Chandigarh, May 9:

In view of the current tensions between India and Pakistan, the Punjab Government has taken immediate steps to ensure the highest level of preparedness in the state’s Fire and Emergency Services.

Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh has issued strict directives, cancelling all leaves of Fire Brigade staff and ordering 24×7 deployment at sensitive locations across Punjab. He said that war is a major emergency and the Fire Brigade plays a crucial role in such situations. He instructed officials to conduct mock drills, ensure all equipment is fully functional and maintain constant communication with Army authorities for swift response in case of any emergency. Officials have been directed to remain on high alert with their mobile phones active at all times.

Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to ensuring public safety and has mobilized all resources to handle any emergency effectively.

To ensure rapid response, the Cabinet Minister has asked Fire Brigade officials to coordinate closely with Deputy Commissioners to strategically position fire tenders at key locations for quick mobilization. Regular meetings must be held to review preparedness and all necessary arrangements should be expedited. 

Dr. Singh reassured the public that the situation is under control and urged citizens not to panic. He also instructed officials to study the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) manuals to ensure timely and effective relief operations. Additionally, local vehicle repair workshops will be engaged to provide emergency maintenance services, even during nighttime, if required. 

Dr. Ravjot Singh announced that Cabinet Ministers will personally inspect hospitals and Fire Brigade facilities to assess readiness.

Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Tejvir Singh stressed the department’s responsibility and called for professional commitment in delivering efficient services. He confirmed that the department is well-equipped with modern firefighting tools but urged officials to promptly report any additional requirements. A written duty roster must also be maintained for better accountability.

Fire Brigade Department Releases Emergency Contact Numbers

The Punjab Fire Brigade Department has already introduced a dedicated emergency helpline number-112 to ensure swift response during crises. Besides this, the department has issued the contact details of its district-level officers for direct assistance. Citizens can reach out to these officials in case of emergencies.

Chandigarh, May 9, 2025:

Reinforcing its relentless commitment to curb corruption at all levels, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) arrested 34 individuals including 23 government officials and 11 private persons in connection with 22 bribery cases during the month of April. All accused were apprehended red-handed while accepting illegal gratification during specially laid trap operations across the state.

An official spokesperson of the VB stated here today that the Bureau, acting under the zero-tolerance policy of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government, continues to adopt a proactive and uncompromising stance to root out corruption from public offices. “This campaign is not only about taking action but about setting a strong deterrent against corrupt practices,” the he asserted.

He further informed that during the same period, the VB had filed 12 charge sheets in various courts and registered 20 criminal cases involving 34 accused, including 18 government employees. Additionally, one vigilance enquiry was initiated to thoroughly probe allegations of corruption in a specific case.

Highlighting the Bureau’s legal successes, he said three bribery cases contested by the VB in different courts concluded with convictions. The courts handed down imprisonment terms ranging from four to five years, along with fines between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 35,000.

The spokesperson reiterated the Bureau’s unwavering determination to cleanse the system of all forms of corruption and urged citizens to play an active role in this mission. People are encouraged to report incidents of bribery or corruption directly through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line by lodging complaints via WhatsApp at 95012-00200.

“This initiative empowers the public to become active stakeholders in ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance,” he added.

Chandigarh, May 9:

Punjab Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today announced significant advancements in the modernization of Amritsar’s power distribution network under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for the financial year 2024-25.

He informed that with Amritsar emerging as a key religious, cultural and economic hub, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has prioritized upgrading its aging power infrastructure to curb losses, enhance efficiency and ensure seamless electricity supply to residents and businesses. 

He said that the initiative focuses on critical areas such as infrastructure reinforcement, voltage stabilization, reduction of technical and commercial losses and the adoption of smart technologies to future-proof the grid. Key interventions include the augmentation of power transformers, replacement of outdated conductors with High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) cables, installation of advanced distribution transformers and underground cabling in theft-prone and heritage-sensitive zones. Besides this, the deployment of smart meters, SCADA systems and GIS-based monitoring mechanisms has been accelerated to improve operational transparency and consumer service delivery. 

Highlighting the project’s achievements, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO informed that five 12.5 MVA power transformers were upgraded to 20 MVA, while four 20 MVA units were enhanced to 31.5 MVA. Likewise, five new 100 MVA transformers were installed to bolster the grid’s capacity. Over 508 km of high-tension (HT) lines and 299 km of low-tension (LT) lines were upgraded alongside the installation of 5,200 new distribution transformers and the replacement of 4,060 overloaded units. To optimize load management, 60 feeders were bifurcated and Aerial Bunched Cables (ABC) were deployed in high-theft areas, contributing to a 2% reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses. 

