Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh

Mayor dedicates Amrit Sarovar to public at village Khuda Alisher

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IEP Chandigarh, January 7

Sarbjit Kaur, Mayor, Chandigarh today dedicated third rejuvenated ‘Amrit Sarovar’ of Chandigarh at village Khudda Alisher as part of the ‘Amrit Sarovar Mission’ aimed at the conservation of water.

Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Smt. Jaswinder Kaur, area councillor, other councillors and prominent persons of local area were present during the occasion.

While speaking on the occasion, the Mayor said that Hon’ble Prime Minister of India had launched the Mission aimed at developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country as a part of celebration of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’  and the target to complete the work has been fixed as 15th August, 2023.

She further said that the Municipal Corporation under this mission planned to rejuvenate 3 abandoned Water Bodies at Village Kaimbwala, Sarangpur and Khuda Alisher. The water body at village Kaimbwala had already rejuvenated and dedicated to public on 15th August 2022 and the water body at village Sarangpur has been inaugurated on 3rd October, 2022.

The Mayor said that the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has further planned to rejuvenate 4th Water Body at  Dadumajra Village and the work will be completed before 15th August 2023. The Municipal Corporation will also hoist the flag next year on the water body at Sarovar in Dadumajra Village on 15th August 2023.

She said that this water body is spread on area about 1.15 Acre and have capacity of holding water of 10000Cum. This water body was completely abandoned and lot of vegetation/jungle was grown up when it was transferred to Municipal Corporation Chandigarh in 2019.  The MCC has spent around Rs.30 Lakh rejuvenate this water body. The walls of water body, Lights, Hut for residents, Benches, Path way around the water body has been provided for the public. This water body will also raise the depleted ground water level and avoid flooding in village in addition to conserve the water. This will act as a mini Lake for the residents of the village. It is the duty of villagers now to keep it neat and clean.

Chandigarh

HAFED gives a cheque amounting to Rs. 10 crores for the Chief Minister Relief Fund

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IEP Chandigarh

The Haryana State Cooperative Society and Marketing Federation Limited (HAFED) today gave a cheque amounting to Rs. 10 crores for the Chief Minister Relief Fund.

Cooperation Minister, Dr. Banwari Lal along with Chairman, HAFED, Sh. Kailash Bhagat presented the cheque to the Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal. Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department, Sh. T.V.S.N Prasad and Managing Director, Sh.  A. Sreenivas also remained present on this occasion.

Sh. Kailash Bhagat said that HAFED is the largest Apex Cooperative Federation of the State. It came into existence on November 1, 1966  with the formation of Haryana and since then it has been constantly working for the welfare of the farmers.

Sh. Bhagat said that HAFED aims to serve the economic interests of the farmers of Haryana by providing viable and efficient support in Agriculture Production, Marketing and Agri Processing.

With the passage of time, HAFED has expanded the scope of its activities across the country, providing healthy and quality products to the people. Apart from this, basmati paddy rice produced in the state has been included in the export, which is directly benefiting the farmers as they are getting a higher price for their produce. Along with this, HAFED is also procuring ‘Pusa Basmati’ rice from the farmers of Madhya Pradesh.

Chandigarh

Temples, gurdwaras roped in for campaign against drug menace in Sirsa

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IEP Chandigarh

To tackle the menace of drug addiction in Sirsa district, which is one of the worst-affected districts of Haryana, the district administration has roped in gurdwaras and temples to become the voice of the administration for checking the menace.

A 52-second audio clip in both Hindi and Punjabi languages will be aired on loudspeakers/audio systems installed in gurdwaras and temples in the district. The clip will be aired at 6 am and 8 pm every day.

Making an appeal to the villagers in the campaign against drug addiction, Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta stated that drug addiction was a social evil and a stage of mental disease which ruined the health of the addict and destroyed his family and had a negative impact on society as a whole.

