Fazilka Rocks

FIR lodged against son of former Congress MLA Mahinder Rinva

2012-02-02T12:10:00.001+05:30

By Harish K Monga
FAZILKA: The Fazilka City Police Station has registered a case for the incident of manhandling during the recently concluded Assembly elections, with Sanjiv Sachdeva resident of Arya Samaj.

As per the statement given to the police by Sanjiv Sachdeva, on 30 January, at about 5 pm, he alongwith Ranjam Kamra ex-chairman block youth congress and now joint secretay, was going in his car on Raja Cinema road when just opposite the Pediwal Dharamshsla, a youth named Gaurav, took a table from the nearby shop and throw it on the front glass of the car. Exactly at same time, from a car, which was being driven by an unidentified person, Sidharth son of Mahinder Kumar Rinva Ex MLA Congress, who was having a basebat and Rimpal residentbof Fazilka and Chamkaur Singh resident of Senia and 3-4 unidentified persons, came out of the vehicles and started damaging the car.

Sachdeva said that Ranjam started shouting while coming out of the car and threatened with dire consequences and left the place. Sachdeva further said that he was forcibly being taken in the car but on seeing the police vehicles from a distance, all whisked away from the scene leaving him there. Police has registered a case on the statement of Sanjiv Sachdeva and the exact cause of dispute will benknown only after the investigation.

http://www.punjabnewsline.com/~punjabne/content/fir-lodged-against-son-former-congress-mla-mahinder-rinva/36557

सोशल नेटवर्किंग साइट्स से जुडे़ उम्मीदवार

2012-01-24T18:19:00.001+05:30

अमृत सचदेवा, फाजिल्का

चुनाव प्रचार पर चुनाव आयोग के डंडे के डर से इस बार बैनर, झंडों, पोस्टर व अन्य प्रकार की सामग्री तो उम्मीदवार प्रयोग नहीं कर पा रहे, लेकिन हाईटेक युग में एक-दूसरे के साथ कनेक्ट रहने का माध्यम बनी सोशल नेटवर्किंग साइट्स को उम्मीदवारों ने हाईटेक प्रचार का अंग बना लिया है। इन दिनों सोशल नेटवर्किंग साइट्स पर उम्मीदवारों और उनके समर्थकों की ओर से अपने सोशल नेटवर्किंग साइट के जरिए दोस्तों से अपने उम्मीदवारों के पक्ष में मतदान की अपील की जा रही है।

हाईटेक युग में भारी संख्या में लोग इंटरनेट का प्रयोग करते हैं। फाजिल्का की बात करें तो बीएसएनएल, कनेक्ट सहित विभिन्न दूरसंचार कंपनियों के करीब तीन हजार कनेक्शन हैं। एक कनेक्शन को एवरेज 5-7 लोग इस्तेमाल करते हैं। इस प्रकार इंटरनेट प्रयोग करने वाले करीब 20 हजार लोगों में से 10 हजार से अधिक लोग फेसबुक, ट्वीटर, आरकुट सरीखी सोशल नेटवर्किंग साइट्स के जरिए एक दूसरे से जुड़े हुए हैं। इतने बड़े समूह में अपना संदेश पहुंचाने के लिए जहां उम्मीदवार अपनी साइट से अपने फ्रेंडशिप सर्किल में अपना प्रचार कर रहे हैं वहीं उनके समर्थक भी अपने सर्किल में अपने उम्मीदवार को जिताने की अपील कर रहे हैं। इसका सीधा फायदा ये है कि फ्री में प्रचार हो रहा है वहीं इन साइट्स पर चुनाव आयोग की टेढ़ी नजर न होने का फायदा भी उम्मीदवारों को मिल रहा है।

इस बारे में एडीसी कम सहायक चुनाव अधिकारी चरणदेव सिंह मान से बात की गई तो उन्होंने कहा कि इंटरनेट के जरिये चुनावी विज्ञापनों पर रोक तो है लेकिन अभी तक उन्हें इस बारे में कोई हिदायत नहीं मिली है कि सोशल नेटवर्किंग साइट्स पर हो रहा प्रचार विज्ञापन की श्रेणी में आता है या नहीं।

http://www.jagran.com/punjab/firozpur-8809778.html

बाधा लेक के पक्ष में उतरी साइंस एंड टेक्नोलॉजी कौंसिल

2012-01-20T01:12:00.000+05:30

बाधा झील और बंगला किनारे पुडा की ओर से बसाई जाने वाली कॉलोनी के मामले में पंजाब एंड हरियाणा हाई कोर्ट ने पंजाब पॉल्यूशन कंट्रोल बोर्ड, पंजाब स्टेट साइंस एंड टेक्नोलॉजी कौंसिल और पंजाब फॉरेस्ट एंड वाइल्डलाइफ डिपार्टमेंट को नोटिस भेज कर जवाब देने का आदेश जारी किया था, लेकिन सिर्फ पंजाब स्टेट साइंस एंड टेक्नोलॉजी कौंसिल ने ही जवाब दिया है।
जबकि अन्य दोनों विभागों को 21 मार्च तक जवाब देने को कहा है। कोर्ट ने इन विभागों से पूछा था कि पुडा की ओर से बाधा लेक किनारे कॉलोनी बसाने से वहां के वातावरण और प्रकृति पर क्या असर पड़ेगा। फॉरेस्ट विभाग से पूछा गया था कि वहां पेड़ों को काटने से वातावरण पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ेगा।
साइंस एंड टेक्नोलॉजी कौंसिल ने अदालत में बताया कि लेक क्षेत्र के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है और इस लेक को बचाने के लिए उपाय करने चाहिए। याद रहे कि पुडा की ओर से कोर्ट में बताया गया है कि मौके पर कुछ ही पेड़ हैं। चीफ जस्टिस एमएम कुमार और जस्टिस राजीव नारायण रेना की बेंच ने इसकी रिपोर्ट मांगी है। यह याचिका फाजिल्का के जागरूक नागरिक नवदीप असीजा की और से दायर की गई है। (लछमण)

http://www.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-OTH-1760107-2765470.html

पुडा के पास फंसे लोगों के साढ़े छह करोड़

2012-01-20T01:10:00.000+05:30

अमृत सचदेवा, फाजिल्का

पर्यावरण संरक्षण के नियमों की अनदेखी करने के खिलाफ दायर याचिका के चलते फाजिल्का में सूख चुकी बाधा झील के किनारे कालोनी काटने की पंजाब अर्बन डेवलपमेंट अथारिटी (पुडा) की उम्मीदों को झटका लगा है। मामला हाईकोर्ट में जाने के चलते लोगों द्वारा उक्त कालोनी में प्लाट की बोली में शामिल होने के लिए जमा करवाए करीब साढ़े छह करोड़ रुपये भी फंस गए हैं।

बता दें कि पुडा ने फाजिल्का में सूख चुकी बाधा झील के किनारे पांच एकड़ भूमि में कालोनी काटने की घोषणा की थी। साथ ही इस संबंधी मुनादी करवाकर व इश्तहार जारी करवा लोगों से बोली में शामिल होने के लिए रुपये भी जमा करवाए थे। सैकड़ों लोगों ने कालोनी में प्लाट हासिल करने के लिए करीब साढ़े छह करोड़ रुपये जमा करवाए हैं। लेकिन इससे टूरिस्ट प्लेस व पर्यावरण संरक्षण के तहत कालोनी के कारण बाधा झील बचाने के प्रयास समाप्त होने की आशंका के चलते स्थानीय निवासी सिविल इंजीनियर नवदीप असीजा ने हाईकोर्ट में एक याचिका दायर कर कालोनी निर्माण रोकने की गुहार लगाई थी। याचिका में असीजा ने कहा कि पुडा ने कालोनी काटने से पहले पंजाब स्टेट साइंस एंड टेक्नोलोजी काउंसिल, पंजाब फारेस्ट एंड वाइल्ड लाइफ डिपार्टमेंट एवं पंजाब प्रदूषण नियंत्रण विभाग से सहमती हासिल नहीं की। इंजीनियर असीजा ने याचिका में इस बात का हवाला भी दिया था कि पंजाब स्टेट साइंस एंड टेक्नोलोजी काउंसिल ने उक्त जगह पर पर्यावरण संरक्षण के लिहाज से पंजाब के 32 वेटलैंड में शामिल फाजिल्का बाधा झील को बचाने की सिफारिश की हुई है। इस पर हाईकोर्ट ने तीनों विभागों को तलब किया है। 17 जनवरी को पंजाब स्टेट साइंस एंड टेक्नोलोजी काउंसिल ने तो अपना वकील भेज जवाब दे दिया, जबकि अन्य दो विभाग पेश नहीं हुए। मामले की सुनवाई करते हुए चीफ जस्टिस रंजन गोगोई व जस्टिस मोहित ग्रोवर की बैंच ने अगली सुनवाई 21 मार्च को मुकर्रर की है।

http://www.jagran.com/punjab/firozpur-8787226.html

‘Technology in harmony with nature is need of the hour’ - Atul Kirloskar on Fazilka Ago Park

2012-01-19T09:08:00.001+05:30

There is ENDLESS SCOPE For POWER GENERATION FROM AGRI WASTE IN NORTH INDIA, SAYS ATUL KIRLOSKAR, cmd, KIRLOSKAR GROUP, IN AN Interaction WITH JATIN TAKKAR, Daily Post, 19 January 2012, Daily Business

Kirloskar Group is a $1.20 billion engineering conglomerate driving critical industries. The Group is a century old pioneer in areas like power, construction, mining, agriculture, transport, oil, gas and environment protection industry, with a range of world-class industrial products and turnkey services. The Group is made up of eight major companies, each led by the best engineering and managerial talent in India. "We have a group turnover of Rs 2,000 crore approximately. We make equipment, machinery and high-precision engineering products for the transport sector, including shipbuilding, railways, roads and cargo," said Atul Kirloskar, Chairman and Managing Director, Kirloskar Group, while interacting with Daily Post. He said that the Group had a major presence in the auto components, rubber and plastics, textiles and also consumer goods industries. "In addition to engineering, we have interests in civic utility systems and in Information Technology (IT) and communications sector as well," he said. Here are excerpts:

Tell us something about your company's Agro Park venture being set up in Fazilka.

Agro Park is based on public private partnership (PPP) model. The project is being jointly executed by Punjab Agro Industries Corporation Limited (PAIC) and Sampuran Agri Ventures, a unit of food-processing company Nasa Agro and Kirloskar Group. Under the project, water bodies would be created over the land, which have turned waste due to waterlogging, by creating crystals of sodium, cleaning the water for agriculture and drinking purpose, and subsequently using the surplus water for the production of fish.

What role does your company play in the Agro Park project?

We have developed a paddy straw based biogas plant, specifically for this region with forward integration to use brackish water for biogas digesters and processing paddy straw residue into bio-fertilisers with silica, cellulose and lignin content ideal to revive the alkaline soils and promote other allied activities for the economic development of the region. Besides this, we have 10 per cent stake in the park. The park would be generating 30,000 cubic litres of bio-gas from paddy straw, which in result will generate one megawatt power.

Your Group is focusing on sustainable development technologies. Your take, please.

The sustainable development has always been an important aspect of our value system and we have always demonstrated the same through our actions. We are committed to contribute in reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by implementing green technologies. The waste disposal is a major problem faced in the agriculture and industry sector, as well as the municipal corporations. Our Group firm Kirloskar Intergrated Technology Limited (KITL), has an exhaustive research background in 'biomass to energy' processes and has filed several patents in these areas. The company offers distributed sustainable solutions in green technologies and renewable energy on turnkey basis.

What are the products offered by KITL for generating energy through renewable sources?

Our Group is providing renewable energy solutions under five models, while Kirloskar Sanjeevani Home Energy System is specifically meant for the rural areas of India. It is a hybrid system of biogas and solar power comes with two cubic per metre biogas plant, two solar panels, two solar lanterns and biogas stove. We have come up with biogas based rural energy solutions also. Beside this, the biogas based solutions, which has been innovated by KITL are generating local employment to enrich and empower the rural people of the nation. We think that we are moving in the right direction with all seriousness.

जल, पानी और संसाधनों की बचत देश का खजाना

2012-01-18T09:40:00.002+05:30

गांव कौडियांवाली में स्थित आदर्श मॉडल स्कूल में पेट्रोलियम संरक्षण अनुसंधान संगठन की ओर से संस्थानिक प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्रम का आयोजन किया गया।
इसमें आईआईटी रूड़की से सेवानिवृत प्रोफेसर व ऊर्जा पुरुष डॉक्टर भूपिंद्र सिंह विशेष तौर पर पहुंचे। कार्यक्रम का उद्देश्य विद्यार्थियों को पर्यावरण सरंक्षण व प्राकृतिक संसाधनों के उचित उपयोग के प्रति जागरूक करना था।
कार्यक्रम में ग्रेजुएट्स वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन फाजिल्का के अध्यक्ष एडवोकेट उमेश कुक्कड़ मुख्य अतिथि थे, जबकि अध्यक्षता प्रिंसिपल अश्वनी आहूजा ने की। इस मौके पर डॉक्टर भूपिंद्र सिंह ने शुद्ध जल, वायु और संसाधनों की बचत करना ही देश के लिए आर्थिक स्तर पर लाभप्रद बताया। कार्यक्रम की संयोजक शीनम गोकलानी थी। कार्यक्रम के दूसरे सत्र में ऊर्जा संरक्षण विषय पर क्विज प्रतियोगिता का आयोजन किया गया।
इसमें अजय कुमार ने प्रथम, पूजा ने द्वितीय और समरीत ने तृतीय स्थान हासिल किया। एडवोकेट उमेश कुक्कड़ ने बच्चों को जीवन में उच्च नैतिक मूल्यों व प्रबंध के बारे में जानकारी दी।
इस मौके पर हास्य कलाकार जसपाल भट्ठी की ओर से निर्देशित घरेलू ऊर्जा सरंक्षण पर एक डाक्यूमेंट्री भी दिखाई गई। इस मौके पर मनीष गुप्ता, परविंद्र कौर, आज्ञाकार सिंह, सुनीता वधवा, जगदीप सिंह, राम अचल यादव, प्रदीप पाहवा आदि मौजूद थे। (लछमण)

http://www.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-OTH-1753414-2756541.html

फाजिल्का वासी चाहते हैं पर्यावरण पर लड़ें नेता

2012-01-18T09:40:00.001+05:30

सभी सियासी दलों की ओर से राज्य के विकास और लोगों को सुविधाएं देने का वादा स्टेजों पर गूंज रहा है, मगर अब लोग इसके साथ ही पर्यावरण से जुड़े मुद्दों को भी चुनाव अभियान का हिस्सा बनाने की मांग करने लगे हैं। लोगों का सियासी पार्टियों से अनुरोध है कि विधानसभा चुनाव में हरित ऊर्जा के स्रोतों के उपयोग से जुड़े मुद्दे को चुनाव प्रचार का अभिन्न हिस्सा बनाएं। इसके साथ ही जलवायु परिवर्तन जैसे पर्यावरण से जुड़े मुद्दों को उठाएं।
मालवा रोगों की चपेट में
एडवोकेट मनोज त्रिपाठी का कहना है कि आज पर्यावरण तेजी से बिगड़ रहा है। खासकर मालवा क्षेत्र में लोग विभिन्न बीमारियों का शिकार हैं। जिला फाजिल्का और फिरोजपुर में बहने वाले सतलुज दरिया के दूषित पानी का कुप्रभाव लोगों पर पड़ा है। इस कारण फाजिल्का के गांव तेजा रुहेला और दोना नानका में अधिकांश ग्रामीण बीमारियों से पीडि़त हैं। असर भावी पीढ़ी पर
इंजीनियर नवदीप असीजा ने बताया कि राज्य में 32 वैटलैंड थी, लेकिन अब वैटलैंड के नाम पर कुछ नहीं रहा। देशभर में दूषित हो रहे पर्यावरण का असर भावी पीढ़ी पर पड़ेगा। इससे बचने के लिए पानी और बिजली के बेवजह का इस्तेमाल रोका जाए। उम्मीद है कि पर्यावरण को चुनावी घोषणा पत्र में शामिल किया जाए।
पानी सबके लिए जरूरी
लेक्चरर अश्वनी आहूजा के अनुसार जलस्रोतों एवं जल निकायों की गंभीर उपेक्षा, भू-जल के बेतरतीब दोहन आदि से साफ जाहिर है कि आम आदमी तक पानी पहुंचाने की घोषणाएं निरर्थक हो चुकी हैं। चाहे किसानी का मसला हो या व्यक्तिगत उपयोग का, पानी की जरूरत तो जीव-जंतु-इंसान सभी को होती है। इस जरूरत को पूरा करने के लिए ऐसे मुद्दे उठने चाहिए।पैदा होगी अन्न की कमी
जमींदारा फार्मासल्यूशन के निदेशक विक्रम आहूजा का कहना है कि पर्यावरण दूषित होने के असर सभी जीव-जंतुओं पर पड़ रहा है। मित्र कीड़ों की कमी हो रही है। भूमि की उपजाऊ शक्ति खत्म होने लगी है। अगर ऐसा रहा तो आने वाले समय में अन्न की कमी हो जाएगी, इसलिए जरूरी है कि पर्यावरण को मुद्दा बनाया जाए।

http://www.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-OTH-1757002-2761534.html

संसाधनों की बचत देश के लिए जरूरी : डा. भुपेंद्र

2012-01-18T09:36:00.000+05:30

अपने सूत्र, फाजिल्का

गांव कौड़ियावाली स्थित आदर्श माडल स्कूल में भारत सरकार के पैट्रोलियम एवं प्राकृतिक गैस मंत्रालय के उपक्रम पैट्रोलियम संरक्षण अनुसंधान संगठन की ओर से प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्रम आयोजित किया गया। इसका नेतृत्व आईआईटी रूड़की से सेवानिवृत प्रोफेसर एवं ऊर्जा पुरुष के रूप में विख्यात डा. भूपेन्द्र सिंह ने किया।

कार्यक्रम का उद्देश्य विद्यार्थियों को पर्यावरण संरक्षण एवं प्राकृतिक संसाधनों के उचित उपयोग के प्रति जागरूक करना था। कार्यक्रम के मुख्यातिथि एडवोकेट एवं ग्रेजुएट्स वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन के अध्यक्ष उमेश कुक्कड़ थे। कार्यक्रम की अध्यक्षता प्रिंसिपल अश्विनी आहूजा ने की। इस अवसर पर डा. भूपेन्द्र सिंह ने कहा कि शुद्ध जल, शुद्ध वायु और संसाधनों की बचत करना देश के लिए आर्थिक स्तर पर लाभप्रद होगा। कार्यक्रम की संयोजक शीनम गोकलानी थीं। कार्यक्रम के दूसरे सत्र में ऊर्जा संरक्षण विषय पर क्विज भी करवाया गया। इसमें आठवीं एवं नौवीं के विद्यार्थियों ने भाग लिया। कार्यक्रम में अजय कुमार ने प्रथम, पूजा ने द्वितीय और समरीत ने तृतीय स्थान प्राप्त किया। इस अवसर पर प्रसिद्ध कलाकार जसपाल भट्टी द्वारा निर्देशित घरेलू ऊर्जा संरक्षण पर एक डाक्यूमेंट्री भी दिखाई गई। इस अवसर पर मनीष कुमार गुप्ता, परविंदर कौर, आज्ञाकार सिंह, सुनील वधवा, जगदीप सिंह, राम अचल यादव व प्रदीप चावला मौजूद थे।

बाक्स

पर्यावरण बचाने के लिए निकाली रैली

इको क्लब सरकारी मिडिल स्कूल रामकोट की ओर से वृक्षों को बचाने व वातावरण को साफ-सुथरा और हरा भरा बनाने के लिए रामकोट गांव में रैली निकाली गई। इस दौरान बच्चों व अध्यापकों ने बैनर व पोस्टरों के माध्यम से वातावरण को साफ रखने के लिए लोगों को जागरूक किया औन पेड़ों की रक्षा करने का प्रण दिलाया|

http://www.jagran.com/punjab/firozpur-8778396.html

पंजाब की विशेषता धनी संस्कृति : डेनिस

2012-01-14T13:28:00.001+05:30

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का

पंजाब की विशेषता यहां की अमीर संस्कृति है। इसे यहां के लोग व शैक्षणिक संगठन बेहतर ढंग से विकसित कर रहे हैं। यह शब्द ब्रिगेडियर अरुल डेनिस ने गीता इंस्टीट्यूट आफ मैनेजमेंट एंड टेक्नोलोजी की ओर से राम पैलेस में आयोजित वार्षिकोत्सव एवं लोहड़ी पर्व पर आयोजित जश्न-2012 में बतौर मुख्यातिथि के रूप में हिस्सा लेते कहे।

कार्यक्रम की शुरूआत ब्रिगेडियर डेनिस व उनकी पत्‍‌नी शांति डेनिस और इंस्टीट्यूट के स्टाफ ने दीप प्रज्ज्वलित कर की। कार्यक्रम के दौरान विद्यार्थियों ने भंगड़ा, गिद्दा, देशभक्ति पर शहीद भगत सिंह की जीवनी पर आधारित कोरियोग्राफी प्रस्तुत कर खूब वाहवाही लूटी। उपस्थिति को शिक्षाविद् राजकिशोर कालड़ा, टेक चंद धूड़िया, लेक्चरर विजय मोंगा, शक्ति उतरेजा, पंकज धमीजा ने भी संबोधित किया। इंस्टीट्यूट के निदेशक डा. विनोद कुमार ने उपस्थिति का आभार प्रकट किया। इस दौरान सिक्किम मणिपाल यूनिवर्सिटी के घोषित एमबीए की परीक्षा में अव्वल मेजर शलभ चौधरी, संदीप बठला, रोहित सिडाना व राघव बिहाणी को भी सम्मानित किया गया। डा. विनोद कुमार व स्टाफ ने मुख्यातिथि ब्रिगेडियर डेनिस, विशिष्ट अतिथि कर्नल आशुतोष बहुगुणा, मेजर शलभ चौधरी, डीसीजी (बीएसएफ) सुखदेव, टेक चंद धूड़िया, विक्टर छाबड़ा, राजकिशोर कालड़ा, प्रिंसिपल दयानंद, कैप्टन गौरव राठी, विजय मोंगा, संदीप बठला व अन्य मेहमानों को स्मृति चिन्ह भेंट कर सम्मानित किया।

http://www.jagran.com/punjab/firozpur-8761314.html

Fazilka Tourism : Jyani Natural Farm - Farm Tourism in Fazilka

2012-01-13T16:35:00.001+05:30

Jyani Natural Farm, Katehra, Fazilka (Punjab) documentary made by students of Asian Pacific Institute of Management, New Delhi on a visit to a Farmhouse Holiday

Part I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHhX-RQt2p8

Part II

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKblY6xccQw

A rickshaw puller and an author of four books

2012-01-12T16:34:00.001+05:30

Lucknow: Rehman Ali Rehman, a rickshaw puller in Uttar Pradesh's Basti district, doesn't mind if has to wait long for a customer. He uses the time to scribble on pieces of paper - poems for his forthcoming book.

Rehman, a native of Badeban village in Basti district, has already penned four books that have a total collection of around 400 poems on topics like national integration, communal harmony, water woes and corruption.

"I don't mind when I don't get a 'savari' (customer) for my rickshaw, as I utilise the time in writing poems," Rehman, 55, told IANS on a mobile phone arranged by a local in Basti, some 300 km from here.

"Writing poems is an integral part of my life. I feel it is a driving force that gives me strength to face hardships of life," he said.

Rehman, a school dropout, always wanted to become a writer.

"My father was a small famer. When I was about to pass Class 10, my father had nothing left to spend on our family. The small farm we had was also sold for my studies," he recalled.

"After my father's death, I left my studies and took up menial jobs. I had no resources and time to pursue my ambition."

Rehman then went to Kanpur and worked at a cinema hall.

"I got to watch Hindi movies at the cinema hall. I used to listen to songs carefully and noted some words from them. Thereafter, I tried to write songs on my own."

With his songs, Rehman became popular among the cinema hall staff.

"They (cinema hall officials) often listened to my songs. They motivated me to take up a writer's job. I just felt on top of the world when they appreciated me for my songs," he said.

"Earlier, I used to write songs on love relationships, but later I started writing poems on national integration, communal harmony and other topics."

He later moved back to his native village where he got married and started working as a rickshaw-puller but continued to write songs and poems.

Rehman got his first book published with assistance from a customer, who happened to be a writer.

"A 'savari' once noticed me writing on a piece of paper. He asked me about it after which he came to know about my aspirations."

"He invited me to recite poems at a function at the district Kanpur jail on Republic Day," he added.

Unaware of what life had in store for him, Rehman participated in the function and discovered that the man who invited him was Ram Krishna Lal 'Jagmag' - a humour poet (satirist).

"He is my first guru, who in a way gave me a break to showcase my skills. During the function, I came in contact with several writers who suggested to me to get my poems published in a book," said Rehman.

At another function, he met some teachers of Gorakhpur and members of Kanpur-based Manas Sangam - an organisation involved in the promotion of Hindi literature, and with their help he got his first book "Kuch Kavitayen" published in 2005.

Rehman authored three more books - "Rehman Ram Ka payara ho", "Mat vyarth karo pani ko" and "Kaise Samjhe hua vihaan".

Manas Sangam convener Badri Narain Tiwari told IANS, "Rahman is just amazing in every sense. His sustained efforts at writing poems despite the unfavourable conditions really need to be acknowledged."

"He is a living example for those who think that a mission cannot be achieved with limited resources," Tiwari said.

Rehman lives in a small rented room in Basti and has no complaints with the almighty.

"I just thank Him for helping me achieve what I had always dreamt of."

"Though poor living conditions didn't allow me to take proper care of my six children, I feel they too would be able to survive hardships of life," said Rehman, adding that he is working on a couple of books.

While Rehman has got his three daughters married, his three sons work as labourers.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/a-rickshaw-puller-and-an-author-of-four-books/140682-40-103.html

Panel wants infrastructure for green vehicles

2012-01-10T10:35:00.000+05:30

As more and more private vehicles add to city roads, increasing congestion and pollution, the Government may promote non-motorised transport (NMT) modes like cycling — at its own expense. A working group, set up by the Planning Commission to chalk out strategy for urban transport in the 12th Plan (2012-17), has suggested that the Government must build infrastructure for zero-pollution modes of transport like cycling and cycle rickshaw. The group is headed by Delhi Metro ex-chief E Sreedharan.

The working group report, which would form basis of urban transport in the 12th Plan, proposes a new scheme to promote bicycles, developing walking facilities and modernisation of rickshaws. The report says, "The infrastructure cost for these would be borne by the Government while the operation and maintenance should be on Public Private Partnership (PPP)." The Government must provide facilities for walking and cycling in all 2-lakh plus cities and State capitals. The scheme should be called 'public bicycle scheme'.

