Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh

Punjab’s Municipal Corporations need to be proactive and coordinate better to fight air pollution 

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Numerous city municipal corporations in the state of Punjab are not only struggling to understand the requirements under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) but are also unable to coordinate between various departments within civic bodies to address the issue of air pollution, the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) – a policy-research think tank – has assessed.

The analysis further states that municipal corporations, especially across Amritsar, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and Bhatinda, have asked CSTEP assistance in developing their understanding of the dynamics of air pollution as well as the requirements and strategies under NCAP. The NCAP, announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019, has led to the development of clean air action plans with an aim to reduce PM2.5 pollution by 20–30% by 2024 compared to 2017.

The findings were shared on the sidelines of the India Clean Air Summit 2022 (ICAS 2022) on Thursday at Bengaluru. ICAS is India’s premier event on air pollution and is organised by the Centre for Air Pollution Studies (CAPS) at the CSTEP to call for an integrated approach to resolving air pollution and climate change, highlighting the commonalities and identifying key benefits from framing policies that look at the two challenges jointly. The four-day event brought together scientists, policymakers, technologists, and affected communities to discuss solutions for air pollution.

Among the findings for Punjab, the NCAP initiated a tripartite agreement between state pollution control board, municipal corporation and an institute of repute. “Various city municipal bodies are struggling to understand the requirements of NCAP and coordinating among line departments. The municipal corporations have requested help in terms of building capacity about dynamics of air pollution and understanding the requirements, reagents and strategies under NCAP,” said Dr Pratima Singh, Head of CAPS.

Stating that CSTEP aims to provide Punjab with effective long-term management strategies for these polluting sectors she added that working in silos was not the solution for these civic bodies. “We all need to work in collaboration. Municipalities need to actively make use of the institute of repute identified by the Central Pollution Control Board under NCAP to help them build their capacity. Also, all the other institutions and think tanks working in these cities need to come together and support these civic bodies to understand the challenges associated with air pollution,” said Dr Singh suggesting that to achieve a comprehensive improvement in the state’s air quality, industrial and transportation emissions should also be kept in check.

Meanwhile, commenting on the stubble burning issue in Punjab, which is expected to begin in a couple of months, Dr Singh said that in order to effectively implement strategies, there must be better inter- and intra-district departmental cooperation and collaboration.

“Another critical element is empowering farmers by increasing their ability to handle agricultural leftovers. To a large extent, stubble burning can be decreased by raising public awareness of new technologies, governmental incentives, and the detrimental effects of air pollution on human health,” she said.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh

MCC conducts training of trainers on Disaster Management & Epidemic Response

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has conductedtraining of trainers (ToT) on Disaster Management and Epidemic Response under Swachh Bharat Mission at MCC office premises here today, during which training has been imparted to officials of Fire & Rescue Services, MCC and other departments.

Following the directions of Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh the trainers were imparted training who will further train the frontline Municipal sanitation workers at 7 different locations of Chandigarh. Participants were trained about the topics like risk analysis, prevention, preparedness, effective response to the impact of a hazard, measures related to timely and effective warnings as well as evacuation and emergency planning, role of sanitation workers, personal safety, etc.

The sessions in the ToT were conducted by Sh. Sanjeev Kohli, Nodal Officer, Disaster Management & Senior CDI Civil Defense, Sh. Naveen Kumar, Fireman, Dr. Vinay Bhagat, Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ravinder Dhaliwal & Dr. Gaurav Lakhanpal. The training session was held under the supervision of Sh. Rohit Gupta, Joint Commissioner, MCC. 

To further train the Municipal sanitation workers, trainings have been planned from August 29th, 2022 in cascade model by master trainers trained in ToT today.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh rated as the best amongst the UTs in total solar power installation

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Chandigarh has been rated as the best amongst the UTs in total solar power installation and received the first prize today on 27th Aug 2022 in a function organised by Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS) formed by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India on its 8th Foundation Day Ceremony at Cochin, Kerala.

 Chandigarh Renewable Energy & Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST), UT Chandigarh also got the awards for following categories amongst all UTs:

1. For achieving second highest renewable energy installed capacity as on 31.03.2022.

2. For achieving second highest renewable energy capacity addition during 2021-22.

3. For achieving second highest solar power capacity addition during 2021-22.

4. For achieving second highest numbers of solar street lights installed as on 31.3.2022.

        These prizes were distributed by Shri Bhagwanth Khuba, Hon’ble Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.

Chandigarh was selected as the Model Solar City and the Master Plan was approved by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), GOI in Feb. 2012.