In the audio clip, the announcer urges the villagers to wake up to the reality of this evil and join hands to make collective efforts to eradicate this evil. “Villagers should gather information about the addicted persons in their respective villages and help administration take remedial measures. The administration will help these persons in de-addiction and in rebuilding their lives,” the announcer stated, adding that they should not nurse any bias against the affected persons.

The clip is being sent to religious and social organisations for airing it in both rural and urban areas to spread maximum awareness among the residents, the DC said.

Besides, the Development and Panchayat Department would organise sports events in Rania, Oadhan, Nathusari Chopta and Ellenabad blocks in the district and is encouraging youths to participate in the events

Chandigarh

HOLY CITY AMRITSAR TO BE DEVELOPED AS ONE OF TOP CITIES, SAYS AMAN ARORA

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IEP Chandigarh/Amritsar, January 4

Keeping in view it’s religious, historic and heritage importance, Punjab Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Mr. Aman Arora on Wednesday said that the Punjab Government will develop the Holy city Amritsar as one of the top cities across the country.

“The most important city and tourists’ preferred destination Amritsar has largely remained neglected during the tenure of previous governments,” he said.

He said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has big plans in its kitty to further embellish the structure of the holy city from all aspects including infrastructural development, cleanliness and sewerage system.

The cabinet minister along with Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO was here to visit the holy city.

After paying obeisance at Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Durgiana Mandir, Mr Aman Arora and Mr  Harbhajan Singh ETO reviewed the ongoing development projects and functioning of Amritsar Urban Development Authority and also held meetings with colonisers and members of residential welfare societies from Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Pathankot.

He categorically said that the Punjab Government won’t tolerate illegal/unauthorised colonies or structures. Each and every colony must be approved from the PUDA, he added.

He also urged people to restrain from buying properties in illegal colonies for short term benefit, as the Mann Government has adopted zero-tolerance against unauthorised colonies and buildings. “We are committed to ensure planned development equipped with state-of-the-art amenities in urban areas,” he said.

Giving a major relief to the landowners, Mr. Aman Arora said that H&UD department has exempted 5773 villages from getting NOC prior to registration of revenue land in rural areas as there was no possibility of colonization in these villages. He said that around 14000 unauthorised colonies have been mushroomed in the state due to negligence of the previous governments. The Mann Government is trying hard to clear this mess created by previous governments.

He said that the state has registered an increase in revenue from excise and GST in the last 9 months and the taxpayers’ money would be spent for welfare schemes and provide the best possible amenities to the people of the state.

Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development Mr Ajoy Kumar Sinha, CA Amritsar Development Authority Ms. Deep Shikha and other senior officials of district administration were also present in the meetings.

Chandigarh, Haryana

In Haryana, Bachelor of Vocational Degree will be considered equal to any other three-year Bachelor Degree for employment purposes

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IEP Chandigarh, January 4

The Haryana Government has decided to consider ‘Bachelor of Vocational Degree’ (B. Voc) awarded by any statutory University established under the State or Central Act, equivalent to any other three-year Bachelor Degree for employment purposes where a Bachelor Degree in any discipline is the eligibility condition for employment.Giving information in this regard, the Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal informed that the matter regarding clarification for treating B. Voc equivalent to any other three-year Bachelor Degree for employment was under consideration with the State Government. The Haryana State Higher Education Council (HSHEC) had also recommended to consider B.Voc degree equal to any other three-year Bachelor Degree for employment purposes.Sh. Kaushal said that the state government has now taken this decision in pursuance of the recommendation of University Grants Commission and Haryana State Higher Education Council. In this regard, instructions have also been given to all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Managing Directors and Chief Administrators of Boards, Corporations, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Registrar of Punjab and Haryana High Court to ensure compliance in letter and spirit.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

SYL Issue: Punjab refusing to accept Supreme Court’s decision, says Haryana CM

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IEP Chandigarh, January 4

The Union Water Resources Minister, Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today held an important meeting on the issue of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal with the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab in New Delhi.

        Divulging the details about the meeting, Sh. Manohar Lal said that no consensus has been reached in this meeting as well. He said that the Supreme Court in its decision had announced that SYL should be constructed but the Punjab Chief Minister, Sh. Bhagwant Maan and his administrative wing are not ready to find any solution to this issue.