The Cabinet Minister said, “The integration of SCADA systems in central Amritsar and GIS-based asset mapping, covering 70% of the city’s network, has revolutionized real-time monitoring and fault detection”, adding that the installation of 2,12,900 smart meters in urban clusters has significantly improved billing accuracy and consumer satisfaction.

These measures have yielded tangible results, with voltage-related grievances dropping markedly, system availability rising from 93.73% to 97.25% and billing efficiency improving by 5%. A decline in consumer complaints and safety incidents further underscores the project’s success, he added.

The Cabinet Minister said that the total expenditure for the fiscal year 2024-25 amounted to Rs.283.05 crore, with an additional Rs.897.4 crore earmarked for upcoming projects between 2025 and 2027. The current investments are projected to break even within 2.5 years.

Looking ahead, the Power Minister disclosed that a Rs.600 crore budget has been sanctioned under RDSS for 2025-26 and 2026-27. Key allocations include Rs.69 crore for 22 new power transformers, Rs.90.05 crore for eight substations, Rs.103.63 crore for the bifurcation and revamping of 221 feeders, and Rs.73.02 crore for 2,134 additional distribution transformers. 

Acknowledging implementation challenges such as right-of-way disputes, monsoon disruptions, public resistance and manpower shortages, the Cabinet Minister reaffirmed Mann government commitment to addressing these hurdles, stressing the need for expedited underground cabling, wider smart meter adoption, rapid-response maintenance squads, community awareness campaigns and workforce upskilling. 

“A centralized digital dashboard will integrate all systems, ensuring seamless coordination and data-driven decision-making,” said S. Harbhajan Singh ETO, adding that “These sustained efforts will not only meet Amritsar’s growing energy demands but also guarantee a reliable, safe and consumer-centric power ecosystem for years to come.

CHANDIGARH/TARN TARAN, May 9:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Tarn Taran Police has  busted an international narco-terror smuggling module with the arrest its two operatives, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Lovepreet Singh alias Love and Jagroop Singh, both residents of village Fateh Chak in Tarn Taran. Police teams have also recovered 5 kg heroin, seven sophisticated pistols— including four .30 bore Bretta, two PX5 and one .30 bore Star Mark; Rs 7.20 lakhs drug money and currency counting machine from their possession, besides, impounding their Hatchback Hyundai i20 car.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that accused Lovepreet Singh alias Love was in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers and his foreign handlers. Probe has also indicated that the consignments were being dropped with the help of drones from across the border, 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, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana said that acting swiftly on reliable inputs, police team of CIA Staff under the supervision of DSP Detective Gurinderpal Singh Nagra conducted a targeted operation and apprehended accused persons Lovepreet Singh and Jagroop Singh from near Molsari Palace in Tarn Taran.

          During interrogation, accused Lovepreet disclosed that he has a rented house at Green Avenue near Chabhal Chownk in Tarn Taran, which he was using as a safe haven for concealing the contraband, said the SSP, while adding that efforts are being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, buyers and hawala handlers to ascertain the total quantity of drugs and Arms-ammunition received by the arrested accused so far.

          A case under FIR No. 109 dated May 08, 2025, has been registered under sections 21(c), 23, 25 and 27 (a) of the NDPS Act and section 25 (8) of the Arms Act at Tarn Taran City Police Station.

Chandigarh, May 8 – On the recommendation of Haryana’s Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij, the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (DHBVNL) has suspended Avneet Bhardwaj, SDO/OP, Sub-Division, DHBVNL, Farrukhnagar, Gurugram with immediate effect. Orders in this regard have been issued by the Managing Director of DHBVNL.

According to the orders, the SDO has been suspended with immediate effect under Regulation-7 of the DHBVN Employees (Discipline and Appeal) Regulations, 2019 on account of non-performance and lack of control in his role as SDO/OP, Sub-Division, DHBVNL, Farrukhnagar.

During the suspension period, his headquarters will be fixed in the office of SE/OP Circle, DHBVNL, Hisar, where he will be required to mark his attendance on each working day. Additionally, during the suspension period, Avneet Bhardwaj will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per Rule-83 of the Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016.