In larger cities of 5-lakh plus population, ITS-enabled public bicycle schemes with modern cycles would be introduced with a complete infrastructure cost of cycles and cycle stands as well as control centre being borne by the Government whereas the operation and maintenance to be done through PPP. To make cycling a fashion statement in India and to provide safe pedestrian and cycle infrastructure, it recommends to have a dedicated NMT cell in each municipality/municipal corporation.

Also, there is a need to develop an upgraded cycle rickshaw as an integral part of the last mile connectivity for city-wide public transport network as metro reaches to more cities. Several American and European manufacturers of cycle rickshaws, often incorporate features not found in developing world vehicles, such as hydraulic disc brakes, and lightweight fibre-glass bodies, multispeed gears to lessen the effort for the rickshaw puller. Similar upgrades are needed in India. This is not only a non-polluting mode but also a major employment generator.

For all this, the Government must provide 100 per cent funding. The group has estimated a total cost of Rs 15,451 crore for this over the next five years.

The report reveals that use of NMT has declined sharply, especially that of cycling and cycle-rickshaws. Road congestion, increase in trip length due to urban sprawl, increase in purchase power of people and totally inadequate facilities for cycling have all contributed to reducing cycling to less than 11 per cent of the mode share which is down from nearly 30 per cent in 1994. And pedestrians also continue to be neglected.

It underlines that the present model share of public transport and NMT should not be allowed to decline in the 12th plan. NMT should get first priority in infrastructure development and funding. Funds allocation for major transport infrastructure should be linked to achieving targets for creating facilities for NMT.

http://dailypioneer.com/nation/33213-panel-wants-infrastructure-for-green-vehicles.html

Entrepreneur January 2012 Issue : One for the Road : these three start-ups are on the route to success

2012-01-10T01:42:00.001+05:30

Fast lane in Corbusier’s Chandigarh

2012-01-08T15:25:00.001+05:30

Gautam Dheer

Broad, swanky roads meandering along impeccable lush green gardens and finely landscaped roundabouts in French architect Le Corbusier-designed Chandigarh provides a glimpse into what epitomises this city's fondness for good surface driving and public transport.

Chandigarh's well-laid out public transport system, commended as one of the finest in the country, is envy of all, despite the perplexing, albeit factual, contradiction of sorts it lives with.

Here's why. With nearly 8.5 lakh registered vehicles for a population of about 10.5 lakh, Chandigarh has the highest motor vehicle ownership in India, arguably an indicator of a 'deficient' public transport system anywhere. But the city defies this rationale. Its public transport system is equally in vogue. Much of this is because the number of passengers per bus at 2,239 persons is the lowest in India. The figure leaves much to mull for states like Bihar, which is at rock bottom on the charts among other competing states on this count.

Chandigarh's bus occupancy ratio is scoring high at 92 per cent, its fleet is the youngest and the city synergies put public transport on a fast track. In fact, notwithstanding criticism at times from certain avant-garde planners and architects, Le Corbusier's master plan for Chandigarh effectively denote the significance of public transport system. Corbusier's plan puts in place a matrix of bus stops on grids at barely 200 meters from the roundabouts so as to serve the four pedestrian entrances into a sector in the city.

Why better off?

So what is it that makes this Union Territory's public transport model stand out among the rest? Chandigarh is one of the few cities, if not the lone one in the country, which is designed on a 'grid-iron road' pattern, Navdeep Asija, an IIT Delhi graduate and an expert in road and transport engineering, said. "Roads here run on a grid system, often parallel to each other. The design provides a effectively functional transport system where the average trip for passengers is short and consumes much less time," he said. Chandigarh's transport fleet of 417 buses is the youngest in India. The average age of a bus is three years, something which must hurt Gujarat's much exhibited development model given that the average age of a bus in Modi's state capital Ahmedabad is seven years. Bangalore is closest to Chandigarh as far as age and health of a bus goes.

A recent comprehensive study on city's public transport system, conducted by Navdeep Asija – the man credited for launch of eco-cab rickshaws in Punjab - brings out more about its numero uno status. Chandigarh has the best 'walk-to-bus' concept, he said. "A walk of 500-metres or less is often considered favourable for use of public transport. If more, it is considered discouraging. Chandigarh on an average leaves passengers to walk barely 300 metres," Navdeep said. The study reveals that nearly 25 per cent of the city prefers public buses.

Notwithstanding the fact that some of the well-cushioned air-conditioned buses in Chandigarh provide cheap hotspot 'dating-on-wheel' options for teenagers, a high of 50 per cent passengers use this mode of transport for office purposes. "An encouraging 17 per cent use it for fulfilling educational pursuits", the study said. The efficient public transport system in Chandigarh comes as a dampener for autorickshaw drivers. The study says that the auto share in dispersing passengers is just about 12 per cent.

So how does Chandigarh cope with this dichotomy of sorts of side-by-side growth of both the public transport system and private transport, including many high-end luxury cars in a city that boasts of the highest per capita income in the country. The answer, says Navdeep, lies in the high usage of public transport by residents of city's satellite townships. "Against 12 cars per 1000 persons in India, Chandigarh has around 800 cars per thousand persons, fast closing up to the figure that exists in the US. At the same time, public transport enjoys considerable support. Its large subscribers are people who commute from many neighbouring townships," he opined.
Certain bus stops on the grid system offer electronic public display systems which spell out handy information like time of arrival of next bus at the stop. A top official of the UT administration said more ways to reduce pressure on the city roads are being worked out, including an aggressive plan to have multiple modes of transportation like the metro rail for which preparation of a detailed project report is underway. Dedicated lanes for movement of traffic is also being planned, he said.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/217536/fast-lane-corbusiers-chandigarh.html

Punjab hospital held guilty of unfair trade practice

2012-01-08T15:10:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) A Punjab hospital, found using an unqualified compounder for administering a crucial injection to a heart patient, who eventually died, has been held guilty of resorting to unfair trade practices by the country's apex consumer forum. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NRDRC) also ordered the hospital to pay a compensation of Rs 50,000 to the patient's family members for its unfair trade practices. The NCDRC, bench of Justice R C Jain and member S K Naik, however, absolved the hospital of the charges of committing the medical negligence in the treatment of the heart patient. The NCDRC order came on an appeal by Fazilka-based Jassi Hospital and Heart Care Centre, challenging Punjab State Consumer Commission order, holding the hospital guilty of indulging in unfair trade practices but absolving it of graver charges of medical negligence. "In this case, order of state commission has dealt at length the evidence on the engagement of untrained/unqualified staff by the Jassi Hospital and Heart Care Centre and, so we do not find any merit in this revision petition. The revision petition, accordingly, is dismissed," said NCDRC upholding the state commission's order.

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/punjab-hospital-held-guilty-of-unfair-trade-practice/947779.html

Fazilka Ecocabs : Dial- a-Rickshaw Zoning Plan

2012-01-06T13:06:00.001+05:30

Welfare schemes for ecocab operators

2012-01-05T08:43:00.001+05:30

Tribune, Our Correspondent

Fazilka, January 4
To make Fazilka's world famous ecocab system more operator-friendly and hi-tech, the Graduate Welfare Association, Fazilka (GWAF), after winning the prestigious National Urban Mobility Award-2011 by the Union Ministry of Urban Development, last month, has come up with welfare schemes for ecocab operators from the current year.

GWAF started distributing branded shoes from today to the traction men. "One-fourth of the total cost would be paid by the operators and rest shall be borne by the GWAF," informed GWAF general secretary Navdeep Asija. GWAF patron Dr Bhupinder Singh distributed the shoes amongst a dozen operators.

Asija said that tenders have been invited to purchase 200 GSM based mobile phones for the ecocab operators. At present, there are about 500 traction men in Fazilka, of which 350 have registered themselves with the project.

Development of new ecocab machines, designed with less weight, is also in the pipeline. For performance evaluation, it will be handed over to the Ecocabs Fazilka on January 10 and after receiving their feedback, the next fleet shall be delivered.

"In the mean time, five new ecocabs of the existing model with new children's seat shall be handed over to next batch of five beneficiaries on January 7," he said.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120105/bathinda.htm#5

जीडब्ल्यूए ने रिक्शा चालकों को जूते बांटे

2012-01-04T10:32:00.001+05:30

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का

ग्रेजुएट वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन की ओर से मंगलवार को रिक्शा चालकों के जीवन स्तर को ऊंचा करने के प्रयासों के तहत उनको जूते बांटे गए।

एसोसिएशन के संरक्षक डा.भूपेंद्र सिंह ने बताया कि एसोसिएशन अब तक रिक्शा चालकों के लिए नई ईको कैब के अलावा नगर परिषद के सहयोग से रिक्शा स्टैंडों, रिक्शा चालकों के बीमे का प्रबंध व शहर के प्रमुख चिकित्सकों के पास उनके पहचान पत्र बनवा चुकी है। साथ ही, डायल-ए-रिक्शा सर्विस के जरिए एसोसिएशन ने फाजिल्का को देश की पहली ऐसी सेवा शुरू करवाने वाले शहर का रुतबा दिला चुकी है। हाल में रिक्शा सर्विस को एंड्रायड एप्लीकेशन पर भी उपलब्ध कराया गया है। उसी कड़ी में मंगलवार को रिक्शा चालकों को सर्दियों में पहनने के लिए जूते वितरित करने का अभियान शुरू किया है। रोजाना 10 रिक्शा चालकों में जूते वितरित किए जाएंगे।

http://www.jagran.com/punjab/firozpur-8716883.html

Rail track between Fazilka and Abohar yet to be operational

2012-01-03T12:23:00.001+05:30

Praful Chander Nagpal
Fazilka, January 2

The then Union Railway Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had visited the border belt in January 1954. The staff accompanying Shastri had estimated an expenditure of Rs 25 lakh for laying the rail track between Fazilka and Abohar.

However, after a long span of 58 years, a sum of Rs 250 crore has been spent on laying the track. But it is still not operational.

"It seems that none of the official of the Central Government and the Railway Department understands the importance of the tax payer's money. The highly paid employees are not doing their job well. Had our leadership understood the importance of the revenue gains from the Fazilka-Abohar rail track, they would have made it operational by now," rued Dr Bhupinder Singh, professor, IIT Roorkee, and also patron of the Graduate Welfare Association (Fazilka).

At the fag end of the tenure of the Punjab Government, the promise to accord district headquarter status to Fazilks has been fulfilled. However, the Central Government lags behind in fulfilling yet another promise of making the Abohar-Fazilka rail link operational despite the fact that it has been a year since the entire 42-kilometer track has been laid.

Notably, employees' quarters on all the railway stations and on the track have been constructed. The staff has also been posted. The Dangarkhera ROB on the Fazilka-Abohar road has been completed.

The trains to be run on this route have already been mentioned in railway time-table. The deadlines for running the trains have been fixed a number of times.

However, the trains have not been run causing great financial loss to the Railway Department which has already spent about Rs 250 crore on the project. "The return of revenue (ROR) has not begun due to indifferent and callousness of railway department and commuters are deprived of the cheaper and comfortable journey. The residents of Fazilka and Abohar subdivisions are perturbed over the unwarranted delay in running the trains", alleged Northern India Rail Passengers Samiti Chairman Dr Amar Lal Baghla.

"We are disciplined people, we can not follow the practice of 'anshan (fast)', 'dharna (demonstration)', 'rally', 'putla phoonk (burn effigy)'. Most of the time the political will is put in the negative perspective and the employees who are 'not dutiful' get away scot-free. It is the worst kind of corruption which is stagnating the state and central governments," rued Dr. Bhupinder Singh.

"With the commissioning of this track, there would be a direct link from Jammu and Kashmir to Rajasthan and Gujrat,"said Dr. Baghla.

They have demanded the running of the trains immediately on this route for the convenience of the commuters.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120103/bathinda.htm#5

Integrated agri-biz model for wasteland in the offing

2011-12-29T10:11:00.000+05:30

Fazilka, December 28
The barren waste land owners are likely to get a boost as the Punjab Government (Punjab Agro Industries Corporation), Kirloskar Group and a local private firm (NASA Agro) have entered into an historic agreement to install a Rs 500 crore integrated agriculture business model for wasteland development in the Malwa region of Punjab.

In the project, being installed as Sampuran Agri Venture in village Penchanwali in the Fazilka sub-division, bio-fertilizer shall be produced which would change the barren land into a fertile one. The company shall install a water treatment plant which would make brackish seepage water fit for agriculture purposes.

The Agri Venture shall also install a one MW power generation plant and would make the use of power for running the project. The project would be set up in about 90 acres of land.

"About 3 lakh acres of land has been adversely affected by the brackish water of the seepage drains which terminate at a point between the villages of Chananawala and Sivana of Fazilka sub-division. The most affected villages are Sivana, Kerian, Ramkot and Chananwala and others where the fertile land is turning into barren," claimed Sanjeev Nagpal, Managing Director of NASA Agro. Nagpal said the salt content in the brackish water is alarmingly high and has been ruining the land.

The tripartite agreement was inked in presence of Chief Secretary of Punjab SC Aggarwal, Managing Director Punjab Agro Sanjay Kumar, CMD Kirloskar Group Atul Kirloskar, Chairman Punjab Farmers Commission GS Kalkat, Chairperson CII Punjab Council Kamna Raj Aggarwal, Directors of NASA Agro Sanjeev Nagpal and Sameer Nagpal on December 23 this year.

The project is a major success to revive the Malwa belt which is reeling under innumerable socio-economic problems with its depleted resources, vanishing cultivable land, alkaline soil and un-potable brackish water that is endangering the lives and health of the residents.

"Kirloskar Group under the leadership of Atul Kirloskar, Chairman cum Managing Director, has developed paddy-straw based biogas plant specifically for this region with forward integration to use brackish water for biogas digesters," informed Nagpal.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111229/bathinda.htm#7

क्रिकेट प्रेमियों के आकर्षण का केंद्र बना फाजिल्का

2011-12-29T08:36:00.001+05:30

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का

इडियन टी-20 क्रिकेट फेडरेशन की ओर से पंजाब स्टेट टी-20 क्रिकेट एसोसिएशन तथा फाजिल्का टी-20 एसोसिएशन के सहयोग से शुरू सरदार वल्लभ भाई पटेल सीनियर टी-20 क्रिकेट चैंपियनशिप शहर के साथ आसपास के इलाके के क्रिकेट प्रेमियों के आकर्षण का केंद्र बन गई है। सोमवार को दूसरे दिन सरकारी मुंशी राम कालेज में पहला मैच पेप्सू व आईपीसीएल फाइटर के बीच खेला गया। इस मैच में तहसीलदार आत्मा सिंह बतौर मुख्यातिथि थे।

वहीं दूसरे मैच की शुरुआत हरभजन इस्टीट्यूट के मैनेजिंग डायरेक्टर हरभजन सिंह ने की। दोनों मैचों के मुख्यातिथि तहसीलदार आत्मा सिंह व हरभजन सिंह ने कहा कि हालांकि ये मुकाबले राष्ट्र स्तरीय हैं। लेकिन फिर भी इन मुकाबलों में पंजाब से संबंधित तीन टीमें भाग्य आजमा रही हैं। इन टीमों में पंजाब भर के खिलाड़ियों को प्रतिभा दिखाने का मंच मिला है। ऐसे आयोजन समय-समय पर होते रहने चाहिएं। इस मौके पर गुरु राम दास कालेज ऑफ इजीनियरिंग एंड टेक्नीकल के वाइस चेयरमैन छिन्दरपाल, बंटी बजाज, प्रदीप बाजवा बाबू, गौरव झाब, लक्की प्रणामी, सन्नी बजाज, आईटीसीएफ इंडिया के फाउंडर महासचिव पीयूष राणा, आईपीसीएल के कमिश्रन्र पंकज धमीजा, रवि खुराना, स्टेट अवार्डी पम्मी सिंह, नरेश गोगी, डीसी डीएवी पब्लिक स्कूल के प्रिंसिपल वीके मित्तल, राकेश सेठी, गीता सॉफटेक कम्प्यूटर्स के संचालक विनोद कुमार, संदीप अबरोल, गगन सिंह और कालेज के प्रिंसिपल त्रिभवन राम आदि मौजूद थे।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8682203_1.html

युकां ब्लाक अध्यक्ष रिणवा ने किए विजेता सम्मानित

2011-12-29T08:35:00.000+05:30

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का

इरादे मजबूत हों तो कोई काम मुश्किल नहीं होता। इंडियन टी-20 क्रिकेट फेडरेशन (आईटीसीएफ) के लायजन आफिसर और इंडियन प्रीमियर कार्पोरेट लीग अहमदाबाद के कमिश्नर एवं मूल रूप से फाजिल्का निवासी पंकज धमीजा ने इसे साबित किया है। यह शब्द ब्लाक यूथ कांग्रेस के नवनिर्वाचित अध्यक्ष सिद्धार्थ रिणवा ने फाजिल्का में जारी सरदार पटेल टी-20 नैशनल क्रिकेट चैंपियनशिप के क्वार्टर फाइनल में बतौर मुख्यातिथि शिरकत करते हुए कहे। इसके अलावा उन्होंने विजेताओं को सम्मानित भी किया।

रिणवा के अलावा दूसरे क्वार्टर फाइनल मैच के मुख्यातिथि दीपक मुदगिल व चंडीगढ़ से पधारे सरकारी वकील मनु कुक्कड़, रोहित रिणवा, जिला महासचिव सत्यजीत झींझा, प्रेस सचिव कुणाल मक्कड़, योगेश शर्मा ने भी आयोजन की सराहना की। उन्होंने कहा कि टांग में फ्रैक्चर होने के बावजूद धमीजा ने अपनी टीम के साथ इतना बड़ा आयोजन करवा शहर का मान बढ़ाया है। मेहमानों ने सरकारी एमआर कालेज स्टेडियम में आयोजित दोनों मैचों की शुरूआत करवाई व खुद भी मैचों का लुत्फ लिया। समापन पर फेडरेशन की तरफ से मेहमानों को स्मृति चिह्न भेंटकर सम्मानित किया गया। इस मौके पर आईटीसीएफ के लायजन आफिसर पंकज धमीजा, मैनेजर रवि खुराना, पीआरओ संदीप अबरोल, अंपायर बंटी शर्मा, मनोज वाणी, सिद्धार्थ, दीपक कुमार मौजूद थे।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8691787.html

500 करोड़ रुपए की लागत से बनेगा एग्रो पार्क

2011-12-28T10:51:00.001+05:30

पंजाब एग्रो इंडस्ट्रीज कार्पोरेशन और संपूर्ण एग्री वेंचर्स के बीच हुए करार के तहत फाजिल्का में 500 करोड़ रुपए के निवेश से मालवा क्षेत्र में वेस्ट लैंड को एकीकृत कृषि कारोबार के लिए विकसित करने का मार्ग प्रशस्त हुआ है।
प्रोजेक्ट के तहत 90 एकड़ क्षेत्र में नासा एग्रो द्वारा पार्क स्थापित किया जाएगा और वहीं बायोगैस प्लांट को संपूर्ण एग्री वेंचर्स द्वारा किर्लोस्कर के तकनीकी सहयोग से स्थापित किया जाएगा। यह जानकारी देते हुए संपूर्ण एग्रो के निदेशक संजीव नागपाल व डायरेक्टर सुमीर नागपाल ने बताया कि मालवा क्षेत्र सीमित संसाधनों, कृषि योग्य क्षेत्र के लगातार कम होने, जैविक तत्वों की कमी से जूझती जमीन और अधिक उपयोग न हो सकने वाले खारे पानी जैसी मुश्किलों के चलते गंभीर सामाजिक और आर्थिक समस्याओं से जूझ रहा है। उन्होंने बताया कि पहले चरण में 1 मेगावॉट बायोगैस पॉवर प्लांट को फाजिल्का में स्थापित किया जाएगा जो कि एक साल के अंदर चालू कर दिया जाएगा। इस क्षेत्र के लिए विशेषतौर पर धान के छिलके पर आधारित एक बायोगैस प्लांट को भी विकसित किया है, जो कि बायोगैस डाइजेस्टर्स के लिए खारे पानी के उपयोग के लिए इंटीग्रेट किया गया है और प्रोसेसिंग धान भूसा के अवशिष्ट को सिलिका, सेल्यूलोज और लिगनिन सामग्री के साथ बॉयो-फर्टीलाइजर में बदल देगा। जो कि बेकार पानी को भी प्रभावी ढंग से उपयोग में लाने और धान के छिलका को अन्य सहायक गतिविधियों में उपयोग के लिए प्रोत्साहित करेगा, जिससे क्षेत्र के आर्थिक विकास को सहारा मिलेगा

http://www.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-OTH-1690374-2680021.html

Sampurn Agri-Ventures to set up Rs.500 crore Agro Park in Fazilka

2011-12-27T16:44:00.000+05:30

Chandigarh, December 26:

Panjab Agro Industries Corporation and Sampurn AgriVentures have signed a historic agreement on 23rd December, for a Rs.500 crore integrated agri-business model for wasteland development in Malwa region.

Mr. S.C. Agrawal, Chief Secretary, Panjab, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Managing Director, Panjab Agro, Mr. Atul Kirloskar, CMD, Kirloskar Group, Mr. G.S. Kalkat, Chairman, Punjab Farmers Commission, Mrs. Kamna Raj Aggarwalla, Chairperson CII Panjab Council,
Mr. Sanjeev Nagpal and Mr. Sameer Nagpal, Directors of Sampurn AgriVentures, presented the highlights of this integrated agri-business model for wasteland development in Fazilka here at CII today.

This project is a major success to revive the Malwa belt which is reeling under innumerable socio-economic problems with its depleted resources, vanishing cultivable land, alkaline soil, and unpotable brackish water that is endangering the lives and health of the residents.

The Rs.500 crore projects involves setting up 90-acre agro park by NASA Agro at a cost of Rs.400 crores and a biogas plant based by Sampurn Agri-Ventures in technical collaboration with Kirloskar.

In the first phase, a 1MW biogas power plant is being set up in Fazilka which would be commissioned within a year's time, Sanjeev Nagpal informed.

Kirloskar Group under the leadership of Mr. Atul Kirloskar, Chairman cum Managing Director, has developed paddy-straw based biogas plant specifically for this region with forward integration to use brackish water for biogas digesters, and processing paddy straw residue into bio-fertilizers with silica, cellulose and lignin content ideal to revive the alkaline soils and promote other allied activities for the economic development of the region.

Tracing the history of Fazilka's glorious past and as a cotton belt, and subsequent deterioration of the area through brackish water from upper Punjab jeopardizing the fertility of the land in Fazilka turning it into a desert, Sanjeev Nagpal said that it deeply impacted the lives of the farmers as well as the industry.

It was in consultation with Punjab Agriculture University under the guidance of Dr. G.S. Kalkat, currently chairman of Punjab Farmers Commission, that the agri-business model was envisaged to convert the wasteland for sustainable development.

A dedicated team of PAU scientists led by Dr. A.K. Dhawan, head of entomology, Dr. Asha Dhawan, head of fisheries, and Dr. Meena, an expert in acquaculture, worked relentlessly to develop this integrated model since 2005.

The Agro Park to be developed by Nasa Agro shall empower the farmers to start dairy, poultry/duck and fish farming, cultivation of high quality fruits, vegetables and mushroom. The entire agri-business needs to be a successful value chain that is ergonomically sustainable, environmentally sensitive, socially responsible and economically viable both nationally and globally, that delivers tangible benefits to all stake holders.

Fazilka girl wins international contest

2011-12-27T08:22:00.000+05:30

Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, December 26
Anjali Garg (12), a student of class VII of the local Sacred Heart Convent School, has won the fourth rank in the International Competition of Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System (UCMAS) held at the Multimedia University (MMU) in Kuala Lumpur recently.

She successfully answered 190 out of a total of 200 questions in a short span of eight minutes in "Intermediate A" category of the UCMAS competition in which 400 students of 42 countries from across the world participated.

Overall, 3500 students from different categories appeared in the UCMAS competition.Pankaj Garg and Shashi Garg, proud parents of Anjali, said that she bagged the first prize in state-level UCMAS competition and 8th prize in the national competition.

"I got inspiration from my teacher and my mother who herself is a mathematics teacher," said Anjali.

"Anjali has the talent and the skill to solve mathematical questions rapidly," said Gaurav Doda, director of a local computer centre where Anjali received her coaching.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111227/bathinda.htm#7

Punjab-based firm plans to set up agriculture park

2011-12-26T20:58:00.001+05:30

Vijay C Roy / New Delhi/ Chandigarh December 27, 2011, 0:32 IST

Punjab-based Sampurn Agri-ventures, a subsidiary of state-based NASA Agro has plans to set up integrated agri-business model for wasteland development in Punjab's Malwa region with a project cost of Rs 500 crore. The Rs 500 crore project involves setting up 90 acres agro park by NASA Agro at a cost of Rs 400 crore and a biogas plant including two digesters by Sampurn Agri-Ventures in technical collaboration with Kirloskar Integrated Technologies.

Speaking to Business Standard, Sampurn Agri-Ventures, Director, Sanjeev Nagpal said, " Initially, we are putting up 2 digesters and 1 MW biogas power plant in Fazilka with an investment of Rs. 32 crore which would be commissioned within a year's time. In the project, the Kirloskar Integrated Technologies will have 10 per cent stake, Punjab agro 11 per cent while rest would be of NASA Agro and promoters equity. The digesters would produce 120,000 cubic metres of gas which will act as raw material for power plant, 150 tonnes fertilizers per day, fodder etc. "

He added, " We have technical collaboration with Kirloskar Integrated Technologies for bio-gas plant." It is worth mentioning that Kirloskar Group has developed paddy-straw based biogas plant specifically for this region with forward integration to use brackish water for biogas digesters, and processing paddy straw residue into bio-fertilizers with silica, cellulose and lignin content ideal to revive the alkaline soils and promote other allied activities for the economic development of the region. He added that Kirloskar group would not only provide the patented biogas power plant, but also would have equity participation of 10 per cent in the project.

He added, " Further, NASA agro would be setting up an integrated agro park spread over 90 acres having all the requisite infrastructure with a project cost of Rs. 400 crore in two phases The first phase is likley to be completed in a years time. In the first phase, the agro park to be developed by Nasa Agro shall empower the farmers to start dairy, poultry/duck and fish farming, cultivation of high quality fruits, vegetables and mushroom. The entire agri-business needs to be a successful value chain that is agronomically sustainable, environmentally sensitive, socially responsible and economically viable both nationally and globally, that delivers tangible benefits to all stake holders."

"In the second phase we have plans to set up storage facilities including cold chain, packing and packaging facilities etc," he said. As far as funding is concerned, Nagpal added that it would be funded through promoters equity, private equity and term loan from banks.

It is pertinent to mention here that this project is a major success to revive the Malwa belt which is reeling under innumerable socio-economic problems with its depleted resources, vanishing cultivable land, alkaline soil, and unpotable brackish water that is endangering the lives and health of the residents.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/punjab-based-firm-plans-to-setagriculture-park/459786/

Kids’ marathon marks Vijay Diwas celebrations

2011-12-20T09:08:00.001+05:30

Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, December 19
A students marathon of 431 school-children, including 125 girls, marked the celebration of Vijay Diwas at the historic Indo-Pak War Memorial at village Asafwala here on Sunday.The programme was jointly organised by the Shaheedon Ki Samadhi Committee and the Army formations at Fazilka.Brigadier Arul Dennis flagged off a nine kilometer marathon for boys while social activist Sudesh Kumari Nagpal flagged off a two kilometer race for girls.

