninderjit Singh Vicky, Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Member Punjab Development Commission Anurag Kundu,  Secretary Health Basant Garg, Special Secretary Health-cum-MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori, MD PHSC Amit Talwar, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director Family Welfare Dr Jasminder, Director ESI Dr Jaspreet Kaur, Director PHSC Dr Anil Goyal

BOX: DISTRICTS WITH OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN VARIOUS HEALTH PROGRAMS HONOURED:

 — Lowest Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in 2024-25: Ropar (25)

 — Best Performing District in AACs: Sangrur

 — Best Performing District in Vector Borne Diseases Control: Ludhiana

 — Best Performing District in Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) (30+ screening): Pathankot

 — Maximum Screening of Vulnerable Groups in 100-day TB Campaign: Fatehgarh Sahib

 — Best Performing District in Immunization: Hoshiarpur

 — Best Performing District in NPCB Free Distribution of Spectacles in Schools: Malerkotla

 — 100% Achievement in Tubectomy and PPIUCD (Family Planning): Barnala

 — Highest Sex Ratio of 964 under PC & PNDT program in Civil Registration System of 2023-24 and 2024-25: Kapurthala (964)

Chandigarh/Tepla (Shambhu, Rajpura, Patiala), May 13:

In a significant breakthrough in Punjab’s ongoing war against spurious and illicit liquor, a joint team of Patiala District Police and the Excise Department today seized a large consignment of 600 litres of methanol, a chemical commonly used in the manufacture of illicit liquor. The seizure is suspected to have direct links to the recent Majitha spurious liquor tragedy in Amritsar.

Addressing a press conference near the site of the seizure at Tepla police post on the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Shambhu-Banur road, SSP Patiala Varun Sharma stated that this action was carried out under the directions of DGP Gaurav Yadav, as part of the Punjab Government’s aggressive campaign against drugs and illegal liquor, being spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

SSP Vrun Sharma informed that following the tragic incident in Majitha earlier today, DIG Border Range shared intelligence about a suspected consignment of methanol en route from Transport Nagar, Delhi, to Punjab. Acting swiftly on this input and under the direct orders of the DGP, Patiala Police, in collaboration with the Excise Department, intercepted the vehicle near Tepla and recovered three drums containing 600 litres of methanol, concealed among other goods in truck number PB 10 H 1577.

The truck driver has been arrested, and a detailed investigation is underway.

SSP Varun Sharma further added that initial investigations suggest that the consignment was intended for use in the production of spurious liquor. “Had this consignment reached its destination, it could have led to the loss of hundreds of innocent lives,” he said.

The successful operation was carried out by a team under the supervision of SP(D) Gurbans Singh Bains, DSP Harmanjit Singh Cheema, and Assistant Commissioner, Excise Department Rajesh Aerry, and included Excise ETO Rupinderjit Singh, SHO Shambhu Inspector Harpreet Singh, Excise Inspectors Harjinder Singh, Gopal Sharma, Rajnish Kumar, and Tepla Chowki In-charge Jajwinder Singh, along with personnel from the Excise Police and Patiala Police.

SSP said that this action marks a major success in the State’s fight against the manufacture and distribution of poisonous liquor and highlights the commitment of Punjab Police and the Excise Department to safeguarding public health and safety.

Chandigarh / Phagwara, May 13:

Punjab’s Minister for Local Government, Dr. Ravjot Singh on Tuesday announced a comprehensive plan to enhance Phagwara’s civic infrastructure, focusing on cleanliness, waste management, sewerage systems, and street lighting.

During an early-morning whirlwind tour of the city, the Minister interacted directly with residents to identify their concerns and develop effective solutions, underscoring his commitment to transforming Phagwara into a cleaner and more liveable urban center.

Dr. Singh emphasized that achieving 100% sewerage coverage, ensuring proper waste disposal, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness are top priorities. He assured residents that a permanent solution for waste collection and disposal will be implemented soon.

To this end, he directed officials from the Municipal Corporation, Sewerage Board, and Water Supply Department to work urgently to address these challenges. During his visit to key areas such as the Bus Stand, J.J. School, Guru Nanak Nagar, Urban Estate, and Basant Nagar, the Minister reviewed existing cleanliness arrangements and issued clear instructions to improve sanitation services.