It is noteworthy that the Energy Minister had recently recommended his immediate suspension based on a report highlighting Avneet Bhardwaj’s unsatisfactory performance, following which this action was taken.

Chandigarh, May 8 – Haryana Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao said keeping in mind the current tense situation with Pakistan and the situation arising from the point of view of national security, the state government has decided to impose a ban on the leave of all officers and employees working in the Health Department with immediate effect.

She clarified that this decision has been taken to ensure continuity, efficiency and quick response of health services in the state. The Health Minister said in this hour of crisis, the health system of the state should remain fully active so that any emergency can be dealt with and necessary medical facilities can be made available to the general public immediately.

Under this, instructions have been issued to all Civil Surgeons and Chief Medical Officers of Haryana that they should not allow any leave to their subordinate employees, whether it is casual or pre-approved, till further orders. All officers/employees have been directed to ensure that no person leaves the district headquarters and remains present at their workplace. If any officer or employee is required to take leave in extreme circumstances, then it will be mandatory to obtain prior permission from the Director General, Health Services, Haryana. No employee will be allowed to go on leave without prior permission.

The Health Minister said we all have to work in unity at this time. The Health Department is the backbone of the state and it is most important for it to remain active in a situation like war or emergency. She appealed to all health workers to perform their duties with full loyalty, dedication and service spirit and avoid any kind of laxity.

She also assured that all necessary resources and support will be provided by the government so that there is no hindrance in health services. She directed the officials to review the preparations of all hospitals and health centers and strengthen all necessary arrangements.

Chandigarh, May 8 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today issued a strong response to the stance taken by the Punjab Government on the ongoing water dispute. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party-led government in Punjab neither respects the Constitution nor the country’s constitutional institutions. He added that the Punjab Government has disregarded the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the water issue, which he termed unfortunate.

Addressing media persons after offering prayers at the historic Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Panchkula, the Chief Minister said, “Today I have had the good fortune to bow my head at Nada Sahib Gurudwara and pray for the welfare of the country and the state.

He said that Punjab, the land of the Gurus, has always spread the message of harmony and welfare. When Punjab and Haryana were one, there was no discrimination. But today, the Mann government is creating unnecessary conflict for political gain. We are not demanding Punjab’s share of water, we are merely asking for Haryana’s share of drinking water, he added.

*Disregarding the High Court verdict is an insult to the constitutional bench*

While thanking the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the court has delivered its decision after carefully considering and hearing both parties. Taking a dig at the Chief Minister of Punjab, he remarked that refusing to accept the High Court’s verdict amounts to an insult to the constitutional bench. “Disregarding constitutional decisions has unfortunately become a habit for them,” he added.

He said that the Constitution is supreme and it is the duty of persons like us holding constitutional offices to uphold and respect the authority of the judiciary. Defying the court’s order, locking the dam, and staging a protest is not only improper but also sets a wrong precedent.

*Punjab CM withholding water for political gains*

He further stated that the people of Haryana are facing a serious drinking water crisis. He said that water is essential for life. Yet, the Punjab Chief Minister is withholding it for political mileage. When the dam water levels were lower than today, Haryana still received its rightful share. What has changed now. This is nothing but politics over water.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Mann government must accept the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He urged Punjab Chief Minister Sh. Bhagwant Mann to refrain from politicizing the issue of water. There are numerous other matters to engage in political debate—please do not politicize Haryana’s rightful share of water, he said.

*Nation stands with Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism*

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini strongly condemned the recent attacks by neighbouring country, describing the targeting of innocent civilians, including women and children, as deeply reprehensible. He commended the Indian Armed Forces for launching Operation Sindoor and delivering a strong and decisive response to terrorism. He staid that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism through firm foreign diplomacy. Today, the entire nation stands united with our armed forces in their resolute action. The country is firmly behind our soldiers in this critical fight against terrorism, he added.

*Unfortunate that Mann is politicizing even in times of national crisis*

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that even in the current sensitive circumstances facing the country, Sh. Mann continues to indulge in politics, which is deeply unfortunate. This is contempt of the High Court’s decision. The Chief Minister said that it is the responsibility of all those in constitutional positions to uphold and respect the authority of the judiciary. He added that the Haryana Government has already apprised the Punjab and Haryana High Court of the present situation and assured that whatever decision the Court delivers, Haryana will fully accept and abide by it.

