Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Poll code curbed number of deaths in road accidents - Punjab

Vibhor Mohan | TNN | Apr 26, 2017, 08.33 AM IST

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab assembly elections early this year had the whole government machinery on its toes and an indirect benefit of it for the general public was a considerable 9% dip in number of deaths in fatal accidents in January.

Data shows that though there has been a consistent rise in number of fatal accidents on the state's roads after the code of conduct came into effect on January 4, the numbers were less in all three months when compared to the previous year. The check on overspeeding due to barricades put up across Punjab, besides enforcement agencies keeping unauthorized flow of liquor under scanner resulted in more safety for commuters.

ADGP traffic M K Tiwari told TOI that it was an encouraging sign and traffic police would take effective steps to ensure that violations such as overspeeding and drunken driving are checked to ensure safety of commuters.

There were 343 deaths in January this year, compared to 374 in January 2016, a dip of 9.4%. After the polling on February 4, the difference in deaths was reduced to 4.9% (402 deaths in 2016 and 383 in 2017) and the gap with previous year further narrowed down further to 3.4% (422 in 2016 and 408 in 2017) in March, as by that time new government was sworn and election process was over.

Otherwise, the graph of deaths in road accidents in the state has constantly been spiraling up over the last three years (see box).

Punjab's traffic adviser Navdeep Asija said overspeeding and drunken driving were the key factors responsible for fatal accidents and intervention in form of police barricades every 30 kilometers and an eye on carrying unauthorized liquor resulted in a check on these violations. "The data can be taken as a pilot study and similar steps can be continued," he suggested.

Majority of the traffic on the core network of highways comprises two wheelers (40%) and cars (30%). Share of tractors in the total vehicle population of Punjab is 9%, but they are responsible for 20% road fatalities, same is the case of trucks and autorickshaws. These modes need special focus and mode-wise related strategies need to be prepared by the government.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has decided to set up a 'Punjab Road Safety Authority' to study the causes of road accidents and deaths with a view to minimize the same through effective planning. The plan has been approved in the first cabinet meeting of the Congress government on March 19.

Friday, April 21, 2017

PM to honour Janisar Village Panchayat of Fazilka with "Empowerment Award" at Lucknow

Fazilka, April 21, 2017:  On the eve of National Panchyati Raj Divas celebrations on April 24, at Lucknow, Prime Minister, Narendera Modi will honour Janisar Village Panchayat with Empowerment Award.

Janisar village fallses under Jalalabad Assembly constituency having population of 2600 and panchayat headed by lady sarplanch Veerpal Kaur, said Isha Kalia, DC Fazilka.

Congratulating Janisar village panchayat, DC Fazilka said, the other village panchayats should also come forward for over all development of their villages like Janisar village having its new Panchayat Ghar, Civil Hospital, Gym, Stadium, Animal Husbanda hospital, Electricity Sub Station, SC Dharamshala, metalled streets and four-wall of pond.

Surinder Singh Dhillon, DDPO said, in the village, two important places called 'Sathan' have been constructed in the village with special arrangements of solar light fittings besides maintaining cleanliness in the village and village roads, streets are garbage-free.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Groundwater tables dipping in 67% of Punjab

CHANDIGARH: The new Congress government has not hinted at any changing the policy of free electricity to farmers, though the water tables in the state continue to decline in most districts. In the 67% of area of the state, there was a general decline of water levels in 65% of the wells in August 2016, as compared to August 2015.

According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) which is going to release its annual report next month, groundwater levels declined in the range of 0-2 meters in 57% of the area, 2-4 meters in 8% of area and more than 4 meters in 1% of the state.

The decadal mean fluctuations (2006-2015) shows decline in 75% of observation wells monitored covering about 81% area of the state. The decline has been observed across Punjab and there is dip of 2-4 meters in 20% of the state's area.

At the same time, says S K Jain, regional director of CGWB, there has also been rise in water levels in 35% of wells monitored, which cover 33% area of the state. "The efforts to convince farmers to delay their paddy cropping could be a factor," he said.

Water levels have risen in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Jalandhar, and Mohali. The positive trend is based on data collected in August 2016, and it was also observed in all the districts of southwestern parts of the state.

