Category Archives: Chandigarh

CM Nayab Singh Saini takes part in ‘Nasha Nahi, Lakshya Banao, Desh Ko Apne Aage Badhao’ programme in Panchkula

CM Nayab Singh Saini takes part in ‘Nasha Nahi, Lakshya Banao, Desh Ko Apne Aage Badhao’ programme in Panchkula

CM takes blessings of saints to make Haryana drug-free

‘Dhaakad’ campaign started in schools, colleges to tackle drug addiction: CM

Chandigarh, May 2 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini attended Swami Sampurnanand Brahmachari Ji Maharaj’s ‘katha’ in Indradhanush Auditorium, Sector 5, Panchkula late Friday evening and participated in the programme that focused on ‘Nasha Nahi, Lakshya Banao, Desh Ko Apne Aage Badhao’. The Chief Minister sought blessings from the saints for the success of the campaign to make the state drug-free and asked them to inspire the youth to keep away from drugs through their teachings.

On this occasion, Cooperative and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Public Health Engineering and Public Works Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, Kalka MLA Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, Panchkula Mayor Sh. Kulbhushan Goyal, Senior Sangh Pracharak Sh. Prem Ji Goyal, Former Speaker of Haryana Legislative Assembly Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, BJP State Vice President Smt. Banto Kataria, besides saints from Vrindavan and Goa were present.
The Chief Minister said that this programme dedicated to the youth by Pujya Sampurnanand Brahmachari ji will give new inspiration to the youth to make the state drug free. He said that when the blessings of the saints are with us, he is confident that the evil of drug addiction will be eradicated from Haryana.
The Chief Minister said that it is his great fortune that he got the opportunity to participate in such a movement today.
He said that he remembers that a conference against drug addiction was organized in this auditorium on June 26, 2023 on International Anti-Drug Day.  In that, the then Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal had prayed to the saints to save the society from this evil. At that time, the saints had assured full cooperation.
The Chief Minister said that conference was organized by the government, but today, the saints themselves have organized this conference to end drug addiction.
The Chief Minister said he had seen a similar scene in the state level cycle rally organized against drug addiction recently. He flagged off that rally from Hisar on April 5. After this, he also participated in the programmes of this rally in Faridabad and Jind. That 23-day cycle rally organized from April 5 to April 27 covered a total distance of 2010 kilometers. A total of 5.43 lakh people participated in it, out of which 3.41 lakh cycled. On April 27, the youth who participated in the closing ceremony of this rally in Sirsa were honoured.  

The Chief Minister said that a programme “Dhaakad” has been started at the level of schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions to save children and youth from drug addiction. We have established an inter-state drug secretariat in Panchkula. Anti-narcotics cells have been established at district, range and state level in Haryana to effectively curb drug smuggling and sale, he added.

The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has also described drug addiction as a symbol of 3D i.e. Darkness, Destruction and Devastation. The Prime Minister has urged the youth not to consider drug addiction as ‘cool’ or ‘style statement’, because it is an illusion which leads them to destruction.
The Chief Minister said today, when we are moving forward with the resolution of ‘Viksit Haryana, Viksit Bharat’, then we have to fight against everything that pushes our society backwards. Drug addiction leads the future of our youth towards darkness.
The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to Pujya Sant Swami Sampurnanand Ji Maharaj for the anti-drug campaign and giving the right direction to the youth.
On this occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner Smt. Nisha Yadav, Nagaradhis Vishwanath, besides officers of various departments and dignitaries were present.

Gurbani Kirtan Organised in Chandigarh to Honour Victims of Pahalgam Tragedy

Chandigarh:

A solemn Gurbani Kirtan was held at Gurdwara Sahib, Sector 8, Chandigarh, to pay tribute to the innocent lives lost in the recent Pahalgam tragedy.

Organised by World Punjabi Organisation under the leadership of Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and International President WPO, and Mr. Karan Gilhotra Vice President, WPO Chandigarh the spiritual ceremony was dedicated to prayers for peace, national unity, and the strength of the country during this time of collective mourning.

Governor of Punjab Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab, and Haryana Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatraya, joined the congregation to offer their respects and express solidarity with the victims and their families.