    Under “AZADI KA AMRIT MAHATOSAV–To Commemorate the India’s 75 years of Independence”, CREST has set an ambitious target of 75MWp to be achieved by 15th August, 2023. Chandigarh is well ahead in terms of achievement & total aggregate capacity of 50.588 MWp Grid tied Rooftop Solar Plants at 4200 sites have already been installed & commissioned in Chandigarh.

     Sh.Dharam Pal, Adviser to the Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh appreciated the efforts of CREST in achieving this milestone and further added that with this pace, Chandigarh can achieve the dream target of Govt. of India to become 100% RE powered in near future. 

            Sh. Nitin Kumar Yadav, Home Secretary, U.T. Chandigarh congratulated the CREST team for making sincere efforts in producing Green Power for the city.

            Sh.Debendra Dalai, Secretary, Science & Technology and Renewable Energy-cum- CEO CREST, informed that this is a proud moment for Chandigarh and Chandigarh could win these awards with active support and participation of the people at large in implementation of the projects. He further informed that there are many unique projects which are in pipeline such as 2 MWp Floating SPV Power Plant at Water Works, Sector-39, 2 MWp Canal Top SPV Power Plant at N-Choe in front of Garden of Conifers, Sector-52, 2 MWp Canal Top SPV Power Plant at Patiala Ki Rao, 500 kWp Floating SPV Power Plant along-with Fountains at Dhanas Lake and 4 MWp of other projects.

            It is a proud moment for Chandigarh that a small territory has competed with other UTs of India and got these awards. This is a true encouragement for Chandigarh Administration. The award ceremony was attended by Sh. Debendra Dalai, Secretary Science & Technology and Renewable Energy -cum- CEO CREST and Sh. Sukhwinder Singh Abrol, Project Director, CERST.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh Smart City installs water ATM in Sector 35 market

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27,2022

Prem Lata, area councillor inaugurated the First water ATM in the market Sector 35, here today in the presence of Sh. N.P. Sharma, Chief Engineer, MCC & Shopkeepers of the Market.

While sharing information about the scheme, the Chief Engineer said that Chandigarh Smart City Ltd. has provided Municipal Corporation 4 water ATMS which have been installed in the Market of Sector 35 Chandigarh. All the Water ATMs have been supplied by Punjab and Sind Bank under CSR funds at a cost of each Water ATM about Rs. 5.25 Lakh.

He said that the Municipal Corporation has incurred expenditure of installation and civil work costing about Rs 2 Lakh per Water ATM and also will bear its maintenance charges including electricity and water charges from time to time.

He further said that the potable water of quality as per BIS standards -14543 duly will be available to the Shop Keepers as well as visitors from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm daily at the following charges :-

Rs1/- for 300ML

Rs.3/- for 500ML

Rs.5/- for 1000ML

Rs.20 for 5000 ML

Rs.35/- for 20000ML.

The Chief Engineer said the Water ATM has been equipped with provision for chilled water (water with temperature around 15 degree celsius during summers. A LED digital screen has been provided to show four key parameters of water standards namely PH, Hardness, TDS & temperature on real time basis. The user may scan the card or insert the coin on WAU(Water ATM Unit) sensor and press the button depending on the water requirements.

He said the storage capacity of each Water ATM is 500 Ltr which has been enhanced by providing water storage tank of 1000 Ltr along Water ATM. This will meet the long pending demand of shopkeepers as well as visitors in the market of non-availability of drinking water in the market.


Chandigarh, Punjab

TRANSPORT MINISTER LALJIT BHULLAR APPOINTS MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTORS ON 11 VACANT POSTS TO SPEEDEN UP ISSUANCE OF FITNESS CERTIFICATES

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has appointed Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) on 11 vacant posts to reduce the ever-increasing burden of passing and issuing fitness certificates of old vehicles in the state.

          The Cabinet Minister said that only four MVIs under 11 RTA offices are currently looking after the work of passing and issuing fitness certificates to the old vehicles in 23 districts of the state. As a result, very little work could be done and files are piling up in the department. Responding to the complaints of delays, the minister made internal arrangements by appointing staff from Punjab roadways to reduce the workload and bring more transparency. Now, all 11 dedicated MVIs will work under 11 RTA offices.

          The Transport Minister said that apart from the previously posted MVIs, now MVI Preetinder Arora will look after the work of district Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga, Bathinda and Mansa, while MVI Sukhwinder Singh will see the work at district Fazilka and Ferozepur, MVI Merik Garg at district Ludhiana, MVI Gurinder Singh at district Jalandhar and Kapurthala, MVI Leela Singh at district Gurdaspur, MVI Madhu Pushap at district Pathankot, MVI Navdeep Singh at district Amritsar and Tarn Taran and MVI Jaspreet Singh will see the work of district Sangrur, Malerkotla and Barnala.

