Chandigarh, September 11:

Punjab’s Rural Development and Panchayats Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, has appealed to financially capable panchayats to extend support towards relief and rehabilitation efforts in flood-affected villages.

Sond said that thousands of villages in Punjab have been severely impacted by the recent floods, necessitating immediate relief measures. Urgent actions such as clearing accumulated debris, silt, and carcasses of animals, as well as repairing damaged panchayat infrastructure, are the need of the hour.

Highlighting that many panchayats possess substantial funds in the form of fixed deposits, received as compensation for land acquisition, the Minister urged them to contribute a portion of these resources.

He appealed that if panchayats were to allocate at least 5% of the principal amount of their fixed deposits towards relief efforts, it would not only serve as a humanitarian gesture but also reflect solidarity with the flood-affected communities.

Chandigarh, September 11 – The Haryana Human Rights Commission has passed an important order in the matter of late Martyr SaurabhGarg (resident of Pillukhera, District Jind). The Bench of the Commission comprising Justice LalitBatra, Chairperson; Mr.Kuldeep Jain, Member (Judicial); and Mr. Deep Bhatia, Member, delivered this order in Complaint No.1995/8/2023.

Background of the Incident

This complaint was filed by ShriChanderBhan, father of late ShriSaurabhGarg. On 08.12.2012, SaurabhGarg sacrificed his life while saving 11 innocent people trapped in a house engulfed in flames due to an LPG cylinder leakage at Pillukhera, District Jind. His act of courage, sacrifice, and selflessness remains unmatched. Despite being merely a neighbour, he rushed to the spot on a cold December morning, placed a ladder, and rescued all 11 persons (including women and children) one by one. Once all were safe, a massive explosion occurred, and he himself perished in the flames.

At the outset, the Haryana Human Rights Commission recorded with deep emotion that such bravery, where a young citizen voluntarily risks and ultimately sacrifices his life for others’ safety, epitomises the highest ideals of humanity and deserves to be recognised by the nation. The sacrifice of late SaurabhGarg is not only a personal bereavement for his family but a matter of pride for society and the State.

The deceased’s father has been pursuing recognition of this sacrifice for over a decade. Records reveal that within a week of the incident, the Deputy Commissioner, Jind, recommended the case to the Haryana Home Department. Subsequent communications followed on 14.12.2012, 15.01.2015, 23.08.2022, 27.09.2022, 29.09.2023 and 13.08.2024. On 22.02.2013, the Haryana VidhanSabha deliberated upon the incident and paid tribute by observing silence. A D.O. letter dated 13.05.2013 was also sent by the Assembly to the Deputy Commissioner, Jind, conveying condolence and sympathy to the bereaved family. Letters dated 24.12.2012 and 11.01.2013 from the Prime Minister’s Office were also addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, reflecting national-level acknowledgment.

It is noteworthy that at the relevant time, a well-established Government of India policy was in place for recommending gallantry and life-saving acts for National Awards. The Haryana Government could have forwarded the case under this policy. However, due to failure of the concerned authorities to move the file within the prescribed timeline, the deceased was deprived of this benefit.

The Full Commission headed by Justice LalitBatra strongly observed: “This delay is purely the result of administrative negligence and apathy, causing injustice not only to the family but also to society at large. Despite clear recommendations and extraordinary merit, the matter was never concluded in time and remained stuck in bureaucratic delays.”

Now, the Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Haryana, has informed that according to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Notification dated 01.04.2024, only cases within the last two years can be nominated, hence late SaurabhGarg’s name cannot be considered for the Prime Minister’s JeevanRakshaPadak. The Commission also clarified that the financial assistance of ₹5,00,000/- cannot be a substitute for the honour and recognition due to his supreme sacrifice.

Key Recommendations of the Commission

Protocol, Information & Public Relations Officer Dr.PuneetArora informed that keeping in view the above facts, the Full Commission headed by Justice LalitBatra has issued the following recommendations:

• The Chief Secretary, Haryana, shall submit a report within six weeks fixing responsibility for the delay caused since 2012.
• The State Government shall request the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to relax the restriction imposed by the Notification dated 01.04.2024 and consider this case specially.
• The State Government shall also consider conferring upon late SaurabhGarg an appropriate State-level Gallantry Award.
• A copy of the order shall be sent to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Haryana, for his personal attention and necessary action at the highest level.