Punjab Governor Sh. Kataria stated that This is not just an attack on the people of India but on the very spirit of humanity. Terrorism is a manifestation of hatred that leads only to destruction and sorrow. This tragedy is a grim reminder of the devastating cost of terrorism.

MP Dr. Sahney stated that This despicable terrorist act must not go unpunished. The perpetrators must be identified and subjected to the severest of penalties to ensure that no one dares to repeat such a barbaric crime against humanity. “This Kirtan and Ardaas symbolise our shared grief and our collective hope. Through prayer, we seek solace for the bereaved families and renew our commitment to peace and unity in society.” Dr. Sahney added.

Haryana Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatraya strongly condemned the brutal terrorist attack, calling it a shameful and inhuman act against innocent civilians. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, stating that the pain and grief of the victims is shared by the entire nation.

From Addiction to Entrepreneurship: Punjab Govt-Sun Foundation Join Hands to Illuminate Path to Recovery

Chandigarh, May 1:

In a major push to combat drug addiction amidst the ongoing “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” to make Punjab drug free state as per vision of AAP’s National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and under able leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Government has partnered with the “Sun Foundation” to provide skill development at the 19 Government Drug Rehabilitation Centres running in the state. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and Member of Parliament (MP) S. Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Chairman of the Sun Foundation, today here at Punjab Bhawan.

Underscoring his dedication to this critical cause, MP Vikramjeet Singh Sahney announced a contribution of Rs 1 crore from his MPLAD funds to bolster the drug rehabilitation centres. The foundation will also provide manpower and bear maintenance cost of the skill centres.

The Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh praised MP Sahney’s contribution as a crucial step in the state’s “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” initiative, while conveying his appreciation to MP Sahney for his dedication in creating a drug-free Punjab.

Highlighting Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision, Dr. Balbir Singh emphasised the government’s focus on tackling the alarmingly high relapse rate of 80-90% by integrating robust skill development and engaging the drug victims with recreational activities at the rehabilitation centres. He also lauded the government’s progressive decision to decriminalise drug abusers, treating them as patients in need of care.

Dr. Balbir Singh detailed the government’s harm reduction strategy, which focuses on moving intravenous drug users to safer alternatives such as tablets and liquid methadone to combat the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C. He stated, “My vision is to transform drug addicts into entrepreneurs through targeted skill development,” envisioning a “positive domino effect” where those rehabilitated become productive members of society.

Dr. Balbir Singh also extended his wishes on International Labour Day and paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1886 Chicago labourers’ strike.

MP Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Chairman of the Sun Foundation, addressed the misrepresentation of Punjab as solely a drug-afflicted state, acknowledging the widespread nature of the problem across India, including states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. He affirmed his “heartfelt desire” to help Punjab overcome this challenge and announced the Sun Foundation’s commitment to operating 19 drug rehabilitation centres. Notably, the Sun Foundation already successfully manages three such centres in Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Mohali.

MP Sahney said that Sun Foundation will implement recreational, motivational, and spiritual activities within the centres, emphasising games, yoga, music, Gurbani, television-equipped recreation rooms, and counselling. Furthermore, a strong focus will be placed on skilling individuals in areas such as organic farming, plumbing, electrical work, mobile repair, and cookery, empowering them to secure livelihoods post-treatment and reducing the risk of relapse.

Secretary Health and Family Welfare cum Nodal Officer Anti-Drug Campaign Basant Garg, Director Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Assistant Director Dr. Sandeep Bhola, and other senior health officials were also present on the occasion.

EXCESS WATER RELEASE TO HARYANA; AMAN ARORA TERMS IT DAYLIGHT ROBBERY

Chandigarh, May 1:

In a bold move to safeguard Punjab’s waters, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Punjab Government has declared an all-out battle against the BJP-led Central Government’s “forced directive” to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to release excess water to Haryana.

Terming it a “daylight robbery,” the State President of AAP and Punjab Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that  an emergency all-party meeting on Friday morning, followed by a Special Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday, to strategize against what he called the Centre’s “blatant betrayal” of the state’s rights.