Irrigation experts, meanwhile, point out that the rise in water table in particular pockets could be due to the poor quality of water, which results in locals turning to other alternative sources. "Unless the state government goes in for some unpopular policy decisions such as removing power subsidy and capping boring of tube wells, things will not improve," said environmentalist.

Very shallow water levels of 0-2 m (causing waterlogging) occur in more than 1% of wells and is spread over 1% of the state in south-western parts in Muktsar and Fazilka districts. Water levels between 5-10 m have been observed in the northern part (Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Hoshiarpur districts), south and southwestern parts (Fazilka, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda and Mansa districts), eastern parts of Ropar and Mohali districts.

Ban on cobra fencing re-notified in Fazilka to save animals, human lives

Gaurav Sagar Bhaskar
19th April 2017
The Fazilka administration has re-notified the ban on the sale and use of 'cobra fencing' (bladed edged iron wire mesh) in the entire district in a bid to protect wild animals in the open wildlife sanctuary in Abohar, a subdivision of Fazilka district. Three persons and a dozen of animals have become prey to cobra fencing in the past one year.

Due to the installation of the cobra fencing, especially in farms as well as the other landholdings in the area that also has a sanctuary, various animals have been sustaining serious and even fatal injuries. while crossing over.

On April 3 last, one Vinod Kumar. 28, of Seed Farm Colony, Abohar, was killed and his friend Sunehri Pal sustained injuries when the motorcycle they were riding barged into a cobra wire that a farmer had installed around his fields near Jandwala Hanvanta village on the Abohar-Sri Ganganagar road.

The representatives of various animal welfare societies as well as the local Bishnoi community had demanded a ban on the use of cobra fencing near the sanctuary area.

"The district administration had last year invoked powers under Section 144 of the CrPC to ban the sale, purchase and installation of cobra wire fencing around agricultural farms. Yet three persons and a dozen cattle heads had died in such mishaps," said  Nand Kishore Bhobhria, president of the Shri Hanuman Gau Sewa Samiti, an NGO,

"Even presently such wire mesh  is being sold by iron and hardware shops in Mukherjee Market, Gandhi Ground, Circular Road and other markets," said Nand Kishore.

Fazilka deputy commissioner Isha Kalia on Monday re-issued the order prohibiting the sale, purchase and installation of the cobra fencing in the entire district.  When contacted, she said that orders were issued to save humans as well as animals.

"I will seek a report from SSP Fazika regarding the action or cases registered for violation above orders and also ensure the implementation of the order in letter and spirit in future," she claimed.

Last year, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change, considering the environmental resources of incomparable value in the the wildlife sanctuary, issued a notification to declare the sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ), intended to help protect its inhabitants and also promote tourism in the vicinity.Around 100m diameter area of the sanctuary was declared an ESZ under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, wherein, inter alia, identified projects or activities would be regulated or prohibited as the case may be, in a site-specific manner.

The sanctuary is known for the highest number of black bucks in India, besides other protected species.

The sanctuary is Asia's largest open wildlife sanctuary with an area of 46,513 acres in 13 villages, reportedly having 1,812 male and 2,120 female black bucks besides 368 kids.

Chinkara black buck is a scheduled animal and highly endangered like tigers and lions. The sanctuary has 3,732 male, 2,486 female and 804 kids of blue bull, besides 5,000 'titars', about 121 peacocks, innumerable rabbits, besides other birds in huge numbers, according to the last count conducted in last March.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

A meal for Rs 10 in Starts in Fazilka | Daily Post Punjabi


11th Fazilka Heritage Festival-2017 from April 13-16

Fazilka, April 1, 2017:  Graduates Welfare Association Fazilka and Punjab Milkfed Verka will organize 11th Fazilka Heritage Festival -2017 from April 13-16, 2017.
Giving information, Navdeep Asija, Secretary of GWAF said, the first night of the festival has been given the name of Vaisakhi Bunglows to be presided over by Dr.Meera Chadha, IPS as Chief Guest who is the product of Fazilka schools.
On the second day, “Udaan” programme will he organized to be addressed by Dr.Meera Chadha to the aspirants students for government jobs, IPS or senior officer in the police department.
The third day of the festival has been given the name of “Umeed”.   On this day, the achievements of the youths and their future plans will be discussed besides honouring those who have excelled in the shining of Fazilka.
The last and the concluding day will be dedicated to the tourism in Fazilka under “Mehak Sarhad Di” titled programme to be presided over by the officers of Border Security Force.
Media Partner of the festival will be Sarhad Kesari, Social Media Partner Fazilka Online and Creative Partner Trilesh Creations.
http://www.babushahi.com/full-news.php?id=58281