          Emphasizing on the resolution of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann of zero tolerance policy against corruption, the Transport Minister categorically asked, any officer or employee found involved in corruption will not be spared at all, thus officers should discharge their duty honestly.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB GOVT SEEKS APPLICATIONS FROM NGOS FOR GIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: DR BALJIT KAUR

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan led Punjab government is making continuous efforts for upliftment of Scheduled Castes and also extends help to NGOs for implementing schemes run by government for Scheduled Castes at grass root level.

          Giving information in this regard, the Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab government takes help of these NGOs in implementation of SC oriented development schemes in lieu of which government provide them funds.

Giving details about eligibility criteria for the NGOs to claim funds, she added that the NGO should be actively working in the area of upliftment of SC people. The applicant NGO should be registered at least 3 years ago and should not be blacklisted at any level.

          Voluntary organizations desirous of receiving assistance under this scheme can apply for grants under the nominated projects listed in scheme. They should submit their proposal to the District Social Justice and Empowerment Officer of the concerned district within stipulated time and send it to the department through recommendation of the concerned Deputy Commissioner.

More information regarding these schemes can be obtained from E-mail ID: directowelfarepunjab@gmail.com or from the office of the concerned District Social Justice and Empowerment Officer.

          Complete information regarding this can be obtained from the website of Planning Department at pbplanning.punjab.gov.in. Interested organizations may submit their proposals to the Director, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department, Punjab S. C. O .No: 7, Phase- 1, S. A. S. Nagar (Mohali) by 6 September 2022.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Neeraj Chopra became first Indian to win Lausanne Diamond League with a throw of 89.08 metres

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Haryana Chief Minister,  Sh. Manohar Lal while congratulating Tokyo Olympics Gold medalist in Javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra on winning the Lausanne Diamond League title said that Neerja Chopra has once again the country and the State proud.

        Congratulating the Golden Boy, the Chief Minister tweeted, “We are proud that the son of Haryana, Neeraj Chopra has become the first Indian to win the Lausanne Diamond League with a throw of 89.08 metres. I am glad that the players of Haryana are enhancing the prestige of the nation on the world’s sports map.”

        Notably, Neeraj Chopra, a resident of village Khandara in Panipat won the Lausanne Diamond League in his first throw of 89.08 meters.

        Recently, Neeraj had won a silver medal in the World Athletics Championships.  He became only the second athlete after Anju Bobby George (2003) to do so.  In the final match, with a throw of 88.13 meters, Neeraj won the silver medal, and now he has become the first Indian player to win the Lausanne Diamond League title.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana Police net mastermind of 16 ATM fraud cases in Delhi, UP and Haryana

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

With the arrest of three accused by ATM Fraud Investigation Cell (AFIC) of State Crime Branch, Haryana Police has cracked two untraced cases of ATM fraud in the state. Police has also recovered 17 from their possession.

Sharing the information here today, a Haryana Police spokesperson informed that in the first case, AFIC Yamunanagar team has arrested ATM fraud mastermind Jaiveer Singh, a resident of Hisar but was currently residing in Sultanpuri, Delhi. He was accused of cheating people in 16 cases by committing ATM frauds in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

In the month of January, Ranveer Singh, a resident of Gandhi Nagar had lodged a complaint to the District Police Yamunanagar that some unknown person changed his ATM. When he came home, he was shocked to see that about Rs 90,000 had been withdrawn from his account through unauthorized transactions. The case was declared untraceable by the district police. The case was handed over to the AFIC who re-investigated it and arrested accused Jaiveer Singh from Sultanpuri, Delhi on the basis of CCTV footage and other evidence. It was also revealed that 16 cases are registered against the accused in different states. Out of these, nine cases are registered in Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh), two in Delhi, two in Ambala and one case each in Karnal, Kaithal and Yamunanagar. During the investigation, 17 ATM cards have been recovered from his possession.

Explaining his modus operandi, he said that Jaiveer used to find different places to commit the crime and every time after committing the crime he used to change his hideouts so as to escape from the police. The accused used to keep ATM cards of every bank in his pocket so that whichever bank has an ATM, he could commit his crime accordingly.

In another crackdown, Rohtak team has apprehended two accused on the charges of defrauding people worth Rs3.43 lakh. Ajit, a resident of district Jhajjar had lodged a complaint that on July 25, 2021, he had given ATM card to his son. The accused fraudulently changed the ATM card from the son’s possession and carried out the transaction of Rs 3.43 lakh. The case was declared untraceable by the district police. While investigating this case again, AFIC Rohtak team identified the accused with the help of CCTV footage and arrested them in Rohtak. Both the accused Kamal and Sumit are already convicted in other cases and were out on bail.