Addressing the media after a high-level meeting with Punjab’s Cabinet Ministers, Aman Arora stated that Punjab will fiercely protect its interests and won’t allow BBMB to release excess water beyond Haryana’s share. He accused the BJP of deceiving Punjab, citing this action as another example of their true intentions.

The AAP President said that BJP is attempting to steal Punjab’s water, despite the state having a 60% share in BBMB, by allocating 4700 cusecs water to Haryana beyond the neighbouring state’s share, which is over 1,700 cusecs. He asserted that the Aam Aadmi Party-led government won’t tolerate this “loot” and “goondagardi” by BJP.

Highlighting the proactive stance of the state government, Mr. Aman Arora stated that AAP’s National Convenor Sh. Arvind Kejriwal visited Chandigarh to assess the situation, while Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today’s visited Nangal Bhakra dam to prevent water theft.

“It is a high time for BJP’s Punjab unit leaders including Sunil Jakhar, Ravneet Bittu, Tarun Chugh, Captain Amarinder Singh and others to clear their stand whether they stand by Punjab or only serving their political bosses to save their chairs,” asked Mr. Aman Arora while adding that if they are real sons of the Punjab then they should resign from their posts to clear their stance on the issue. He also demanded that the BJP leaders should also immediately approach their national leaders and make them clear that Punjab has not any single drop of water to spare for Haryana or any other state.

Zero tolerance against corruption: VB nabs General Manager PUNSUP red handed accepting Rs 1 lakh bribe

Chandigarh May 1, 2025 –

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state arrested General Manager PUNSUP, Ajit Pal Singh Saini, who also holds charges of Procurement, Storage, Commercial, Construction and Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs one lakh.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest has been made following a complaint lodged by a resident of Ferozpur district.

He further informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the aforementioned General Manager of PUNSUP has been demanding bribe of 10% of total embezzled amount of about Rs 1.25 crore, the price of 14090 paddy bags allegedly shown under bogus purchase, and had demanded Rs 2 lakh as a first instalment. However, the deal was settled for Rs one lakh after negotiations.

The complainant is a commission agent at Mandis in Shahzdi and Mana Singh Wala, in Ferozepur. During purchase of paddy by PUNSUP in year 2024, total about 34,250 paddy bags were found less during physical inspection of stocks in concerned rice mills.

The commission agent (Ahartiya) firm of the complainant was alleged to have been involved in reporting bogus purchase of total about 34,250 paddy bags. Subsequently, he was directed to deposit the deficient amount of Rs 2.97 crores, subsequently, the complainant has deposited Rs 2.50 crores with PUNSUP as recovery.

Eventually, the complainant filed a representation with Managing Director, PUNSUP that gate passes of about 19040 paddy bags were deleted later from online portal by District Manager, Ferozepur and Inspectors of PUNSUP Ferozepur, as such he was wrongly fined for these bags. Thereafter, accused Ajit Pal Saini, GM approached the complainant through a common acquaintance Kanwal Deep and demanded bribe for settling the matter in the favour of the complainant.

The complainant has recorded an audio conversation of the accused wherein he demanded Rs 2,00,000 as first instalment. Earlier District Manager Ferozepur and 2 Inspectors of PUNSUP Ferozepur have also been suspended by the Department in the same matter.

The spokesperson added that preliminary verification of allegations were conducted discreetly and after finding the allegations prima facie to be true, a VB team from flying squad laid a trap during which the aforementioned General Manager was caught red handed in the Parking of Max Hospital, phase 6, Mohali while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered VB police station, Flying Squad-1, Punjab at Mohali.

The VB team has recovered Rs 1,00,000 bribe money from his possession and official car of the accused in which he came on the spot to receive money, was also taken into possession. He would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

Aam Aadmi Party Punjab Strongly Condemns BBMB’s Decision to Divert Punjab’s Water to Haryana

Chandigarh, May 1, 2025

 The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly opposed the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) decision to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of Punjab’s water to Haryana. AAP MP Kang said that this decision, taken under pressure from the BJP-led Central Government, is unconstitutional and an outright assault on Punjab’s rights.

