Chandigarh, February 02- Haryana Mines and Geology Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar has refuted Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala’s claim that illegal mining is happening in 14 districts of the state with government support. He said these allegations are baseless. Congress leaders only spread falsehoods to mislead people. 

            Sh. Panwar stated that this is not the first time such baseless allegations have been made to damage the government’s image. He personally visited Pichopa Kalan in Charkhi Dadri and found no evidence of illegal mining there. 

            He said that some districts mentioned by Randeep Surjewala, like Kaithal, do not have any significant mines or minor minerals. Even in these areas, authorities are making continuous efforts to prevent illegal mining. 

*Over 13,000 vehicles checked since January, 575 vehicles seized*

            The Minister further said the department has already issued detailed instructions to the Deputy Commissioners regarding  formulating a three-tier network including Naka/Police checkposts, flying squads to curb illegal mining. For example, 16 Police checkposts have already been set up in Yamunanagar. 

            Since January 2025, 13,282 vehicles have been checked, and 575 vehicles carrying mining material illegally or without e-Rawaana have been seized. Besides this, Deputy Commissioners have been directed to keep a strict watch, take immediate action against illegal mining and strengthen police checkpoints to curb such activities effectively. To further strengthen monitoring, the department has replaced the old e-Rawana system with the HMGIS portal developed by NIC, which fixes previous loopholes. The new system is now integrated with CCTV cameras and weighing scales to curb illegal mining.

*Task Forces actively working to prevent illegal mining*

            Sh. Panwar said that strict actions are being taken against culprits, and the government is fully committed to stopping illegal mining. District-Level Task Forces (DLTF) and State-Level Task Forces (SLTF) have been set up to monitor illegal mining and the transportation of illegally mined minerals. DLTF teams have already been deployed and directed to conduct special investigation campaigns, focusing on mines, stone crushers, and screening plants set up near rivers. 

            Mines and Geology Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that the state government has constituted Haryana State Enforcement Bureau (HSENB) to curb illegal mining, and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been finalized to ensure coordination between HSENB and other departments. He said law enforcement is being encouraged  with the help of HSENB police and by involving local communities through gram panchayats. Besides this, the department has assigned Drone Imaging and Information Services Haryana Limited to conduct drone surveys of all active mining sites in the state. 

            A high-resolution satellite imagery report from HARSAC has been requested to monitor land surface changes in the Nuh, showcasing the state government’s commitment to stopping illegal mining.

Chandigarh, March 1

A facilitation programme, “Saluting Valor” was organised today at the CISF Unit Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, to honor and commemorate the significant contributions of retired CISF personnel to national security. The program commenced with the traditional lighting of a lamp, followed by a welcome address. 

Senior Commandant, CISF Unit Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, Sh. Yogesh Prakash Singh presented each guest with a plant and shawl as a token of honor for their glorious service. He said that this event initiates a week-long series of activities leading up to the 56th CISF Raising Day on 10 March. This gesture underscored the CISF’s commitment to the well-being of its retired members. During the event, Sh. Yogesh Prakash Singh highlighted various CISF initiatives aimed at supporting retired personnel, including the “Pension Corner” app and the E-Service Book. 

He further said that the “Saluting Valor” programme demonstrated the CISF’s dedication to recognizing the service of its retired personnel and ensuring their continued welfare. Sh. Yogesh Prakash Singh also mentioned that CISF is always standing with its veterans. A representative from CGHS Chandigarh also provided detailed information on the benefits and application procedures for the CGHS card for retired personnel. 

On this occasion a Cultural programme was presented by the personnel of CISF Unit Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh. CISF veterans shared their experiences with unit personnel during motivational talk. 

CHANDIGARH, February 25:

          In a bid to protect the youth aspiring to settle abroad from falling prey to illegal travel agents as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police conducted raids and carried out search operations at as many as 1274 immigration firms across the state.

          The massive operation against illegal travel agents was carried out on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all the 28 Police districts from 11 am till late evening on Monday. The development came amidst the ongoing crackdown against illegal travel agents across the state in wake of the deportation of Indians from USA.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this daylong state-level operation, said that police teams have registered at least 24 first information reports (FIRs) against defaulter travel agents and arrested seven of them.

          He said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to constitute special police teams under the supervision of gazetted officers to carry out searches at all the immigration and travel agent firms in their respective jurisdictions.

          “All the CPs/SSPs were directed to ensure strict action against those travel agents, who were found violating the mandatory provisions and procedures of the Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act, 2012 or defrauded innocent people with false promises of facilitating illegal entry into foreign countries,” said the Special DGP.

          As per the provisions of The Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act 2012, all the travel agents are mandated to obtain a license from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, which is valid for five years and renewable for subsequent five-year periods. Licensed agents are also required to display their license prominently, maintain records of clients and services, and inform authorities prior to advertising or holding seminars. Additionally, agents are prohibited from engaging in activities beyond their licensed services, including human smuggling or unauthorised emigration assistance. Non-compliance can result in suspension or cancellation of the license and legal action.

          Special DGP Arpit Shukla said that the DGP Punjab has constituted a four member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by ADGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha to investigate complaints from deportees if any and take necessary action as per law.

 He exhorted citizens to be cautious and verify travel agents’ credentials before entrusting them with documents and money. “Only engage agencies with a valid license issued by the Deputy Commissioner under the Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act, 2012,” he advised.

Panchkula: Renowned Punjabi singer Babbu Mann extended his support to cancer awareness at Paras Health’s ‘Umeed Ke Sitare’ campaign, encouraging early detection and treatment. The event, part of a month-long initiative, saw participation from over 150 attendees, including leading oncologists and cancer survivors who shared their inspiring journeys.

Babbu Mann interacted with oncologists and cancer survivors, honoring them and spreading a message of hope. He said, “Health is the greatest gift we have, and we must take care of it. Cancer is not something to fear but to fight with awareness and early action. Initiatives like this help save lives.”

The event featured free health screenings, including mammography, discounted PSA tests, and other essential lab and radiology tests. Cancer cases in India are rising rapidly, with breast cancer being the most common among women, followed by cervical cancer. Tobacco consumption is also driving an increase in oral and lung cancers. Unfortunately, fear and stigma prevent many from seeking timely medical help. Regular screenings and awareness are key to improving survival rates.

Dr. (Brig) Ajay Sharma, Director, Heamato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, stressed the importance of early detection, stating, “Many patients seek help too late, limiting their treatment options. Everyone should prioritize regular check-ups to prevent avoidable complications.”

Dr. (Brig) Rajeshwar Singh, Director, Medical Oncology, added, “Cancer is no longer a disease without hope. Advances in medicine have made early detection and treatment highly effective. Awareness initiatives like ‘Umeed Ke Sitare’ encourage people to get screened on time.”

Dr. Naveen Kanda, Director, Radiation Oncology, highlighted prevention, saying, “Simple lifestyle changes—avoiding tobacco, eating healthy, staying active, and regular screenings—can lower cancer risks. With cases expected to exceed 1.7 million annually by 2030, prevention is now more crucial than ever.”

Cancer survivors also shared their stories, inspiring others with their resilience. The event reinforced Paras Health’s commitment to accessible healthcare and cancer awareness, strengthening its role in oncology care across multiple cities.