Both the cases are under investigation and police trying to get details of similar fraud cases from various police stations to find out their involvement, he added.

Be extra cautious while using an ATM: O.P. Singh ADGP

ATM Fraud Investigation Cell has been established to effectively deal with cases of ATM frauds across the state.  It should be kept in mind that whenever you do a transaction at the ATM, there is no one around you. Apart from this, such criminal activities often take place at ATMs outside the city or ATM machines without guards. Keep in mind that whenever entering your PIN at the ATM, cover the keypad with your hand. This will avoid any of your personal information getting into the wrong hands.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Prime Minister to lay the foundation stone of the third plant of Maruti Suzuki at Kharkhoda today

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

The Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi will virtually lay the foundation stone of Maruti-Suzuki’s third plant at Industrial Model Township (IMT), Kharkhoda, Sonipat on August 28, 2022.  Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal and Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala along with various central ministers and MPs will be present during the programme.

The Chief Minister said that the foundation stone would prove to be a new milestone in the industrial progress of Haryana. Today Haryana has become a major automobile manufacturing hub in the country. At present, about 50 percent of the cars made in India are manufactured in Haryana. With Maruti Suzuki setting up another such plant a new industrial hub is going to be developed in Haryana, asserted Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government has given all kinds of facilities to the industry, due to which the state is progressing continuously as an industrial hub. He said that investment of big companies like Maruti in Kharkhoda has given a positive impetus to the industrial environment.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that after Gurugram and Manesar this is the third plant of Maruti Suzuki which will be set up in Haryana. Along with the Maruti car, the foundation stone of Suzuki’s bike manufacturing plant will also be laid here. This huge investment being made by Maruti and Suzuki Company is certainly going to open doors of employment and development for the State and in the coming times, Kharkhoda is certainly going to become at par with Gurugram and Manesar.

Notably, in May 2022, an MoU was signed for the allotment of land to Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) and Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited for the setting up of this plant at IMT. An amount of Rs. 2400 crore was spent for the purchase of this land and more than Rs. 20,000 are to be invested. Maruti’s new plants will be set up on an area of 800 acres and 100 acres respectively.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Under the Amrit Sarovar Yojana, Haryana has built 557 Amrit Sarovar more than the set target

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Haryana Government has marked one more achievement by making Amrit Sarovars more than the stipulated target under the Amrit Sarovar Yojana of the Central Government. By August 15, 2022, 418 Amrit Sarovars were to be built in the state, but due to the tireless efforts of the government, 557 Amrit Sarovars have been made ready. Under this scheme, 75 Amrit Sarovars are to be built in each district.

This information was given in the review meeting of Haryana Pond and Waste Water Management Authority held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal.

While directing the officers to expedite the restoration work of the ponds, Sh. Kaushal said that the works of Amrit Sarovar and all other ponds should be completed within the stipulated time. There should not be any negligence in this work. He said that the Amrit Sarovar Mission has been started across the country by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi to save and rejuvenate the ponds. He added that Haryana should lead in the country by performing better in this mission.

In the meeting, the Chief Secretary was apprised that an action plan for the restoration of a total of 5,216 ponds has been prepared. Out of these ponds, a digital survey of 4,811 ponds has been completed and thereafter work has been allotted for making architectural drawings of 3,404 ponds. Estimates are being prepared after making the architectural drawings of 2,737 ponds. Verification of 268 architectural drawings is being done. Only 399 architectural drawings are under process, whose work will be completed by September 30, 2022.

It was informed in the meeting that according to the action plan for micro irrigation system by Micada for re-use of treated water for 5,216 ponds, administrative approval has been given to the estimates after checking the feasibility of 488 works. The work on which will be started soon. Apart from this, estimates of 1032 works have been received for the renovation of Amrit Sarovar Yojana and other ponds, out of which administrative approval of Rs. 496 crore has been given for 644 works and administrative approval for the remaining works will be expedited soon.

It was informed in the meeting that Haryana Pond and Waste Water Management Authority have collected the data of all the ponds located in the state through PDMS software. First of all, about 1,800 ponds with polluted water and issues of water overflow are being treated through Constructed Wetland Technique.

Additional Chief Secretary, Development and Panchayats Department, Sh. Anil Malik, Executive Vice-Chairman of Haryana Pond and Waste Water Management Authority, Sh. Prabhakar Verma and other officers were present in the meeting.