AAP MP from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, has called this move a grave injustice that jeopardizes Punjab’s farmers, its water security, and the state’s future generations. In a letter to BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, Kang lambasted the BJP government for orchestrating this “daylight robbery” of Punjab’s rightful resources while accusing Bittu of maintaining a shameful silence on the matter.

“The BBMB decision is not just an administrative order—it is a direct attack on Punjab’s lifeline. Despite the fact that Haryana has already overdrawn its share of water, BJP has forced BBMB to hand over Punjab’s precious water to Haryana, leaving our farmers and citizens at risk of severe water scarcity. This is an insult to Punjab’s 3.5 crore people,” said Kang.

The BBMB annually distributes water between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan from May 21 to the following May 20. However, Kang revealed that Haryana, after exhausting its full share by March 31, 2025, demanded an additional 4,000 cusecs daily from Punjab. Punjab, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, allowed this on humanitarian grounds to meet Haryana’s basic drinking water needs. However, BJP has now arm-twisted BBMB into granting Haryana an additional 8,500 cusecs—an action that AAP calls unlawful and unacceptable.

“Our reservoirs—Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams—are already at dangerously low levels. With groundwater levels depleting across the state, every drop of water is vital for Punjab’s farmers. Yet, BJP is sacrificing Punjab’s needs to appease Haryana. This is nothing short of bulldozing Punjab’s rights,” Kang stated.

Kang expressed disappointment at BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu’s silence, accusing him of prioritizing his party’s political alliances over Punjab’s welfare. “Bittu’s inaction raises serious questions about whether he stands with Punjab or has surrendered to BJP’s unconstitutional diktats. The people of Punjab deserve answers,” Kang asserted.

AAP, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has taken a firm stand to expose BJP’s unconstitutional actions. Highlighting Haryana CM’s misleading statements that Punjab had agreed to this water diversion, the AAP government clarified that Haryana has already consumed 103% of its allocated share while Punjab has used only 89%. Despite this, Punjab extended support to Haryana, but BJP’s latest decision crossed all limits.

Kang reiterated that Punjab’s farmers and people will not tolerate this injustice. “Punjab’s history is filled with struggles to protect its resources and rights. Today, we face a similar challenge. AAP and the people of Punjab will resist BJP’s blatant disregard for Punjab’s welfare,” he affirmed.

In his letter to Bittu, Kang posed some serious questions to Bittu, “Are you with Punjab, or complicit in the BJP’s exploitation of the state’s resources? Why haven’t you raised the issue of BBMB’s illegal decisions in Parliament? Why are you silent on the alarming depletion of water levels in Punjab’s dams? Your inability to address these pressing questions raises serious doubts about your commitment to Punjab’s rights. The youth, intellectuals, and people from all walks of life are closely observing this anti-Punjab stance. It is time for you to either stand firmly for Punjab’s interests or relinquish the position you hold, which was secured in Punjab’s name but appears to serve BJP’s agenda.”

AAP demands immediate reversal of BBMB’s decision and calls on all political parties in Punjab to unite and defend the state’s interests. The party also urges BJP leaders like Ravneet Singh Bittu to take a clear stand and oppose this unconstitutional decision in Parliament.

Taking to social media, Kang wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account, “The @BJP4India-led Central Government has crossed all limits by forcing BBMB to release 8,500 cusecs of Punjab’s water to Haryana. This is nothing short of an unconstitutional act of daylight robbery.”

Kang assured the people of Punjab that the AAP Government will continue to fight for their rights and protect the state’s resources. Kang concluded that Punjab’s future cannot and will not be compromised for political gains.

AAP Punjab Protests Statewide Against Allocation of Additional Water to Haryana Through BBMB

Chandigarh, May 1

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab staged widespread protests across the state against the BJP-led Central Government’s decision to allocate additional water to Haryana through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). AAP leaders and workers held demonstrations, emphasizing Punjab’s rightful claim over its water resources.

Highlighting the injustices faced by Punjab, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, and senior party leaders led protests in various districts, urging Punjabis to unite and oppose this unconstitutional move. The protests witnessed effigy burnings and demonstrations against BJP leaders at multiple locations across Punjab.