Later on, wreaths at the sanctum sanctorum in the memorial complex were placed by chief guest, Punjab Cabinet Minister Surjit Kumar Jyani, Brigadier Arul Dennis, additional deputy commissioner Charandev Singh Maan, Commanding Officer, 12 Dogra, Colonel Pankaj Dhayani (Kirti Chakra), Commanding Officer, 10 Jakrif, Colonel Anil Yadav, Commanding Officer, 18 Garhwal Rifle, Colonel Rajesh Sah (Vir Chakra), Shaheedon Ki Samadhi Committee president Sandeep Gilhotra and other senior officials and dignitaries of the Fazilka area.

"The war memorial of Asafwala is a most serene, pious place of obeisance and a great source of patriotic inspiration," described Surjit Kumar Jyani described while addressing the gathering.

He lauded the efforts of the Shaheedon Ki Samadhi Committee for maintaining the memorial and Armymen for their co-operation in organising a grand Vijay Diwas programme. He presented a cheque of Rs 5 lakhs for facelift of the memorial.

Brigadier Arul Dennis, while paying glowing tributes to the martyrs of the Indian army, called upon the youth to make a disciplined effort for the progress and development of the country.

"The civilians too should follow the pattern of the army and be disciplined in discharging their duties while working for the building for the nation," said ADC Charandev Singh Maan.

A colourful patriotic cultural programme was presented by the students of the Government Girls Senior Secondary School, the Jyoti B.Ed College, the DAV B.Ed. College, the Shri Guru Hari Krishan ITI College.

A play on martyrs Bhagat Singh Rajguru and Sukhdev, a mime on terrorism and individual song by Suchita Trikha left the audience spell-bound and emotional.The dignitaries distributed cycles to winners of first and second positions of the marathon while 16 other students, eight each from boys and girls, were given consolation prizes.

The war memorial is a site to commemorate the supreme sacrifices of 225 army jawans of 4 Jat, 15 Rajput and 3 Assam Regiments, who had laid down their lives while defending the country in the 1971 Indo-Pak war in Fazilka sector.

The collective cremation of 82 jawans of 4 Jat Regiment was performed at the site of the memorial after the cease- fire on December 16, 1971. The indebted residents of Fazilka town with their own efforts had raised a memorial for "The Saviours of Fazilka" on a small piece of land.

The memorial has been in due course of time developed in an area of about 5.5 acres comprising a unique war memorial museum, a community centre, a children's park, a high school and a dispensary.

Uma Sharma, Public Relations Officer, Chandigarh, retired SDM BL Sikka and senior vice-president of the Samadhi Committee Amar Chand Bhateja, traced a brief history of the war and subsequent raising up of the memorial.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111220/bathinda.htm#3

Eco-friendly rickshaws for better environment- All India Radio

2011-12-19T16:23:00.000+05:30

Cycle Rickshaw came to India about 100 years ago. For short distances, it is a economical means of transport. In the present scenario, when safe guarding the ecosystem from pollution is the top most priority, rickshaws are pollution free mode of transport.

This source of earning for poor has undergone a tremendous change. From normal, heavy rickshaw, its design has now been changed into a lighter version. These are called eco-friendly rickshaws.

Graduates Welfare Association of Fazilka (GWAF), a border town in Punjab, had conceptualised the idea of such rickshaws couple of years ago and is now working in the interest of the environment as well as the public in cooperation with some other NGOs and the state govt. These rickshaws have been christened as eco-cabs. These are lighter in weight, more efficient and sturdy.

Now, besides being eco friendly mode of transport, such cabs can be called on phone, like a taxi, at couple of places in Punjab, More than 1,000 eco-cabs are presently plying in Fazilka, Patiala, Amritsar and a few other districts in the state. Out of these districts, call-a rickshaw facilitiy is available in Fazilka and Patiala. Sangrur would also provide this facilitiy soon.

The General Secretary of GWAF, Navdeep Asija told AIR that besides conceptualizing this idea, the health of eco-cab drivers or rickshaw pullers has also been taken care of. The association has tied up with ten private doctors in Fazilka for providing free medical treatment to them.

Some medical stores have also been tied-up for providing discounted medicines at Fazilka and Patiala also. What's more, in Amritsar and Patiala, these people will double up as tourist guides.

A programme to train them in etiquette, behavioural skills and expertise required to be a tourist guide is said to be on the anvil. To avoid exploitation of rickshaw pullers in financing their rickshaw, some state banks are providing finances on less interest rates as compared to private financers.

The uniqueness of the concept has lured the UT administration of Chandigarh in exploring possibilities of starting the project in the city beautiful also.

Taking a suo-motto notice, Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the Haryana Government also to launch the light-weight, eco-friendly rickshaws in its cities.

After all the hard work in making this idea click, the Graduates Welfare Association Fazilka (GWAF) has been awarded with the National Urban Mobility Award-2011 by the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India for promoting the cycle rickshaw as a para-transit means of transporat.

The award was presented by the Union Minister of the Urban Development Kamal Nath on December 6th at the concluding day ceremony of the fourth Urban Mobility India Conference-2011 in New Delhi.

http://www.newsonair.com/Eco-friendly-rickshaws-for-better-environment.asp

How many rivers & lakes in India? Nobody knows

2011-12-19T10:46:00.000+05:30

Vibha Sharma/TNS

New Delhi, December 18
In yet another scathing indictment tabled in Parliament, the Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) has reported that successive governments have made no effort to compile a list of water bodies in the country.

Neither the states nor the Union Environment Ministry, the report states, has a comprehensive list of major rivers, lakes and other water bodies. "The Environment Ministry has not yet prepared a nation-wide inventory of rivers and lakes," Parliament was informed.

The CAG's water audit has been prepared on the basis of wide ranging consultations with experts from India and abroad, stakeholders and public consultations. As many as 140 out of 1,079 pollution control projects on 24 rivers and 22 projects for conservation of lakes were scrutinised along with a study of administrative structures and activities related to water pollution in 25 states by the auditors.

Noting that neither the Centre nor the states had introduced any programme to prevent pollution of groundwater, the report observes: "They have also not addressed the concerns of pollution from agricultural sources."

Funds available for control of water pollution and restoration of wholesomeness of water are inadequate for the country as a whole and there are also instances of poor financial management, diversion of funds, non-disclosure of accrued interest, funds not utilised for implementation, funds parked in bank accounts and unspent balances not refunded, found the auditors.

The most polluting source for rivers is city sewage and industrial waste discharge. Such water, which ultimately ends up in households, is often highly contaminated and carries disease-causing microbes. Agricultural run-off is another major water pollutant as it contains fertilisers and pesticides.

With the exception of the Ganga in certain stretches, all other rivers test-checked by the auditors — including Sutlej, Yamuna, Gomti, Cauvery, Mandovi and Krishna — were found to have unacceptably high levels of organic pollution, low level of oxygen availability for aquatic organisms and bacteria, protozoa and viruses that have faecal-origin and cause illnesses.

90% WASTE WATER FLOWS INTO RIVERS

Barely 10% of the country's waste water is treated. Millions of litres of sewage and industrial, agricultural waste flows into water bodies untreated Affected: 14 major rivers, 55 minor ones, several hundred smaller water bodies Extent of pollution and damage cannot be assessed without a detailed list of water bodies 'Water quality goals' and corresponding parameters could not, consequently, be developed

पटेल टी-20 किक्रेट टूर्नामेंट 25 से

2011-12-19T10:43:00.001+05:30

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का

इंडियन टी-20 क्रिकेट फेडरेशन की तरफ से पंजाब टी-20 क्रिकेट की मांग पर फाजिल्का में क्रिकेट का तीसरा महायुद्ध 25 दिसंबर से शुरू किया जा रहा है। पत्रकारों को जानकारी देते हुए पंजाब स्टेट टी-20 क्रिकेट फेडरेशन के तालमेल अफसर पंकज धमीजा ने बताया कि 25 दिसंबर से फाजिल्का में सरदार वल्लभ भाई पटेल नेशनल क्रिकेट टूर्नामेंट करवाया जा रहा है। इस टूर्नामेंट को करवाने में पंजाब स्टेट टी-20 क्रिकेट फेडरेशन फाजिल्का टी-20 क्रिकेट फेडरेशन पूर्ण सहयोग कर रहा है। उन्होंने बताया कि यह टूर्नामेंट 25 दिसंबर से शूरू होकर पांच जनवरी तक स्थानीय एमआर कालेज स्टेडियम व सरकारी माडल सेकेंडरी स्कूल में होगा। इस टूर्नामेंट में देश के 28 राज्य व चार महानगरों की टीमें भाग लेंगी। उन्होंने कहा कि आईटीसीएफ का शुरू से प्रयास रहा है कि देश के ग्रामीण क्षेत्र से खेल भावना रखने वाले खिलाड़ियों को आगे लाया जाए। इस क्षेत्र में इआईटीसीएफ पिछले सात सालों से काम कर रही है। उन्होंने साथ ही बताया कि आईटीसीएफ की तरफ से करवाए जा रहे इस टूर्नामेंट में विजेता टीम को एक लाख रुपये व उप विजेता को 51 हजार रुपये की नगर राशि पुरस्कार के रूप में दी जाएगी। उन्होंने कहा कि आईटीसीएफ के फाउंडर सचिव पीयूष राणा के नेतृत्व में आईटीसीएफ पहले भी फाजिल्का में इंटरनेशनल क्रिकेट टूर्नामेंट करवा चुकी है।

उन्होंने कहा कि जल्द ही अफगानिस्तान में होने वाली इंटरनेशनल क्रिकेट टूर्नामेंट में अफगानिस्तान, बंगलादेश, पाकिस्तान व भारत की टीमें खेलेंगी। अफगानिस्तान टी-20 क्रिकेट फेडरेशन की तरफ से न्यौता दिया गया है। इस मौके उनके साथ इंडियन प्रीमियर कारपोरेट लीग के चीफ अंपायर राजेश शर्मा बंटी, मैनेजर रवि खुराना, नेशनल कोच नरेश गोगी व मीडिया सलाहकार संदीप अबरोल के अलावा जस्सी चावला, विवेक अनेजा, उपस्थित थे|

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8646074.html

शहादत देने वालों की हो पहचान

2011-12-19T10:39:00.000+05:30

भारत-पाक के 1965 और 1971 के युद्धों में शहीद हुए 206 जवानों के फौलादी जज्बे को सलाम करने के लिए रविवार को एक विशाल समारोह का आयोजन किया जा
रहा है। यह आयोजन आसफवाला स्थित शहीदों की सम-ाधि पर होगा, लेकिन हैरानी की बात है कि इन शहीदों की समाधियां गांव पैंचांवाली के निकट श्मशानभूमि में बनाई गई हैं। वहां न तो कभी प्रशासन के किसी अधिकारी ने श्रद्धांजलि दी और न ही किसी नेता ने उसकी सुध ली। हालात यह हुए अब वह भी जर्जर हालत में हैं।
बाकी रही 5 समाधियां श्मशानघाट में अब 5 समाधियां ही बची हैं। इनमें 15 राजपूत बटालियन के जवान शामिल हैं। यह शहीद जवान राजस्थान, जम्मू कश्मीर और उत्तर प्रदेश के हैं। इन्होंने 8 दिसंबर से 14 दिसंबर तक शहादत का जाम पिया था। सिपाही सुमेर सिंह ने 8 दिसंबर, लास नायक मुहम्मद सदीक वासी गाजीपुर यूपी, 13 दिसंबर को सिपाही मिट्ठू खान वासी राजस्थान और 14 दिसंबर को सिपाही हिज्र मुहम्मद कश्मीरी वासी कश्मीर ने पाक रेंजरों से लोहा लेते हुए शहादत का जाम पिया था।

कैप्टन बेदी दिलाएंगे पहचान
समाजसेवक कैप्टन महिंदरजीत सिंह बेदी को जब शनिवार इन गुमनाम समाधियों को जानकारी मिली तो उन्होंने मौके पर जाकर शहीदों को नमन किया। कैप्टन बेदी ने कहा कि वह जर्जर हो चुकी इन समाधियों के बारे में एकूडेंट जनरल ब्रांच (एजी), रेजीमेंटल सेंटर, बटालियन के यूनिट और 15 राजपूत बटालियन को लिखेंगे। इसके अलावा रविवार को शहीदों की समाधि आसफवाला में होने वाले समारोह में सेना अधिकारियों को इसकी जानकारी देंगे।

शहीदों की समाधि बनेगी पर्यटन स्थल

2011-12-19T10:36:00.000+05:30

भारत पाक युद्ध में शहीद हुए जवानों की आसफवाला स्थित समाधि पर रविवार को विजय दिवस के उपलक्ष्य में समारोह का आयोजन किया गया। जिसमें परिवहन मंत्री सुरजीत कुमार ज्याणी बतौर मुख्यअतिथि पहुंचे। इस अवसर पर सेना, सीमा सुरक्षा बल और सियासी नेताओं की ओर से शहीदों को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की गई। इस मौके पर बीएसएफ हेडक्वार्टर के कमांडेंट राम सेवक, कर्नल पंकज ध्यानी, कर्नल अनिल यादव, कर्नल राजेश साहा, कर्नल विक्रम, कैप्टन अशोक चौहान, पीआरओ चंडीगढ़ डॉ. उमा शर्मा, जिला शिक्षा अधिकारी संदीप धूडिय़ा, पूर्व एसडीएम बीएल सिक्का, आसफवाला शहीदों की समाधि कमेटी अध्यक्ष संदीप गिल्होत्रा, नगर कौंसिल अध्यक्ष अनिल कुमार सेठी, कैप्टन एमएस बेदी, इंजीनियर नवदीप असीजा, प्रफुल्ल नागपाल, पंजाब होमगार्ड के स्टाफ सदस्य हंस राज, लीलाधर शर्मा, एडवोकेट उमेश कुक्कड़, मार्केट कमेटी चेयरमैन अशोक जैरथ, अमर चंद भठेजा, मोहन लाल परूथी, शशि कांत, राजा राम नागपाल, इंजी. विनोद गुप्ता, एडवोकेट बलदेव धूडिय़ा, दिनेश ठकराल, रवि नागपाल, विजय छाबड़ा, डॉ. अंशु चावला तथा रंजना गिल्होत्रा व स्त्री आर्य समाज की संरक्षक सुदेश नागपाल ने श्रद्धासुमन अर्पित किए।
इस अवसर पर एडीसी चरनदेव सिंह मान ने बताया शहीदों की स्मारक को टूरिस्ट स्मारक के तौर पर विकसित करने के लिए जिला प्रशासन की ओर से योजना बनाई जा रही है। इस अवसर पर विभिन्न कालेजों के विद्यार्थियों की ओर से देश भक्ति पर आधारित कविताएं, कोरियोग्राफी और पंजाबी सभ्याचार की झलक पेश की गई।
कार्यक्रम में स्थानीय च्ज्योति बी.एड. कालेज, डीएवी बीएड कॉलेज, श्री गुरु हरिकृष्ण आईटीआई तथा लड़कियों के सरकारी सीनियर सेकेंडरी स्कूल के छात्र-छात्राओं ने हिस्सा लिया।
इस मौके पर सुरजीत ज्याणी ने स्मारक को 5 लाख रुपए देने की घोषणा की। इस अवसर पर ब्रिगेडियर अरुल डेनिस ने शहीदों को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करते हुए कहा कि युद्ध में भले ही 206 जवानों ने शहीदी प्राप्त कर ली, लेकिन उन्होंने दुश्मनों को इस पवित्र धरती पर कदम नहीं रखने दिया।

मैराथन दौड़ में लिया 429 ने हिस्सा :
इससे पहले लड़कों और लड़कियों की मैराथन दौड़ का आयोजन किया गया। जिसमें 429 लड़के और लड़कियों ने हिस्सा लिया। दौड़ को स्त्री आर्य समाज की संरक्षक समाज सेविका सुदेश नागपाल ने झंडी देकर रवाना किया। पहले 10 स्थान हासिल करने वाले लड़के लड़कियों को सर्टिफिकेट व स्मृति चिन्ह देकर सम्मानित किया गया। (लछमण दोस्त)
गवफ को किया सम्मानित ग्रेजुएट वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन फाजिल्का के संरक्षक भुपिंद्र सिंह, अध्यक्ष उमेश चंद्र कुक्कड़, महासचिव इंजीनियर नवदीप असीजा तथा परिषद अध्यक्ष अनिल सेठी को सम्मानित किया गया। कार्यक्रम के समापन पर लंगर वितरण किया गया।

http://www.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-OTH-1666450-2651391.html

जिन्ने झल्ले मेरे पल्ले ने किया लोटपोट

2011-12-19T10:32:00.000+05:30

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का

जन कल्याण परिषद की ओर से संजीव सिनेमा में शनिवार रात को नाट्य संस्था स्पर्श के सहयोग से हास्य नाटक जिन्ने झल्ले मेरे पल्ले का मंचन किय गया। नाटक में स्पर्श के कलाकारों ने जहां उपस्थित सैकड़ों दर्शकों को हंसा- हंसाकर लोटपोट किया वहीं सामाजिक बुराइयों के खिलाफ आवाज बुलंद कर भावुक संदेश भी दिया।

कार्यक्रम की अध्यक्षता नासा एग्रो के एमडी इंजीनियर संजीव नागपाल ने की। नाटक में पागलखाने में भर्ती पागलों की गतिविधियों के जरिये समाज में व्याप्त नस्लवादी रवैये, सरकारी कार्यालयों के साथ न्यायपालिका में व्याप्त भ्रष्टाचार, ठेकेदारी प्रथा के जरिये बेरोजगारों का मजाक उड़ाती सरकार, गरीबी के मजाक वाले रवैये पर कड़ा कटाक्ष किया गया। पागलखाने के दौरे पर गए स्वास्थ्य मंत्री जब वहां भर्ती सभी झल्लों (पागलों) की हरकतों के बाद उनके दुख भरे पहलू को महसूस करता है तो बरबस ही उसके मुंह से निकल पड़ता है जिन्ने झल्ले मेरे पल्ले, इसी के साथ ही नाटक समाज में व्याप्त भेदभाव व कुरीतियों के खिलाफ जंग के आह्वान के साथ समाप्त हुआ। इस नाटक का निर्देशन प्रो. गौरव विज ने किया। नाटक के

समापन पर मेहमानों को जमींदारा फार्मसाल्यूशंस के विक्रम आहूजा व परिषद पदाधिकारियों ने स्मृति चिह्न भेंट कर सम्मानित किया । साथ ही दोना नानका के सरकारी प्राइमरी स्कूल के प्रांत स्तरीय पहाड़ा मुकाबले में अव्वल विद्यार्थियों को सम्मानित किया गया।

इस मौके पर नाटक में नगर परिषद अध्यक्ष अनिल सेठी, समाजसेवी कैप्टन एमएस बेदी, सर्जन डा. रमेश गुप्ता, नैशनल कालेज फार ग‌र्ल्स के चेयरमैन दविंदर सिंह धालीवाल, पीएडीबी चेयरमैन राजिंदर सिंह जमालके, वाइस चेयरमैन परमजीत सिंह वैरड़, गाडविन स्कूल घल्लू के एमडी जगजीत सिंह बराड़ व यूथ अकाली दल के उपाध्यक्ष सुखविंदर सिंह शिंदा ने बतौर विशिष्ट अतिथि शिरकत की। जिला ट्रांसपोर्ट अधिकारी गुरचरण सिंह संधू व अकाली नेता लखविंदर सिंह रोहीवाला ने विशेष रूप से शिरकत की। मंच पर सोनू बब्बर, अंशुमन गांधी, रुबी शर्मा, साहिल वधवा, सोनी टीवी के केस हिस्ट्री सीरियल क्राइम पेट्रोल के अदाकार अंजुम बत्तरा, शालू दावड़ा, सुमित चगती, नीरज सचदेवा, अजय, विक्रम ने अदाकारी की। मंच के पीछे कलाकारों में आशीष मक्कड़, तुषार नारंग, नवी, कपिल कुमार व मेकअप मैन बौबी संधा ने सहयोग किया। परिषद की ओर से महासचिव अमृत सचदेवा, प्रोजेक्ट इंचार्ज हरमीत सिंह, नवदीप असीजा, विनोद कुमार, निशांत अग्रवाल ने सेवाएं दीं।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8646069.html

Fazilka girl dons olive cap

2011-12-18T08:37:00.001+05:30

Praful Chander Nagpal
Fazilka, December 17

"My love for uniform and patriotism inspired me to join the Indian Army," said the newly-commissioned officer Sandhya Kataria (23) of Fazilka. A commissioned officer, who joined as a lieutenant and was promoted as captain three weeks after joining her first assignment, Sandhya has brought laurels to this border town.

A student of the local Army school, Sandhya got attracted to the olive green uniform. She later graduated as a Bachelor of Technology from the Rajiv Gandhi Technical University, Indore.

"In the university, during the final year, Army officers came to inspire the students to join the Army. This was a turning point in my life as I got the right opportunity at an appropriate time to fulfill my desire," said Sandhya. "Besides, my maternal aunt Navneet, a teacher at Central School, Bathinda, also inspired me to sit in the qualifying test," she added.

Sandhya was selected after clearing the test conducted by the Services Selection Board, Bhopal, on July 3 last year. She completed her one-year training at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai.

She was commissioned as an officer on September 17 this year after the passing out parade. She was posted as a Lieutenant in Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at Jodhpur and got the promotion as captain on account of her technical qualifications.

The daughter of Rajinder Kumar Kataria, a pharmacist and Ankur, a teacher, Sandhya loves studying the lives of great people. Kishore Chand Punchhi, her grand-father, said, "My attempt to join the Indian army in 1964 failed but I have realized my dream with my grand-daughter joining the Army."

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111218/bathinda.htm#5

PNB appointed lead bank for Pathankot and Fazilka

2011-12-15T22:00:00.001+05:30

Mumbai, Dec 15 (PTI) The Reserve Bank today assigned to state sector lender Punjab National Bank the responsibility of being the lead bank in newly created districts of Pathankot and Fazilka in Punjab. "It has been decided to assign the lead bank responsibility of the two new districts viz Pathankot and Fazilka to Punjab National Bank," the Reserve Bank of India said in a statement. The two new districts were created by the Punjab government in July this year. While Pathankot was carved out of the Gurdaspur district, Fazilka has been carved out from the Ferozepur district. "The lead bank responsibility of existing Gurdaspur district and Ferozepur district will continue to be with Punjab National Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce, respectively," the RBI added.

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/pnb-appointed-lead-bank-for-pathankot-and-fazilka/931778.html

Sada Layi Tur Gayi Surili Gayika Pushpa Hans-Ajit

2011-12-14T11:08:00.001+05:30

Fazilka-Abohar rail link likely to be operational

2011-12-10T00:58:00.000+05:30

Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, December 8
The Fazilka-Abohar rail link is likely to be operational as running of train on the newly laid track shall soon become a reality. Senior Divisional Operation Manager, in a letter issued to the in-charge of seven railway stations enroute 42 kilometer rail track, said that the competent authority has accorded the administrative approval for opening of Abohar-Fazilka new railway section.

In this letter the Manager has mentioned the codes of the stations, distance between the stations, alpha codes and fare tariff.

Northern Railway Passengers Samiti, president Amar Lal Baghla, quoting the Northern Railway Baroda House New Delhi sources point out that Chief Engineer from Baroda House New Delhi shall visit for inspection of the track on December 12. There after in a week or so Commissioner Railway Safety Lucknow shall also conduct the final inspection and grant formal approval.

The Railway safety commissioner is likely to give the final green signal after which the train shall run on the track.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111209/bathinda.htm#2

National Award of Excellence in the area of best Non Motor Transport practice in India

2011-12-09T15:51:00.001+05:30

National Award of Excellence-2011, in the area of best Non Motor Transport practice in India to Graduates Welfare Association Fazilka by the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India.

Fazilka Ecocabs bags National Award

2011-12-08T08:27:00.001+05:30

A non-government organisation Graduates Welfare Association Fazilka (GWAF) and Municipal Committee Fazilka have been jointly honoured with a national award for designing the best non-motorised transportation project, Ecocab. Union urban development minister Kamal Nath handed over the award in New Delhi. Navdeep Asija and Dr Bhupinder Singh received the award on the behalf of GWAF and Anil Sethi, president, Municipal Council Fazilka jointly received a cheque of Rs 5 lakh and a plaque.

Ecocabs is a service offering dial-a-cycle-rickshaw on the lines of dial-a-cab. The project was initiated in 2008. The idea was to strengthen the existing unorganized network of cycle rickshaws. The vehicle is also promoted as modern and clean for short-distance within the city travel.

"The credit goes to people of Fazilka, who made the project possible. This recognition of our small city community effort will surely set a trend in mitigating the problems in urban transport and environment protection," said Navdeep Asija, founder Ecocabs and secretary (admin) GWAF.

The Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) has also implemented Ecocabs in tourist cities like Amritsar and Patiala. In both the cities Ecocab pilots are also trained as tourism guide.

"Our city has set new trend in local governance-community participation. This award will firm up our commitment to launch more such projects.Fazilka Ecocabs is an ideal example of Mahatma Gandhi's idea of with less for more, for many," said Anil Sethi, president, Municipal Council Fazilka.

"Our drivers (traction men) are the real green warriors. I congratulate our team of youngsters like Navdeep, Nitin, Gautam, Ashok Felix on this success and we are also thankful to Mr Anil Sethi, President Municipal Council Fazilka, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Hi-bird Cycles Ludhiana , Sandeep Enterprises and our all donors who helped us to make it big and grand," said Dr Bhupinder, patron, founding member, GWAF.

Sh Kamal Nath Launches the National Common Mobility Card

2011-12-06T21:50:00.000+05:30

Sh Kamal Nath Launches the National Common Mobility Card

The Union Minister for Urban Development Shri Kamal Nath today launched the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), by the name 'More', on the concluding day of the four day Urban Mobility India 2011 Conference-Cum-Exhibition. The brand name has been chosen "More" signifying the national bird "Peacock" as also literally in English meaning 'more' to convey that you get more and more by using this card.

The idea of NCMC is to promote the user to perceive it as a single transport system and provide the commuter with a seamless, efficient and hassle free travel experience across the length and breadth of the country. Seamless connectivity across multiple modes of transportation will increase the popularity and acceptability of public transport nationally and make public transport more appealing to the end user. The Ministry of Urban Development, under the National Urban Transport Policy, envisages a single ticketing system over not only all modes of public transport in India but also for parking and toll. For this purpose, it is spearheading a national program of inter-operable Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems. This means that a single CMC card can be used across cities and different modes of transport. The implementation of 'More' will be partly funded by Central Government under the JnNURM scheme covering the buses sanctioned under the scheme.