Media Secretary Sh. Praveen Attrey was also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, May 8 – Haryana Mines and Geology Minister, Sh Krishan Lal Panwar said that the department has been receiving persistent complaints regarding heavy vehicles arriving from Rajasthan, allegedly carrying stone loads beyond the permissible limit and offloading them in Haryana’s crusher zones. Such activities, he said, pose a risk of significant revenue loss to the state exchequer. He added that under the Haryana government’s e-Ravana system, the maximum permissible vehicle load is capped at 55 tonnes. Any vehicle found exceeding this limit is liable to a penalty of Rs 4 to 5 lakh.

Taking these complaints seriously, Sh Panwar carried out surprise inspection to the Pali Crusher Zone on Thursday. The primary aim of the inspection was to assess ground realities and prevent any potential revenue leakage.

During the visit, the minister conducted a thorough inspection of a crusher unit, which lasted for nearly an hour. He examined critical records including truck loading data, weight registers, challan copies, and gate entry logs to ensure compliance. He said that strict action would be taken against anyone whether a government official or a private operator found involved in revenue theft. The government’s stance is clear and revenue theft will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Chandigarh, May 8 – Principal Advisor, Urban Development, Sh. DS Dhesi said the state government wants to upgrade the basic infrastructure and services of cities as per the latest standards, keeping urban development as a priority. In such a situation, we have to move forward in the direction of planned development by implementing technology-based schemes and public participation.

The first inter-agency coordination meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Sh. DS Dhesi with Divisional Commissioner Sh. Sanjay Joon, Deputy Commissioner Sh. Vikram Singh and officials of other concerned departments and agencies on various projects in Faridabad district.

Sh. Dhesi said the progress report of various projects of Faridabad was discussed in the meeting. While reviewing these projects, he directed that all the works should be completed within the stipulated time. He said such development works which directly affect the lives of the general public need to be ensured with transparency and accountability. During this, information was taken about the trial of Mirzapur’s 80 MLD capacity STP. Apart from the completion of the trial, instructions were issued during the meeting to make it fully functional by completing other formalities. Similarly, instructions were also given to start the construction work of another 20 MLD STP, which was passed in the recently concluded sixth meeting of FMDA under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.

During the meeting, instructions were given to form a joint committee on the subject of smart toilets and submit a report. It was also decided that a three-member committee would report on the average cost of expenditure on the aspects necessary to ensure the improvement and working of the toilets as well as the current condition of the toilets.

During this, the possibilities of considering the city surveillance system through CCTV were also discussed. Regarding the proposal related to bus queue shelter, it was said that it should be implemented on a pilot mode. In the initial period, 25 bus queue shelters should be installed. Instructions were given to complete the road and sewage related works under construction under Smart City in Fatehpur Chandila through MCF.

The MCF and FMDA will work together by forming SOPs to improve the sewerage system. For this, a control room system will be prepared. In this, the SDO level officer will listen to the problems of the public and work on its solution.

During the meeting, it was decided that after brainstorming on the use of treated water in corporate institutions, hospitals and other educational institutions, guidelines should be given to use it in gardening. For this, the Deputy Commissioner will soon organize a meeting at his level.

Chandigarh, May 8 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the State Government is committed to work in collaboration with the Central Government for the betterment of farmers in Haryana. Many new opportunities have opened up in the field of agriculture, and we will use these opportunities in the right way.

          Sh. Rana was speaking at the National Conference on Krishi Kharif Abhiyan-2025 in New Delhi today. Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan was present as the Chief Guest on this occasion.

          Agriculture Ministers and other senior officials of more than 10 states participated in this conference and many experts also joined virtually and agreed to work together with the Central Government for the advancement of the agriculture sector.

          Thanking the Union Agriculture Minister, the Agriculture Minister of Haryana said, “Organizing the National Conference on Krishi Kharif Campaign-2025 is very important, and I express my gratitude to the Union Agriculture Minister. This conference has provided new guidelines and opportunities for our farmers. We are proud that the Central Government is constantly striving for the advancement of the agriculture sector.”

          He said two new varieties of rice have been developed by agricultural scientists, which will increase production. Now the crop will be ready 20 days earlier, water will be saved, and methane gas emission will be reduced. Soon, these varieties will be made available to the farmers. After 2014, our scientists have developed 2,900 new varieties. He further said the main objective of the Haryana Government is also to increase production, reduce the cost of production, ensure fair prices of products, provide assistance to farmers in times of disaster and promote the cultivation of fruits and flowers. Sh. Rana expressed hope that this conference will definitely play an important role in the agricultural development of India.