Amritsar

Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, along with AAP leaders Dr. Ajay Gupta, Baldev Miadian, Gurdev Lakhna, Moti Lal Bhatia, Jaspreet Singh, Dr. Inderpal, Iqbal Singh Bhullar, and Manish Aggarwal, along with hundreds of workers, gheraoed the residence of BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh.

Pathankot

Minister Lalchand Kataruchakk, AAP Leaders Amit Mintu, and Vibhuti Sharma, along with AAP Volunteers staged a protest outside BJP leader Ashwani Sharma’s residence in New Bank Colony, condemning the Central Government’s anti-Punjab policies.

Ludhiana

AAP MLAs and leaders, including Pappi Prashar, Madan Lal Bagga, Daljit Grewal Bhola, Kulwant Sidhu, Jeevan Singh Sangowal, and Amandeep Mohie, organized a protest at Arora Palace Dana Mandi, challenging the BJP’s unconstitutional decision.

Patiala

AAP leaders Dev Mann, Kulwant Bazigar, Kundal Gogia, Ranjit Hadana, Megh Chand Shermajra, and Tejinder Mehta protested outside Moti Mahal, the residence of former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, to demand justice for Punjab’s water rights.

Roopnagar

Cabinet Minister Harjot Bains, MLA Dinesh Chadha, and leader Harminder Dahne led protests at Bela Chowk in Roopnagar, declaring that Punjab will not tolerate any further exploitation of its water resources.

Fazilka and Shri Muktsar Sahib

Narinder Pal Singh Sawna, Arun Narang, and Shaminder Singh Khinda led demonstrations in these districts, emphasizing that Punjab’s water belongs solely to Punjab.

Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar protested with party leadership in Patti, burning an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to denounce the BJP’s misuse of BBMB.

Minister Dr. Ravjot staged a protest in Sham Chaurasi, condemning the Central Government’s attempt to divert Punjab’s water, and also burned the effigy of the Prime Minister.

Speaking on the issue, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchakk stated, “The BJP-led Central Government’s arbitrary actions to allocate Punjab’s water to Haryana will not be tolerated. Punjabis are united in opposing this injustice.”

AAP Punjab reiterated its commitment to protecting Punjab’s water rights and urged all Punjabis to join the fight against this unconstitutional and unjust decision. The party vowed to continue its struggle on all fronts, including legal and public mobilization. Punjab’s water is Punjab’s right, and AAP will safeguard it at any cost. 

PUNJAB POLICE THWARTS POSSIBLE GRENADE ATTACK AT POLICE ESTABLISHMENTS; FIVE MEMBERS OF JIWAN FAUJI-LED BKI MODULE HELD WITH GRENADE, PISTOL

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, April 30:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has successfully thwarted a potential grenade attack on a police establishments with the arrest of five members of a Pak-ISI backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module linked to foreign-based gangster Jiwan Fauji, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Naresh Kumar alias Babbu of Haripura, Abhinav Bhagat alias Abhi, Ajay Kumar alias Ajju and Sunny Kumar, all residents of Haripura in Amritsar and a 17-years-old juvenile. Police teams have also recovered one hand grenade and one country-made .32 pistol along with five live cartridges.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that gangster Jiwan Fauji, currently operating from abroad, has been running a terror module in border districts of the state with the help of the arrested accused persons, who were recruited and radicalised to execute criminal activities. Probe has also revealed that the arrested persons were provided with motorcycles and tasked with retrieving weapon consignments from the Ajnala sector, he added.

          The DGP said that the arrested accused were actively plotting to target police establishments with grenades. Further investigations are on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he said.

          Sharing more details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that during a follow-up recovery operation, accused Ajay Kumar attempted to escape by snatching a service weapon and opening fire at the police team. The accused sustained injuries in his leg during retaliatory fire, and has been undergoing medical treatment at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar, he added.

          The CP said that the probe has also revealed that the arrested accused persons had also provided logistic support and an Activa scooter to the assailants, who fired at Karyana Store owner recently at Mahal village in Amritsar. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further links in the terror network, he added.