It is hoped that NCMC would benefit the Public Transport Organisations by significantly increasing overall efficiency; provide control and better management of tariff structure; reduce cash handling and hence lesser pilferage & fraud; better planning based on passenger statistics. To roll-out the card on all India basis, to ensure the standardization of the CMC Project, UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL) has been appointed as the technology aggregator to implement the CMC project. UTIITSL is a Government of India, Ministry of Finance Company. So far Agreement has been signed with JCTSL, Jaipur and by the end of this financial year, roll-out in Jaipur is anticipated. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, Bangalore and Bhopal Municipal Corporation are also at advance stage of entering into the agreement. A Task Force has been set up under the Chairmanship of Secretary (UD) for taking it in Mission Mode.

Addressing the gathering, Sh Kamal Nath said that challenges of resource crunch and service delivery have to be met, to provide better transportation methods for the growing urban population. He said development has to precede growth. The Minister emphasised that out of the box thinking is required to solve mobility issues. Innovative financing mechanisms under PPP mode, land monetization to raise extra budgetary resources is the need of the hour, he stated. The Minister also honoured exemplary work shown by State organizations and gave away Awards for Excellence in Urban Transport, on the occasion,

In the category of Best PPP Initiative in urban transport, Bhopal Municipal Corporation won the award. Graduates Welfare Association, Fazilka won the award for their project of Fazilka Ecocabs dial-a-rickshaw. Award for Best Clean Development Mechanism Project for modal shift was won by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Pune Commissionerate of Police were awarded in the category of Best Intelligent Transport System Project (runners up). For New Initiative in Traffic Engineering and Management, the Joint winners were also Pune Commissionerate of Police and Karnataka Commissionerate of Bangalore. The Mumbai Air Traffic Control System were awarded in the Commendable Emerging Initiatives Category. For Inclusive development KSRTC were awarded for Introduction of Modern City Bus Service in Tumkur

SBS
(Release ID :78167)

Punjab govt clears 19 projects just ahead of polls

2011-12-02T09:55:00.000+05:30

CHANDIGARH: The Empowered Committee on mega projects in Punjab has approved 19 mega projects worth Rs 4457.77 crore in the state just ahead of assembly elections due in February, apparently to create an impression that the Akali-BJP dispensations is business friendly at the fag end of their term.

A decision to this effect was taken by the empowered committee chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here at Punjab Bhawan.The empowered committee approved 7 new manufacturing industrial mega projects worth Rs. 2492.04 crore besides 12 agro based industrial units with an outlay of Rs.1965.73 crore.

The mega projects approved under manufacturing category included the units of M/s Nector Lifescience Limited at village Nabha (SAS Nagar) worth Rs. 200 crore, M/s Shasmanji Yarns Pvt. Ltd. at village Lakhowal (Ludhiana) worth Rs. 144.82 crore, M/s Vardhman Special Steels Ltd. at village Jamalpur Awana (Ludhiana) worth Rs. 134.97 crore, M/s SEL Textile Ltd. at village Punjaba-Lambi (Muktsar) worth Rs.1485 crore, M/s Sportking Ltd. at village Jeeda (Bathinda) worth Rs. 303 crore, M/s Supreme Texmart Ltd. at village Kanganwal (Ludhiana) worth Rs. 103.25 crore and M/s Satlut Spintex Limited at village Gehle (Mansa) worth Rs. 121 crore.

The mega projects approved under agro based Industry included that of M/s Pepsico India Holdings Pvt. Limited which proposes to set up a beverage manufacturing facility at village Zahura (Hoshiarpur) at a cost of Rs 205.84 crore, M/s Soma Punjab Warehousing Pvt. Limited to set up 12 agri godowns at different locations in the state with an investment of Rs. 579.30 crore, M/s Nasa Agro Industries Ltd. to set up Agro Industrial Park worth Rs. 353.15 crore at Fazilka, M/s Soma Punjab Agro-Power Infra Private Limited to set up 5 Rice Mills with Power Co-Generation facilities at different locations in Punjab with an investment of Rs. 162.90 crore, extension unit of M/s Sunstar Overseas Ltd of paddy processing at village Tangra (Amritsar) worth Rs 129.33 crore, extension unit of M/s Pepsico India Holdings Private limited to set up potato chips manufacturing facility at village Channo (Sangrur) worth Rs. 125.79 crore, M/s Dunar Foods Ltd. to set up expansion unit at its existing mega project at village Pandori Ran Singh(Tarn Taran), M/s Saastha Warehousing Ltd. to set up warehousing project at village Rail Majra (Nawansahar) at a cost of Rs. 110.44 crore, M/s Indian Sucrose Ltd. to set up paper manufacturing unit worth Rs. 101 crore at village Chack Alla Baksh, Mukerian (Hoshiarpur), M/s Sampuran Agri ventures Pvt. Ltd. to set up a bio-fertilizer, power generation& cattle feed units and other dairy farm activities at village Painchanwali (Fazilka) worth Rs. 33.56 crore and M/s Bajaj Basmati Pvt. Limited to set up paddy parboiling and shelling unit at Jalalabad (Ferozepur) with an investment of Rs. 30.56 crore.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Punjab-govt-clears-19-projects-just-ahead-of-polls/articleshow/10952676.cms

Punjab okays 19 projects worth Rs 4,458 crore

2011-12-01T19:02:00.001+05:30

CHANDIGARH, DEC. 1:

Punjab has approved 19 projects, including those of PepsiCo India and Nectar Lifescience, which will bring investment worth Rs 4,457.77 crore in the State.

The Empowered Committee chaired by the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, approved seven new manufacturing industrial mega projects worth Rs 2,492.04 crore in the State, which would generate direct and indirect employment for about 62,691 persons, besides 12 agro-based industrial units with an outlay of Rs 1,965.73 crore, a spokesperson said here today.

Nectar Lifescience will invest Rs 200 crore in Nabha village (SAS Nagar), Vardhman Special Steels will invest Rs 134.97 crore at Jamalpur village in Ludhiana, SEL Textile will come with an investment of Rs 1,485 crore in Muktsar and Sportking will invest Rs 303 crore in Bathinda, he added.

Among agro-based projects, PepsiCo India Holdings has proposed to set up a beverage manufacturing facility at Zahura village in Hoshiarpur at an investment of Rs 205.84 crore. An extension unit of PepsiCo would also set up potato chips manufacturing facility at Channo village (Sangrur) entailing an investment of Rs 125.79 crore.

Besides, Soma Punjab Warehousing would set up 12 agri-godowns at different locations in the State at an investment of Rs 579.30 crore, while Nasa Agro Industries would set up Agro Industrial Park worth Rs 353.15 crore at Fazilka.

Indian Sucrose would set up paper manufacturing unit worth Rs 101 crore at village Chack Alla Baksh, Mukerian in Hoshiarpur, while Sampuran Agri ventures would set up bio-fertiliser, power generation, cattle feed units and other dairy farm activities at village Painchanwali in Fazilka with a sum of Rs 33.56 crore, the spokesperson said.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/government-and-policy/article2678000.ece

Fazilka eco-cab clinches National Urban Mobility Award-2011

2011-12-01T08:03:00.001+05:30

Praful Chander Nagpal
Fazilka, November 30

The eco-cabs of Fazilka have become a national benchmark for the best transportation project for the country in the area of non-motorised transportation (NMT). A leading NGO of the border town, the Graduates Welfare Association Fazilka (GWAF), has been declared as winner of the country's most prestigious National Urban Mobility Award-2011 by the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, today evening.

The award was selected amongst the best and unique practices being followed across the country. The award would be given by the Union Minister of the Urban Development Kamal Nath on December 6 at the concluding day ceremony of the fourth Urban Mobility India Conference-2011 in New Delhi.

Notably, the best non-motor transport practice award is given annually to a city that uses non-motor transport innovations to increase mobility for all residents while reducing transportation greenhouse and air pollution emissions by increasing accessibility, safety and comfort.

The award would jointly be received by the GWAF general secretary Navdeep Asija, patron Dr Bhupinder Singh on behalf of the GWAF, Deputy Commissioner Dr Basant Garg and Anil Sethi, president, Municipal Council, Fazilka.

"The first credit goes to traction men at Fazilka, who made it possible and this recognition of our small city community effort would surely set trends of many other cities in the area of urban transport and environment protection," said Navdeep Asija, founder, ecocabs and secretary (admin) GWAF.

Eco-cabs are basically dial-a-cycle-rickshaw similar to dial-a-cab started in the year 2008 at Fazilka with an idea to strengthen existing unorganised network of cycle rickshaw and its promotion as a post-modern technology for a short distance travelling. The concept was launched for the first time in the World at Fazilka, an Indian border town and district headquarters of Punjab near the India-Pakistan Border by the GWAF. Later, in the year 2010, principal secretary (Tourism) Geetika Kalha decided to launch the same scheme in the holy city of Amritsar around the Golden Temple area.

At present, the scheme is successfully initiated in 22 cities of Punjab. Now, at Fazilka, city is being served via nine eco-cab call centers from where the user can dial for rickshaw at doorstep. Each traction man carries mobile phone for direct calling facility and Its android application is also available in the market.

The eco-cab dial-a-rickshaw project is with light weight rickshaw equipped with luggage space, FM radio and drinking water facility.

Fazilka eco-cabs got a big boost when on April 28, last year, the Punjab and Haryana High Court took suo-moto in one of the news item and ordered the Government of Punjab, Haryana states and UT Chandigarh to implement it in various cities of Punjab, Haryana and UT Chandigarh.

Notably, the prizes are given under nine different categories and Fazilka eco-cabs have been adjourned as the best innovative practice using cycle rickshaw under non-motor transport category, this year.

Municipal Council (Fazilka) has constructed new eco-cabs stands for the rickshaw pullers."Our traction men are real green warrior and project eco-cab is nothing but a support to these eco-warriors, who pedal everyday for the sustainability of the planet," said Dr Bhupinder, Patron, founding member (GWAF) and retired professor from the IIT Roorkee.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111201/bathinda.htm#2

बागवानी में पंजाब अव्वल, अच्छा किन्नू देगा फायदा

2011-11-20T10:20:00.001+05:30

गांव खिप्पांवाली में लक्ष्मीनारायण पेड़ीवाल एग्रो व फ्रूट फार्म में किन्नू प्रजाति के फल पर सेमिनार का आयोजन किया गया। इसमें पंजाब कृषि यूनिवर्सिटी लुधियाना के डायरेक्टर डॉक्टर एमएस गिल, डॉक्टर जेएस जोसन, डॉक्टर मोनिका गुप्ता डीईएम फिरोजपुर, डॉक्टर एचएच गिल डिप्टी डायरेक्टर फिरोजपुर, डॉक्टर राकेश शारदा भू सर्वेक्षण विशेषज्ञ, बागवानी विशेषज्ञ सुशील पेड़ीवाल, सिद्धार्थ पेड़ीवाल, प्रेम बब्बर, संजीव नागपाल, सुरेन्द्र आहूजा आदि उपस्थित थे।
इस मौके पर किसानों ने बागवानी में आ रही समस्याओं से अवगत करवाया। पीएयू के डायरेक्टर ने किसानों की समस्याओं व सुझावों पर अमल करने का भरोसा दिलाया कि बागवानी में पंजाब सबसे आगे है। इस इलाके के किन्नू की बढिय़ा क्वालिटी के कारण किसानों को आर्थिक फायदा भी मिलेगा। इससे पहले सभी ने किन्नुओं की विभिन्न प्रजातियों, मधुमक्खियों के शहद व अन्य प्रदर्शनी भी देखी। बागों में लगे किन्नू के उन पौध का भी सर्वेक्षण किया जो लगभग 30 वर्ष से गुणवत्ता के आधार पर फल दे रहे हैं।
बिजली सप्लाई सही हो, दें वित्तीय सहायता
इस अवसर पर बागबानी विशेषज्ञ सुशील पेड़ीवाल ने बताया कि पंजाब में 69000 हेक्टेयर भूमि पर बागवानी होती है। इसमें होशियारपुर, फाजिल्का, अबोहर, बठिंडा, मुक्तसर, फरीदकोट इलाके में 41 हजार हेक्टेयर भूमि में किन्नू की पैदावार होती है, जो देश-विदेशों में भेजा जा रहा है। उन्होंने किसानों को बागवान के लिए आ रही समस्याओं बारे भी डायरेक्टर को बताया। उन्होंने कहा कि ड्रिप सिचाई के लिए बिजली की सप्लाई ठीक ढंग से नहीं दी जाती।
इस कारण किसानों को परेशान होना पड़ता है। उन्होंने मांग की है कि नहरी पानी इकट्ठा करने के लिए बनाई जाने वाली डिग्गी के लिए किसानों को वित्तीय सहायता दी जाए।
विभाग के डिप्टी डायरेक्टर जनार्दन सिंह बराड़ ने प्रगतिशील किसानों को सरकार द्वारा दी जाने वाली सब सिडी व एनएचएम के द्वारा नए बाग लगाने के लिए वित्तीय सहायता की जानकारी दी। (लछमण)

http://www.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-OTH-1619749-2572875.html

Nasa Agro to invest `407 crores for industrial park at Fazilka

2011-11-18T12:22:00.001+05:30

Daily Post, 18 November 2011, DAILY BUSINESS, Page 3

Nasa Agro Industries Limited (NAIL) has decided to invest over Rs 407 crore to set up an integrated agro industrial park at Fazilka in Punjab, which would create around 13000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for the people of the state. The Screening Committee of Punjab government had last week approved six agri mega projects involving a total capital investment of Rs 1,653 crore. Sanjay Kumar, Managing Director, Punjab Agro Industries Corporation (PAIC) said the government had received new proposals to set up mega agro based industries. "Nasa Agro Industries has proposed to invest Rs 407.03 crore to set up an integrated agro industrial park in Fazilka district," he said. The industrial park is expected to have number of agro based industrial units. "Coming up of an industrial park in this area will create additional infrastructure for agro based industries, as Fazilka is primarily an agricultural district," said Kumar.

Agro industrial project would be set up in approximately 548.34 acres of land in seven revenue estates including Painchanwali, Rana, Jatanwali, Lashkardin, Salemshah and Badha of district Fazilka.

Out of the total land area, the promoters own 358.34 acres of land and consent agreements in respect of another 82.85 acres of land have been obtained, and another 11.66 acres ownership of the land is through acquisition and contiguity. The remaining 95 acres in village near Khuli- Khera, near Abohar, is proposed to be acquired through the government.

The main objective of agro park is to address the problems of salinity of water, water logging, unemployment and poverty of the Malwa region. The entire project is expected to provide direct employment to 5000 people and indirect employment to 8000 people. The park would provide common facilities and linkages for smooth running of the upcoming units in the park.

"NAIL has also proposed to set up a centre of excellence in the park to train farmers, entrepreneurs in the field of allied activities and agro processing. The focus area of development is expected to be grain processing, fish processing, mushroom cultivation and processing, milk processing and handling along with fruits and vegetable processing and handling. "For regular supply of quality raw material, developers would undertake procurement planning, input distribution centre, demonstration farm and other activities. The company would also set up 100 food marts as signature shops and further expansion through franchise arrangement to cover more than 100 outlets in the region has to be done. "The project would be developed in two phases. In Phase-I, Nasa Agro Industries proposes to invest Rs 250 crore from 2011- 16 and the remaining Rs 150 crore in Phase-II in 2016-2021," added Kumar. So far, more than 40 agro based mega projects have been cleared by the government and they are at different stages of implementation as well as completion. These units are likely to invest more than Rs 4,000 crore in the state of Punjab.

http://dailypostindia.com/news/2397-Nasa-Agro-to-invest-407-crores-for-industrial-park-at-Fazilka.html

गुदड़ी के लाल साबित हुए दोना नानका के नौनिहाल

2011-11-14T11:33:00.000+05:30

अमृत सचदेवा, फाजिल्का

कौन कहता है, आसमां में छेद नहीं होता, एक पत्थर तो तबियत से उछालो यारो, यह कहावत आज बाल दिवस पर देहाती इलाके खासकर भारत-पाक सीमा जैसे दुर्गम इलाके में बसे गांव दोना नानका के सरकारी प्राइमरी स्कूल के उन सभी बच्चों पर बिल्कुल सच साबित होती है। स्कूल के इन बच्चों का पहाड़े सुनाने के मामले में इलाके, जिले, पंजाब यहां तक कि पूरे देश में कोई सानी नहीं है।

बता दें कि गांव के इस प्राइमरी स्कूल के बच्चे न केवल पहाड़े सुनाने के मुकाबले में बल्कि शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में भी कई उपलब्धियां हासिल कर चुके हैं। स्कूल की दो छात्राओं संतो बाई ने दो साल पहले पूरे पंजाब में पहले व दूसरे स्थान पर कब्जा जमाया था। प्रांतीय स्तर पर हुए पहाड़ा मुकाबले पहली कक्षा के रोशन, दूसरी कक्षा की सिमरजीत, तीसरी कक्षा की गुरमीत व चौथी कक्षा की पिंकी प्रथम रही थीं। दूसरी कक्षा के राज, तीसरी कक्षा की सुखप्रीत व पांचवीं कक्षा की सीमा रानी ने दूसरा स्थान हासिल किया था। दूसरी कक्षा की जसमी कौर व पांचवीं कक्षा की निशा ने तीसरा स्थान हासिल किया है।

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सरकारी स्कूलों के लिए नजीर

फाजिल्का: स्पेशल बच्चों की पौध से सजा यह स्कूल पूरे राज्य के सभी सरकारी स्कूलों के लिए नजीर भी है। इस स्कूल में भी अन्य सरकारी स्कूलों जितना ही स्टाफ है। लेकिन स्टाफ द्वारा बच्चों पर की जा रही मेहनत इस स्कूल व इसके बच्चों को दूसरे सभी सरकारी स्कूलों से जुदा करती है। पांच कक्षाओं के लिए नियुक्त तीन स्थायी अध्यापकों इंचार्ज लवजीत सिंह, सुरेंद्र पाल कौर व सुखपाल रानी ने अपने खर्च पर तीन अस्थायी अध्यापिकाएं रखी हैं।

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अभिभावकों को अपने सपूतों पर गर्व

फाजिल्का: अपने बच्चों की उपलब्धियों पर स्कूल स्टाफ के साथ अभिभावक भी गर्व से फूले नहीं समाते। गांव के करनैल सिंह, जगदीश सिंह, रेशम सिंह, जीत सिंह, गुलजार सिंह, चिमन सिंह, सरदार सिंह ने कहा कि गांव में शहर के अनेक माडर्न व सुविधा संपन्न निजी स्कूलों की वैन बच्चों को लेने आती हैं। लेकिन वह अपने गांव के सरकारी स्कूल में करवाई जाने वाली पढ़ाई से बेहद खुश हैं।

Pedalling their way to new identity-Deccan Herald

2011-11-13T11:17:00.000+05:30

Gautam Dheer in Chandigarh, 13th November 2011

He may not have hogged the limelight given his limited resources, yet Ludhiana-based Rangeela has three Punjabi folk albums to his credit and is dreaming big.

Not very faraway in the Fazilka district of Punjab, Major Singh burns the midnight, oil aspiring to crack the civil services examination one day. Both Singh and Rangeela have one thing in common-their occupation. Both are rickshaw pullers, albeit in a separate league. They are part of a network in Punjab where, just like the dial-a-cab facility in top metros of the country, residents dial-a-rickshaw--to be correct an eco-cab as they prefer it.

This facility in various Punjab towns is redefining the entire spectrum of this age-old occupation, slowly transforming lives of those earning a living out of it. It has defined a structure to this unorganised set-up to the advantage of both the user and the rickshaw puller. Besides, it promises to take care of a whole lot of critical issues like traffic congestion, air pollution, parking, and road safety.

Here's how it works. About 4,000 eco-cabs in Fazilka, Patiala, Amritsar and a few other districts in Punjab are just a call away. The facility is available 9 to 5 all days of the week. A standard Rs 5 per km is charged from those using the service. A feedback mechanism, too, is in place where customers can lodge their protest in case of overcharging or misbehaviour. Like in motor cabs, an initial Rs 10 "start-up cost" is added to the bill for reaching your doorstep.
In the heart of border town Fazilka, where the concept was set rolling by a team of young and spirited IIT graduates, a tea vendor sits under the shade of a tree and acts as a "customer care executive" handling close to 50 calls a day on phone from customers seeking rickshaws. The facility is now available online as well.

Talking to Deccan Herald, Navdeep Asija, who heads the Graduates Welfare Association-Fazilka, a local NGO, explained as to how the concept has empowered those pushing hard on the pedal. The most scary part of the life of a rickshawala is the thought of his illness or that of his family. "His entire earnings are drained out in one go in case of a medical emergency.
For those who are a part of the eco-cab concept, we have arranged for free treatment for the entire family," he said.

Asija said the association has tied up with nine private doctors in the small town of Fazilka where these people can walk in, take treatment and walk out healthy, free of charge, he added. A tie-up for heavily discounted medicine at chemist shops has also been made to lessen the cost of treatment. Two laboratories provide almost free diagnostic facilities to registered rickshaw pullers. The association is also looking at workable options for sustained education of children of these people. "The idea is to address everyday issues of these people, only then will begin a pattern of savings with whatever little to begin with," Asija added. Veeru and Surinder, the two who manage calls from customers in Fazilka, say their business has provided them with an identity to live with.

In Patiala, the concept has found, perhaps, a more structured approach. Here, 3,000-odd green vehicles have been rolled out under the dial-a-rickshaw project. Rickshawalas don a green uniform. The rickshaws are lighter in weight, more efficient, sturdy and above all financed by State Bank of Patiala. This finance facility at 4 per cent interest will ensure less exploitation and eventually ownership of the rickshaw to these people. What's more, in Amritsar and Patiala, these people will double up as tourist guides. A programme to train them in etiquette, behavioural skills and expertise that are required to be a tourist guide is on the anvil.

The existing Punjab Cycle Rickshaw Act of 1976 is a dampener to the change-in-the-offing, Asija said. An amendment to the Act is being demanded since it lays a cap on the pedallers age at 45 years.

Asija said the act is likely to be amended to change these clauses. Lured by the uniqueness of the concept, the UT administration of Chandigarh is also exploring possibilities of starting this concept in the city. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States is studying the eco cab project. With an aim at helping civic bodies offset the traditional car-centric development patterns. The project has been titled "Future of Urban Mobility."

Moving ahead in this direction, a research team from the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at MIT has also visited Fazilka to study the concept.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/204377/pedalling-their-way-identity.html

Agri-business projects worth Rs 1,653 cr to come up in Punjab

2011-11-11T19:28:00.000+05:30

PTI | 06:11 PM,Nov 11,2011

Chandigarh, Nov 11 (PTI) Punjab has received investment proposals worth Rs 1,653 crore in agro-business vertical, with large chunk of money being invested into setting up of food grain warehouses and rice mills. The Screening Committee of the Punjab Government approved six projects under 'Agri Mega' Projects Scheme involving capital investment of Rs 1,653 crore, an official said here. Among major projects, Soma Punjab Warehousing has proposed to invest a sum of Rs 615 crore in construction of warehouses for storing food grain at 12 different locations with capacity of 12.98 lakh tonne. Soma Punjab Agro-Power Infra has proposed to set up eight rice mills with a capacity of 20TPH and a bio-mass power plant of 3 MW with proposed investment of Rs 472 crore, he said. Another company, Indian Sucross Limited has proposed to invest around Rs 140 crore which will be spent on reviving closed unit of Mukerian Paper Limited with capacity expansion programme. In addition to it, soda recovery plant and power cogeneration plant would also be set up. An integrated agro industrial park is proposed to set up in Fazilka by Nasa Agro Industries Limited with injection of Rs 400 crore. A project for producing bio-fertilizer would come up in Ferozepur with investment of Rs 33.56 crore by Sampuran Agri Ventrues and would use saline water, which is at present creating a lot of waste land in water logged areas. It would also provide facilities for mushroom growing & packaging, egg hatchery, dairy farming as well as power co-generation. Bajaj Basmati would set up a 8 TPH rice mill in Jalalabad with an investment of Rs 30.56 crore. So far more than 40 Agro based mega projects has been cleared by the state government which are likely to invest more than Rs 4,000 crore in the state, he said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/agribusiness-projects-worth-rs-1653-cr-to-come-up-in-punjab/896215.html

Saviours of Fazilka - 67th Infantry Brigade of Indian Army

2011-11-11T13:28:00.001+05:30

The rising waters of Satluj river in the areas around Fazilka reached an alarming level in August this year. Following the release of more than 70,0000 cusecs of water daily during the period from 24 August 2011 till 01 September 2011, the river was in spates. As per official sources another cause of concern was the over flowing 'Buddha Nala' in Pakistan where too the water levels had risen sharply. The agro based economy of Fazilka was likely to be shattered as a result of extensive damage to the standing crops of basmati variety of rice in over 15,000 acres of land following the floods. On 26 August 2011 DC Fazilka requisitioned Fazilka Bde ' 67 Inf Bde' for a column of Indian Army to assist civil administration in providing flood relief in Fazilka Sector. A column of 18 Garhwal Rifles (Dras) comprising of two officers, five JCOs and 70 OR and a team of 58 Engineer Regiment was immediately launched for assistance. The Flood Relief team carried out initial recce of the site along with the civil administration personnel, the Deputy Commissioner Fazilka and team of NDRF team. Due to the timely and relentless efforts put in by soldiers of the Indian army in strengthening various anti flood bunds, a major mishap was averted. However at around 1515hrs due to the heavy volume of water discharge, approximately 15 metres of breach occurred in a private bund constructed by the villagers near Drona Sikandri which resulted in inundation of about 15,000 acres of cultivated land in the border areas. At around 1830 hrs on the request of SDM Fazilka a rescue operation was launched by the troops of Indian army to save five adults and three children isolated in Drona Sikandri. With immediate action and meticulous planning the marooned villagers were successfully evacuated to safety. Indian Army personnel along with irrigation department and civil administration worked relentlessly round the clock in strengthening the anti flood bund which was getting eroded at various places due to the heavy water discharge from head works. During the flood relief operations in Fazilka a total of 50 marooned villagers were evacuated to safety and about 40,000 acres of cultivated land of villagers was saved. 'Saviours of Fazilka Brigade' once again proved their mettle in aid to civil authorities.

http://purpleberet.com/details/cs_detail.aspx?id=214

Happy Gurpurab !! - Letter to Guru Nanak Dev Ji

2011-11-09T23:21:00.001+05:30

Dear Baba Ji,
Happy Gurpurab!!!

On this auspicious occasion of Gurpurab, I am taking this privilege and hereby submitting you the status report of your teachings and their interpolation in KALYUG-2 as follows;

1. "Pawan Guru Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat" has been reinvented by the majority of mankind like "Paisa Mata, Paisa Pita" and to achieve this that they made Mother earth completely Drug addict via pollution and pesticides. "Guru Ka Bagh" concept only exists in papers and history books; instead of planting we are cutting many trees to make concrete jungle. There is no new Gurudwars in Kalyug -2 to be named it as Tahli Sahib, Ber Sahib or Reetha Sahib.

