Category Archives: Punjab

EXCESS WATER RELEASE TO HARYANA; AMAN ARORA TERMS IT DAYLIGHT ROBBERY

Chandigarh, May 1:

In a bold move to safeguard Punjab’s waters, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Punjab Government has declared an all-out battle against the BJP-led Central Government’s “forced directive” to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to release excess water to Haryana.

Terming it a “daylight robbery,” the State President of AAP and Punjab Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that  an emergency all-party meeting on Friday morning, followed by a Special Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday, to strategize against what he called the Centre’s “blatant betrayal” of the state’s rights.

Addressing the media after a high-level meeting with Punjab’s Cabinet Ministers, Aman Arora stated that Punjab will fiercely protect its interests and won’t allow BBMB to release excess water beyond Haryana’s share. He accused the BJP of deceiving Punjab, citing this action as another example of their true intentions.

The AAP President said that BJP is attempting to steal Punjab’s water, despite the state having a 60% share in BBMB, by allocating 4700 cusecs water to Haryana beyond the neighbouring state’s share, which is over 1,700 cusecs. He asserted that the Aam Aadmi Party-led government won’t tolerate this “loot” and “goondagardi” by BJP.

Highlighting the proactive stance of the state government, Mr. Aman Arora stated that AAP’s National Convenor Sh. Arvind Kejriwal visited Chandigarh to assess the situation, while Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today’s visited Nangal Bhakra dam to prevent water theft.

“It is a high time for BJP’s Punjab unit leaders including Sunil Jakhar, Ravneet Bittu, Tarun Chugh, Captain Amarinder Singh and others to clear their stand whether they stand by Punjab or only serving their political bosses to save their chairs,” asked Mr. Aman Arora while adding that if they are real sons of the Punjab then they should resign from their posts to clear their stance on the issue. He also demanded that the BJP leaders should also immediately approach their national leaders and make them clear that Punjab has not any single drop of water to spare for Haryana or any other state.

Zero tolerance against corruption: VB nabs General Manager PUNSUP red handed accepting Rs 1 lakh bribe

Chandigarh May 1, 2025 –

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state arrested General Manager PUNSUP, Ajit Pal Singh Saini, who also holds charges of Procurement, Storage, Commercial, Construction and Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs one lakh.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest has been made following a complaint lodged by a resident of Ferozpur district.

He further informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the aforementioned General Manager of PUNSUP has been demanding bribe of 10% of total embezzled amount of about Rs 1.25 crore, the price of 14090 paddy bags allegedly shown under bogus purchase, and had demanded Rs 2 lakh as a first instalment. However, the deal was settled for Rs one lakh after negotiations.

The complainant is a commission agent at Mandis in Shahzdi and Mana Singh Wala, in Ferozepur. During purchase of paddy by PUNSUP in year 2024, total about 34,250 paddy bags were found less during physical inspection of stocks in concerned rice mills.

The commission agent (Ahartiya) firm of the complainant was alleged to have been involved in reporting bogus purchase of total about 34,250 paddy bags. Subsequently, he was directed to deposit the deficient amount of Rs 2.97 crores, subsequently, the complainant has deposited Rs 2.50 crores with PUNSUP as recovery.

Eventually, the complainant filed a representation with Managing Director, PUNSUP that gate passes of about 19040 paddy bags were deleted later from online portal by District Manager, Ferozepur and Inspectors of PUNSUP Ferozepur, as such he was wrongly fined for these bags. Thereafter, accused Ajit Pal Saini, GM approached the complainant through a common acquaintance Kanwal Deep and demanded bribe for settling the matter in the favour of the complainant.

The complainant has recorded an audio conversation of the accused wherein he demanded Rs 2,00,000 as first instalment. Earlier District Manager Ferozepur and 2 Inspectors of PUNSUP Ferozepur have also been suspended by the Department in the same matter.

The spokesperson added that preliminary verification of allegations were conducted discreetly and after finding the allegations prima facie to be true, a VB team from flying squad laid a trap during which the aforementioned General Manager was caught red handed in the Parking of Max Hospital, phase 6, Mohali while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered VB police station, Flying Squad-1, Punjab at Mohali.

The VB team has recovered Rs 1,00,000 bribe money from his possession and official car of the accused in which he came on the spot to receive money, was also taken into possession. He would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

Aam Aadmi Party Punjab Strongly Condemns BBMB’s Decision to Divert Punjab’s Water to Haryana

Chandigarh, May 1, 2025

 The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly opposed the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) decision to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of Punjab’s water to Haryana. AAP MP Kang said that this decision, taken under pressure from the BJP-led Central Government, is unconstitutional and an outright assault on Punjab’s rights.

AAP MP from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, has called this move a grave injustice that jeopardizes Punjab’s farmers, its water security, and the state’s future generations. In a letter to BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, Kang lambasted the BJP government for orchestrating this “daylight robbery” of Punjab’s rightful resources while accusing Bittu of maintaining a shameful silence on the matter.

“The BBMB decision is not just an administrative order—it is a direct attack on Punjab’s lifeline. Despite the fact that Haryana has already overdrawn its share of water, BJP has forced BBMB to hand over Punjab’s precious water to Haryana, leaving our farmers and citizens at risk of severe water scarcity. This is an insult to Punjab’s 3.5 crore people,” said Kang.

The BBMB annually distributes water between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan from May 21 to the following May 20. However, Kang revealed that Haryana, after exhausting its full share by March 31, 2025, demanded an additional 4,000 cusecs daily from Punjab. Punjab, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, allowed this on humanitarian grounds to meet Haryana’s basic drinking water needs. However, BJP has now arm-twisted BBMB into granting Haryana an additional 8,500 cusecs—an action that AAP calls unlawful and unacceptable.

“Our reservoirs—Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams—are already at dangerously low levels. With groundwater levels depleting across the state, every drop of water is vital for Punjab’s farmers. Yet, BJP is sacrificing Punjab’s needs to appease Haryana. This is nothing short of bulldozing Punjab’s rights,” Kang stated.

Kang expressed disappointment at BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu’s silence, accusing him of prioritizing his party’s political alliances over Punjab’s welfare. “Bittu’s inaction raises serious questions about whether he stands with Punjab or has surrendered to BJP’s unconstitutional diktats. The people of Punjab deserve answers,” Kang asserted.

AAP, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has taken a firm stand to expose BJP’s unconstitutional actions. Highlighting Haryana CM’s misleading statements that Punjab had agreed to this water diversion, the AAP government clarified that Haryana has already consumed 103% of its allocated share while Punjab has used only 89%. Despite this, Punjab extended support to Haryana, but BJP’s latest decision crossed all limits.

Kang reiterated that Punjab’s farmers and people will not tolerate this injustice. “Punjab’s history is filled with struggles to protect its resources and rights. Today, we face a similar challenge. AAP and the people of Punjab will resist BJP’s blatant disregard for Punjab’s welfare,” he affirmed.

In his letter to Bittu, Kang posed some serious questions to Bittu, “Are you with Punjab, or complicit in the BJP’s exploitation of the state’s resources? Why haven’t you raised the issue of BBMB’s illegal decisions in Parliament? Why are you silent on the alarming depletion of water levels in Punjab’s dams? Your inability to address these pressing questions raises serious doubts about your commitment to Punjab’s rights. The youth, intellectuals, and people from all walks of life are closely observing this anti-Punjab stance. It is time for you to either stand firmly for Punjab’s interests or relinquish the position you hold, which was secured in Punjab’s name but appears to serve BJP’s agenda.”

AAP demands immediate reversal of BBMB’s decision and calls on all political parties in Punjab to unite and defend the state’s interests. The party also urges BJP leaders like Ravneet Singh Bittu to take a clear stand and oppose this unconstitutional decision in Parliament.

Taking to social media, Kang wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account, “The @BJP4India-led Central Government has crossed all limits by forcing BBMB to release 8,500 cusecs of Punjab’s water to Haryana. This is nothing short of an unconstitutional act of daylight robbery.”

Kang assured the people of Punjab that the AAP Government will continue to fight for their rights and protect the state’s resources. Kang concluded that Punjab’s future cannot and will not be compromised for political gains.

PUNJAB POLICE THWARTS POSSIBLE GRENADE ATTACK AT POLICE ESTABLISHMENTS; FIVE MEMBERS OF JIWAN FAUJI-LED BKI MODULE HELD WITH GRENADE, PISTOL

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, April 30:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has successfully thwarted a potential grenade attack on a police establishments with the arrest of five members of a Pak-ISI backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module linked to foreign-based gangster Jiwan Fauji, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Naresh Kumar alias Babbu of Haripura, Abhinav Bhagat alias Abhi, Ajay Kumar alias Ajju and Sunny Kumar, all residents of Haripura in Amritsar and a 17-years-old juvenile. Police teams have also recovered one hand grenade and one country-made .32 pistol along with five live cartridges.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that gangster Jiwan Fauji, currently operating from abroad, has been running a terror module in border districts of the state with the help of the arrested accused persons, who were recruited and radicalised to execute criminal activities. Probe has also revealed that the arrested persons were provided with motorcycles and tasked with retrieving weapon consignments from the Ajnala sector, he added.

          The DGP said that the arrested accused were actively plotting to target police establishments with grenades. Further investigations are on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he said.

          Sharing more details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that during a follow-up recovery operation, accused Ajay Kumar attempted to escape by snatching a service weapon and opening fire at the police team. The accused sustained injuries in his leg during retaliatory fire, and has been undergoing medical treatment at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar, he added.

          The CP said that the probe has also revealed that the arrested accused persons had also provided logistic support and an Activa scooter to the assailants, who fired at Karyana Store owner recently at Mahal village in Amritsar. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further links in the terror network, he added.

          A case FIR No. 103 dated 30/04/2025 has been regitered under section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Police Station Islamabad in Amritsar.

Mann Slams BJP for Water Conspiracy, Says ‘Not a Drop to Spare’; Vows to Protect Punjab’s Water Rights


CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB

Mann Slams BJP for Water Conspiracy, Says ‘Not a Drop to Spare’; Vows to Protect Punjab’s Water Rights

BJP’s  Central and Haryana Govt are  Misusing Power: Bhagwant Mann

Chandigarh, April 30-

Slamming BJP for conspiring to divest Punjab of its waters by misusing its power in Haryana and center, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday categorically said that the state has no single drop of water to share with any other state.

In a letter to his Haryana counterpart, the Chief Minister said that he had received the letter of Naib Singh Saini through media only and it is unfortunate that a person of his stature is misleading the people by saying that he has assured water to Haryana. He said that this is nothing more than a bundle of lies as this promise was never made adding that this doesn’t suit a person sitting on a constitutional post. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Chief Minister of Haryana did call him but he never gave any assurance regarding water to Saini adding that he can give such a promise when Punjab has no drop of spare water to share with any other state.

The Chief Minister said that every year BBMB distributes water to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan which is applicable from May 21 to May 20 next year. He said that this year BBMB had distributed 3.318 MAF, 2.987 MAF and 5.512 MAF water to Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab respectively. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the BJP government in Haryana had used its share of water by March 31 this year after which the crisis had arisen.

The Chief Minister said that subsequently the Haryana government had urged Punjab that they don’t even have water to cater to the drinking needs of people. He said that as a humanitarian gesture the Punjab government generously allotted 4000  cusec of water daily to Haryana from April 6, 2025. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though the population of Haryana is three crore and as per estimates 1700 cusec of water is enough to meet the needs of people of state.

However, the Chief Minister said that the Haryana government has sought 2.5 times more water from Punjab than its actual need. Despite this, he said that Punjab has been giving this water from the month of April adding that a few days back Haryana had pleaded that this water is not sufficient for it and they need 8500 cusec additional water daily. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is evident that this water is needed for irrigation purposes and this problem has arisen as Haryana has not utilized its share of water properly.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Punjab is already grappling with shortage of water for agricultural purposes as the groundwater is receding across the state. He said that the level of water in the dams has been recorded all time low and water level at Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam and Ranjit Sagar Dam is 32 feet, 12 feet and 14 feet low respectively as compared to last year. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every single drop of water is precious for the state and there is no question of sharing the water with any other state.

The Chief Minister said that water of Punjab belongs to the state and no one will be allowed to divest the state from it adding that the state government will not allow anyone to deprive Punjab of its legitimate share. He categorically said that BJP through its government in Haryana and center is trying to suppress the state and it is unfortunate that BBMB is passing new resolutions everyday to rob share of Punjab’s water. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the state government is committed to safeguard the interests of the state and no one will be allowed to plunder our waters from us.

“लिबर्टी” ने एक और शोरूम मोहाली में खोला

Mohali: “लिबर्टी” एक घरेलू ब्रांड है और दुनिया भर में विदेशों में निर्यात करने के अलावा भारत में फुटवियर उद्योग में अग्रणी है क्योंकि इसने लगभग 73 साल पहले हरियाणा के करनाल शहर में अपना परिचालन शुरू किया था और यह सबसे बड़ा बन गया है। यह दुनिया में फुटवियर निर्माता है और भारतीय फुटवियर उद्योग में सबसे बड़ी बाजार हिस्सेदारी रखता है।

ग्राहकों को गुणवत्तापूर्ण उत्पाद उपलब्ध कराने के लिए लिबर्टी का देश भर में एक गतिशील और मजबूत नेटवर्क है, जिसमें 435 विशिष्ट शोरूम, विभिन्न राज्यों में 125 वितरक और 10000 से अधिक मल्टी ब्रांड स्टोर शामिल हैं। समूह की भारत और विदेश में सैकड़ों पांच सितारा शोरूम और जूता स्टेशन स्थापित करने की भी योजना है। यह हमारे आदर्श वाक्य ‘हम लोगों के बारे में हैं’ को प्राप्त करने की दिशा में एक प्रयास है।

1954 में पुनर्कथन, एक दिन में 4 पीआरएस के निर्माण के साथ शुरू हुआ, आज परिवार रेंज के लिए अत्याधुनिक विनिर्माण सुविधाओं में एक दिन में 50,000 से अधिक पीआरएस का उत्पादन होता है।

लिबर्टी का उत्पादन केंद्र मुख्य रूप से करनाल, घरौंदा और लिबर्टीपुरम (कुटैल) में स्थित है , लिबर्टी ग्रीन्स और लिबर्टी -पोंटा साहिब और रूड़की में सुरम्य परिसर है।

हम दुनिया भर में स्टाइल के प्रति जागरूक लोगों के लिए जूते बनाते रहे हैं। हम एक ही छत के नीचे सभी परिवारों की जरूरतों को पूरा करते हैं। . स्कूल शूज़ से लेकर स्पोर्ट्स शूज़ तक, बैलेरिना से लेकर आरामदायक स्लिप-ऑन तक, कॉर्पोरेट फॉर्मल से लेकर आरामदायक कैज़ुअल तक, उपभोक्ता को फुटवियर विकल्पों की व्यापक रेंज प्रदान करते हैं। हमारे ब्रांड हैं: कूलर्स, लीप7एक्स, हीलर, लकी ल्यूक, अहा, प्रीफेक्ट, सेनोरिटा, फॉर्च्यून आदि। जूते-चप्पल के अलावा हम जूते की देखभाल के उत्पाद, बैक पैक, बेल्ट, पर्स, मोज़े, पॉलिश, यात्रा बैग और महिलाओं के लिए हैंडबैग आदि जैसी सहायक वस्तुओं की एक श्रृंखला भी बनाते हैं।

समूह करनाल के लोगों के लिए अपनी सामाजिक सेवाओं का भी निर्वहन कर रहा है और चैरिटेबल अस्पताल की स्थापना की, लिबर्टी चौक, लिबर्टी रोड, मंदिर का निर्माण किया और करनाल शहर में नागरिक सुविधाओं को बनाए रखने के लिए भी खर्च किया और सीएसआर गतिविधियों के तहत कई अन्य सामाजिक गतिविधियों में शामिल हुआ।

मेरा जूता हिंदुस्तानी अभियान :
आजादी के 78 वें वर्ष में देश को स्वदेशी शूज इंड्रस्टीज़ को विश्व की पहचान बनाने वाली लिबर्टी शूज
लिमिटेड ने ,,”मेरा जूता हिन्दुस्तानी” अभियान शुरू किया है। इस अभियान के चलते देशवासियों को देश में बने जूते व चप्पलों को पहनने के लिए प्रेरित किया जाएगा। लिबर्टी ग्रुप संस्थापकों ने पहली बार स्वदेशी जूती बनाकर राष्ट्रपिता महात्मा गांधी जी को भेंट की थी। लिबर्टी ने करनाल में हस्तनिर्मित शूज इंड्रस्टीज़ की आधारशिला रखी थी। आज लिबर्टी का देश की शूज के कारोबार में बहुत बड़ा हिस्सा है। आज लिबर्टी शूज के बनाए जूते और चप्पल, जुराबें तथा अन्य उत्पाद विश्व के कई देशों में पहली पसंद बन गए है। लिबर्टी , प्रधान मंत्री द्वारा शुरू किये अभियान लोकल फॉर वोकल अभियान को आगे बढ़ाया है।संकल्प से सिद्धी तक की बात पी एम करते है।उसे हमने कर दिखाया है और आजादी के 78 वें वर्ष में मेरा जूता हिन्दुस्तानी के नाम से अभियान शुरू कर देश में एक नया युग का सूत्रपात कर रही है। लिबर्टी शूज हर उम्र के लोगों की पसंद का ध्यान रखती है। लिबर्टी का नारा कंफर्ट और क्वालिटी है।

कंपनी ने Healers एवं Leap7X की प्रीमियम रेंज मै extra कंफर्ट, durabilty, memory foam cushion, anti bacterial टेक्नोलॉजी इस्तेमाल करके इस प्रीमियम रेंज को और अधिक आरामदायक बनाने की कोशिश किया है। जो ग्राहकों को बहुत पसंदायक बने के साथ footwear बाजार में धूम मचाए हुए है। नई तकनीक के साथ साथ MRP भी ग्राहकों की आर्थिक क्षमता और बाजार के अनुसार रखा है ताकि ये प्रीमियम रेंज अधिक से अधिक ग्राहकों की पहुंच मै हो।

पंजाब प्रदेश की क्षमता और संभावनाओं को देखते हुए आज कंपनी ने एक और शोरूम श्री अशोक गर्ग के कुशल नेतृत्व में फर्म स्नेहर इंटरप्राइजेज, मोहाली, मै खोला जा रहा है। जिसका विधिवत उद्घाटन श्री राम नाथ वर्मा, हेड रिटेल द्वारा किया जा रहा है श्री अशोक गर्ग का ये दूसरा शोरूम है। इस अवसर पर ASM और अन्य पदाधिकारी उपस्थिति रहे।

इस समय कंपनी ने पंजाब प्रदेश में शोरूमों का जाल बिछा हुआ है और पर्याप्त संभावनाओं की परिकल्पना करते हुए कंपनी का लक्ष्य प्रदेश में आने वाले समय में इसी तरह के शोरूम स्थापित करने का विचार है।

“Liberty” – A Proud Indian Brand Making Global Strides

Chandigarh:

Liberty is a proud Indian brand and a leader in the country’s footwear industry. Established nearly 73 years ago in Karnal, Haryana, Liberty has grown into one of the largest footwear manufacturers in the world, with a dominant market share in India and a strong presence in international exports.

To provide quality products to customers, Liberty operates a dynamic and robust nationwide network, including 435 exclusive showrooms, 125 distributors across various states, and over 10,000 multi-brand outlets. The company also plans to set up hundreds of five-star showrooms and “Shoe Stations” across India and abroad, in line with its motto: “We are about people.”

From its humble beginning in 1954 with the production of just four pairs of shoes per day, Liberty now produces over 50,000 pairs daily using advanced manufacturing facilities catering to the entire family.

The company’s primary production centers are located in Karnal, Gharaunda, and Libertypuram (Kutail), along with scenic campuses in Liberty Greens, Ponta Sahib, and Roorkee.

Liberty has always catered to the style-conscious consumers globally, meeting the needs of every family member under one roof. From school shoes to sports shoes, ballerinas to slip-ons, and formal wear to everyday casuals, Liberty offers a vast range of footwear. Its popular brands include Coolers, Leap7X, Healers, Lucky Luke, AHA, Prefect, Senorita, Fortune, and more. Beyond footwear, Liberty also manufactures a wide range of accessories such as shoe care products, backpacks, belts, wallets, socks, polish, travel bags, and women’s handbags.

The group has consistently contributed to the social development of Karnal by establishing a charitable hospital, building Liberty Chowk and Liberty Road temple, and supporting civic amenities. It actively engages in various CSR initiatives for community welfare.

“Mera Joota Hindustani” Campaign

As India celebrates its 78th year of independence, Liberty Shoes Ltd. has launched the “Mera Joota Hindustani” campaign to promote indigenous footwear. This movement aims to encourage Indians to proudly wear shoes made in India.

Liberty’s legacy dates back to when its founders presented the first pair of Indian-made shoes to Mahatma Gandhi. The brand laid the foundation for handcrafted footwear industries in Karnal. Today, Liberty holds a significant share in India’s footwear business, with its products—shoes, slippers, socks, and accessories—being the first choice in several countries.

Liberty actively supports the Prime Minister’s “Vocal for Local” mission. Turning intent into action, the brand has now initiated a new era with the “Mera Joota Hindustani” campaign. Liberty continues to be the preferred brand for all age groups, with a strong focus on comfort and quality.

The premium ranges Healers and Leap7X feature innovations such as extra comfort, durability, memory foam cushioning, and anti-bacterial technology. These features have made the collections both highly comfortable and widely popular in the footwear market. The pricing is kept customer-friendly and market-appropriate to ensure wider reach.

Expansion in Punjab

Recognizing the potential of Punjab, Liberty is proud to announce the opening of a new showroom in Mohali under the capable leadership of Mr. Ashok Garg, of Snehar Enterprises. The new showroom is being formally inaugurated by Mr. Ram Nath Verma, Head of Retail. This marks Mr. Garg’s second Liberty showroom.

Liberty is rapidly expanding its presence across Punjab and plans to open more such outlets in the state, tapping into its promising market potential.

Bulldozers Against the Drug Mafia: Punjab’s War on Narcotics Enters a Relentless New Phase

CHANDIGARH/PATIALA/AMRITSAR, April 29:

          Continuing its action against drug mafia amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police with the help of local administration on Tuesday, has demolished properties of two drug smugglers in Amritsar and Patiala districts.

          In Amritsar, a bulldozer was used to raze the house of a drug smuggler identified as Ranjit Singh in village Mode in Amritsar. On this occasion, Superintendent of Police (SP Investigation) Amritsar Aditya Warrier said that accused Ranjit Singh, whose house was demolished, has a criminal background with as many as 12 criminal cases including six cases under under the NDPS act have been registered against him in different districts including Amritsar and Ludhiana.

          SP Warrier warned that anyone who amasses wealth through drug trafficking will either have their property seized or demolished. He reiterated that the state government is committed to eradicating the drug menace and will not spare anyone involved in this illegal trade.

          Similarly, in Patiala, the District Police, in collaboration with Municipal Corporation Patiala, has demolished four commercial shops illegally constructed on residential plots without the approval from the Municipal Corporation, by the family member of drug smuggler Gurtej Singh alias Bunty family. The shops were located in Street No. 4 of Baba Deep Singh Nagar under the jurisdiction of Urban Estate Police Station.

          SP City Palwinder Singh Cheema, who supervised the operation, said that accused Gurtej Singh has been facing two criminal cases under the NDPS act. The demolition was carried out following a final Demolition Notice (No. 214/BLD, dated April 11, 2025) issued by the Municipal Commissioner, he said.

          The operation was conducted under the supervision of Assistant Town Planners Karanjit Singh and Bikramjit Singh, with police deployed to maintain law and order. Naib Tehsildar Arman Joshan served as the Duty Magistrate.

Punjab Stands Firm: CM Refuses Extra Water Release as Haryana Exceeds Quota

Chandigarh, April 29:

Asserting that BJP is playing duty game by pressurising Punjab to release excess water to Haryana, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that they will not allow the saffron party to succeed in its nefarious designs against state.

In a statement, the Chief Minister unequivocally said that the states of Haryana and Rajasthan are allotted share in water of state from a cycle of May 21 to May 21 every year. However, he said that the state of Haryana has utilised all the water in its share in the month of March this year due to which they are now trying to grab some more water by robbing Punjab of its water. Giving data, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that hitherto Haryana has used 103% of its allocated water and now the BJP is pressurising Punjab to release more water to Haryana.

The Chief Minister said that unfortunately Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) is being illegally used by the BJP to achieve this goal. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his predecessors used to extend such largesse to appease their mentors in BJP but as a custodian of waters of the state he will never slow this. He said that Punjab has upgraded its canal water system due to which now it requires water to cater to needs of the farmers of the state in wake of ensuing paddy season.

The Chief Minister categorically said that Punjab doesn’t have even a single drop of water to share with the other states. He said that already the state has given 4000 cusec of water to Haryana on humanitarian grounds so as to fulfil their drinking water needs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the situation of water is already dismal in state and water in Ranjit Singh Dam and Pong Dam was already 39 feet and 24 feet low as compared to the one recorded last year at same time.

The Chief Minister said that there is no question of succumbing to the pressure of the on this issue as it is concerned with the farmers of the state. He said that instead of playing these unlawful games the Union government should divert the waters of Chenab, Jhelum, Ujh and other rivers to the state after cancelling the much hyped Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the surplus water saved from this treaty can be supplied to entire northern region for catering to the needs ahead of paddy season.

The Chief Minister said that instead of pressuring us illegally, the Haryana government should have used their share of water judiciously. He said that BJP should refrain from politicising this issue as water is the necessity of the state and its farmers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab contributes 185 Metric Ton of paddy in the national food pool and it will not bow before such tantrums of the BJP.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state has no spare water to share with any other state adding that even a single drop of water will not be given to anyone. He said that most of the blocks of the state are over exploited and the groundwater situation in the state is very grim. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as most of the river resources of the state have dried up, so it needs more water to cater to its irrigation needs.

DR. SUKHCHAIN GOGI ASSUMES CHARGE AS CHAIRPERSON OF PEDA

Chandigarh, April 29:

Dr. Sukhchain Gogi on Tuesday assumed charge as the Chairperson of Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) in the presence of Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr. Aman Arora at PEDA Complex, Sector-33D here. Smt. Harpal Kaur, mother of the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, Water Resources Minister Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal also congratulated Dr. Sukhchain Gogi.

Dr. Sukhchain Gogi, wife of Late Sh. Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, former MLA from Ludhiana West, reached the PEDA Complex along with her son Savraj Gogi and other relatives. Expressing gratitude to the National Convenor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Sh. Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann for posing faith in her, Dr. Sukhchain Gogi vowed to live up to the responsibility assigned to her.

Congratulating and welcoming the New Chairperson, Mr Aman Arora said that the renewable energy is the future and ramping up the renewable infrastructure to ensure the optimal utilisation of natural energy is the topmost priority of the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government.

“With the appointment of Dr. Sukhchain Gogi as Chairperson of PEDA our team has been completed and now we will push more vigorously for promotion and development of renewable sector,” said New & Renewable Energy Sources Minister, while adding that over 4000 solar pumps for agriculture purposes are being installed in the state, while, 36MW Solar Rooftop plants have already been installed on Govt Buildings.

Prominent among others who were present at the occasion included MLAs Ashok Prashar (Pappi),  Gurdit Singh Sekhon and others leaders of party.