        “Instead of discussing this pivotal issue, the Punjab Chief Minister and his administrative wing are repeatedly saying that there is no water in the state. Rather they are asking to discuss sharing of water whereas a separate tribunal has been set up for discussing issues related to water sharing. Distribution of water will be done according to the recommendation of the tribunal,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

        The Chief Minister said that the Punjab government is not even accepting the Supreme Court’s decision wherein the Act brought by the Punjab government in the year 2004 has been repealed. “Punjab  Chief Minister says that the 2004 Act still exists which is completely unconstitutional,” added Sh. Manohar Lal.

        The Chief Minister said that the SYL Canal should be built and the Haryana Government would apprise the Supreme Court about Punjab’s reluctant attitude over this issue. “We will accept the decision of the Supreme Court in this regard”, added Sh. Manohar Lal.

        The Chief Minister clarified that SYL is the right of Haryana residents and he is hopeful that the state will get this right. He said that SYL water is very important for Haryana.  Now it is necessary to fix a timeline in this matter so that the availability of water to the farmers of the state can be ensured, added Sh. Manohar Lal.

        The Chief Minister said that it is a well-known fact that despite two Supreme Court judgments, Punjab has not completed the construction of SYL. Instead of implementing the decisions of the Supreme Court, Punjab tried to obstruct their implementation by enacting the Cancellation of Agreements Act in 2004. It is worth mentioning that under the provision of Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, according to the order of the Government of India dated March 24, 1976, 3.5 MAF of water was allocated to Haryana out of the surplus water of Ravi-Beas. Due to non-completion of SYL canal, Haryana is using only 1.62 MAF of water. Punjab is illegally using about 1.9 MAF of water from Haryana’s share by not completing the SYL canal in its region, he added.

        “Due to this attitude of Punjab, Haryana is not able to take its 1.88 MAF share of water. Punjab and Rajasthan are using about 2600 cusecs of water from Haryana every year. If this water had reached Haryana, it would have been used to irrigate 10.08 lakh acres of land, quench the state’s thirst, and help thousands of farmers”, added Sh. Manohar Lal. He said that due to non-availability of this water, the groundwater level in South-Haryana is also going down considerably. Due to non-construction of SYL, farmers of Haryana irrigate by using expensive diesel and running tubewells with electricity, which incurs an additional burden of Rs. 100 crore to Rs. 150 crore every year. Due to non-formation of SYL in Punjab region, the irrigation potential created to irrigate 10 lakh acres in Haryana is lying idle, he added.

        “Additionally, the state also bears the loss of 42 lakh tonnes of food grains every year. Haryana would have generated an additional 130 lakh tonnes of food grains and other crops had SYL been established in 1983 in accordance with the 1981 agreement. The total value of this agricultural produce at the rate of 15,000 per tonne is Rs. 19,500 crore”, asserted the Chief Minister.

Chandigarh

Mayor handed over new uniform to sanitation workers

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IEP Chandigarh, January 4

Taking the invaluable services of sanitation workers into account, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has taken initiative to instill enthusiasm and confidence among them with a new uniform. Chandigarh Mayor, Smt. Sarbjit Kaur handed over the new uniforms to sanitation workers here today.

The Mayor said that with a thought of providing a special look keeping in view seasons to sanitation workers who are striving hard to keep the city clean, the MCC has taken the decision of giving new uniforms for them and implemented it successfully.

Chandigarh, Punjab

NO SYL, TALK ABOUT YSL: ASSERTS Punjab CM

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IEP New Delhi, January 4

Strongly presenting the case of Punjab before the Government of India on the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today categorically said that the state does not have even a single drop of water to share with Haryana.