2. "Kirat Karo Naam Japo, Vand Chako", because of NAREGA, people living in rural areas have already stopped working i.e. "Kirat Karo" and very few are left with the possibility to follow concept "Vand Chako", as the cost of living for aam admi is very high, practically not possible to follow "Share and Consume together". As far as the question of "Naam Japo" is concern, it is only being used to fulfill everyone's own greed. Bhai Lalo is almost on the verge of extinction; All Malik Bhago in power are too busy in wealth accumulation at the cost of livelihood of Many Bhai Lalo.

3. "Ek Pita, Ekus Ke Hum Barik" is very much outdated in this KALYUG-2 and the concept has been outsourced. Many home made baba's are taking care of it; again your teachings have become the source of earning for many. Babbu Mann already informed you via his song last year.

4. "So Kayon Manda Aakhiye, Jis Jamme Rajan", is being labled as "Chammak Chalo" these days. Recently bollywood made 137 crore in one month out of it. Jalebi Bai, Munni and Sheela are the other common names are used in KALYUG -2 to honour women; perhaps they also love it. Punjab, your own homeland state has emerged as biggest killer of Females, with lowest sex ratio. Money acquired without values can result in any direction.

5. "Walking"- Baba ji, you walked almost 28000 kilometer in all the direction on this earth to spread the message of love and humanity, but in today our policy makers left almost no place for pedestrians to walk. Last year 40% people who die on our roads were pedestrian.

6. "Langar Pratha" has got complete new corporate look and it is being served as a part of Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) of Gurudwars; else most of the caretakers are least interested in this non profitable venture.

Being a student of your college, I took this liberty to inform you in my own way and my apologies if I hurted the sentiments of any anyone. May the teaching of the yours reflect goodness and compassion in every human being and bring into their life, the glow of happiness & prosperity.

"Satgur Nanak Pargateya, Mitee Dhund Jag Chanan Hoya"

Yours Obediently,

Navdeep,

"Nanak Nich kahe vichaar, Waria na jaava ek waar,
Jo tud bhave sai bhali kaar, Tu sada salamat nirankaar"

With yield static for 4 yrs, experts moot new variety of seeds

2011-11-09T13:49:00.000+05:30

Raakhi Jagga, Indian Express

Ferozepur With the yield of rabi and kharif crops remaining stagnant for the past four years, there is a need for new variety of seeds to improve farming practices or for some seed treatment, experts told a farmers training cam here.

"Wheat production was 164 lakh tonne last year but this year we are targeting only 154 lakh tonne. A few new varieties of seeds can help increase the production. This year farmers got PBW 621 variety and HD 2967 certified by PAU but they were limited in quantity. The yield wil be know in April only," Nirankar Singh Saran, joint director in agriculture department, said.

Saran also asked the farmers not to do stubble burning so as to maintain fertility of the soil.

Yuvraj Pandha, assistant professor—plant protection cell of Krishi Vigyan Kendra—said most of the farmers do not do seed treatment.

"Majority of the farmers hardly do seed treatment for diseases like loose smut and later they suffer from poor yield. This is also resulting in the static growth for past many years," he said.

The agriculture department has been promoting only Happy Seeder, which can do direct sowing of wheat seeds without burning the straw. The cost of this machine is Rs 1.15 lakh and farmers' commission also gives subsidy worth Rs 60,000 but still farmers are not interested in buying it.

"The whole state is having only a few such machines. Farmers do not want to spend time and money, they just want to burn the land and make it ready for the next crop," Saran said.

Ferozepur and Fazilka Additional Development Officer M S Bhullar said they were spreading awareness and a few are following it. "Till the time an Act is not framed, people will not stop stubble burning," he said.

In the training camp, apart from display of new machines, the main focus was on spreading awareness on stubble burning.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/with-yield-static-for-4-yrs-experts-moot-new-variety-of-seeds/872944/

Seven Gujarati tourists killed in Jalalabad road mishap

2011-11-07T08:52:00.000+05:30

JALALABAD: Seven pilgrims from Gujarat, including women and children, were killed and more than 30 injured, some of them seriously, when their private tourist bus skidded off the road and rolled down into a drain on way to Amritsar, near Jalalabad town in Fazilka district of Punjab, early morning on Sunday.

According to information, the passengers were on a pilgrimage tour to Amritsar and Vaishno Devi shrine from Ahmedabad in Gujarat when it plunged into the drain as the driver apparently dozed off while at the wheel.

Four tourists, who died on the spot, could not be identified while three others, who breathed their last on way to the local civil hospital, have been identified as Raj Kumar, Rasilaben and Prabhu Lal. As the news of the accident spread, local NGOs, police and medical staff reached the spot and started rescue work.

The injured were taken to the local civil hospital and those in critical condition were referred to medical college in Faridkot.

The injured pilgrims, who have been admitted in the local civil hospital, are Kamalbhai, Mogjibhai, Chawla Bhogilal, Karsanbhai, Kantaben, Saraswatiben, Jayaben, Rishu, Bamilaben, Himmatbhai, Pamilaben, Premhi Bhai, Niraliben and Moneyben. The bodies of the victims have been sent to the civil hospital in Fazilka for post mortem examination.

Charandev Singh Mann, ADC, Fazilka, said that the district administration has made arrangements for the return journey of the remaining passengers.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Seven-Gujarati-tourists-killed-in-Jalalabad-road-mishap/articleshow/10637280.cms

Farmers sore as Basmati fails to fetch good price

2011-11-05T10:48:00.001+05:30

With private shellers refusing to give them good prices, Basmati crop has added to the worries of farmers. This year, the best variety of Basmati was sold at Rs 1,600 per quintal, while last year, farmers had got more than Rs 2,400 per quintal. The famous mandis of Jalalabad and Fazilka — known as the hub of basmati crop — have also seen minimum procurement.

Jasbir Singh, a farmer from Ferozepur village, said: "Three years ago, the price of basmati crop was Rs 4,000 per quintal. Every year, private shellers are paying less and less and this year, prices have fallen to Rs 1,600 per quintal even for the finest quality. The average quality is getting as low as Rs 1,400 per quintal."

According to sources in the mandis, exporters still have the previous year's stock left with them and therefore, do not want to buy more. They have also reduced the advance payments to the rice shellers.

The shellers, on the other hand, are giving payment at one month credit to the ahrtiyas — the rate was one week only last year. Due to the delayed payment, ahrtiyas were not ready to make swift payments to farmers, which in turn, was leading farmers to sell their stock at throwaway prices.

When contacted, Director (Agriculture) B S Sidhu, said: "Area under basmati cultivation has increased from 5.5 lakh hectare to 6 lakh hectare this year. Looking at the dismal pricing of the crop, we appeal to the Centre to appoint an agency on the lines of the Cotton Corporation of India for basmati crop. MSP for this crop should also be fixed. The agency should step in when the prices in mandis fall below the MSP. These steps are a must because basmati helps in improving the water table as well, as it absorbs less water."

Rajiv Ahuja, a commission agent, said: "I sold my product in Jalalabad mandi after waiting for more than 15 days. There is hardly any activity in Fazilka and Jalalabad mandis. International pricing of Basmati has fallen and even exporters have piled up stocks and therefore, this crisis. Farmers will have to bear the brunt if the government fixes no MSP for the crop."

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/farmers-sore-as-basmati-fails-to-fetch-good-price/870938/0

Trans-Afghan gas pipeline, the dream that won’t die

2011-11-03T11:10:00.001+05:30

KABUL: On paper, it's one of the sweetest gas deals there is. At one end, the world's second largest gas field; at the other, 1.2 billion people demanding clean energy, and in the middle, countries in desperate need of revenues and jobs.

In reality — and especially when that reality passes through Afghanistan and Pakistan en route to India — things are a lot tougher.

Only last week, Pakistan's Petroleum Ministry said it had agreed purchase terms with putative gas supplier Turkmenistan, and would sign a contract in mid-November. An official in the ministry said Turkmenistan would supply 1.3 billion cubic feet of gas per day for 25 years.

For a pipeline that doesn't exist outside of the imagination, it was a bold step.

The idea of a 1,700-km pipeline from Turkmenistan to India, known as TAPI, isn't new. In the mid-1990s, Afghanistan's then-rulers, the Taliban, talked to an American energy firm about building it.

Almost 15 years and no gas later, the Taliban have been kicked out of power, thousands have been killed in Afghanistan during the US-led war, and the Afghanistan-Pakistan border is one of the most dangerous areas in the world — but the pipeline dream won't die.

"Without peace and stability in Afghanistan, the pipeline may become only a pipedream," said Debidatta Aurobinda Mahapatra, a researcher with the Centre for Central Eurasian Studies at the University of Mumbai.

Violence is at its worst since 2001, according to the United Nations. Foreign forces have already started a security handover in parts of the country, ahead of a full withdrawal of combat troops by the end of 2014. Some fear that when they go, full-scale civil war could break out.

"People are talking about pipelines, roads and railways, and these are all very vulnerable," said Thomas Ruttig, a co-director with Afghanistan Analysts Network in Kabul.

Afghan officials have pledged security forces, and talk about burying part of the pipeline underground, but even then it would still snake through the Taliban heartlands of Helmand and Kandahar in the south of Afghanistan.

"The pipeline is very long and very difficult to defend — you can't put a soldier every 20 metres," Ruttig said.

The Asian Development Bank earlier this year approved around half a million dollars to pay for consultancy and meetings on the project, but when asked at the end of October, it was no longer talking about TAPI.

According to the Afghan Ministry of Mines, the pipeline would pump 33 billion cubic metres a year from the South Iolotan field in Turkmenistan to Fazilka in India, crossing 735 kilometres of Afghan territory, then 800 kilometres in Pakistan.

Between problematic and impossible

Getting Pakistan and India to agree on anything is tough.

Relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours, who have fought three wars against each other since their independence from Britain in 1947, are prickly enough to scuttle the project without any help from the Taliban.

"Two of the major stakeholders in TAPI, India and Pakistan, have major differences including security and transit fee, and more importantly, trust," Mahapatra said.

But for Afghans, who continue to endure high energy bills and frequent power cuts even in big cities, the potential benefits are so great that the possibility of the pipeline is worth clinging onto.

"Everyone is waiting for the pipeline project because they believe it will be the cheapest energy they will have to run their business," said Ahmad Khalid Yarmand, head of the Afghan business association in western city of Herat, through which the pipeline would pass.

For the other countries in the plan, it could also be a winning deal. India and Pakistan would diversify their gas supply, while Turkmenistan, a former Soviet republic, wants to triple annual gas exports to 180 bcm by 2030, looking beyond its traditional partner Russia to wider export markets.

Energy experts aren't holding their breath.

"It works economically and is even quite attractive. Needless to say, from the political side, it is somewhere between highly problematic and impossible," said Jonathan Stern, director of gas research at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies in Britain.

"It depends what route you take across Afghanistan but nothing looks attractive," he said, adding that, in addition to the security problems, the Indians might in any case refuse to take any gas which crosses Pakistan.

"In summary: it's all very difficult."

Amritsar, Amritsar: Punjabi jagran News - 30th October 2011 :DigitalEdition

2011-10-30T08:54:00.001+05:30

http://epaper.punjabijagran.com/15366/Amritsar/Amritsar-Punjabi-jagran-News-30th-October-2011?show=clip#page=1:w=807:h=413:l=210:t=1789

ऑनलाइन डिटेल देखें और ईको कैब मंगवाएं

2011-10-30T08:30:00.001+05:30

अगर आप फाजिल्का में हैं और आपको रिक्शा की जरूरत है तो आपकी सेवा के लिए स्थापित ईको कैब से संबंधित सारी जानकारी आप घर बैठे ही जान सकते हैं। फाजिल्का ईको कैब (डायल-ए-रिक्शा) के नाम से ग्रेजुएट्स वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन शुरू की गई यह सेवा देशभर में अनूठी पहचान बना चुकी है और अब यह दुनिया की पहली एंड्रॉइड ऑपरेटिंग सिस्टम सॉफ्टवेयर पर चलने वाली स्मार्ट फोन मोबाइल एप्लीकेशन बन गई है।

इसका आगाज शनिवार को नगर कौंसिल अध्यक्ष अनिल कुमार सेठी ने मोबाइल पर कॉल करके किया। इसके अलावा ईको कैब के 9 नए कॉल सेंटर स्थापित किए गए हैं और इसकी वेबसाइट भी लांच कर दी गई है। वेबसाइट बनाने में कंप्यूटर्स इंजीनियर छात्र गौतम चौधरी ने मदद की है। नगर कौंसिल के प्रांगण में इसकी शुरुआत करते समय ग्रेजुएट्स वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन संरक्षक डॉ. भूपिंदर सिंह, प्रधान एडवोकेट उमेश कुक्कड़, सचिव इंजीनियर नवदीप असीजा, नितिन सेतिया, परमजीत सिंह पम्मा वैरड़, विशाल कामरा के अलावा ईको कैब के सदस्य मौजूद थे।
ग्रेजुएट्स वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन के सचिव नवदीप असीजा ने बताया कि एंड्रॉइड एप्लीकेशन हैदराबाद के इलेक्ट्रॉनिक इंजीनियर अशोक फेलिक्स की ओर से विकसित किया गया है। एंड्रॉइड एप्लीकेशन को फाजिल्का ईको कैब की वेबसाइट के भी जोड़ा गया है। (लछमण)

ईको कैब ऐसे पहुंचेगी आपके पास वेबसाइट के जरिए फोन करके रिक्शा बुलाने वाले को रिक्शा चालक का आई कार्ड नंबर, फोटो, पता और वह किस क्षेत्र में है और कितनी देर में आप तक पहुंचेगा सहित सारी जानकारी मिल जाएगी। वेबसाइट ww.ecocabs.org पर लॉगऑन करने पर ईको कैब नंबर (100 से फिलहाल 200 तक) लिखकर सर्च करना होगा। इससे ईको कैब सदस्य की पूरी डिटेल होगी। उसके मुताबिक उसे बुलाया जा सकेगा। मिसाल के तौर पर 101 नंबर सर्च करने पर फाजिल्का रिक्शा यूनियन के उपप्रधान मनजिंद्र सिंह की डिटेल होगी और उनका मोबाइल नंबर 95309-98101 होगा। बस कॉल करें और बुलाएं

http://www.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-OTH-1599914-2529893.html

फाजिल्का ने दुनिया भर में मारी बाजी

2011-10-30T08:29:00.001+05:30

अमृत सचदेवा, फाजिल्का

फाजिल्का ने मारी दुनिया भर में मारी बाजी.. चौंकिए नहीं, यह सौ फीसदी सच है। दरअसल, पेरिस में चलने वाली मेट्रो गाड़ी की जानकारी लेने के लिए मोबाइल के जरिये प्रयोग की जाने वाली एंड्रायड एप्लीकेशन अब फाजिल्का की ईको कैब (रिक्शा) के लिए भी प्रयोग होगी। मोबाइल से रिक्शा बुलाने के लिए प्रयोग की जाने वाली यह तकनीक शुरू होने से फाजिल्का दुनिया का पहला शहर बन गया है, जिसने इस उच्च तकनीक का इस्तेमाल यातायात के सबसे निचले साधन में किया है।

उल्लेखनीय है कि ग्रेजुएट वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन फाजिल्का के प्रयासों से 20 जून 2008 को डायल-ए-रिक्शा शुरू कर फोन के जरिये रिक्शा बुलाने की शुरुआत की गई थी। तब यह शुरुआत करने वाला फाजिल्का देश का पहला शहर था। 28 अप्रैल 2010 में हाईकोर्ट द्वारा डायल-ए-रिक्शा के फीचर से प्रभावित होकर सुओ मोटो एक्शन लेते हुए पंजाब व हरियाणा के सभी छोटे बड़े शहरों व कस्बों में यह सर्विस शुरू करने के आदेश देना भी फाजिल्का के लिए गर्व का विषय रहा।

उसी आदेश का नतीजा है कि फाजिल्का के फार्मूले पर पंजाब के 22 शहरों में ईको कैब (फाजिल्का में बनाई गई नए फीचर वाली रिक्शा) चल रही हैं। डायल-ए-रिक्शा शुरू करने वाली एसोसिएशन के सचिव इंजीनियर नवदीप असीजा ने बताया कि शनिवार को डायल-ए-रिक्शा के संक्षिप्त इतिहास में नया सुनहरी अध्याय शुरू हुआ है। आज से लैंडलाइन से मंगवाई जाने वाली रिक्शा जीएसएम मोबाइल से बुलाई जाएगी। इसके लिए बीएसएनएल ने एक हजार प्री-पेड नंबरों की विशेष श्रृंखला फाजिल्का के रिक्शा चालकों के लिए प्रदान की है। साथ ही कंप्यूटर व मोबाइल इंटरनेट का प्रयोग करने वालों को ईको कैब की एंड्रायड एप्लीकेशन का तोहफा दिया गया है। इस के प्रयोग से रिक्शा बुलाने वाले लोग मोबाइल पर अपने यहां आने वाले रिक्शा चालक की फोटो, उसका रजिस्ट्रेशन नंबर सहित पूरा प्रोफाइल देख सकेंगे।

यह एडवांस तकनीक पूरी दुनिया में यातायात के किसी साधन में सिर्फ पेरिस में चलने वाली मेट्रो गाड़ियों में प्रयोग हो रही है। उसके बाद रिक्शा जैसी यातायात की सबसे छोटी इकाई पर इसे प्रयोग करने वाला फाजिल्का दुनिया का पहला शहर बन गया है। इस तकनीक से रिक्शा बुलाने के लिए फाजिल्का को नौ जोन में बांटा गया है और संबंधित जोन में चलने वाले रिक्शा के नंबर भी एसोसिएशन द्वारा प्रचारित किए जाएंगे।

----------------

क्या है एंड्रायड एप्लीकेशन

कंप्यूटर व मोबाइल पर प्रयोग की जाने वाली इस एप्लीकेशन में उपभोक्ता अपने नजदीकी रिक्शा स्टैंड और वहां उपलब्ध रिक्शा की जानकारी अपने कंप्यूटर या मोबाइल स्क्रीन पर हासिल कर सकता है। मोबाइल पर इसके प्रयोग का फायदा ये है कि एप्लीकेशन के भीतर ही उपलब्ध रिक्शा चालक का नंबर डायल होने की सुविधा दी गई है।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8417927.html

Fazilka’s dial-a-rickshaw service goes online, gets an Android app

2011-10-30T08:02:00.001+05:30

The Ecocabs dial-a-rickshaw project in Fazilka has launched its online web portal (www.ecocabs.org) and an application for Android mobile phones.

In a function organised in the premises of Municipal Council of Fazilka, its President Anil Sethi formally inaugurated and dedicated the website and mobile application by making the first call.

Anil Sethi and Paramjit Warar took a joint ride after calling Ecocabs at Municipal Council Fazilka.

It allows users to search for Ecocabs call centres nearby, based on the user's location. Available in the Android market for free, the application replicates all features of the website and lets the user look at the complete details of Ecocabs operations, contact details of pilots, directions, passenger information system.

The application can be of great use to smart phone users. Talking about the importance of Information technology tools, Dr Bhupinder, founder of graduate welfare association Fazilka (GWAF) said that such a portal and complied information will help other cities follow the Fazilka protocol of Ecocabs.

Fazilka Ecocabs dial-a-rickshaw service was launched in the month of June 2008 and later it was introduced in various cities of Punjab and Haryana.

"Initially the city was divided into five zones and now based upon the latest demand, the city has been divided into nine sectors with almost 1,500 household in each sector. One dedicated call centre has been established. Bharat Sanchar Nigam limited is the official telecom partner for this project," said Navdeep Asija, founder Ecocabs and Secretary (admin) of GWAF. Ashok Felix, a Hyderabad-based Java Web and Portal Technologies programmer and a consulting Android developer volunteered help to make android application for Ecocabs operations at Fazilka, added Asija. The web portal integrated with the Android application is being designed by a city-based 20-year-old computer engineering student Gautam Chaudhary.

Earlier, Sethi said that soon the rickshaw union will get its office and other new sheds in various zones of Fazilka.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/fazilkas-dialarickshaw-service-goes-online-gets-an-android-app/867373/0

Interesting but Little known/unknown facts about Fazilka

2011-10-25T09:12:00.000+05:30

Interesting Facts about Fazilka

1. "Sanjay Gandhi role in State Politics began when Chief Minister Zail Singh of Punjab invited him to Fazilka. Chief Minister Bansi Lal of Haryana, in his bid to outdo Zail Singh, arranged a bigger reception for Sanjay and Chandigarh. So began Sanjay Journey from Fazilka to Chandigarh to Vishakhapatnam in the south until he had been to the country all over" - V. Vasudeva, Two Faces of Indira Gandhi (New Delhi 1977)

2. Gazal Maestro Mehndi Hassan started to perform at a young age and the first concert of dhrupad and kheyal with his elder brother is reported to have been held in Fazilka Bungla, near present D.C. House/Badha Lake (1935) district Fazilka of Undivided Punjab.

3. From July 23, 1934 to July 23, 1949 generation and supplying of electricity in Fazilka was with Fazilites private company "Fazilka Electric Supply Company Limited" jointly owned by Harbhagwan Nanda and Harcharan Dass. Later Harbhagwan Nanda's Son Rajan Nanda married to Ritu Kapoor Nanda, a daughter of famous bollywood actor Raj Kapoor. Presently Rajan Nanda is a Chairman of Escort Group. Rajan and Ritu Nanda's Son Mr Nikhil Nanda is a presently a Joint Managing Director of Escorts Group and a Husband of Shweta Nanda, son in law of Amitabh Bacchan.

4. Five Fazilite have been awarded with Padma Award, highest civilian honour of the country. Late Kanwar Surinder Singh Bedi awarded twice, Padamshri in 1966 and Padam Bhushan in 1972 for playing an important role as deputy commissioner Amritsar during Two wars with Pakistan. Famous veteran singer and actor Fazilite Pushpa Hans in the year 2007 was awarded with Padamshri. World Famous Neurosurgeon Fazilite Dr Jagjit Singh Chopra was awarded with Padam Bhushan in the year 2008 for their valuable contribution in the field of Medicine and in the year 2009 Bhai Nirmal Singh Ragi awarded with PadamShri.

5. Guru Nanak Dev Ji paid his visit to Fazilka during (1517-1521). His final longest journey (Udassi) lasted over four years towards west mainly Baghdad, Mecca and Medina. Bedi clan at Fazilka is the successor of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Captain M.S. Bedi is 17th direct decedent of Guru Nanak Dev Ji family.

6. Haryana Urdu Academy constituted scholarship to the name of the veteran Urdu poet, Fazilite late Kunwar Mohinder Singh Bedi 'Sahar', for his outstanding contribution in the field of Urdu literature. He also remained Vice-Chancellor of Taraqqui-e-Urdu Board. In the year 2002, Late Gazal Singer Padam bhushan Jagjit Singh launched a music album title "Forget me not", a tribute to the veteran poet, the late Kunwar Mohinder Singh Bedi 'Sahar', whose creations constitute eight ghazals in the album. Super Cassettes Industries also announced award in the memory of Kunwar Sahib "Kunwar Mohinder Singh Bedi Award" for the talented, up- coming poet.

7. Two most famous and glamour bollywood actress Mandira Bedi and Malaika Arora Khan have their ancestral route in Fazilka. Mandira is a granddaughter of famous Fazilite Urdu Poet Kunwar Mohinder Singh Bedi "Sahar". Actress Malaika Arora father Mr Anil Arora born and brought up in Fazilka before joining Merchant Navy.

8. The famous Punjabi dance style "Jhummar" was invented in Fazilka by Baba Pokhar Singh (1916-2002) of Fazilka.

9. Lance Nayak Drugpal Singh of Rajput Regiment was awarded with Mahavir Chakra during 1971 Indo-Pak War in Fazilka Sector.

10. After Saunders murder on 17th December 1928 at Lahore, Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh escaped and reached to Village Danewala of Fazilka Tehsil, where he hides himself.

11. "We walked night and day. There were men and women of all ages and all conditions. Many could not stand the strain. They-mostly women and children-were left on the road. I reached a place called Fazilka, in Indian Territory, and discovered that another refugee column in which my father and other relatives had set out had fared much worse. They had been attacked by Muslim mobs on their way: Only 40 or 50 had survived out of 400 or 500 and even these were in hospitals. My aunt had been killed, more than a hundred girls were abducted, and my father rescued from a heap of the dead. ...While in Fazilka, we saw other refugee columns coming in; one of them he says was 'forty miles long', and in another marched " five hundred women who had been stripped naked.......I saw women with their breasts, noses, ears and cheeks cut........one of them told me how her child was roasted and she was asked to partake of the same.....another was ravished in the presence of her husband who was kept tied to a tree. — Stated under oath by Madanlal Pahwa during the Mahatama Gandhi Murder Trial, part of a seven member gang who wanted to kill the Mahatma Gandhi.

12. Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo served thrice as Speaker of Pakistan-Punjab Assembly during 1985-88, 1988-90 and 1990-93 and functioned thrice as Chief Minister, Punjab during 1993, 1993-95 and 1996; and is presently serving as Federal Minister for Industries and Production is a Grandson of Mian Fazil Watto; Fazilka named after him. Fazilka City Established in Year 1844 By Britisher Mr. Oliver After Purchasing Land from Mian Fazil Watoo (Lambardar) at the payment of Rs. 144/- and Anna Eight, and our city Name is Placed after His Name

13. After partition of India and Pakistan, lovers of Fazilka in Pakistan; to mark their love and affection for the motherland founded "Fazilka Islamia High School" at Pakpattan.

14. Ex. Prime Minister of India Late Smt. Late Indira Gandhi, Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Visited our City in Year 1971, 1977 & 1984 respectively.

15. Fazilka Tilla Jutii is registered as a Geographical Indicator to the Name of Fazilka under Patent Act of India. Fazilka Tilla Jutti was the First Choice of Ex. President of India Late Giani Jail Singh, Ex. Chief Minister of Punjab Late Shiri Partap Singh Kairo, Late Shiri Beant Singh Ji and Late Shiri Darbara Singh. Presently Fazilka Tilla Jutti is the the first choice of Badal Family, and Shiri Sukbir Badal, M.P. Faridkot visit every year Fazilka to buy Jutti. Many Bollywood stars and singers mainly Gurdass Mann, Juhi Chawla likes Fazilka Jutti.

16. Veteran sportsperson from Fazilka Sardar Gurbachan Singh Brar from Fazilka was the Former Indian Hockey Team Captain in the Year 1950.

17. Before Partition Fazilka Was the Biggest Wool Market in the Asia and it was established by British as one of the main trading Town. British named 10 steamer ships to the name of their favorite trading town and they named First Single Cylinder Steam Ship of the World "FAZILKA" in the year 1890 (South Africa).