Directions Regarding Memorial Maintenance

The complainant also informed that the “ShaheedSaurabhGarg Memorial” constructed by the Government is not being properly maintained. The Commission directed the Secretary, Market Committee, Pillukhera, to:

• Prepare a detailed maintenance plan for cleaning, lighting, gardening, and upkeep.
• Create a separate budget head for maintenance.
• Appoint a gardener and sanitation worker.
• Provide dustbins, benches, drinking water facility, and solar/LED lights.
• Display a notice board mentioning the significance of the memorial and the responsible authority.
• Nominate an officer for regular inspection and supervision.

Conclusion

The Haryana Human Rights Commission clearly stated that the bravery of Martyr SaurabhGarg must be recognised not only for his family but also as an inspiration for the entire society. His martyrdom conveys the eternal message that courage, humanity, and selfless service will never go unacknowledged.

Chandigarh/Nangal, September 10:

Punjab Cabinet Minister for Education and Information & Public Relations, Harjot Singh Bains, today announced that in his constituency Sri Anandpur Sahib, all flood-affected villages have had 100% road connectivity, power supply, and water supply restored to ensure relief for residents.

He informed that villagers of Singhpur-Plaasi have now started returning to their homes from relief shelters following the receding of floodwaters.

S. Bains, who has been personally working on the ground in flood-affected areas for several days, stated that villages Harsa Bela, Patti Dulchi, and Bela Shiv Singh, which had been cut off due to floodwater, are being reconnected. While 90% of the work was completed yesterday, some mechanical issues caused a delay late at night. However, he confirmed that the work would be fully completed within hours today.

The Minister added that extensive fogging and disinfectant spraying has been carried out in Singhpur-Plaasi homes, with the administration striving to ensure a hygienic environment. He said that 100% power supply has been restored, with electric poles, wires, and transformers repaired and made functional. Similarly, 100% water supply has also been restored, with the Water Supply and Sanitation Department reconnecting pipelines with the help of NDRF boats.

S. Bains further announced that the damaged wooden bridge at Bela Dhiani will now be replaced with a strong, motorable bridge, ensuring long-term safety and better connectivity. He also highlighted that the Revenue Department is actively conducting a special Girdawari exercise in flood-affected areas, which will be completed in the coming days. The reports will then be submitted to the government for compensation to affected families.

It is worth mentioning that for the past several weeks, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains has been continuously focusing on his constituency, working closely with the administration on the ground. He also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of AAP volunteers, panchayat members, sarpanches, and youth clubs, who worked alongside him during this crisis.

S. Bains informed that medical teams and the Animal Husbandry Department are actively working on the ground to support residents in flood-affected areas. He said that free medical services are being provided to the people, while a special vaccination drive for livestock is also underway. To ensure proper care of animals, 10 truckloads of fodder have already been distributed, and the supply of food and other essential items to affected families is being carried out on a regular basis.

Expressing gratitude, S. Bains said, “I heartily thank all those who played a positive role and extended their support to the people of Punjab, especially in my constituency, during these difficult days of natural disaster.”

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, September 10:

          Acting swiftly on forward-backward linkages in the 8.1 kg heroin recovery case, Commissionerate Police Amritsar has arrested four more drug smugglers and recovered 12 kg of heroin along with .30 bore pistol and a magazine from their possession, taking the total seizure of heroin in this case to 20.1 kg, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          Those arrested have been identified Gurbhej Singh (50) and his son Gurdit Singh (22), both residents of village Narla in Tarn Taran; Malkit Singh (50) of village Dall in Tarn Taran and Gurjit Singh (29) of village Kotli Saka in Ajnala, Amritsar.

          The development came close on the heels of Punjab Police busted a heroin trafficking cartel with the arrest of the notorious drug smuggler identified as Soni Singh alias Soni along with his four associates— Gursewak Singh, Vishaldeep Singh alias Gola, Gurpreet Singh and Arshdeep Singh— and recovered 8.1kg heroin from their possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the latest arrests have exposed another strong node of the trans-border cartel operating in Tarn Taran and Amritsar Rural sectors. All accused persons were using WhatsApp to communicate with each other and with the Pakistan-based smugglers, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigations are ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in this case. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

          Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that during interrogation, arrested drug smuggler Gursewak Singh revealed that a father-son duo, Gurbhej Singh and Gurdit Singh, along with Malkit Singh, were running the drug syndicate in the area. Gurbhej Singh was coordinating smuggling operations in the border area of the Tarn Taran sector and maintained direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers, he said.