Youth feted at Fazilka Heritage Festival

Our Correspondent
Fazilka, April 16

Fazilka youths who brought laurels to the town were conferred with the Youth Icon Award on Saturday night in the four-day heritage festival being organised by the Graduates Welfare Association, Fazilka (GWAF), an NGO, in association with Verka and Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board.
On the third night, “Umeed” was dedicated to youths of Fazilka.
GWAF general secretary Navdeep Asija said young educationist Dr Amit Juneja, renowned painter Anil Gehlot, noted cricket commentator Dr Sunil Taneja, urban planner Arsh Doda, theatre artiste and actor Mintu Kappa, musician Manjinder Taneja and sarpanch of Awa village Shavinder Singh were honoured.
On Friday night, which was dedicated to Fazilka women, Dr Meera Chadha Borwankar, Director General of Police, Bureau of Police Research and Development, Delhi, was conferred with “Fazilka Ratna” award.
Dr Purnima Nagpal, an economist from Fazilka, who is the Director of Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt, Germany, and Anukriti Jhamb, a noted travel blogger, presently studying in London, were also presented the Youth Icon Award.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/community/youth-feted-at-fazilka-heritage-fest/393176.html

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Power women ask young girls to fly high to achieve big dreams

Neel Kamal| TNN | Apr 15, 2017, 05.43 PM IST



BATHINDA: The four power women having a connection with the border town of Fazilka got together on Friday under the flagship conclave 'Uddan' aiming to set an example for the younger generation especially the girls to dream big and make a flight(uddan) to realise those dreams. 'Uddan' though is the flagship project of 2009 batch IAS officer and Fazilka Deputy Commissioner Isha Kalia but 1981 batch IPS officer of Maharashtra cadre Meeran Chadha Borwankar, who is native of Fazilka, made all the flights and gave tips for youngsters to achieve big.
'Uddan' was held under the aegis of the 11th Fazilka heritage festival, an annual art and cultural festival of the Fazilka region being organised by Graduate welfare association, Fazilka led by traffic advisor Punjab Navdeep Asija. A score of young girls and women participated in the 'Uddan'. The fest started in the evening of April 13 will continue till 16. Apart from Meeran Chadha and Isha Kalia, the 2010 batch IRS officer Swati Chopra and 2013 batch IPS officer Kanwardeep Kaur, who is posted as SP(Headquarters)Fazilka shared their vision.
'Uddan Conclave' is aimed to empower girls and women to conquer their dreams. The main objective of the initiative is to inspire girls to have a vision of what they want to achieve and work towards attaining it. Taking it forward Meeran Chadha, who is Director General of Police, Bureau of police research and development in Mumbai, said that "the person needs to have clarity in mind as to what he or she aspires to do in life and the person need to be focussed on achieving the goals". Pointing towards the young girls she said that never feel the gender inequality and not feel it a hurdle being a woman. In Maharashtra I have seen more confidence among girls and women and the society too accepts it. In a sense of pride she told that the people in Maharashtra like the women officers more and have more faith in women officers than male counterparts".
In the conclave moderated by sports commentator Sunil Taneja, Isha Kalia said that one need to dream big to achieve big but need to differentiate between your official and personal life. When you are of official duty put everything behind and focus only on your work and think about welfare of people but at home turn into a daughter, mother or wife.
Swati Chopra, who is wife of Fazilka SSP Ketan Baliram Patil, said that while discharging your duties everyone need to focus on mental health. A mentally healthy person could do justicve with what he/she destined.
Kanwardeep Singh talked about role of women officers in maintaining law and order. Meeran Chadha Borwankar was honoured with Fazilka Rattan award whereas two young girls Anukriti Jhamb and Purnima Nagpal will be honoured late in the evening with youth icon award for being super achiever.
Meeran Chadha was first IPS officer from Fazilka. She was first ever women to be posted as Commissioner of Mumbai Crime Branch in its 150-year long history. The 2014 movie Rani Mukerjee starrer 'Mardani' was inspired from Meeran Chadha' role as Mumbai crime branch head.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/power-women-ask-young-girls-to-fly-high-to-achieve-big-dreams/articleshow/58194872.cms