18. Fazilite Meeran Chadha Borwankar, IPS is the first female Police Commissioner in India at present posted as Commissioner Pune Police. Another daughter of this small town Ms Nitu Bhattacharya (Thatai), Commandant 88 CRPF, Women Battalion, Head of Only Women Battalion in the Country

दोना नानका प्राइमरी स्कूल : मिट्टी जो उगल रही सोना

2011-10-24T15:48:00.001+05:30

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का

प्रतिभा मापने का पैमाना क्या हो सकता है, कुछ भी नहीं। वैसे ही जिले के गांव दोना नानका के होनहार बच्चों की प्रतिभा का कोई पैमाना नजर नहीं आ रहा। स्कूल के बच्चों ने ब्लाक स्तरीय पहाड़ा मुकाबलों में पहली से पांचवीं कक्षा तक की सभी 15 स्थानों पर कब्जा करके इस बात को और पुख्ता कर दिया है।

उल्लेखनीय है कि दोना नानका के प्राइमरी स्कूल की दो छात्राएं दो साल पहले पांचवीं कक्षा में पूरे पंजाब में अव्वल स्थान हासिल कर चुकी हैं। इसके अलावा इस स्कूल के बच्चे राष्ट्रीय स्तर तक के पहाड़ा मुकाबलों में बेहतरीन प्रदर्शन करते हुए अव्वल स्थान हासिल कर चुके हैं। आम सरकारी स्कूलों से उलट इस स्कूल में अध्यापकों ने विशेष रुचि दिखाते हुए लाइब्रेरी व कंप्यूटर लैब अपनी तरफ से स्थापित कर रखी है, ताकि बच्चों का सर्वपक्षीय विकास हो सके। स्कूल में सफाई व्यवस्था, बच्चों के बैठने के प्रबंध, स्वच्छ पेयजल का सुचारु प्रबंध स्टाफ ने खुद रुचि दिखाते हुए किया है। यहां तक कि इस स्कूल के बच्चे प्राइवेट स्कूलों की तरह यूनिफार्म पहनकर व सही ढंग से टाई बेल्ट लगाकर आते हैं। यह सब स्कूल के इंचार्ज मास्टर लवजीत सिंह के कुशल नेतृत्व में हो रहा है।

उन्हीं के नेतृत्व में सरकारी प्राइमरी स्कूल में संपन्न ब्लाक स्तरीय पहाड़ा मुकाबलों में दोना नानका के पहली से पांचवीं कक्षा तक के बच्चे शामिल हुए। इस मुकाबले में फाजिल्का शिक्षा ब्लाक दो के कलस्टर लेवल पर जीत हासिल करके आए सैकड़ों बच्चों ने भाग लिया। लेकिन उन सभी बच्चों को पछाड़ते हुए पहली से पांचवीं कक्षा तक की प्रथम 15 स्थानों पर दोना नानका के बच्चों ने कब्जा कर अपनी प्रतिभा का लोहा मनवाया है।

मुकाबले संपन्न करवा रहे अधिकारी गुरदयाल सिंह व अन्य स्टाफ ने इंचार्ज लवजीत सिंह व स्कूल के सारे स्टाफ को इस जीत की बधाई दी व अव्वल बच्चों को सम्मानित किया।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8393722.html

Green Revolution RELOADED : Increasing number of agri-entrepreneurs in Punjab are helping farmers become job creators from job seekers

2011-10-24T15:44:00.001+05:30

Viney Sharma, Economics Times, New Delhi Edition, Vibrant North, Page 26

24th October 2011

Drifting away from traditional farming of paddy and wheat never came that easy for the agri-entrepreneurs of Punjab. There were few takers of their ideas when they set off on a new journey. Not only providing employment to hundreds of youth but also inspiring others to become 'job providers' from 'job seekers'. These out of the box thinkers are heralding a second wave of green revolution in Punjab. On his visits to his native village Latala in Punjab Jassi Khangura noticed that many people were leaving for cities to seek employment, because opportunities for work in villages were limited even for those who owned land. He also noted that the social equations in the villages were heavily tilted towards men. And, women from the poorest sectors had no real opportunity at all. These were the issues he set out to address by forming the Macro Dairy Ventures (MDVL). A social enterprise dairy project, MDVL is located in villages near Ludhiana, providing highest quality community dairy infrastructure across villages and partners women entrepreneurs and contract farmers around its farms. Khangura, who is also the sitting MLA of Qila Raipur, designed and implemented the project to provide socially acceptable vocational opportunity for people from the poorest rural communities. With an initial investment of around 100 crore the project started in 2008 with the first community dairy unit at village Phallewal and the central state-of-the-art processing unit at Majara. Khangura's MDVL project also provides market linkage for women entrepreneurs through its brand TruMilk, a highend 100% pure cows' milk product, across Punjab and NCR. With a turnover in 2010 of around 50 crore, "It is amazing to see a positive impact of the project on the lives of the rural poor. When i see these women entrepreneurs ensuring their children are educated and are able to pay for medicines because of their partnership with MDVL, it's definitely all worthwhile. We currently have almost 1,000 such women. And, soon this figure will catapult to 3,200," Khangura said. Before becoming an aquaculturist, Rajvinder Pal Singh Rana, 38, from Mullanpur in Ludhiana, served in the Indian army and later worked for a MNC. He got into the fisheries business in 2001, without any financial help from any institution and started with only 2.5 acre on leased land. Rana now employs 14 people who remain at the farm round the clock. How did he do it? "I take training from various agencies on fish breeding, business development, FCR ration, fish processing and fish and water management," Rana said, who is also working on 'fish skin' and have applied for a patent. Apart from manufacturing a Tag machine which he sells at 250, Rana also produces fish oil at comparatively lower price than others in the market. Vikram Aditya Ahuja, 44, is currently an executive director of Zamindara Farmsolutions (ZFS), a Fazilka-based farm equipment bank. Vikram's philosophy is simple; a second green revolution will happen when farmers' debt burden is eased. ZFS helps small and marginal farmers improve the economics and sustainability of their work. It offers a combination of methods—farm equipment on pay per use basis, extension services, educating farmers etc to achieve their goals. The debt burden in Punjab outstrips the national average. With nearly 13 lakh farmers, Punjab has a per capita debt of 50,000 compared with the national figure of 15,000. On March 31, 2009, Punjab-based farmers owed banks a whopping 35,000 crore. Each acre in Punjab is under a debt of 15,000. Farmer suicides have been on the rise throughout India from 1997. "Farmers in North India have traditionally taken expensive bank loans to buy expensive farm equipment (tractors). This equipment have been by and large underutilised due to the small size of the farm holdings (4.2 million hectares are cultivated by 1.5 million families) and the seasonality of use," Ahuja of ZFS said. Punjab grows rice on 70 lakh acre (out of 4.2 million hectares). Farmers burn nearly 140 lakh tonne of crop residue (rice straw or naad). This causes damage to the environment, affects public health, dries up soil moisture, burns down the good top layer of soil and kills friendly insects. "Farmers follow this practice (of burning straw) due to lack of awareness, nonavailability of new technologies. We feel that this threat can become a major opportunity by creating awareness and making relevant machines available on affordable rates," Ahuja said. ZFS is associated with 6,000 farmer families and has trained 250 village youths in farm mechanisation. It also trained more than 4,000 farmers through campaign 'Earn–Don't burn'. It claims to have dissuaded 800 families from taking expensive farm loans (approx 30 crore) to buy farm machinery by offering machines on 'Pay for use' basis. Saving an yearly interest of 300 lakh in total. A large number of younger farmers from the region are exploring options in Africa nations like Ethiopia. Recently world's largest grower of roses, Karuturi Global Ltd invited the farmers from Punjab to invest in Ethiopia. Karuturi Global Ltd has evolved a revenue-sharing model for Indian farmers to share their expertise and lead the world towards self-sufficiency in food, said Sai Ramakrishna Karuturi, who is the founder and managing director of Karuturi Global. Puneet Singh, a progressive young farmer from Chandigarh region, has signed a contract with Karuturi. "Our expertise would add value there business," Singh said. "It gives Indian farmers an opportunity to enjoy the economies of scale that comes along with large scale commercial farming seen in the United States and Australia."

Punjab and Haryana High Court orders to develop car free zones in Punjab, Haryana

2011-10-21T20:48:00.001+05:30

Fazilka: In a bid to save historical heritage sites and control pollution by regulating the traffic system, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed Haryana and Punjab to develop car free zones in all the districts. To check the air pollution, the HC has also asked them to use eco-friendly rickshaws as means of commutation.

Inspired by the adaptation of eco-friendly rickshaws and car free zone at Ghanta Ghar Chowk of Fazilka, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had taken suo moto notice of the issue on October 29, 2010, ordered both the states to follow the practice in all districts.

During the hearing on September 23, 2011, the Punjab government had filed an affidavit stating that more than 500 eco-friendly rickshaws are operating in 12 districts of the state and efforts are on to develop car free zones.

Senior Standing Counsel of Chandigarh also updated information about the efforts in the direction of developing car free zones. The High Court expressed its displeasure over the poor efforts of Haryana government in the matter.

http://post.jagran.com/punjab-and-haryana-high-court-orders-to-develop-car-free-zones-in-punjab-haryana-1317028984

HC notice to Punjab govt on floods in Fazilka

2011-10-21T20:32:00.001+05:30

FAZILKA: The Punjab and Haryana High Court, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking compensation of Rs 75,000 per acre against crop loss due to diversion of excess water from Lambi area in Muktsar, has issued notice to the state government to file its reply.

The case pertains to diversion of excess rain water from chief minister Parkash Singh Badal's assembly constituency to Abohar and Ballauana areas of Fazilka district, during the recent monsoon season. The step was apparently taken to save crops in Lambi.

A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice RN Raina issued notices for December 12, 2011 to the state government to file a reply.

Incessant rain had caused extensive damage to cotton and paddy crop in Malwa region of Punjab, hitting cotton growers and farmers hard. The rain water had also damaged several houses in the area. It was alleged that the CM, whose assembly segment Lambi falls under Muktsar district, had ordered release of flood water into Abulkhurana drain through Sarawan Bodla and Wahabwala drains, in an effort to assuage the feelings of farmers in Lambi, Giddarbaha and Malout areas.

But this increased volume of water had an adverse effect on about 30 villages of adjoining Fazilka district. Sardarpur, Datarianwali, Rajiawali, Bhagu, Bhagsar, Amarpura, Ram Sran, Bhabwala, Khatban and Tabba Kokrian villages of Fazilka were affected badly due to the draining of water from Lambi and Gidderbaha, leaving the fields marooned and damaging the crops.

Dharmvir, a resident of Fazilka, had filed a PIL alleging that due to release of flood water towards Fazilka area, standing crop worth Rs 11.55 crore was damaged besides an estimated loss of Rs 9 crore, caused to several houses in the area. Holding the state government responsible for these losses, he demanded a compensation of Rs 75,000 per acre to affected farmers.

http://www.anhourago.in/show.aspx?l=33792301&d=502

PUDA COLONY IN BADHA LAKE WETLAND: HC issues notices to PPCB, PSSTC, forest dept

2011-10-18T09:52:00.000+05:30

Our Correspondent

Fazilka, October 17
The Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a notice today to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST) and the Forest and Wildlife Department seeking their reply on the proposed PUDA colony being carved out in the Badha lake wetland area in Fazilka.

Social activist Navdeep Asija had filed a writ petition in the High Court against the upcoming PUDA colony on the plea that the proposed colony could disturb the ecology of the area.

Asija, who was present in the court, said that a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice Rajiv Narayan Raina today issued notice to these departments for filing a separate reply. The next hearing is on November 22.

Today, the HC also verified the revenue record of the extinct Badha lake and its adjacent areas. As per the revenue record presented in the court, it was demonstrated that from 1977 to 1995, fish farming was done in the lake and the Badha village panchayat used to earn revenue from it.

During the argument on the affidavit filed by the PUDA stating that there are only a few eucalyptus trees and hence, there has been no axing of trees involved while carving out the colony, the court directed the Forest and Wildlife Department to verify the facts.

It is pertinent to mention here that Fazilka was established by the Britisher Patrick Vans Agnew in 1844 near the banks of the Badha lake. Inspired by the flora and fauna there, he decided to construct a bungalow near the lake.

Till the eighties, the lake was a source of drinking water.

According to sources, due to the activities of vested interests, the natural flow of the river Sutlej, which used to recharge the lake every year, was stopped later on.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111018/bathinda.htm#5

Fazilka MC goes online

2011-10-14T10:46:00.001+05:30

The local municipal FAZILKA: The local municipal council on Monday became the first civic body in the state go online.

It has become the only MC in Punjab having a Suvidha Centre and an online facility for the residents, where they can submit bills of water, sewerage, house tax and file complaints from home at the click of the mouse.

Punjab transport and technical education minister Surjit Kumar Jiyani inaugurated the facility. The efforts of MC president Anil Sethi would benefit the people of the area, who would get their civic problems settled immediately, said Jiyani.

The municipal council, which was under debt in 2008, has become self-dependent now.

The civic body is arguably the first city in the country to go car-free. Besides the MC had got constructed 12 ultra-modern toilets in various commercial zones of the city. The authorities had also installed timerbased streetlight system with energy saving equipment.

The 95% work on streetlighting had been complete. The only stadium in the town had been renovated with proper sitting arrangements and state-ofthe-art lighting system.

"At a time when the world was talking about e-governance, we cannot afford to lag behind.
It's is this endeavour that made Fazilka first MC in the state to go online," said Sethi.

Jiyani, who also inaugurated a newly-built conference hall of the MC, said shopkeepers, who were in the possession of the municipal council property, would be given ownership rights by passing a resolution in the meeting of the council.

http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/publications/HT/HC/2011/10/11/articlehtmls/Fazilka-MC-goes-online-11102011020006.shtml

फाजिल्का में होगा पर्यटन का विकास

2011-10-09T09:45:00.001+05:30

अमृत सचदेवा, फाजिल्का

पंजाब टूरिज्म विभाग ने यहां पर्यटन की संभावनाओं को देखते हुए प्रशासन से एक बार फिर से फाजिल्का के पर्यटन स्थल के रूप में विकसित होने वाले स्थानों की सूची मांगी है।

उल्लेखनीय है कि जनवरी 2011 में जब फाजिल्का फिरोजपुर जिले का हिस्सा था तब फिरोजपुर के तत्कालीन डीसी केके यादव ने फाजिल्का को पर्यटन स्थल के रूप में विकसित करने के लिए प्रपोजल भेजी थी। उस प्रपोजल में यहां के विभिन्न ऐतिहासिक स्थलों को पर्यटन स्थल के रूप में विकसित करने की रूपरेखा बनाई गई थी। उन ऐतिहासिक स्थलों में भारत-पाक सीमा की फाजिल्का सेक्टर की सादकी चौकी, आसफवाला समाधि, रघुवर भवन, गोल कोठी, घंटाघर, बाधा झील, विरासत भवन शामिल थे। इन स्थलों को पर्यटन स्थल के रूप में विकसित करने के लिए 75 लाख रुपयों की मांग पर्यटन विभाग से की गई थी।

ये है एतिहासिक स्थलों का महत्व

सादकी चौकी: भारत-पाक सीमा के फाजिल्का सेक्टर की सादकी चौकी देश की उन तीन चौकियों में शुमार है जहां रिट्रीट सेरेमनी (दोनों देशों का झंडा चढ़ाने व उतारने की रस्म) अदा की जाती है। वाघा व हुसैनीवाला के बाद फाजिल्का की सादकी चौकी पर यह रस्म देखने पंजाब, हरियाणा, राजस्थान व हिमाचल तक के लोग आते हैं। इसके लिए शहर से करीब 12 किलोमीटर दूर स्थित चौकी के लिए रिट्रीट सेरेमनी के मौके पर विशेष वाहन शुरू करने, पर्यटकों के लिए सुविधाएं मुहैया करवाया जाना जरूरी है।

आसफवाला समाधि : भारत-पाक युद्ध 1965 व 1971 की दास्तान बयां करती आसफवाला स्थित शहीदों की समाधि में 82 शहीदों की 90 फुट लंबी व 18 फुट चौड़ी चिता जलाई गई थी। यहां देश प्यार व धार्मिक आस्था का अनोखा संगम शहीद स्मारक भी बनाया गया है। यहां हर साल 16 दिसंबर विजय दिवस मौके मेला आयोजित किया जाता है।

रामनारायण घंटाघर : ब्रिटिश साम्राज्य में छह जून 1936 को बनकर तैयार हुए रामनारायण पेड़ीवाल घंटाघर शहर के बीचोंबीच बना हुआ है। घंटाघर इतनी खूबसूरती से बनाया गया है कि आज के आर्किटेक्ट भी दांतों तले उंगली दबा लें।

रघुवर भवन : फाजिल्का के बाहरी क्षेत्र नई आबादी स्थित रघुवर भवन एक सदी से ज्यादा पुराना है। यह भवन ब्रिटिश साम्राज्य, मुगलकालीन व हिंदू भवन निर्माण एवं वास्तुकला का उत्तम नमूना है।

विरासत भवन एवं गोल कोठी : सरकारी माडल सेकेंडरी स्कूल में लेक्चरर पम्मी सिंह द्वारा कबाड़ बन चुकी वस्तुओं में से ऐतिहासिक महत्व वाली वस्तुएं एकत्रित कर स्कूल में विरासत भवन बनाया है। इसमें 1928 से बाद की स्कूल से संबंधित इतिहास के स्मृति चिन्ह व फोटो सजाए गए हैं। इसी स्कूल में ब्रिटिश साम्राज्य में बनाई गोल कोठी भी है, जिसका निर्माण 1913 में किया गया था।

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पर्यटन को बढ़ावा देगा जिला प्रशासन

फाजिल्का : इस बारे में एडीसी चरणदेव सिंह मान ने कहा कि वह प्रपोजल फिरोजपुर जिले के अंतर्गत भेजी गई थी। अब चूंकि फाजिल्का खुद जिला बन चुका है, इसलिए यह प्रपोजल नए सिरे से भेजी जाएगी और फाजिल्का जिले के अधीन आते अबोहर व जलालाबाद के ऐतिहासिक स्थलों का विकास भी किया जाएगा।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8323990.html

को-जेनरेशन प्लांट से रुका पराली दहन

2011-10-09T09:44:00.001+05:30

अमृत सचदेवा, फाजिल्का : कभी किसानों के लिए जी का जंजाल और पर्यावरण के लिए मुसीबत बनी धान की पराली अब किसानों के लिए फायदे का सौदा बन गई है। पराली जलाए जाने की मजबूरी से निजात मिलने पर पर्यावरण भी दूषित होने से बच गया है। यह सब संभव हो पाया है दी फाजिल्का को-आपरेटिव शूगर मिल में लग रहे को-जेनरेशन प्लांट से। इलाके के खेतों से पराली उक्त प्लांट में बायोमास जलाकर बिजली पैदा करने के लिए एकत्रित की जा रही है।

जिले के गांव बोदीवाला पीथा स्थित मिल में लगाए जा रहे 20 मैगावाट को-जेनरेशन प्लांट में बिजली उत्पादन के लिए बायोमास (एग्रीकल्चर वेस्ट, उपले व हर प्रकार का ज्वलनशील ईधन) जलाया जाएगा। हालांकि अभी तक यह प्लांट शुरू नहीं हुआ है, लेकिन प्रतिदिन 400 टन बायोमास की खपत क्षमता वाले इस को-जेनरेशन प्लांट के लिए इसे लगा रही कंपनी ए-टू-जेड इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर ने अपनी सहयोगी कंपनी मल्टी फ्यूल मैनेजमेंट प्राइवेट लिमिटेड के सहयोग से इसमें जलाने के लिए बायोमास एकत्रित करना शुरू कर दिया है। अब नरमे की फसल के बाद बचने वाली बनछट्टियां किसानों से उचित भाव पर खरीदी जा रही हैं। करीब दो हजार रुपये प्रति एकड़ के खर्च से साफ होने वाले धान के खेत से मल्टी फ्यूल कंपनी फ्री में पराली उठा किसानों के हजारों के वारे न्यारे कर रही है।

इस बारे में मल्टी फ्यूल कंपनी के डिप्टी जनरल मैनेजर भूपिंदर सिंह का कहना है कि उनका लक्ष्य 50 हजार टन बायोमास एकत्रित करना है, ताकि छह माह या उससे ज्यादा लंबे समय तक के लिए को-जेनरेशन प्लांट में खपाने योग्य ईधन उपलब्ध रहे। 25 हजार टन के करीब बायोमास कंपनी की ओर से स्थापित तीन हब जंडवाला खरता, बनवाला हनवंता व अबोहर के गांव अजीमगढ़ में इकट्ठा भी किया जा चुका है। डीजीएम ने बताया कि कंपनी खेतों से करीब 50 प्रतिशत धान की पराली उठा लेगी। इसके चलते खेतों में पराली को आग लगाने की नौबत नहीं आएगी। उनके अनुसार पराली में आग लगाए जाने से भूमि की उर्वरा शक्तिसमाप्त होने के साथ आगामी फसल की सुरक्षा करने वाले मित्र कीट भी मर जाते हैं। कंपनी द्वारा बायोमास एकत्रित करने के कार्य में इलाके के दो सौ लोगों को बतौर कर्मचारी व तीन सौ मजदूरों को रोजगार भी दिया जा रहा है। सिंह ने बताया कि को-जेनरेशन प्लांट नवंबर में काम करना शुरू कर देगा।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8324557.html

India’s second largest TV tower a white elephant

2011-10-07T09:44:00.001+05:30

It took 11 years and more than Rs 80 crore to erect it. However, nearly four years after it was erected and made functional, the Fazilka TV tower has failed to serve the very purpose, which necessitated its construction.

The television and the radio signals from Pakistan, which it was supposed to weaken, are still as strong as ever. Worse, the population, mostly rural, in all areas around 100 kilometres from its location, which it was supposed to serve have mostly switched over either to the cable connection or to the DTH.

The approximately 1,000 ft free standing tower, the second tallest man-made structure in India (after Rameshwaram TV tower, which is approximately 1,060 ft tall), has turned into a white elephant now. Planned as a relay station on lines of Jalandhar Doordarshan Kendra, apart from weakening the signals from Pakistan, the tower now relays only Doordarshan channels. No programmes are made here even though it houses the equipment necessary to create and relay them.

The work on the tower began in 1996, after residents of Fazilka, which shares borer with Pakistan, met former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and urged him to take steps to curb the anti-India propaganda being telecast by the neighbouring country on television and radio networks. The 1 KW TV tower in the area was not good enough to weaken the signals from Pakistan.

"Though the work with a project cost of about Rs 80 crore began in 1996. It was to be completed in two years. However, by the time it was completed in 2007, cable network and DTH connections had reached the border belt," said Leeladhar Sharma, who had led the delegation to meet PM in 1996.

He blamed the delay in construction on financial crunch, non-availability of skilled workers and death of half dozen labourers during the construction.

"The main purpose of tower was to weaken the signals from Pakistan, but even now many villages close to Pakistan get to watch the programmes being telecast by the neighbouring country, courtesy the cable network. Most of the locals watched this year's Cricket World Cup on Pakistani TV channels as the signal from the Indian networks was not good enough to relay the programmes, said a villager, with his home near the tower.

The Fazilka district administration has, in the past, warned the cable operators asking them to stop telecasting the Pakistani channels, but to no avail.

However, Amarnath, the deputy director in the department of telecommunications, Bhatinda region, said: "Our TV tower is still of much use as in many villages in the interiors, people cannot go for cable connection. So they watch the Doordarshan channels, which are free".

In order to make utilise the tower and earn some revenue, the authorities had decided to launch FM radio service. It also plans to start relaying programmes made at the TV station here.

The building to run the radio station is ready for more than a year, but till date the equipment to telecast the programmes has not arrived the from the department of information of broadcasting and telecommunication. The department has not even taken electricity connection of this building for want of funds.

Amarnath , however, said, "Our project (on FM service) is ready and we are waiting for the machinery from Delhi office".

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/indias-second-largest-tv-tower-a-white-elephant/856712/0

Relief work hampered by delay in DD power to DC

2011-10-05T09:57:00.001+05:30

Balwant Garg
Tribune News Service

Fazilka/Ferozepur, Oct 4
Call it is the procedural bottlenecks or the snail's pace at which the government files movethat even two months after a Deputy Commissioner (DC) was given the full charge of a newly carved district, he has no drawing and disbursement (DD) power to draw the funds from the government treasury and disburse the funds further.

And it looks more amazing when the district is facing problems like the unprecedented floods.

Fazilka, a sub-division of Ferozepur district, was declared as Punjab's 22nd and newest district on July 27. The same day, Basant Kumar Garg was appointed as the full-fledged Deputy Commissioner of this new district. Days after joining as the first DC of Fazilka, over 40 villages of this new district were ravaged by the floods.

There are many regular and emergency funds to combat these unexpected situations. But as the DC Fazilka has no powers to withdraw the money from government treasury and use these funds further for various relief works, so he is relying on his counterpart in Ferozepur to get the funds for his district (Fazilka).

Besides meeting many day to day expenses, the Fazilka DC needed many emergency funds in the last two months, like Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) in the flood affected areas. But in the absence of the DD powers, the DC Fazilka was getting the funds through the DC Ferozepur.

Even at a meeting of the DCs with the Punjab Chief Secretary on September 9, the DC Fazilka, it is learnt, lamented that he has no DD power, thus causing delay in giving relief funds to the flood affected families and the dependents of those who died of drowning.

As per the government norms, the dependents of every flood related death are to get the relief funds within 24 hours and a person who has suffered loss of cattle, has to be compensated within 48 hours.

But as the funds in Fazilka is routed through Ferozepur in the absence of DD powers to the DC Fazilka, so there was delay in releasing the relief funds.

Basant Kumar Garg, Deputy Commissioner, Fazilka, however, said that the delay in getting the DD power did not affect the flood relief work in the district. "Routed through Ferozepur, the funds were reaching on time and did not hamper the flood relief or any other work," he said.

As Fazilka is a new district, so it is a matter of procedue and giving DD power took some time, he said. "I got the DD powers on Wednesday (September 28) and now there is no problem," said Basant Kumar Garg, the Fazilka DC.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111005/bathinda.htm#2

PUDA COLONY IN VIOLATION OF NORMS?: PUDA authorities directed to produce revenue record

2011-10-05T09:53:00.001+05:30

Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, October 4
The Punjab and Haryana High Court, while hearing the civil writ petition today challenging the carving out of the proposed PUDA colony in Fazilka in the Badha Lake Wetland flouting the environmental norms, has directed the PUDA authorities to produce the revenue record before the court.

The court has directed the PUDA counsel to reply with 'Khasra' plan details on the next date of hearing on October 18.

The petitioner Navdeep Asija, general secretary, Graduate Welfare Association, Fazilka, (GWAF), who was present in the court, said the acting chief justice, while taking serious note of the reply of the PUDA counsel that 'there is not even a single drop of water in the extinct Badha lake' in Fazilka where the PUDA has proposed to carved out a colony, brushed aside the plea and said it is a concern related to environment health and biodiversity of the area.

As per Asija, the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, Chandigarh, has in its affidavit today admitted that preservation of Badha lake in Fazilka is as important as other lakes in the state.