“More than 78% of our 150 blocks are in extreme dark zone due to depletion of ground water table, so Punjab can’t afford to share its water with any other state”, said the Chief Minister after a meeting with his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khatar in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

The Chief Minister said that at time when this anti-Punjab agreement for the canal was inked, the state was getting 18.56 MAF of water which has now been reduced to 12.63 MAF. He said that now we don’t have any surplus water to share with any state. Bhagwant Mann said that Haryana is currently getting 14.10 MAF of water from Satluj, Yamuna and other rivulets whereas Punjab is getting only 12.63 MAF.

Batting for changing the nomenclature and proposal of the project, the Chief Minister said that instead of Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, the project should be now conceived as Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL). He said that Satluj river has already dried up and there is no question of sharing even a single drop of water from it. Rather, Bhagwant Mann said that water from Ganga and Yamuna should be supplied to Punjab through Satluj river.

The Chief Minister said that this is the only viable alternative which can be considered in wake of the alarming situation of water scarcity in the state. He said that despite being smaller in area, Haryana is getting more water than Punjab and ironically it is demanding more water at the cost of Punjab. In wake of this fact, Bhagwant Mann said that how can we give water to Haryana if our own fields are starving for it.

The Chief Minister said that the state has a centuries old canal system due to which the district even at the centre of the state falls on the tail end of canal water. He bemoaned that the Union government has not issued even a single penny for the rejuvenation of the canal system due to which farmers are suffering. Bhagwant Mann said that there are 14 lakh tube wells in the state which are pumping water regularly to fulfill the irrigation needs of the state and make the country self-sufficient in food production. 

The Chief Minister said that it is ironic that due to availability of surplus water, Haryana is today encouraging the sowing of paddy in its districts. However, he said that on the other hand Punjab, which is battling for saving water, is appealing to the farmers to adopt less water guzzling crops.  Bhagwant Mann said that though farmers of the state have made the country self-reliant by producing record paddy but they have over exploited the only available natural resource of state in terms of water.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that in all the water agreements across the globe a clause is mentioned that the agreement will be reviewed after 25 years in wake of climate changes. However, he said that SYL agreement is the only exception in which no such clause has been mentioned. Bhagwant Mann said that this is the gross injustice which had taken place with Punjab adding that the then government at the centre and leadership of Punjab was responsible for this sin.

Training his guns against the Congress and Akalis, the Chief Minister said that both these parties were partners in crime against Punjab. He said that these parties have connived with each other to hatch conspiracy against Punjab and Punjabis. Bhagwant Mann said that as Chief Minister Akali leader Parkash Singh Badal had allowed survey of the canal to appease his friend and Haryana leader Devi Lal.

Similarly, the Chief Minister said that scion of Patiala royal family and former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, who was Member of Parliament at that time, had welcomed the then Prime Minister for ground breaking of this sinister move. He said that since the survey till now, every step of these leaders speaks volumes of their treachery against Punjab and its people. Bhagwant Mann said that it is ironic that those people who had hailed this decision are now offering unsolicited advice to him. 

The Chief Minister said that these leaders have sown thorns before the Punjab and its younger generations by indulging in this unpardonable crime. He said that for the sake of their vested interests these selfish political leaders have prepared distress for the state. Bhagwant Mann said that the hands of these leaders are drenched with this crime against state and history will never forgive them for backstabbing Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will defend the interests of the state well before the Apex court too. He said that no stone will be left unturned for safeguarding the rights of the state. Bhagwant Mann said that the Haryana was the younger brother of state but Punjab has no excess water to share with it.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Tourism Minister Anmol Gagan Mann issued tourist guide license to 30 candidates

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IEP Chandigarh, January 4

The state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is continuously striving to promote tourism in Punjab and provide maximum facilities to the tourists coming to Punjab. To fulfill the same purpose, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Investment Promotion, Labor and Grievance Redressal Minister Ms Anmol Gagan Mann today issued tourist guide license to 30 candidates at the office in Chandigarh. Secretary of Tourism and Culture Affairs Department, Gurkirat Kirpal Singh was present on this occasion.