          A case FIR No. 103 dated 30/04/2025 has been regitered under section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Police Station Islamabad in Amritsar.

Mann Slams BJP for Water Conspiracy, Says ‘Not a Drop to Spare’; Vows to Protect Punjab’s Water Rights


CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB

Mann Slams BJP for Water Conspiracy, Says ‘Not a Drop to Spare’; Vows to Protect Punjab’s Water Rights

BJP’s  Central and Haryana Govt are  Misusing Power: Bhagwant Mann

Chandigarh, April 30-

Slamming BJP for conspiring to divest Punjab of its waters by misusing its power in Haryana and center, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday categorically said that the state has no single drop of water to share with any other state.

In a letter to his Haryana counterpart, the Chief Minister said that he had received the letter of Naib Singh Saini through media only and it is unfortunate that a person of his stature is misleading the people by saying that he has assured water to Haryana. He said that this is nothing more than a bundle of lies as this promise was never made adding that this doesn’t suit a person sitting on a constitutional post. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Chief Minister of Haryana did call him but he never gave any assurance regarding water to Saini adding that he can give such a promise when Punjab has no drop of spare water to share with any other state.

The Chief Minister said that every year BBMB distributes water to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan which is applicable from May 21 to May 20 next year. He said that this year BBMB had distributed 3.318 MAF, 2.987 MAF and 5.512 MAF water to Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab respectively. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the BJP government in Haryana had used its share of water by March 31 this year after which the crisis had arisen.

The Chief Minister said that subsequently the Haryana government had urged Punjab that they don’t even have water to cater to the drinking needs of people. He said that as a humanitarian gesture the Punjab government generously allotted 4000  cusec of water daily to Haryana from April 6, 2025. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though the population of Haryana is three crore and as per estimates 1700 cusec of water is enough to meet the needs of people of state.

However, the Chief Minister said that the Haryana government has sought 2.5 times more water from Punjab than its actual need. Despite this, he said that Punjab has been giving this water from the month of April adding that a few days back Haryana had pleaded that this water is not sufficient for it and they need 8500 cusec additional water daily. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is evident that this water is needed for irrigation purposes and this problem has arisen as Haryana has not utilized its share of water properly.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Punjab is already grappling with shortage of water for agricultural purposes as the groundwater is receding across the state. He said that the level of water in the dams has been recorded all time low and water level at Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam and Ranjit Sagar Dam is 32 feet, 12 feet and 14 feet low respectively as compared to last year. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every single drop of water is precious for the state and there is no question of sharing the water with any other state.

The Chief Minister said that water of Punjab belongs to the state and no one will be allowed to divest the state from it adding that the state government will not allow anyone to deprive Punjab of its legitimate share. He categorically said that BJP through its government in Haryana and center is trying to suppress the state and it is unfortunate that BBMB is passing new resolutions everyday to rob share of Punjab’s water. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the state government is committed to safeguard the interests of the state and no one will be allowed to plunder our waters from us.

On Akshaya Tritiya, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini unveils major development initiatives for Hodal Assembly Constituency

Chandigarh, April 30– On the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini unveiled a series of development initiatives for the Hodal Assembly Constituency in Palwal district. While addressing the Brij Vikas Rally in Hodal, the Chief Minister inaugurated three key development projects worth Rs 10 crore and announced several others aimed at transforming the region.

He announced an allocation of Rs 5 crore each for the development of both urban and rural areas of Hodal, Rs 3.54 crore  for the construction of a new DHBVN office building in Hodal, and Rs 1.95 crore for a similar facility in Hasanpur. Other notable announcements included new sub-health centers in Neerpur, Korali, Pengaltu, and Siha; a crop procurement center in Siha; Rs 1.50 crore for drain up to Punhana turn; and the upgradation of Hasanpur from sub-tehsil to tehsil status,  renovation of various ponds and the comprehensive repair and improvement of all roads in the area.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister accepted most of the 152 demands submitted by Union Minister of State for Cooperation Sh Krishan Pal Gurjar and Hodal MLA Sh Harender Singh also the convener of the rally. He assured that  remaining demands will  be fulfilled after a feasibility assessment.