The Council also informed the PUDA authorities to take the necessary approval from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) before moving ahead with the plan for the colony.

Notably, the Punjab Pollution Control Board is the nodal agency under the state wetland authority and responsible for preservation of the wetlands in the state.

Asija said reply by the Town and Country Planning Department also indicates that before proposing the colony, no such approval has been taken from the departments concerned.

As per the information, 552 applicants have applied for 56 residential plots in the proposed colony and have deposited around Rs 6.5 crores as the earnest money so far.

The fate of a large number of plot seekers has been at stake after the filing of the writ petition in the court.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111005/bathinda.htm#2

चली थी अकेले, बन गया कारवां

2011-10-04T08:53:00.001+05:30

मैं अकेला ही चला था, जानिबे मंजिल मगर, लोग आते गए कारवां बनता गया। कुछ ऐसी कहानी है फाजिल्का की सामाजिक कार्यकर्ता मोना कटारिया की है, उन्होंने समाजसेवा की शुरुआत तो अकेले की थी, पर आज उनके साथ जहां उनका परिवार है, वहीं वे महिलाएं भी उनका साथ दे रही हैं, जिनकी मोना ने कभी मदद की थी।

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जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का

एक महिला ही महिला का दुख समझ सकती है। उससे भी बढ़कर अगर महिला चाहे तो दुखी महिला का दुख मिटा भी सकती है। इसी बात को आत्मसात कर गरीब, जरूरतमंद व बेबस बच्चियों व महिलाओं की सहायता के लिए निकलीं स्थानीय जुनेजा गली निवासी मंजीत कटारिया की पत्नी मोना आज पूरे मोहल्ले की स्टार सलाहकार बन चुकी हैं।

महिला उत्थान कार्य करते-करते खुद ही एक संस्था बन चुकी मोना हालांकि एक राजनीतिक दल के महिला विंग की पदाधिकारी हैं, लेकिन उन्होंने अपने पास आने वाली हर महिला की समस्या पार्टीबाजी को एक तरफ रखकर दूर की है। वह समस्या भले ही लड़कियों की शिक्षा से संबंधित हो या फिर आर्थिक कमजोरी के कारण। मोना एक बार घर से निकलती हैं तो वह समस्या दूर करवाकर ही चैन से बैठती हैं। महिलाओं की किसी भी समस्या को अपनी समस्या मान दूर करने वाली मोना आज उस मुकाम पर पहुंच गई हैं कि आदर्श नगर व राठौड़ा मोहल्ले की कोई महिला नया काम या अपनी समस्या बिना उसकी सलाह के दूर करने पांव आगे नहीं बढ़ाती। अब तक मोना मोहल्ले की कई लड़कियों को सिलाई व कढ़ाई की ट्रेनिंग दिला स्वरोजगार के काबिल बना चुकी हैं। वहीं, आंगनबाड़ी भर्ती के लिए जरूरतमंद महिलाओं को नौकरी दिलाने में अहम भूमिका अदा कर चुकी हैं। मोहल्ले में समय-समय पर अभियान चला संपन्न परिवारों के बच्चों द्वारा पहनना छोड़े गए सुंदर व आकर्षक कपड़ों को मोना कई बार गरीब परिवारों के बच्चों में वितरित कर चुकी हैं। गरीब विद्यार्थियों खासकर लड़कियों को पढ़ने के लिए पुस्तकें उपलब्ध करवाने की मुहिम भी मोना अपने मोहल्ले की महिलाओं के साथ मिलकर चलाती रहती हैं। अपने खुद के परिवार की अनेकों जिम्मेवारियों के बावजूद समाजसेवा के लिए कैसे समय निकालती हैं। पूछने पर मोना कहती हैं कि काम न करने के तो व्यस्तता जैसे अनेक बहाने होते हैं, लेकिन काम करना हो तो बस शुरूआत की जरूरत होती है और वह शुरुआत करने में विश्वास रखती हैं। अच्छे काम के लिए बढ़ाए कदमों को कभी असफलता नहीं मिलती। रही बात परिवार की, तो उनके पति मंजीत भी उनके सोशल वर्क में पूरा साथ देते हैं। उनकी मुहिम में वे महिलाएं भी उनका सहयोग करती हैं, जिनकी कभी उन्होंने सहायता की थी।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8305213.html

भाषण मुकाबले में विक्रम प्रथम, बूटा द्वितीय

2011-10-03T13:14:00.000+05:30

सरकारी सीनियर सेकंडरी स्कूल (लड़के) में रविवार को गांधी जयंती पर बापू गांधी के जीवन पर आधारित भाषण व लेख मुकाबले करवाए गए। यह मुकाबले महात्मा गांधी ईशरो देवी बृज लाल फाउंडेशन के संस्थापक व अमेरिका में रह रहे विनोद कुमार गुप्ता के सहयोग से करवाए गए।
मुकाबलों के अवसर पर कार्यक्रम का आयोजन किया गया, जिसकी अध्यक्षता प्रिंसिपल गुरदीप करीर ने की। वोकेशनल इंचार्ज पम्मी सिंह की देखरेख में आयोजित भाषण प्रतियोगिता में विक्रम गिल्होत्रा ने प्रथम, बूटा सिंह ने दूसरा व साजन ने तीसरा स्थान हासिल किया। लेख मुकाबलों में कंवल कुमार ने पहला, सुखविंद्र पाल ने दूसरा व संदीप यादव ने तीसरा स्थान हासिल किया। प्रतियोगिता में विपलेश दावड़ा, नवजीत कौर, पंकज लूना व हरीश भटेजा ने जज की भूमिका अदा की। कार्यक्रम के अंत में प्रतियोगिता में विजेताओं को नगद व शील्ड देकर सम्मानित किया गया। इस मौके पर हरनेक सिंह, संदीप झींझा, दुली चंद, सुमन लता और सुनैना बाला व स्कूल स्टाफ मौजूद था।(लछमण)

http://www.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-OTH-1577883-2475286.html

हॉस्टल की जमीन पर बनेगा कम्यूनिटी हॉल!

2011-10-03T13:10:00.001+05:30

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का

एक तरफ जहां पंजाब में मुख्यमंत्री प्रकाश सिंह बादल की बहू एवं सांसद हरसिमरत कौर नन्हीं छांव मुहिम के जरिये बच्चियों के साथ साथ पर्यावरण संरक्षण का संदेश दे रही हैं, वहीं फाजिल्का में बच्चियों के लिए बनाए जा रहे दो हॉस्टल की जगह छीन ली गई है। पिछले दिनों एससी वर्ग की लड़कियों के लिए बनाए ग‌र्ल्स हॉस्टल पर एसएसपी दफ्तर के लिए पुलिस का कब्जा होने के बाद अब ताजा मामला सरकारी प्राइमरी स्कूल में बनने वाले कस्तूरबा गांधी बालिका विद्यालय एवं हॉस्टल की जगह एक एनजीओ को कम्यूनिटी हॉल बनाने के लिए दे दी गई है।
इसका विरोध कर रहे ब्लाक प्राइमरी शिक्षा अधिकारी ब्लाक दो रामकृष्ण धुनकिया ने बताया कि अरोड़वंश भवन से सटे वर्ष 1952 में शुरू किए गए सरकारी प्राइमरी स्कूल नंबर तीन में बच्चों की संख्या कम होने पर साल 2004-05 में शिक्षा विभाग के निदेशक के आदेश पर राधा स्वामी कालोनी में स्थानांतरित कर दिया गया। उधर, स्कूल की जगह शिक्षा विभाग के कब्जे में रखने के आदेश दिए गए थे। अब तक इस जगह को ट्रेनिंग के उद्देश्य और सरकारी रिकार्ड एवं पुस्तकों के स्टोर के रूप में प्रयोग किया जा रहा है। अब विभाग द्वारा इस जगह पर कस्तूरबा गांधी बालिका विद्यालय एवं होस्टल का निर्माण करने के लिए 7.25 लाख व ब्लाक रिसोर्सपर्सन के लिए मीटिंग हाल बनाने के लिए पांच लाख रुपये की ग्रांट मंजूर हुई है। जब विभाग ने 17 सितंबर, 2011 को उस जगह पर निर्माण शुरू करवाया तो एक एनजीओ ने यह कहकर निर्माण रुकवा दिया कि यह जगह नगर परिषद ने कम्यूनिटी हाल के लिए उन्हें दे दी है। बीपीईओ ने 28 अगस्त को उक्त एनजीओ के लिए केबिनेट मंत्री सुरजीत ज्याणी द्वारा कम्यूनिटी हाल का नींव पत्थर उक्त जगह पर रखे जाने की शिकायत विभाग से कर दी है और शहर के बीचोंबीच पड़ी विभाग की करोड़ों रुपये की जमीन बचाने की मांग की है।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8295892_1.html

Rickshaw-puller takes to aloe vera farming, earns lakhs a month through exports

2011-10-03T10:18:00.000+05:30

Shivani Bhakoo
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, October 2

When in 1988 Dharamvir from Haryana's Damla village came here from Delhi, where he used to pull a rickshaw to earn a livelihood, he had never thought that one day he would become a successful innovative farmer.

Today, he is into aloe vera farming and earns lakhs of rupees every month. Dharamvir makes aloe vera juice by crushing the peels in a machine which has been invented by him. He prepares a gel mixed with rose petals that is sold in the domestic market as well as abroad for skin problems including acne, pigmentation and blemishes.

Talking to The Tribune, Dharamvir, who had put up a stall at a regional-level exhibition at the Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET), said: "This processing machine was invented by me after I visited Ajmer about 15 years back, where I saw persons making amla (Indian gooseberry) ladoos. I resolved to come up with a similar machine and succeeded in doing so.

"One machine costs about Rs 1.35 lakh. I have sold about 55 such machines. The state government provides subsidy on this machine", said Dharmvir. From about 150 quintals of aloe vera, Dharamvir makes 5,000 bottles of aloe vera juice and each bottle is sold for Rs 120.

From the peels, he makes a gel cream and one bottle is sold for Rs 80. "The entire process from sowing to harvesting takes about Rs 25,000. It is a highly profitable business", said Dharmvir with pride.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111003/punjab.htm#8

Skewed gender ratio dips further in Fazilka, Abohar subdivisions

2011-10-03T10:12:00.001+05:30

Skewed gender ratio dips further in Fazilka, Abohar subdivisions
Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, October 2
Efforts by the state government and various NGOs to check female foeticide have come to a naught. At least that appears from the skewed sex ratio figures emerging from Fazilka and Abohar subdivisions of the Fazilka district.

Against 1,000 boys, there are 892 girls in Fazilka subdivision, according to the figures of the 2011 Census. The count of females is four notches down from 896 in the last (2001) Census. The total population of the subdivision is 2,78,869.

Similarly, in Abohar subdivision, the ratio of girls was 864 in the 2001 Census, which, too, has come down by four points to 860 in the latest Census. The population of the subdivision stands at 2,52,345. The only consolation in the district is Jalalabad subdivision. Here, the population is 2,56,140. The ratio of girls has gone up from 917 in 2001 to 924. The figures were obtained from the government gazette by the Graduate Welfare Association Fazilka.

"The falling sex ratio puts a question mark over the government efforts to check foeticide, particularly in this border district. It appears that despite imposition of ban on pre-natal sex determination and stringent provisions of the PNDT Act, the tests are being conducted frequently," said PNDT Act Committee (Civil Hospital, Fazilka) member Raj Kishore Kalra.

Civil Surgeon, Ferozepur, Dr Kiranjit Singh, who assumed charge about two months back, said two ultrasound centres, of the total nine in Fazilka, had been sealed recently for after they were found flouting the norms of the PNDT Act.

Meanwhile, several NGOs have been continuously putting in efforts to check foeticide. While Social Welfare Society Fazilka has been organising seminars in government schools, the Sarhad Social Welfare Society has been organising Kanya Lohri Mela since the past 3 years. In this fair, the parents of the girl child are honoured.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111003/punjab.htm#3

Silence of the lambs :: Inter-city rail links have been inexplicably delayed yet the state MPs don’t yell

2011-10-01T19:19:00.001+05:30

A TRIBUNE INVESTIGATION PUNJAB PUBLIC TRANSPORT - 5
Silence of the lambs
Inter-city rail links have been inexplicably delayed yet the state MPs don't yell
Punjab Bureau

Chandigarh, September 30
After years of public pressure, the Union Ministry of Railways finally scheduled a non-stop train linking Chandigarh with Amritsar earlier this year. But even as it complied with the popular demand, it introduced one of the slowest of its Duronto trains. The train takes four hours to traverse the 270 kms, just half an hour less than what a non-stop bus would take. The Shatabdi from Chandigarh to Delhi takes 3 hours and 15 minutes for covering almost the same distance despite several stops on the way.

Passengers from Amritsar and Chandigarh are not complaining as the journey is far more comfortable and cheaper than luxury buses. The fare including food is Rs 355 as compared to luxury buses that charge Rs 350 (without food). The private bus transport lobby is obviously not too happy with what they see as a major competitor for their services.

There are complaints that the powerful bus transport lobby has ensured that there are great delays in introduction of rail links between major cities and towns in Punjab. For the past 20 years, the Railways has struggled to establish a rail link between Chandigarh and Ludhiana, a distance of just 100 kms. Started in late 1990, the project has been progressing at a snail's pace with deadlines constantly getting extended.

While the Chandigarh-Morinda segment is complete, work on the vital Morinda-Sahnawal - a 50 km stretch - has been pending for many years. Work is also still on between Sahnawal and Ludhiana section - the third and final part of the rail link. The deadline for the Chandigarh-Ludhiana connection was to be March 31, 2010. But it has been inexplicably extended to March 31, 2013.

The other important missing rail links are between Bathinda and Amritsar, Amritsar and Anandpur Sahib, Barnala-Mansa and Sardulgarh, Gurdaspur to Derababa Nanak and Samrala-Rahon, to name just a few. Work on the Abohar- Fazilka rail link was to have been completed by March 31, 2007 and the train was to be introduced on April 1, 2010.

The rail links are ready but the train service has still not started. The Railways claims that they have been testing the track safety — but that's now over a year already. In the absence of rail links between major population centres, people in Punjab have no choice but to travel by road transport.

What has been most intriguing is the comparative silence of the normally vocal elected representatives from Punjab in the two Houses of Parliament. A study done by The Tribune of the current Lok Sabha, constituted in 2009, reveals just how lackadaisical Punjab politicians have been on the subject of rail links in the state. Punjab CPI leader Joginder Dyal holds the strong road transport lobby, with the backing of political bigwigs of the state, responsible for what he calls "a conspiracy of silence" in Parliament.

While Dyal may be seeing too many demons in the conduct of Punjab Parliamentarians with regard to the non-existent rail links in the state, it is a fact that they have surprisingly not made much noise about it. The Tribune study showed that some of the sitting Punjab MPs, including Congress spokesman Manish Tewari and his party colleagues Vijay Inder Singla, Santosh Chaudhary, Mohinder Singh Kaypee and Sukhdev Singh Libra have not even asked a single question pertaining to the Ministry of Railways since 2009.

Incidentally, Manish Tewari, otherwise, tops the list as he had raised 194 questions to his credit followed by 130 by Partap Singh Bajwa, also of the Congress till the end of the Budget session of Parliament this year. Partap Bajwa, however, raised four questions on Railways besides participating in the summing-up debate on Railway Budget this year but didn't make any reference to Punjab.

Harsimrat Badal, wife of Deputy CM of Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal, who tops the list among Opposition members from Punjab and raised 106 questions, also did not ask too many questions about the Railways' apparent apathy towards Punjab. There are only two questions on Railways to her credit so far.

It is only the Youth Congress chief Ravneet Singh Bittu, who has been frequently raising queries about new train services, including the Duronto train in Parliament. Of the 100 questions raised by him, he asked 10 questions so far related to the railway services to the state. Rattan Singh Ajnala of Shiromani Akali Dal has also been active, raising eight questions about rail links in the state out of a total of 55 questions raised by him. Interestingly, none of the Punjab MPs has during the current session asked a single question about one of the oldest and prestigious projects - Chandigarh-Ludhiana rail link.

Rail links for Punjab would be a boon for the common man, especially those from the weaker sections, apart from boosting trade between states and also with Pakistan. Apart from it being a lot safer, it is also economical compared to bus travel and can be far more comfortable. According to Raghu Dayal, a rail expert and former chairman and managing director of Container Corporation of India, the second class mail/express fare was 23.1 paise per km in 2000-01. It remained at 23.2 paise even in 2008-09. The ordinary second class fare has remained low at 14.9 paise per km and suburban travel even lower at 12.9 paise per km. On the other hand, the fare on Punjab state road transport services in 2008-09 averaged 48.37 paise per km which has now gone up to 70 paise per km.

Even if the Railway Ministry raises its fares, which is heavily subsidised for the common man, it will be far cheaper than travel by bus and more environment friendly. Good rail connectivity would also reduce the high fatality rates on Punjab's highways, said to be one of the highest in the country today. Why such rail links have not been established in the past 45 years is the question that Punjab politicians, who control much of the bus transport business, need to answer.

(Prabhjot Singh with inputs from Sushil Goyal, Kulwinder Sandhu, Gurdeep Mann, Megha Mann, Kulwinder Sandhu, Kusum Arora, Puneet Pal Singh Gill, Ravi Dhaliwal, Neeraj Bagga and Pawan Kumar Jaiswar).

For earlier parts of the series Click here

Delayed Rail links

Amritsar-Chandigarh Duronto Train (was originally scheduled to be introduced from April 1, 2010). Finally started in August 2011

Abohar-Fazilka (project was origially scheduled to be completed on March 31,2007). Train yet to start

Chandigarh-Ludhiana rail link: Started in 1990. Work at snail's pace although distance is just 100 km. Project is delayed much beyond its revised deadline of March 31, 2010. Now scheduled for completion on March 31, 2013.

Rail links needed but nowhere in sight

Bathinda-Amritsar

Barnala-Mansa-Sardulgarh-Sirsa

Patti-Makhu

Gurdaspur-Dera Baba Nanak

Samrala-Rahon

Amritsar - Anandpur Sahib

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111001/main5.htm

Heritage Buildings of Fazilka- Punjab Kesri 25.9.11, Firozpur Suppliment

2011-09-25T11:34:00.001+05:30

by Subodh Nagpal

फाजिल्का में 27 कालोनियां अनाधिकृत

2011-09-25T10:59:00.001+05:30

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का : आरटीआई कार्यकर्ता अमरनाथ चेतीवल की ओर से आरटीआई एक्ट के तहत बठिडा डवलपमेंट अथारिटी से फाजिल्का व इसके अधीन पड़ते क्षेत्रों में काटी गई कालोनियों संबंधी मागी गई जानकारी के तहत बड़ा खुलासा हुआ है। बीडीए के सूचना अधिकारी ने दी गई जानकारी में स्पष्ट रूप से माना है कि फाजिल्का की 27 कालोनिया अनाधिकृत है। इनको बनाने से पहले किसी प्रकार की कोई स्वीकृति नहीं ली गई है। इन कालोनियों को काटने वालों के विरुद्ध कानूनी कार्रवाई शुरू कर दी गई है।

चेतीवाल ने बताया कि उन्होंने बीडीआई से फाजिल्का में काटी गई कालोनियों की स्वीकृति संबंधी जानकारी मागी थी। इस सूचना के तहत उन्हे जानकारी दी गई कि फाजिल्का व इसके अंतर्गत ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में काटी गई 27 कालोनिया अनाधिकृत है। बीडीए ने इन 27 कालोनियों को काटने वाले संचालकों के नामों का भी खुलासा किया है। इनके खिलाफ एफआईआर दर्ज करने के लिए पुलिस अधिकारियों से शिकायत कर दी गई है।

उल्लेखनीय है कि किसी भी कालोनी को काटने से पूर्व पुडा व अन्य संबंधित विभागों से स्वीकृति लेना जरूरी होती है। कालोनी काटने से पूर्व वहा लोगों के रहने के लिए पीने के पानी, पानी की निकासी, गलिया- नालियां, सीवरेज, वाटर पाइपें व पार्क आदि का प्रबंध करना जरूरी है। लेकिन इन काटी गई कालोनियों में किसी भी नियम का पालन नहीं किया गया है।

इस संबंध में चेतीवाल की ओर से मागी गई जानकारी के तहत बताया गया है कि इस मामले में दो अधिकारियों पर आधारित डिवीजन बैंच गठित कर दिया गया है। चेतीवाल को 27 सितंबर को एसएसपी कार्यालय में बुलाया गया है जहा उनकी उक्त डिवीजन बैंच के दोनों अधिकारियों से वीडियो कान्फ्रेंस करवाई जाएगी।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8257058_1.html

फाजिल्का के कार फ्री जोन से हाईकोर्ट प्रभावित

2011-09-25T10:55:00.000+05:30

अमृत सचदेवा, फाजिल्का

जरूरी नहीं कि कोई बड़ा शहर ही छोटे शहरों के लिए नजीर पेश करे, छोटा शहर भी बड़े शहरों के लिए एक अच्छा रोल मॉडल पेश कर सकता है। यातायात नियंत्रण, प्रदूषण की रोकथाम व ऐतिहासिक धरोहरों को सहेजने के लिए फाजिल्का के घंटाघर चौक को कार फ्री जोन बनाया जाना पंजाब एवं हरियाणा हाईकोर्ट को इतना भाया है कि माननीय उच्च न्यायालय ने इसका स्वयं संज्ञान लेते हुए पंजाब और हरियाणा को अपने शहरों की चुनिंदा जगहों तथा केंद्र शासित प्रदेश(यूटी) चंडीगढ़ को भी अपने चुनिंदा स्थान को कार फ्री जोन बनाने और उसमें आवागमन के साधन के तौर पर इको फ्रेंडली रिक्शा चलाने के लिए कहा है। गौरतलब है कि पर्यावरण को स्वच्छ रखने के लिए नए ढंग के रिक्शा (ईको कैब) की शुरुआत भी फाजिल्का से ही की गई है।

उल्लेखनीय है कि पंजाब एवं हरियाणा हाईकोर्ट ने फाजिल्का में घंटाघर चौक पर स्थापित किए गए कार फ्री जोन तथा यहां चलाए नए व आधुनिक ढंग के ईको फ्रेंडली रिक्शा से प्रभावित होकर 29 अक्टूबर 2010 में स्वयं संज्ञान लेते हुए पंजाब, हरियाणा व केंद्र शासित प्रदेश चंडीगढ़ में भी ईको कैब चलाने व ऐतिहासिक स्थलों को वाहनों के प्रदूषण व ट्रैफिक जाम से बचाने के लिए कार फ्री जोन बनाने के निर्देश दिए थे। 23 सितंबर, 2011(शुक्रवार) को मामले की सुनवाई के दौरान पंजाब सरकार द्वारा दाखिल हलफनामे में कहा गया है कि प्रदेश के 12 जिलों में 500 से अधिक ईको कैब चला दी गई हैं। कार फ्री जोन बनाने के भी प्रयास जारी हैं। वहीं चंडीगढ़ के सीनियर स्टैंडिंग काउंसिल संजय कौशल ने भी यूटी द्वारा किए जा रहे प्रयासों की जानकारी दी, लेकिन हरियाणा द्वारा इस संबंध में कोई विशेष प्रयास न होने के चलते हाईकोर्ट ने हरियाणा की तरफ से पेश हुए नुमाइंदे को फटकार लगाई है। हाईकोर्ट ने चंडीगढ़ के सेक्टर 17 को कार-फ्री जोन बनाने के लिए यूटी से प्लान भी मांगा है। इस मामले की आगामी सुनवाई 21 अक्टूबर निर्धारित की गई है।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8265687.html

शहर का दिल बने नो व्हीकल जोन- Sector 17 Chandigarh and Ecocab

2011-09-24T13:54:00.001+05:30

चंडीगढ़. पंजाब एवं हरियाणा हाईकोर्ट ने चंडीगढ़ प्रशासन को 'शहर के दिल' यानी सेक्टर 17 को नो व्हीकल जोन में तबदील करने का सुझाव दिया है। जस्टिस सूर्यकांत एवं जस्टिस अजय तिवारी की खंडपीठ ने कहा कि प्रयोग के तौर पर सेक्टर 17 को पूरी तरह से वाहनों से मुक्त किए जाने की आवश्यकता है। सभी वाहन सेक्टर से बाहर खड़े किए जाएं। इसमें लाल बत्ती वाहनों को भी शामिल किया जाए।

इसके बाद प्रत्येक व्यक्ति ईको कैब या ईको रिक्शा से सेक्टर 17 में घूमे। खंडपीठ ने कहा कि इसके लिए प्रशासन को एक कड़ी नीति बनानी होगी, जिसे कड़ाई से लागू भी करना होगा। हाईकोर्ट ने पंजाब व हरियाणा को भी ईको रिक्शा को प्रोत्साहित करने के लिए इस तरह का प्रयोग किसी एक शहर में करने का सुझाव दिया है। अदालत ने मामले पर 21 अक्टूबर के लिए अगली सुनवाई तय की है।

खंडपीठ ने कहा कि जिस तरह चंडीगढ़ प्रशासन ने ड्रंकन ड्राइ¨वग को रोकने में सख्ती दिखाई और बेहतर नतीजे हासिल किए, इसी तरह नो व्हीकल जोन पर भी काम करने की जरूरत है। प्रशासन यदि मुस्तैदी दिखाए तो शहर के दिल को पूरी तरह से प्रदूषण मुक्त किया जा सकेगा। चंडीगढ़ इस मामले में दूसरे शहरों के लिए एक उदाहरण बन सकता है और अन्य शहरों में भी इस तरह के प्रयोग करने का रास्ता बन सकेगा। ऐसे में प्रशासन को इस पर गंभीरता से विचार करना चाहिए। इससे शहर में ईको रिक्शा के चलन को भी बल मिलेगा जो पर्यावरण प्रदूषण पर नियंत्रण की दिशा में एक कारगर उपाय होगा।

नाइट फूड स्ट्रीट: महंगा खाना, मात्रा भी कम

सेक्टर 14 में शहर के एकमात्र नाइट फूड स्ट्रीट में सुरक्षा की जिम्मेदारी चंडीगढ़ पुलिस के एक कांस्टेबल के सिर है। ऐसे में रात को यहां खाना खाने वालों की सुरक्षा की जिम्मेदारी को लेकर पुलिस कितनी सतर्क है, इसका बखूबी अंदाजा लगाया जा सकता है। हाईकोर्ट में यह जानकारी अदालत के सहयोगी (एमिक्स क्यूरी) वकील अतुल लखनपाल ने अपनी रिपोर्ट में दी है।

लखनपाल ने रिपोर्ट में कहा कि खाने की कीमत ज्यादा है, जबकि मात्रा कम। जस्टिस सूर्यकांत व जस्टिस अजय तिवारी की खंडपीठ ने इसके बाद एमिक्स क्यूरी व प्रशासन की तरफ से एक साथ दौरा कर रिपोर्ट देने का निर्देश देते हुए मामले पर 21 अक्टूबर के लिए अगली सुनवाई तय की है।