Giving more information in this regard, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Anmol Gagan Mann said that tour guides play an important role in assisting tourists visiting any country or state. She explained that the duty and responsibility of a tour guide includes the tour activities from the arrival of the tourists to the departure from the state. She said that only good tour guides give real insight to the people about the history, heritage, culture, language and specialties of their country or state.

The Cabinet Minister said that these tour guides will share information about the rich heritage of the state to the tourists coming to Punjab, which will give a big boost to tourism in Punjab and will strengthen the state economically. She said that tourists coming to Punjab from all over the world can access the website of Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department: punjabtourism.punjab.gov.in to get the services of tour guides. The minister also wished the tour guides for their bright future.

On this occasion Superintendent, Tourism Rajesh Verma, Manager Marketing, Tourism Haras Mittal and other officials were present.

Chandigarh, Punjab

LOCAL BODIES MINISTER KICK STARTS CLEANING OF SIDHWAN CANAL, INSTALLATION OF CHAIN LINKED FENCING AROUND THE WATER BODY

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IEP Chandigarh, January 4

Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann committed to clean the water bodies across the state, Local government Minister Dr.Inderbir Singh Nijjar kick started the work to clean the Sidhwan canal from Bhai Randhir Singh (BRS) Nagar canal bridge today.Cabinet Minister Dr.Nijjar also kick started the project to install chain linked iron fencing (2 meter height) along the 13 kms long stretch of canal within the city limits. Aiming to stop the residents from dumping waste into the canal, the project is being taken up at a cost of Rs 6.64 crore. The work to install the fencing will be completed in next six months time.He was also accompanied by MLAs including Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, Madan Lal Bagga, Ashok Prashar Pappi, Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, Kulwant Singh Sidhu, Mayor Balkar Singh Sandhu, Officiating MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, Chairman of Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) Tarsem Singh Bhinder, senior AAP leader Ahbaab Singh Grewal, amongst several others.The civic body officials stated that the canal falls under the jurisdiction of the irrigation department. Amid rising concern over garbage and filth dumped in the water body, which moves through the city, MC has stepped up to clean the canal in coordination with the irrigation department. Temporary ramps have been established at different points of the canal and the water body is being cleaned with the help of JCB machines and tippers.The officials stated that the irrigation department has prepared a schedule to stop the flow of water in the canal for 21 days. The process to clean the stretch of canal from Lohara bridge to Barewal canal bridge will be taken up during this period. If required, the irrigation department will also be asked to stop the flow of water in the canal for a few more days.Cabinet Minister Dr.Nijjar stated that the initiatives taken by the civic body to clean the canal and install iron linked around the same is appreciable, but the public should also support the authorities in keeping the canal clean and stop dumping waste in the water bodies. Further the Minister stated that the civic body will also be forced to take strict action against the violators if the concerned residents did not restrict themselves from dumping waste in the water bodies. Minister appeal residents to support authorities in keeping environment safePaying obeisance to Guru Granth Sahib at Sukhmani Sahib path organised by Municipal Employees Sangharsh Committee to mark New year celebrations at MC Zone D office in Sarabha Nagar, Minister Dr Nijjar appealed the residents to step forward to save the environment and groundwater. Minister also assured to fulfill the genuine demand of the employees raised by Chairman of employees union Ashwani Sahota and President Jasdev Sekhon.The minister also honoured different NGOs/social activists which have been working in association with the civic body. These include Shahi Imaam Punjab Maulana Muhammad Usmaan Rehmani Ludhianvi, Gursahib Singh and Davinder Nagi from Team 1699, Maneet Dewan from City Needs and members of other NGOs including Lets Clean Ludhiana Foundation, Neki Di Rasoi, Ashke group etc.Women empowerment sculptures unveiledMinister Dr Nijjar also unveiled women empowerment sculptures installed at the road islands outside MC Zone D office. The sculptures have been installed by FICCI FLO group, which has been working in association with the MC. Appreciating the effort by the group members led by head of National Governing body Monika Choudhary and Ludhiana Chairperson Neha Gupta, the minister urged NGOs to work in association with the civic body to spread greenery across the city