Speaking at the rally, Sh Saini said, on this sacred occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, I am delighted to be among you in Brij Bhoomi Hodal, a land rich in heritage, valour, and cultural pride. Our government remains committed to the holistic development of this region. He paid tribute to the historic legacy of Hodal, referencing the valor of Maharani Kishori and the region’s roots in Mahabharata-era traditions. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, he added, “Our goal is the development of every region and upliftment of every citizen. We will transform Hodal into a model constituency through targeted initiatives in education, health, infrastructure, and employment.”

*Projects Inaugurated*

At the rally, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the  three major projects worth approximately Rs 10 crore in Hodal assembly constituency. These included Nagar Parishad Bhawan, at a cost of Rs 5.70 crore, Sub-Tehsil Bhawan at a cost of Rs 2.40 crore  and Sports Stadium in Ramgarh Village at a cost of Rs 1.46 crore .

*Rs 700 Crore invested in Hodal Development* 

The Chief Minister highlighted that the present government has undertaken development projects worth approximately Rs 700 crore in Hodal over the last two terms, significantly higher than the Rs 236 crore spent during the previous Congress regime.

While referring to various achievements related to the development of Hodal, he said that to increase the water supply in the town, the construction of boosting station and laying of pipeline was done at a cost of Rs 12 crore. Besides, a drain was constructed at a cost of Rs 6.70 crore for drainage of rainwater in Hodal city and water supply scheme, Pengtlu has been constructed at a cost of Rs 8.24 crore,  New grain market, Hodal has been developed at a cost of Rs 8 . 22 crore. A new 66 KV sub-station was established at Banchari at a cost of Rs 7. 50 crore. Sati Sarovar of Hodal has been renovated at a cost of Rs 6 crore.

*Development projects changed the picture of Palwal*

Referring to the major schemes related to the development of Palwal district, the Chief Minister said that the construction work of Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway has been completed at a cost of Rs 2,345 crore to develop Palwal district. The construction of Rewari-Madar section of Western Dedicated Freight Corridor is going on. Similarly, ‘Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor’ is under construction for Kundli-Sonipat and Sohna-Manesar at an estimated cost of Rs 5,618 crore. Shri Vishwakarma Skill University has been established in Dudhaula for skill development of youth in the state. The work of widening and strengthening of the Palwal-Hasanpur via Kaushak road has been done at a cost of Rs 23. 49 crore. At the same time, the crushing capacity of Palwal Sugar Mill was increased at a cost of Rs 12 crore.

On this occasion, the representatives of various social and religious organizations felicitated the Chief Minister.

*Prime Minister has doubled every sector in 10 years: Krishan Pal Gurjar*

Union Minister of State for Cooperation Sh Krishan Pal Gurjar welcomed Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini in Faridabad Parliamentary constituency. He described the tenure of the Central and Haryana governments under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi in the last decade as a period of unprecedented progress in every sector. During this period, there has been a significant increase in the budget in sectors like aviation, railways, energy, social justice, agriculture etc. Talking about the agriculture sector, he said the budget of Rs 21 thousand crore during the UPA regime has increased to Rs 4.50 lakh crore during the Prime Minister’s tenure and in the energy sector, it has increased to Rs 1 lakh 43 thousand crore as compared to Rs 43,000 crore.

*Chief Minister promoted sports and sports persons : Gaurav Gautam*

Minister of State for Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, and Sports (Independent Charge), Sh Gaurav Gautam, expressed full confidence in Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, stating that under his leadership, decisive action will be taken to eradicate terrorism. He commended the working style of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, noting that even before taking the oath of office, the Chief Minister had facilitated employment for thousands of youth in the state. He further highlighted the Chief Minister’s efforts to promote sports and support athletes in Haryana.

Hodal MLA and rally convener Sh Harinder Singh welcomed the Chief Minister and expressed his  gratitude to the Chief Minister for giving gift of various development works for assembly constituency.

On this occasion, former Minister and Ballabhgarh MLA Sh Moolchand Sharma, MLA Sh Satish Phagna, Dr. Krishna Kumar and other dignitaries were present.