The Minister specifically instructed municipal officials to initiate door-to-door waste collection to ensure waste is disposed of only at designated sites, thereby streamlining waste management processes. He also visited a dump site near J.J. School and ordered officials to identify an alternative location to relocate it, minimizing its impact on the school environment.

Additionally, Dr. Singh addressed the issue of stagnant water in Guru Nanak Nagar caused by inadequate sewerage infrastructure, directing Municipal Commissioner Dr. Akshita Gupta to collaborate with Sewerage Board officials and submit a detailed resolution plan within a week.

On the issue of non-functional streetlights, Dr. Singh announced that 4000 new LED streetlights will be installed across Phagwara to improve night-time visibility, with the tendering process already completed.

He stressed that municipal officials’ responsibilities for maintaining sanitation and civic services will be clearly defined to ensure accountability and efficiency. The Minister’s proactive approach and direct engagement with the public reflect his commitment to addressing Phagwara’s infrastructure challenges comprehensively.

Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, District Planning Board Chairman Lalit Saklani, Mayor Rampal Uppal, Aam Aadmi Party Spokesperson Harnoor Singh Harji Mann, Improvement Trust Chairman Jarnail Nangal, SDM Jashanjeet Singh, and other dignitaries were also present.

Majitha (Amritsar), May 13:

          Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that the state government will not spare anyone, however affluent he may be, involved in the heinous crime of sale of spurious liquor which led to hooch tragedy in Amritsar district.   

Interacting with the media persons after sharing condolences with the families of hooch tragedy, the Chief Minister said that these deaths are not merely accidents but they are murders, which have been caused due to greed of certain individuals, who are involved in this crime. He said that this is a clear murder and the state government will not allow the culprits to escape the severest of severe punishment. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 17 precious lives have been lost due to the spurious liquor and the people responsible for it deserve no mercy as they did this crime deliberately.

The Chief Minister categorically said that this crime cannot be carried out without political patronage by the powerful politicians adding that this angle is being probed by the Police. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 10 persons including the kingpin have been arrested adding that the Police has also identified the forward and backward linkages of the nexus involved in this barbaric crime. “Let me tell one thing very clearly, my government is firmly committed to ensure justice to the hapless families by ensuring exemplary punishment to the accused”, added Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister said that the connections of this nexus have been traced upto Delhi and every person involved in this crime will be put behind the bars by the state government. He said that it has come into light that 600 litres of online methanol was ordered by the perpetrators of this grave tragedy which was probably used for making spurious liquor. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Police is looking into all the aspects of this tragedy to nail down the culprits and ensure exemplary punishment to them.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has already suspended four officers including one DSP, Station House Officer and two officers of Excise department for their complacency in checking the sale and supply of spurious liquor. He said that though this deep rooted nexus is very strong and has flexed its muscles due to open patronization by the previous regimes, this liquor mafia will be eliminated from the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that no one, whether a politician or a government servant, will be spared if they are found complicit in the hooch deaths.

The Chief Minister said that he has already directed the Punjab Police to crack down on this mafia as a part of the ongoing Yudh Nasheyan Virudh. He said that these mischievous forces took advantage of the Police focus on maintaining law and order amidst tension at India-Pakistan borders to satiate their greed at the cost of the lives of Punjabis. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these people will have to pay the price for their sins and they will be taught a befitting lesson by the state government.

The Chief Minister said that it is unfortunate that the hooch tragedy has snatched the lone bread winners of the hapless families and around 17 persons have lost their lives. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the pattern of deaths was the same as was in the hooch tragedy that took place in the year 2020 at Tarn Taran. He said that the state government stands firmly with the families of the deceased in their hour of grief and it will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice for them.

The Chief Minister announced compensation worth Rs 10 lakh for the family of every deceased and said that the state government will bear the entire expense of education of the children of the victim. Likewise, he said that every possible help in terms of jobs and others will also be extended to these families in this hour of grief. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is fully committed for the security and well being of these families adding that no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause.