Tag Archives: PUNJAB

Keep calm and maintain Covid appropriate behavior, say Dr PVM Lakshmi, Prof of Epidemiology, PGIMER amid rise in COVID cases

INDIAEPOST CHANDIGARH JULY 05, 2022

With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and other NCR and other parts of the country, Dr PVM Lakshmi, Professor of Epidemiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) cautioned that one should neither panic, nor let their guard down. Instead, it is essential to keep wearing mask and to follow all COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB).

Dr Lakshmi told the reporters that as per the available evidence, BA.2 (sub-lineage of Omicron) has cross immunity with the Omicron variant but the cross immunity is poor with BA.4 and BA.5. The genome surveillance results will clear the picture about whether the BA.4 and BA.5 variants have a presence in this region. The previous results have indicated the presence of BA.2 in the Chandigarh and tricity areas. She cautioned that patients with mild symptoms need to take precautions so that they do not cause the spread.

Moreover, cases are increasing in this region because no Covid-related restrictions are in place, allowing people to attend large indoor and outdoor gatherings, without wearing face masks and maintaining social distance.

While elimination of the virus is an impossibility at this point, adjustments in individual habits and communal spaces can help slow the pace of outbreaks and keep high-risk groups safer. Vaccination remains a key strategy for avoiding infection, and it has been especially effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death, she added.

Dr Lakshmi said that at PGIMER, as of now, only six Covid patients are admitted. 10-20 beds have been kept reserved for Covid patients. But it would increase upto 300 depending on requirements. If patients are coming up with any kind of complaint, adequate treatment is being given. Even among those admitted, there is hardly anyone who needs oxygen or ventilator support. Even as the number of Covid cases continues to increase, the most patients are coming to the hospital with fever, cough, sore throat, and body ache. Almost everyone is recovering within three-five days of getting the symptoms.

She said that everyone should watch out for symptoms of Covid-19, whether or not they are fully vaccinated. Anyone who thinks they have been exposed should get tested and stay home and away from others. Symptoms can appear anywhere between 2 to 14 days after exposure. Most people will have a mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Seek medical attention immediately if you or a loved one is at home and experiencing emergency warning signs, including difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to stay awake, or bluish lips or face.

Omicron’s BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants are known to be around 13 per cent more transmissible than the previous BA.1 and BA.2 and are slowly becoming the dominant sub-strains in Europe and US. However, there is no proof of these being more dangerous. Both BA.4 and BA.5 are sub-variants of Covid-19’s on Omicron BA.4, BA.5 sub-lineages, she said that omicron variant and have been declared as variants of concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention because of their high transmissibility. These were first identified in South Africa in January. What we have been seeing is that it usually takes 6-8 weeks for a new variant to become the dominant one in the community. No new variant of concern has been reported so far in the city, Dr Lakshmi added.

She said that adults with mild to moderate Covid-19 remain infectious no longer than 10 days after symptom onset. Most adults with more severe to critical illness or severe immunocompromised likely remain infectious no longer than 20 days after symptom onset. A patient can resume his routine activities while maintaining Covid-appropriate behaviour on the basis of the extent of damage to lungs and other tissues. The recovery period is likely to be longer for patients who suffered from more severe forms of the disease and those with pre-existing illnesses.

Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes Covid-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as post-COVID conditions (PCC) or long COVID. Post-Covid conditions are found more often in people who had severe Covid-19 illness, but anyone who has been infected with the virus that causes Covid-19 can experience post-Covid conditions, even people who had mild illness or no symptoms from Covid-19. People who are not vaccinated against Covid-19 and become infected may also be at higher risk of developing post-Covid conditions compared to people who were vaccinated and had breakthrough infections.  Recovered patients after acute Covid-19 illness may continue to experience various signs and symptoms including fatigue, body ache, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, etc. Some of the complications seen in patients include deleterious effects on lungs, kidneys, heart, and manifestation of black fungal infection, known as mucormycosis. Such patients are treated at PGIMER.

On post-Covid symptoms, she said that general symptoms are tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life, symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort (also known as “post-exertional malaise”), fever; Respiratory and heart symptoms are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations); Neurological symptoms are difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”), headache, sleep problems, dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness), pins-and-needles feelings, change in smell or taste, depression or anxiety; Digestive symptoms are diarrhea, stomach pain; Other symptoms are ioint or muscle pain, rash and changes in menstrual cycles.

On Post-Covid follow up care, Dr Lakshmi said that eating a balanced nutritious diet, rich in immune boosting vitamins and minerals including fruits, vegetables, eggs and safe poultry is of utmost importance to speed up recovery. Some patients experience unexplained weight loss or weight gain, hence, weight adequate calories must be provided according to the patient’s nutritional status.  Drinking plenty of fluids and drinking warm water can be helpful for patients with scratchy throat or dry cough as it improves circulation and reduces nasal congestion. Taking proper rest and sleep can help your body recover faster. Covid patients are advised to practice breathing exercises to improve respiratory distress and relieve congestion, she added.

Punjab govt appoints Gaurav Yadav as Acting DGP

INDIA E POST CHANDIGARH JULY 04, 2022

 Director General of Police (DGP). He was currently serving as the Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Yadav’s appointment comes as the incumbent VK Bhawra has proceeded on a two-month leave, seeking the central deputation. It has been learnt that the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government, facing severe criticism over deteriorating law and order situation, is not happy with Bhawra’s functioning.

As Bhawra’s appointment has been made by the union public service commission for a tenure of two years, the government cannot replace him, but only make a temporary appointment.

Notably, Bhawra has been in line of fire over the killing of renowned Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, whose security was withdrawn a day before the incident. Besides, the police faced several embarrassing moments in the investigation of the case and prevention of crimes. He had to clarify his statement on Moosewala’s killing, linking it to a gang war.

Interestingly, Yadav had cleared his Civil Services Examination in 1992, along with Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party’s national convener Arvind Kejriwal. While Yadav got selected in the Indian Police Service (IPS), Kejriwal went for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).

Yadav had led the Punjab Police’’s 2014 international operation to apprehend one of the most wanted terrorists, Jagtar Singh Tara. Son-in-law of Punjab’s former DGP PC Dogra, Yadav has held a number of key positions, including acting as head of the Intelligence wing under the SAD-BJP government in 2016.

He was also SSP in Punjab for 10 years and Commissioner of Police for four years. He served as the Chandigarh SSP from 2002 to 2004.

GOVERNOR ADMINISTERS OATH TO FIVE NEW MINISTERS IN BHAGWANT MANN LED CABINET

INDIA E POST CHANDIGARH JULY 04, 2022

The Punjab Governor and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, Banwari Lal Purohit on Monday administered the oath of office and secrecy to five new Cabinet Ministers of the state in a brief but impressive ceremony here at Punjab Raj Bhawan in the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Chief Secretary Anirudh Tewari conducted the proceedings of the ceremony with the permission of the Governor.

          The Cabinet Ministers, who were sworn in the Guru Nanak Dev auditorium within the complex of Punjab Raj Bhawan, included Aman Arora (MLA Sunam), Inderbir Singh Nijjar (MLA Amritsar South), Fauja Singh (MLA Guru Har Sahai), Chetan Singh Joramajra (MLA Samana) and Anmol Gagan Mann (MLA Kharar) were administered the oath by the Governor during the ceremony. After being sworn in the new Ministers signed the oath, which was counter signed by the Governor.

          The prominent dignitaries who attended swearing in ceremony included Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Deputy Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Jai Kishan Rauri, Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Dr. Baljit Kaur, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Lal Chand, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Laljit Singh Bhullar, Bram Shanker Jimpa and Harjot Singh Bains.

          Apart from these, AAP MLAs, senior party leaders, workers and volunteers from Punjab and dignitaries from different walks of life also graced the occasion. The function was attended by the senior officers of State Civil and Police Administration besides family members, relatives and friends of the newly sworn in Cabinet Ministers.

SIDHU MOOSEWALA MURDER CASE: PUNJAB POLICE GETS TRANSIT REMAND OF FOUR ACCUSED INCLUDING TWO SHOOTERS FROM DELHI’S PATIALA HOUSE COURT

IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 04, 2022

Following the strenuous efforts made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government, Punjab Police on Monday got transit remand of four persons including two shooters in Sidhu Moosewala murder case from Patiala House Court in Delhi. Sidhu Moosewala was shot dead  by some unidentified persons on May 29, 2022.

          The Police have got transit remand of accused persons identified as Priyabarat alias Fauzi (Main Shooter), Kashish alias Kuldeep (Shooter), Deepak alias Tinu (Close aide of Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and was brought by Delhi Police on Production Warrant) and Keshav Kumar (Provided vehicle and helped in escaping shooters). 

          Pertinently, an application has been filed by the Special Prosecutor to grant the transit remand to the accused persons, formally arrested by the IO in FIR no. 103/2022 PS City One Mansa, Punjab.

          The Hon’ble Court observed that as persons arrested have been accused of committing cognizable offence, thus, the transit remand of accused persons for one day is granted to produce them before the concerned court as early as possible.

          The order further stated that the Medical examination of the accused persons be conducted as per rules and guidelines laid down by Hon’ble Apex Court. If accused persons need any medical facility, IO is directed to ensure that the accused persons get the same within time, it further reads.

          Meanwhile, original order along with record is handed over to the Police. Jail Superintendents of Tihar and Rohini are also directed to hand over the custody of the above said accused to IO SP Dharamvir Singh/DSP Gobinder Singh.

CM HAILS HIGH COURT VERDICT TO DISMISS APPEAL BY ACCUSED IN BEHBAL KALAN FIRING

IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 04, 2022

The Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today hailed the verdict of Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissing a bunch of petitions seeking the quashing of FIR and Investigation conducted into the Behbal Kalan firing.

The Chief Minister said that the verdict has paved way for the Government to seek strict punishment against the policeman accused of firing on innocent protestors at Behbal Kalan. Lashing out at his opponents, Bhagwant Mann said both Akalis and Congress have connived with each other to save the guilty of this case. He that while desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and firing on innocent protestors took place during the Akali regime, the Congress actively shielded the perpetrators of the crime by ineffectively defending the investigation conducted into the incidents of sacrilege in Kotkapura.

The Chief Minister said that as a result of this the challan presented in the case against political leaders and senior officials was quashed by the High Court. Bhagwant Mann further said that the Akali-Congress, nexus that was shielding the accused hitherto, has been broken with the AAP Government coming into power. He said that the verdict was a result of the firm commitment of the AAP Government to bring the guilty to book as the State Government effectively defended the investigation conducted into the Behbal Kalan firing case, whereas the Congress had failed to defend the  investigation into the Kotkapura desecration incidents.

Pertinently, in a significant judgement the Punjab and Haryana High Court today dismissed a bunch of petitions filed by the accused policemen in the Behbal Kalan firing case seeking quashing of the challan presented against them in the trial court. Accepting the contention of the Advocate General (AG), the court held that the charges could be framed even on strong suspicion. The court further directed a Special Investigation Team headed by Inspector General of Police Naunihal Singh, to conduct further investigation and submit their report under Section 173 Cr.P.C before the trial Court.

Study Examined the Heavy Metal Pollution in Groundwater around a Coal Thermal Power Plant in Punjab

IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 03, 2022

Coal thermal power plants are the leading cause of environmental pollution. The fly and bottom ash from thermal power plants contain various toxic heavy metals and contaminate the environment if not appropriately managed. It affects the groundwater quality by improper disposal of coal combustion products, mainly ash which is composed of numerous heavy metals. Considering this, a team comprising experts from Panjab University and the PGIMER assessed the impact of unscientific ash disposal on groundwater quality near a thermal power plant in Ropar, Punjab, India.

Dr. Suman Mor, Chairperson, Environment Studies Department, Panjab University Chandigarh, led the research team, along with Ph.D. research scholar Nitasha Vig and Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The study  ‘Heavy metal pollution assessment of groundwater and associated health risks around coal thermal power plant, Punjab, India; recently published in the International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology being published by Springer Nature.

A total of fifty groundwater samples were collected from various depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters below ground level and varying distances from the thermal power plants during the pre and post-monsoon seasons. These samples were examined for specific heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. Various multivariate statistical models were computed to understed the geochemistry of groundwater, including the health risk assessment of metal pollution due to the consumption of contaminated groundwater.

The results show a relatively higher concentration of arsenic and lead in the groundwater around the thermal power plants. The increased levels of a few metals above the threshold limits during the post-monsoon season indicate the possible contamination of lower groundwater aquifers due to the leaching from ash ponds. The heavy metal pollution index of groundwater was also examined and found to be exceeding the critical levels. This indicates that groundwater consumption from the upper aquifer may pose health risks to the local inhabitant.

Dr. Suman Mor, Chairperson, Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, mentioned that the power plant should adopt appropriate eco-friendly technologies to avoid unscientific disposal of fly ash. She added that the coal power industry should adopt innovations to minimize the leaching of toxins from ash ponds into groundwater.

Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal, Professor of Environmental Health, Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER Chandigarh, highlighted that deepwater aquifer is currently being used for drinking and irrigation, which is safe for human and other ecological purposes. However, he stressed that we need to establish a system for routine groundwater monitoring for various toxic metals to avoid public health risks in the near future.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan writes to Chief Minister for saving Mattewara forest

IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 03, 2022

The Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandhwan has written a letter to the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for saving the Mattewara forest on the banks of river Sutlej in Ludhiana District. He has favoured taking concrete steps for increasing the forest cover in Punjab from the present level of 3.67 percent to 33 percent which is at par with the other states.

In his letter the Speaker has said that Warrior Moms, Mothers for clean air and We support our farms, Bhai Ghanaiya Cancer Roko Sewa Society, Naroa Punjab Manch besides other social institutions have given very good suggestions for increasing the forest cover. These institutions are raising important issues connected with the environment and forwarding suggestions at regular intervals in order to sensitize the Government. The rationale forwarded by such institutions to save Mattewara forest were ignored by the previous Governments which is why the destruction of Mattewara forest near Ludhiana and pollution of Sutlej waters looks certain. The Speaker further said that although all the MLAs of Punjab have been raising the issues concerned with saving the environment, in the previous Vidhan Sabha but the previous Government didn’t took any constructive step on these issues.

Writing further, Sandhwan added that the Mattewara forest issue was raised in the recent session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and the Chief Minister had assured that the chemical producing industries would not be allowed in this region. The different governments didn’t undertook any step to increase the Forest cover in the State. The degradation of the environment is having an adverse effect on people’s health too. So, it is very important to increase the security cover of trees near the industrial cities. Stemming the tide of diseases such as cancer, lung ailments, asthma etc. being caused due to the water, noise and air pollution, is the primary responsibility of the society and the Government.

Strongly recommending, the Speaker wrote that along side the raising of the issue in the Vidhan Sabha by the MLAs, in order to save the mattewara forest and save the river waters of Sutlej from being polluted apart from the new Government elected on people’s issues, strong steps are necessary to resolve the important issue at the earliest. This would lead to the common people being aware of the Government’s sensitivity towards the important issue related to the health of the masses and the Mattewara forest would be saved which is the security cover for the wild animals and the birds and keeping the environment of Ludhiana clean and green.

16Kg HEROIN RECOVERED FROM GURDASPUR: J&K HAS EMERGED AS NEW ORIGIN FOR TRANSIT OF DRUGS THROUGH PUNJAB

IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 03, 2022

A day after the big haul of 16Kg heroin recovered from Gurdaspur district, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Mohnish Chawla on Saturday said that following strict vigil at Indo-Pak Border in the state, Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a new origin for transit of drugs through Punjab.

“The investigations into the 16kg heroin recovery from Gurdaspur revealed that arrested accused persons have used National Highway (connecting Jammu to Punjab) to bring this consignment from neighbouring state Jammu by concealing it in a specially designed compartments in two Toyota Innova Crysta cars,” he said, while addressing a virtual Press Conference.

          Notably, Gurdaspur district Police had arrested four suspects after recovering 16.80Kg heroin (packed in 16 packets) after intercepting two Innova Crysta cars coming from Jammu side. Those arrested have been identified as Manjinder singh alias Manna (28), Gurdit Singh alias Gitta (35) and Bhola Singh (32), trio residents of village Cheema Kalan in Tarn Taran, and Kuldeep Singh alias Givi alias Keepa (32) of Kazi Kot road in Tarn Taran. The police have also impounded both Innova Crysta cars bearing registration numbers PB13BF7613 and PB08CX2171. A case has been registered under sections 21C, 27-A, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act at  Police Station Dinanagar.

          IGP Mohnish Chawla said that the Police have also booked the kingpin of this module identified as Malkit Singh of village Cheema Kalan in Tarn Taran, who had sent his four aides to Jammu to retrieve this 16Kg consignment. Malkit, who had earlier processed such consignments around five times in the past using the same kind of modus operandi, has already been facing three cases under NDPS act, he said, adding that the Police teams are on manhunt to arrest Malkit.

          The IGP said that investigation has revealed a modus operandi related to interstate smuggling prevalent in Punjab these days, where kingpin used virtual numbers to communicate with Jammu based Smugglers. “This is the third such case of drug smuggling from Jammu side to Punjab that has come to fore in less than one year wherein smugglers used the same modus operandi,” said IG Border Range.  

          Pertinently, the Pathankot Police had registered two such cases of heavy recovery of heroin in February this year, when around 12Kg of Heroin was recovered in the jurisdiction of Police Station Sujanpur. Similarly, Amritsar Rural Police had recovered Rs 1.9 crore of drug money along with 21Kg of Heroin from jurisdiction of Police Station Kathunangal in August last year.

 Meanwhile, the same kind of modus operandi was also noticed during the investigation of FIR no 76 dated August 16, 2022 registered in Police Station Sadar Gurdaspur where secret cavities were found fabricated in Creta car and Balck Mahindra Thar, allegedly to conceal drugs. The police had arrested three persons in this case and confiscated both the vehicles. However, no recovery was made.

CM ANNOUNCES MAJOR RELIEF FOR MOONGI CULTIVATORS

IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 03, 2022

In a path breaking initiative aimed at giving reprieve to Moong cultivators, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced to bear the gap, upto Rs 1000 per quintal, for Moong crop sold below MSP  to the farmers for Moongi crop.

Announcing the decision here on Saturday, the Chief Minister directed the Finance Department to yo ensure that no deviation from it takes place and every farmer is benefitted from it. He said that this incentive is being given to all the Moongi cultivators, including those who have already sold their crop. Bhagwant Mann said that necessary amendment in rules has been made in this regard.

The Chief Minister said that total arrival of Moong in the Year 2021-22 was 2.98 Lakh Quintal whereas after the state government has announced MSP on the crop the arrival of Moong in current season 2022-23 is expected to be 4 lakh quintals. He said that at present Moong is procured by MARKFED for the first time as per MSP worth Rs.7275 per quintal. However, Bhagwant Mann said that he had received reports that due to damage of crop, it was not being purchased on MSP.

The Chief Minister said that to bail out the farmers, who are not able to sell their grain on MSP, the state government is giving this incentive to them. Giving details, he said that for crop purchased on MSP no incentive will be there, but for the crop sold at Rs 7000 per quintal an additional support incentive worth Rs 275 per quintal is being given. Bhagwant Mann said that those farmers who sold Moongi at Rs.6,500 per quintal are being given Rs 775 as incentive and those who have sold the crop at Rs 6000 per quintal are entitled for incentive worth Rs 1000 per quintal.

Keeping in view the difficulties faced by the farmers to sell the crop, the Chief Minister said that he has already approved relaxation in existing specifications for purchase of damaged moong crop. He said that maximum limit tolerance of unripe, shriveled or immature Moongi has been enhanced to three to eight percent, that of damaged Moongi has been increased from three to six percent and that of slightly damaged Moongi has been relaxed from four to seven percent. Bhagwant Mann expressed hope that these initiatives will give much needed succour to the hard working and resilient farmers of the state who have made the country self reliant in food production by contributing immensely in national food kitty.

The Chief Minister said that more such steps will be taken in the coming times to make agriculture a profitable venture. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that these decisions will help in supplementing income of farmers on one hand and enhancing the soil health and saving precious water of state on the other.

CM LAUNCHES HONEY COATED ‘CORN FLAKES’ PRODUCED BY MARKFED

IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 03, 2022

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today launched Honey coated ‘Corn Flakes’ produced by MARKFED.

Releasing the product on Cooperation Day here on Saturday, the Chief Minister described it as a historic and path breaking initiative by MARKFED to produce this high quality product in the state. He said that the products of Markfed were renowned all over the world, due its good quality and mouth watering taste.  Likewise, Bhagwant Mann said that continuing its spree to provide quality goods to the people the MARKFED has now launched the Honey coated Corn Flakes which will be beneficial both for farmers and consumers.

The Chief Minister said that it is good to note that realizing its brand patronage and tremendous potential Markfed was exploring all the possibilities to take such unique initiatives for giving  a major fillip to the economy of the state. He said that MARKFED, the public sector undertaking of the Punjab Government, has left an impeccable imprint in global market with its quality food products adding he hoped that this newly launched quality product will further satiate the quality food needs of Punjabis residing across the globe. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that these mouth watering will capture sizeable chunk of consumer market not only in the state but across the country and even abroad.

The Chief Minister complimented the officers of MARKFED for this initiative and said that it was a step forward towards strengthening the cooperative movement and agrarian economy of the state. He said that the products of MARKFED have already created a niche for themselves in the nationwide market adding that this product would help in consolidating its position.  Bhagwant Mann also said that this grown in Punjab, product of Punjab will soon become popular amongst the people like other ones.