          The CP said that accused Gurbhej Singh had been receiving consignments via drone drop-offs in fields owned by his associate, Malkit Singh, located close to the International border.

          Accused Gurbhej was using cattle-sheds to safely conceal the heroin consignments, he said, while adding that following his disclosure, 10 kg of heroin was recovered from an earthen pit in plastic containers at his house.

          CP Gurpreet Bhullar said that further investigation in this case has led to the identification and arrest of Gurjit Singh. During search of the latter’s house, 2.006 kg of heroin, along with a .30 bore pistol and a magazine, were recovered, he said, while adding that the pistol was concealed inside his bed mattress.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 177 dated 06-09-2025 had already been registered under sections 21-B, 27-A, 21-C and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, September 10

In a landmark move to uphold the dignity and welfare of grassroots healthcare workers, Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday announced that Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and ASHA Facilitators working in Health and Family Welfare Department under the National Health Mission (NHM) will now be entitled to six months of maternity leave. This benefit will be extended under the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.

Revealing this in a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Cheema said that this decision aligns with the government’s existing policy of providing 180 days of fully paid maternity leave to all its female employees. He clarified that this leave will not be deducted from any other leave accounts. The Finance Minister also highlighted that the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and a circular dated April 12, 2017, already cover all female employees, whether they are working on a contractual basis, as consultants, or through an agency. He said that the Finance Department had already granted approval for maternity benefits to contract, consultant, and outsourced employees.

“In light of this, the Finance Department has now officially approved the Health and Family Welfare Department’s request to grant six months of maternity leave to ASHAs and ASHA Facilitators under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961”, he added.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this decision is expected to have a transformative impact on the lives of ASHA workers, many of whom juggle demanding professional responsibilities with family and caregiving roles. “By institutionalizing maternity leave, the Punjab Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the health, dignity, and empowerment of women at the frontlines of public service”, he added.

Chandigarh, 10 September :

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that a relief package of Rs 1600/- crore for Punjab announced by Prime Minister of India is miserable meagre. He added  that rupees twenty thousand crores have been lost in this catastrophic floods and centre government is giving merely Rs 1600/- crore which is meager in commensurate to loss incurred due to ravaged floods in Punjab.

He further said that Punjabis are even then highly grateful to the central government whatever they have given to us.  Punjabi’s know how to stand on their feet after falling. Even in the past, Punjabis have made properties, mansions, cars, palaces, tractors by doing hard work and they will continue to do so in the future.

Furthermore, he highlighted that  the blessings of the Guru Sahibs are always with us. Punjabi’s always bow down their heads in front of the Guru Sahib and the Guru Sahib always fills their lap with everything.

Chandigarh, September 10:

The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is working tirelessly, day and night, to provide immediate relief and assistance to flood-affected people while resolutely tackling this natural disaster. With a decline in rainfall and water levels, the State Government has accelerated relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts, enabling flood-hit families to gradually return to normal life.

Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains informed that 100% road connectivity, electricity, and water supply have been restored in flood-affected villages of Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency. Residents of Singhpur-Plassi have begun returning from relief camps to their homes. He further said that connectivity to cut-off villages such as Harsa Bela, Patti Dulchi, and Bela Shiv Singh is being restored, and the wooden bridge at Bela Dhyani will soon be replaced with a robust motorable bridge.

He added that fumigation and spraying of medicines has been completed, special vaccination drives by health and animal husbandry teams are underway, and 10 truckloads of fodder have already been distributed. Special girdawari (crop loss survey) is being carried out by revenue officials, and compensation will be disbursed based on its report.

Cabinet Ministers Dr. Balbir Singh and Lal Chand Kataruchak today distributed financial aid of ₹51,000 each to 12 affected families in villages Baknour, Pamma, Ambi Khattkaran, Kolian Adda, and Anyal of Bhoa constituency. During their visit, they interacted with local residents, listened to their concerns, and reiterated the government’s commitment to provide concrete solutions.

Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, while reviewing the situation near villages along the Ghaggar river including Krael, Moonak, and Phoolad, said that the Punjab Government has strengthened river embankments, which has saved nearby villages and towns from major damage even though water levels remained above danger mark for several days.

He further stated that the Punjab Government and District Administration are on full alert, ensuring immediate sandbagging or any other necessary measure wherever required. Officials have been deployed at every kilometer along the Ghaggar embankments to address any issue promptly.

Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, while presiding over a meeting at the District Administrative Complex in Jalandhar, directed revenue officers to immediately verify claims concerning damage to houses caused by rain and floods so that no affected family is deprived of compensation. He instructed patwaris to conduct door-to-door inspections and reaffirmed that the Punjab Government stands firmly with every affected family during this crisis.

Chandigarh, September 10:

Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian on Wednesday informed that the flood situation in the state remained severe over the last 24 hours with 88 more villages, 374 people and 55 hectares of farmland impacted. The cumulative figure has now risen to 2185 affected villages across 22 districts with the number of affected persons reaching 3,88,466.

The Minister reported that one more casualty occurred in Ferozepur during the last 24 hours, pushing the overall death toll to 53 across 15 districts. Meanwhile, three persons are still untraceable in Pathankot.

He further said that 91 more people were rescued during the past 24 hours, taking the total number of evacuees to 23,297. Currently, 115 relief camps are operational across the state, accommodating 4533 people.

On the agricultural front, S. Hardeep Singh Mundian shared that the total crop area damaged has climbed to 1,91,981.45 hectares spread over 18 districts.

The Revenue Minister added that flood havoc has struck 2185 villages across 22 districts till September 10 with the affected population crossing 3,88,466.

The Cabinet Minister highlighted that 14 NDRF teams, 2 SDRF teams, 18 Army columns and 1 Engineer Task Force are actively deployed in flood-ravaged regions. Around 30 helicopters of the Indian Air Force and Army remain engaged in rescue missions. Besides this, 182 boats are pressed into service as part of the ongoing relief operations.

Chandigarh, September 10:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday profusely thanked noted Punjabi singer Mankirat Aulakh and renowned industrialist Pritpal Singh for helping the flood affected people of the state.

The Chief Minister, who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital, during telephonic conversation with the philanthropists reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to bail out the people affected by floods. He said that the state government is already leaving no stone unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the exemplary work done by both the philanthropists in this hour of crisis is really laudable as both of them are serving the flood victims with missionary zeal.

The Chief Minister said that similarly people are coming up in large number of generously contributing in the CM relief fund to help the people in flood affected areas of the state. Profusely thanking the people who were coming forward to help the distressed people in this hour of crisis, he said that it is the need of the hour to ensure that the needy people get timely help. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every penny of people’s contribution will give a major relief to the people of the marooned areas in the state.

The Chief Minister said that such contributions will go a long way in providing timely and much needed support to people combatting the natural fury.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the generosity shown by the philanthropists will certainly provide a healing touch to the flood-ravaged areas of the state. He said that already massive loss has been caused due to floods in the state adding that the state government has already started the process for compensating people for the grave loss.

In a significant achievement, Chandigarh has secured the 8th position in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2025, marking a remarkable leap from its 27th rank in 2024.

The Swachh Vayu Survekshan, conducted annually by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), assesses cities on their sustained efforts and progress towards improving air quality.

Chandigarh’s upward movement by 19 positions is a testament to its sustainable urban development initiatives, proactive air quality management strategies, and active citizen participation.

The collective efforts of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, Traffic Police, Transport Department, State Transport Department, and the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) have contributed significantly to this achievement through measures such as:
1. Expansion of green cover through urban forestry and plantation drives.
2. Strict enforcement of dust-control measures at construction sites.
3. Introduction of e-mobility in public transport and expansion of EV charging infrastructure.
4. Scientific remediation of legacy waste.
5. Development of an expanded non-motorised transport network.
6. Proper management of construction and demolition (C&D) waste.
7. Implementation of Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) to reduce congestion and vehicular emissions.
8. Automatic road sweeping and water sprinkling to control road dust.
9. Community-led awareness campaigns promoting behavioural change and citizen involvement.

The Director Environment-cum-Member Secretary, CPCC, Sh. Saurabh Kumar said, “This achievement reflects Chandigarh’s strong commitment to ensuring clean air for its residents. Our collective efforts, from policymakers to citizens, all have made this
possible, and we will continue to work towards a healthier and greener city.”

The Swachh Vayu Survekshan evaluates cities across eight major parameters: Management
of municipal solid waste, road dust mitigation, management of dust from construction & demolition waste, regulated vehicular emissions, strict enforcement on industrial emissions and other emissions, public awareness and particulate matter improvement trend.

With this milestone, Chandigarh further strengthens its position as one of India’s leading clean and green cities, setting a benchmark for other urban centres under the NCAP framework.