महिलाओं को समर्पित रही विरासत महोत्सव की दूसरी नाइट

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का
16th April 2017
स्थानीय प्रताप बाग में ग्रेजुएट वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन द्वारा आयोजित 11वें चार दिवसीय फाजिल्का विरासत महोत्सव की दूसरी नाइट 'उड़ान' महिलाओं को समर्पित रही। भारी संख्या में पहुंचे लोगों ने प्रस्तुत मनोरंजक व ज्ञानवर्धक कार्यक्रम का आनंद लिया। दूसरी नाइट के कार्यक्रम का आगाज बतौर मुख्य मेहमान शामिल डीजीपी ब्यूरो ऑफ पुलिस रिसर्च एंड डेवलपमेंट मुंबई मीरा चढ्डा बोरवांकर, डिप्टी कमिश्नर कस्टम स्वाति चोपड़ा, एसपीएच कंवरदीप कौर ने दीप प्रज्जवलित करके किया। महिलाओं को समर्पित इस कार्यक्रम में लंदन स्कूल ऑफ इकानॉमिक से शिक्षित, प्रमुख अर्थशास्त्री बैं¨कग, बोर्ड ऑफ डायरेक्टर को सीधी रिपोर्ट करने के लिए अधिकृत डायचे बैंक जर्मनी फ्रेंकफर्ड में नियुक्त इस सीमांत नगर की पूर्णिमा नागपाल व देश-विदेश के शहरों के प्रमुख व्यंजनों पर शोध कर लेख प्रकाशित करने वाली भारत की दस प्रमुख महिला लेखकों में शामिल, स्कूल टिफिन व इस नगर की प्रमुख मिठाई तोशे से लेख माला शुरू करने वाली अनुकृति झांब को यूथ आईकॉन अवार्ड से सम्मानित किया गया। अनुकृति की गैर हाजिरी में उनके माता पिता सीमा-गोल्डी झांब द्वारा सम्मान हासिल किया गया।

इस मौके पर मीरा चढ्डा को फाजिल्का रत्न से अलंकृत किया गया। मंच संचालन नितिन सेतिया, चंदन कामरा, पंकज धमीजा व रवि खुराना द्वारा किया गया। मेहमानों ने आयोजित कार्यक्रम की मुक्तकंठ से सराहना की। गवफ के सचिव इंजीनियर नवदीप असीजा ने सभी मेहमानों का आभार व्यक्त किया। इससे पूर्व विभिन्न स्कूलों की बच्चियों द्वारा दिलकश कार्यक्रम प्रस्तुत किया गया। सीमांत गांव चक्क खीवां की खीवा सिस्टर्स 13 वर्षीय पूजा व 8 वर्षीय वीरपाल द्वारा सुरीली आवाज में प्रस्तुत कार्यक्रम आकर्षण का केंद्र रहा। कार्यक्रम का आगाज फाजिल्का रत्न से अलंकृत मास्टर कृष्ण शाम द्वारा 'राग कल्याण' सितार वादन करके किया गया। प्रमुख संगीतकार मन¨जदर तनेजा के संगीत के स्वरों ने श्रोताओं के दिल को छुआ व प्रसिद्ध गायक हैप्पी डिलाइट ने खूब वाहवाही लूटी। इलाके के उभरते गायकों ने गीत प्रस्तुत कर दर्शकों की खूब तालियां बटोरी।

- See more at: http://www.jagran.com/punjab/fazilka-fazilka-heritage-festival-15860357.html#sthash.9zgSOa40.dpuf