इससे पहले नगर निगम के एडिशनल कमिश्नर ललित सिवाच ने जवाब दायर कर कहा था कि नाइट फूड स्ट्रीट पर गठित कमेटी ही खाने के दाम व रखरखाव का काम करेगी। शहर का सर्वे कर पाया गया कि कुल 5550 रेहड़ी-फड़ी वाले सड़क के किनारे अपना काम कर रहे हैं। 500 लाइसेंस धारक फड़ी वाले भी हैं।

ऐसे में नाइट फूड स्ट्रीट को रात में खाना खाने के लिए एक शानदार जगह के रूप में विकसित किया जाएगा। पहले हाईकोर्ट ने कहा था कि नाइट फूड स्ट्रीट पर प्रशासन से पॉलिसी बनाने की उम्मीद की जा रही है, लेकिन प्रशासन खरा नहीं उतर रहा। अदालत ने पूछा कि अक्टूबर 2010 से चंडीगढ़ प्रशासन इस पर पालिसी बनाने में नाकाम क्यों है? लग रहा है कि अधिकारियों के पास इस काम के लिए समय नहीं है।

http://www.bhaskar.com/article/CHD-vehicle-zone-high-court-2454599.html

फाजिल्का की 27 कॉलोनियां अवैध घोषित

2011-09-24T10:41:00.001+05:30

आरटीआई के तहत कालोनियों की स्वीकृति संबंधी मांगी गई जानकारी के तहत बठिंडा डेवलपमेंट अथॉरिटी बठिंडा ने फाजिल्का की 27 कॉलोनियों को अवैध घोषित कर दिया। इस खुलासे से कालोनियां काटने वाले व इन कालोनियों में प्लाट खरीदने वालों में हड़कम्प मच गया है। इस खुलासे के बाद इन कालोनियों को काटने वालों के विरुद्ध बीडीए ने मामला दर्ज करने के लिए शिकायत कर दी है।
कैसे हुआ खुलासा |

खटीक मोहल्ला के आरटीआई कार्यकर्ता अमरनाथ चेतीवाल ने आरटीआई एक्ट के तहत बठिंडा डेवलपमेंट अथॉरिटी से फाजिल्का व इसके अधीन पड़ते क्षेत्रों में काटी गई कालोनियां संबंधी जानकारी मांगी थी। इस सूचना के तहत जानकारी दी गई कि फाजिल्का व इसके साथ लगते ग्रामीण क्षेत्र में काटी गई 27 कालोनियां अनधिकृत हैं। बीडीए द्वारा इन 27 कालोनियों को काटने वाले संचालकों के नामों का भी खुलासा किया गया है। इन अवैध कालोनी काटने वालों में भाजपा के पूर्व मंडलाध्यक्ष की पत्नी व एक वरिष्ठ अध्यापक का नाम भी शामिल है। सबसे अधिक अवैध कॉलोनियां गांव पैंचांवाली व रामपुरा की हद में काटी गई हैं।
कॉलोनी काटने के लिए शर्तें|

कोई भी कालोनी से काटने से पहले कुछ नियम होते हैं जिन्हें पूरा करना होता है। सिविल इंजीनियर नवदीप असीजा के अनुसार कालोनी काटने से पूर्व रहने वाले लोगों के लिए पीने के पानी, पानी की निकासी, गलियां, नालियां, सीवरेज व पार्क का प्रबंध होना चाहिए। इसके अलावा कालोनी काटने से पूर्व कालोनी काटे जाने वाले स्थान के बारे में पुडा व अन्य संबंधित विभाग को लिखित रूप से बताना होता है, लेकिन इसके विपरीत बीडीए द्वारा अवैध घोषित की गई कालोनियों को काटते हुए इनमें से किसी भी शर्त को पूरा नहीं किया गया है।
प्रदेश सूचना आयुक्त सख्त|

इन अवैध कालोनियां काटने वालों के विरुद्ध कार्रवाई संबंधी प्रदेश सूचना आयुक्त ने कड़ा रुख अपना लिया है और पीपीएस गिल व बीसी नामक दो वरिष्ठ अधिकारियों पर आधारित डिवीजन बैंच गठित कर दिया गया है। आरटीआई कार्यकर्ता चेतीवाल ने बताया कि उन्हें डिवीजन बैंच के दोनों अधिकारियों से वीडियो कॉन्फ्रेंस के लिए 27 सितम्बर को फिरोजपुर के जिला उपायुक्त कार्यालय में बुलाया गया है। (लछमण/पवन )

http://www.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-OTH-1569275-2454421.html

HC tells UT to declare at least one area a ‘no vehicle’ zone- Fazilka Ecocabs

2011-09-24T09:54:00.001+05:30

Chandigarh In a significant direction, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today directed the Chandigarh Administration to declare at least one area of the city a 'no vehicle' zone. Also, Punjab and Haryana have been directed to identify a part of any one city for the same purpose.

These directions were passed during resumed hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) arising out of a suo motu notice taken on a news item published by The Indian Express which had highlighted the concept and advantages of ecocabs. A related PIL, arising out of another suo motu notice published by a weekly on the issue of pollution, also came up for resumed hearing today.

The High Court had taken suo motu notice of the increasing pollution in the region due to increasing vehicular pressure. The division bench remarked that some areas should be totally banned for vehicular traffic.

Suggesting Sector 17 as an option for making a no vehicular zone, the Bench observed that parking could be allowed at corners of the Sector and only rickshaws or eco-friendly cabs could be allowed to ply. The Bench said that the restrictions should be enforced for all vehicles and no vehicle, including red beacon or even High Court vehicles, should be permitted to ply in such zones.

Appearing on behalf of the Chandigarh Administration, Senior Standing Counsel Sanjay Kaushal said that efforts are being made by the UT Administration to provide cheaper public transport to reduce vehicular pressure on roads.The Bench also directed the authorities to submit the status report in this regard at the next hearing while making it clear that the entire process would be on a trial basis only.

The counsels for Punjab and Haryana too submitted reports on promoting eco-friendly rickshaws. The reports read that Haryana had issued direction to all the municipal authorities to propagate these rickshaws.The counsel for Punjab informed the Bench that about 500 such eco-cabs were already functional in different districts of the state and rickshaw-pullers were being encouraged to use these.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/hc-tells-ut-to-declare-at-least-one-area-a-no-vehicle-zone/851062/

Punjab announces ''Girdawri'' in flood affected areas

2011-09-21T23:05:00.000+05:30

PTI | 10:09 PM,Sep 21,2011

Chandigarh, Sep 21 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today asked Revenue Secretary to direct concerned Deputy Commissioners to carry out ''Girdawri'' (revenue assessment) to assess the loss caused to crops by floods in order to disburse adequate compensation to affected farmers in Muktsar and Fazilka.He today visited ten flood affected villages in the Malout sub division of Muktsar district and eight villages in Fazilka district, said an official release.Badal also announced to depute a nodal officer in each flood affected village to compile a comprehensive report on the problems faced by the residents, damage caused to crops and house property due to recent floods.He also directed the officers of Food and Civil Supplies department to ensure immediate supply of ration to the affected families. The Chief Minister also asked the Chief Engineers of PWD and drainage departments to immediately undertake the repair of damaged roads and other public installations, besides de-watering of water logged areas.

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/areas-in-north-east-delhi-face-power-cuts/831801.html

फर्जी नोटिकिफेकशन पर ढहाने वाले थे आशियाने!

2011-09-19T11:31:00.000+05:30

अमृत सचदेवा, फाजिल्का

करीब चार वर्ष पहले सेना की ओर से स्थानीय लोगों के आशियाने ढहाने के लिए नोटिस देने के मामले ने नया मोड़ ले लिया है। तब सेना ने डीसी के ड्राफ्ट नोटिफेकेशन का हवाला देते हुए यह नोटिस जारी किया था, लेकिन लंबे जद्दोजहद के बाद खुलासा हुआ है कि डीसी आफिस से कोई नोटिफिकेशन जारी ही नहीं हुआ था।

मामले में तारीख पे तारीख के बाद आखिरकार स्थानीय अदालत ने जब रिकार्ड पेश करने में आनाकानी कर रहे अधिकारियों के वारंट निकाले तो एक नहीं डीसी कार्यालय के तीनों सुपरिंटेंडेंट को पेश होना पड़ा।

आर्मी ने करीब चार साल पहले फिरोजपुर के तत्कालीन डीसी सतीश चंद्रा के 26 नवंबर 1996 के ड्राफ्ट नोटिफिकेशन का हवाला देते हुए आर्मी कैंट की चारदीवारी के नजदीक बसी कालोनी के बाशिंदों के आर्मी के क्रस्ट की बाहरी सीमा से पांच सौ गज के दायरे में आने वाले मकानों को ढहाने की चेतावनी के नोटिस निकाले थे।

इससे डरे कालोनी वासियों ने विजय कुमार इत्यादि बनाम यूनियन आफ इंडिया केस स्थानीय अदालत में दायर कर उक्त ड्राफ्ट नोटिफिकेशन को चैलेंज किया था। कालोनी निवासी एवं आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट दीपक मुदगिल ने आरटीआई के जरिये जानकारी हासिल की डीसी कार्यालय की तरफ से सेना को उक्त ड्राफ्ट नोटिफिकेशन उपलब्ध ही नहीं है।

सुनवाई के दौरान स्थानीय अदालत में सेना अधिकारियों ने बयान दिया कि उन्होंने जिस ड्राफ्ट नोटिफिकेशन के आधार पर नोटिस जारी किए हैं, उसका असल रिकार्ड सेना ने नष्ट कर दिया है। इस पर अदालत ने कई बार डीसी कार्यालय के संबंधित अधिकारी को सम्मन भेजकर रिकार्ड पेश करने के लिए कहा। रिकार्ड नहीं पेश किया गया तो माननीय न्यायाधीश गुरबीर सिंह ने डीसी कार्यालय फिरोजपुर के सुपरिंटेंडेंट धर्मपाल, यशपाल ग्रोवर, विपिन शर्मा के 16 सितंबर 2011 को पेश होने के जमानती वारंट निकाल दिए। उसका असर ये हुआ कि तीनों अधिकारियों को अपनी शाखा के अधिकारी के साथ पेश होना पड़ा।

आरटीआई एक्टिविस्ट मुदगिल ने कहा कि इस पेशी ने सारे मामले का रुख ही बदलकर रख दिया है। डीसी कार्यालय की तरफ से दिए गए बयान में कहा गया है कि उक्त ड्राफ्ट नोटिफिकेशन डीसी कार्यालय से जारी ही नहीं किया गया। इससे सेना के अधिकारियों द्वारा कालोनी के दर्जनों परिवारों के मकान ढहाने के लिए निकाले नोटिस पर सवालिया निशान लगा दिया है। मामले की अगली सुनवाई 23 सितंबर को मुकर्रर की गई है।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8226175_1.html

Lessons on a white board - Vijay Gupta of Fazilka

2011-09-18T11:32:00.000+05:30

It is 9.30 a.m. and Vijay Gupta, teacher of English and social sciences, waits in the corridor of the Government Senior Secondary School in Karni Khera village in Fazilka, Punjab. He is here from the neighbouring Arniwala village, close to the Indo-Pak border, to deliver a guest lecture on disaster management and drug de-addiction. He has with him a laptop, a projector and a few other things that he has brought along for his audio-visual lecture. But there is a electricity failure and the generator is acting up too, so Gupta decides to wait. "These are the usual problems in government-run schools, so we learn to be patient," he says.

But what makes Gupta stand out in this middle of such ordinariness is his unusual teaching methods. This government school teacher in Arinwala village lifts drab lectures in government-run schools using Powerpoint slides and CDs, audio-visual aids that are largely unheard of in these parts and evokes curiosity among students. Last year, Microsoft chose him for its Innovative Teachers Leadership Award—he was among the six teachers from India who were awarded and sent to Brazil to learn advanced teaching skills. The state government too awarded Gupta last year and he now inspires other teachers to improvise their teaching skills through information technology.

At the Karni Khera village school, students of class 11 and 12 sit in a hall to listen to Gupta's lecture. A few students of class 10 peer inside, look at the projector and screen and ask if they can join in. "We have never seen lessons being taught on a projector. Lectures are normally boring," says Jasdeep Singh, a class 10 student.

In between his lecture, Gupta says, "When I started teaching in the Arniwala school in 2001, I was discouraged from using teaching aids, but it bothered me that the faces of children looked blank. So I designed chapters on flex sheets and also gave handouts to students. From 2003, I started using the Internet to teach students. I would also get students to record their sentences on the cellphone and play it back to correct their pronunciation. I myself did a pronunciation course from an institute in Chandigarh so that I could correct my students' diction."

Gupta is also planning to make digital textbooks for classes VI to X. "A lot of my students don't have computers at home, but they have CD players. With digital textbooks, they will enjoy their lessons better," he says.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/lessons-on-a-white-board/848073/0

BSF enforces water wing for safeguarding borders

2011-09-03T20:42:00.001+05:30

FAZILKA: 3.09.11-Flooding of border villages, situated along the Satluj embankment area has damaged barbed fencing along the international Indo-Pak border and to thwart any intrusion bid through the river water,BSF has enforced its water wing to keep round-the-clock patrolling in the river running along the border in Fazilka sector. The water wing consists fiber motor boats loaded with floodlights installed on them, weapons and other necessary equipment needed for patrolling.The headquarters of Punjab frontier has also increased the number of BSF personnel in the Fazilka sector.

"Boat nakas have been laid at strategic points. Also, more temporary observation posts have been set up to check intrusion as the water has spread to some fields along the international border," said Vimal Satyarthi, DIG, BSF. Due to heavy rains in the catchment areas and release of excessive water from the Bhakra Nangal dam into the Satluj, it has remained swollen for most of the time during the monsoon and flooded the fencing in various pockets of the border belt.

Even in certain pockets, floodwater made the Indo-Pak Zero Line disappear in the Fazilka district. Sources said though fencing wire did not suffer much damage in a large area of the border, there were certain pockets, where it had suffered irrevocable damage and would need replacement. Sources said fencing had been affected in various areas falling under Fazilka sector border withPakistan besides Dilawar Bhaini border observation post was inundated with floodwater. Himmat Singh, inspector general, BSF, Punjab frontier, said the water wing had been doing an arduous task but commendable job to safeguard the border.

At the time of floods, boat nakas cannot be put up but boat patrolling continues, he added. He said water wing of the BSF has been trained specifically to meet all type of challenges during floods. Rajesh Gupta, DIG, BSF, Ferozepur sector, said there was no damage to the existing fencing wire along the international Border under his jurisdiction.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BSF-enforces-water-wing-for-safeguarding-borders/articleshow/9843952.cms

प्रशासन के साथ अन्य संगठन भी जुटे राहत कार्य में - Fazilka

2011-09-01T10:06:00.001+05:30

बाढ़ में फंसे ग्रामीणों को निकालने आए एनडीआरएफ के जवानों का हौसला बढ़ाने के लिए डीसी बसंत गर्ग, एडीसी चरन देव सिंह मान, एनडीआरएफ के कमांडेंट आरके वर्मा भी मौके पर पहुंचे। फोर्स के 21 जवानों सहित इंस्पेक्टर यशपाल व सब इंस्पेक्टर सुनील खुन्नू के नेतृत्व में माल विभाग के रैप रेशम लाल छाबड़ा, फोर्स के राजपाल सिंह और बृज मोहन आदि ने बाढग़्रस्त ग्रामीणों की सहायता की। इसके अलावा धार्मिक और राजनीतिक संगठन भी लोगों की सहायता में लगे हुए हैं।
सच्चा सौदा मिशन ने शुरू किए राहत शिविर : बाढ़ में घिरे ग्रामीणों की सहायता के लिए डेरा सच्चा सौदा मिशन की ओर से गांव झंगड़ भैणी में स्थायी राहत शिविर शुरू कर दिया गया है। राहत के लिए बुधवार को गांव रेते वाली भैणी, गुलाबा भैणी, राम सिंह वाली भैणी और आसपास की ढाणियों के ग्रामीणों को लंगर व मवेशियों के लिए हरा चारा वितरित किया गया। इसके अलावा सेवादारों की ओर से गांव को पानी से बचाने के लिए बांध बनाने का कार्य भी जारी रहा। ब्लाक कांग्रेस कमेटी शहरी और देहाती द्वारा पूर्व विधायक डॉक्टर महेंद्र रिणवां ने नेतृत्व में बाढ़ प्रभावित ग्रामीणों के मवेशियों के लिए हरा चारा नई अनाज मंडी से रवाना किया। इस अवसर पर यूथ कांग्रेसी नेता सिद्धार्थ रिणवां, देहाती अध्यक्ष देस राज जंडवालिया, शहरी अध्यक्ष सुरिंदर कालड़ा, रोहित रिणवां, गोपी राम पूर्व सरपंच, संदीप धूडिय़ा, हरमिंद्र सिंह दुरेजा, अशोक वाट्स, बाऊ राम पार्षद, डॉक्टर केके सेठी महासचिव, योगेश शर्मा, रिंपल धमीजा, शैंक पांडे, योगराज, अशोक सोनी, काली चौधरी, कुनाल, करण, अशोक नागवंशी, प्रिंस, कृष्ण आदि हाजिर थे। डॉक्टर रिणवां ने प्रभावित गांवों में लोगों को बांध की सुरक्षा के लिए डीजल भी मुहैया करवाया।
सड़क के साथ बने गड्ढे : गांव धरमू वाला, सुखेरा बोदला, फत्तूवाला और लाधूवाला की रेत खदानों में गहरे गड्ढ़े पड़ गए है। मंगलवार रात आई बरसात से खदानों से निकट से गुजरना मुश्किल हो गया है। गुरदीप सिंह, खुशियां बाई, बूढ़ सिंह, जोगिन्द्र सिंह, कुलदीप सिंह, सुनील कुमार और मुंशी राम ने बारिश से बर्बाद हुई फसलों का मुआवजे की मांग की।
डीसी ने संस्थाओं से की बैठक
बाढ़ पीडि़तों की सहायता के लिए आज डीसी बसंत गर्ग व एडीसी चरन देव सिंह मान ने समाजसेवी संस्थाओं के पदाधिकारियों से बैठक की। इस मौके पर उन्होंने बाढ़ पीडि़तों की सहायता की लिए आगे आने की अपील की। मौके पर अर्जुन देव, अश्वनी कुमार, जतिंदर सिंह, सुभाष चंद्र, नत्थू राम, शाम लाल, अशोक कुमार, विनीत कुमार, सुरिंदर कुमार आदि मौजूद थे।
40 गांवों के लोग अभी नहीं जुड़ पाए एक-दूसरे से
मंडी लाधुका के निकट ड्रेन का पुल को जोडऩे के लिए ठेकेदारों की ओर से आज तीसरे दिन भी कोई प्रयास नहीं किया। जिस कारण 40 गांवों के लोग शहरों से टूटे रहे। रंगीला गांव के पूर्व सरपंच कर्म सिंह, ज्ञान सिंह, एससी बीसी कर्जामुक्ति संघर्ष समिति के प्रदेश महासचिव भगवान दास इटकान, मास्टर हंस राज और गुरपिंद्र सिंह आदि ने प्रशासन से संपर्क जुडऩे तक कश्ती की मांग की है।

http://www.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-OTH-1546176-2393778.html

संशोधित.. पंजाब.. फाजिल्का : खुशामदीद! 64 साल बाद ईद

2011-09-01T10:03:00.001+05:30

अमृत सचदेवा, फाजिल्का

ईद का मुबारक मौका..एक-दूसरे के गले लगते लोग.. मुस्लिम भाइयों को मुबारकबाद देते हिंदू व सिख..। देखने में भले ही सब कुछ सामान्य लग रहा हो, पर यह खुशी सामान्य नहीं थी। हो भी क्यों, आखिर आजादी के बाद यहां पहली बार ईद की नमाज जो अदा की गई थी।

हम बात कर रहे हैं यहां बार्डर रोड स्थित जामा मस्जिद की, जहां मुस्लिम भाइयों ने आजादी के बाद पहली बार ईद की नमाज अदा की। दरअसल, देश के बंटवारे के बाद यहां से मुस्लिम भाइयों के पलायन के बाद मस्जिद पर यहां रहने वाले हिंदू परिवारों ने कब्जा कर लिया। पिछले 13 सालों से इस पर एक हिंदू कामरा परिवार का कब्जा था।

वैसे तो वक्फ बोर्ड बराबर इस पर अपना दावा जताता रहा, लेकिन वह इस मसले को भाईचारे से हल करने का ही पक्षधर था। यही कारण रहा कि वक्फ बोर्ड ने इस मामले को लेकर कभी अदालत की शरण नहीं ली। वक्फ बोर्ड का यह भरोसा आखिरकार रंग लाया और आपसी बातचीत के बाद 31 दिसंबर, 2010 को कामरा परिवार ने खुशी-खुशी मस्जिद मुस्लिम भाइयों को सौंप दी।

इसी दिन पंजाब वक्फ बोर्ड के धार्मिक मामलों की कमेटी के चेयरमैन मोहम्मद उस्मान रहमानी लुधियानवी के नेतृत्व में आजादी के बाद यहां पहली बार नमाज अदा की गई थी और आज पहली बार ईद मनाई गई। ईद की नमाज अदा करने के बाद मस्जिद के इमाम मुहम्मद कमरुद्दीन अत्तारी अपनी खुशी अकेले समेट नहीं सके और पहुंच गए भाईचारे के बीच। खुशी से लबरेज उनके होंठ कुछ कहना चाहते हैं, पर बोल बाहर नहीं आ आते। भावनाएं उमड़ती हैं और बस इतना कहते हैं.. शुक्रिया भाइयों। थोड़ा रुक कर फिर कहते हैं कि हिंदू भाइयों ने मुसलमानों की भावनाओं की कद्र करते हुए मस्जिद का कब्जा मुस्लिम भाईचारे को सौंपा है। अब बस यही दुआ है कि यह भाईचारा इसी तरह सलामत रहे।

इस एतिहासिक मौके पर नमाज अदा करने पहुंचे मुस्लिम भाइयों ने सभी संप्रदायों का भाईचारा यूं ही बने रहने, हिंदुस्तान में अमन चैन कायम होने और हर तरफ शिक्षा व ज्ञान का प्रकाश फैलने की दुआ मांगी। अपनी भावनाएं जताते हुए कहा कि अगर इसी तरह हर जगह लोग भाईचारे की मिसाल पेश करते हुए आपसी मसले हल कर लें तो समाज में हमेशा अमन-शांति बनी रहेगी।

इस अवसर पर मुस्लिम भाइयों के अलावा मस्जिद के एक हिस्से पर काबिज कामरा परिवार के सदस्य बिट्टू कामरा व उनके साथियों ने भी गले मिल उन्हें ईद की मुबारकबाद दी। कामरा परिवार ने ही भाईचारे की मिसाल पेश करते हुए मस्जिद के लिए अपनी मर्जी से वह जगह छोड़ी है।

http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/punjab/4_2_8140607.html

बाढ़ के पानी और संगीनों के साये में हो रही है पढ़ाई

2011-08-29T08:27:00.001+05:30

फाजिल्का & भारत के अंतिम छोर पर बसा गांव मुहार जमशेर, करीब 1100 की आबादी। गांव के तीन तरफ पाक सीमा ही नहीं पाकिस्तान के दरिया का पानी और चौथी देश की सरहद पर बहता सतलुज दरिया। यानि चारों ओर पानी ही पानी। इस बीच सीमा सुरक्षा बल की दो चौकियां और इनके बीच है गांव का सरकारी प्राइमरी स्कूल। वीरवार को बच्चों की हाजिरी भी 97 प्रतिशत। जोर-जोर से पहाड़े बोल रहे बच्चों के चेहरे बता रहे थे कि बाढ़ का उन पर कोई खौफ नहीं है।
बच्चों को स्वीकार गांधी और सरोज शिक्षा दे रहे हैं। इनमें से फाजिल्का से गांव मुहार जमशेर जा रहे किश्ती पर सवार अध्यापक स्वीकार गांधी ने बताया कि गांव की ढाणियां पानी में घिर चुकी हैं। वह खुद भी पानी में पैदल चलकर स्कूल पहुंचते हैं। वापस लौट कर आ रही इसी किश्ती में सवार होकर फाजिल्का के स्कूल में पढऩे आ रहे बलकार सिंह ने बताया कि वह रोज किश्ती में बैठकर दरिया पार करते हैं। अगर दरिया पर पुल बनाया जाए और तारबंदी हटा ली जाए तो उनकी ज्यादातर समस्याएं हल हो जाएंगी।
ये स्कूल भी पानी में घिरे
दरिया के पानी में ढाणी सदा सिंह, गुलाबा भैणी, तेजा रूहेला, दोना नानका, गट्टी नंबर एक, रेतेवाली भैणी के सरकारी स्कूल भी पानी में घिर चुके हैं, लेकिन स्कूल में विद्यार्थियों की संख्या में अधिकांश कमी नहीं आई।

http://www.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-OTH-1539923-2379928.html

Schools shut down in flood-affected Fazilka

2011-08-26T19:13:00.001+05:30

Praful Chander Nagpal,

Fazilka, August 25,

Deputy Commissioner Dr Basant Garg has ordered closure of all the five primary schools situated across the Kawanwali Pattan concrete bridge due to the grim flood situation there. The flood water has entered residential areas in several places. "Protecting habitat areas in flood-hit villages is our priority as of now…. The residents of these villages have been told to shift to relief camps or other safer places," Garg said after a visit to these villages. With continuous release of water from dams and Hussainiwala head works coupled with low absorption rate, the partition line between India and Pakistan has vanished at some places. The border observation post of the BSF at GG-1 village has been surrounded by water from all sides. GL Meena, the Commandant of 51 Battalion, said the officials were maintaining a tight vigil despite the odd circumstances. He said they had several motorboats ready to meet any kind of eventuality, if ever. Meanwhile, the residents of several villages here have shifted their belongings to the first floor of their concrete houses. Also, the sarpanches of flood-hit Ghurka, Guddar Bhaini, Walleshah and Mohna Ram villages have demanded compensation worth Rs 20,000 per acre as their standing crops had been destroyed.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110826/punjab.htm#4

41 Ecocabs Handed over to the Joint Liability Group at Shri Mukatsar Sahib

2011-08-23T14:34:00.001+05:30

41 ECO CABS HANDED OVER TO JOINT LIABILITY GROUPS

Sri Mukatsar Sahib: Aug 23,

Today Shri Mukatsar Sahib district also joined the elite group of Punjab Ecocabs revolution. Joint Liability groups (JLGs) were formed by Regional Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (RCED) on behalf of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in Sri Mukatsar Sahib. These groups were linked with banks that have sanctioned financial assistance to 41 members for the purchase of Eco-Cabs (Rickshaws). Mr. Amit Dhaka, IAS, Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Sri Mukatsar Sahib, today handed over the rickshaws to the members of these Joint Liability Groups.

While welcoming the Chief Guest, Mr Parmjit Singh, Principal Consultant, RCED informed that on behalf of NABARD, RCED conducted 9 Skill Development Programme under Skill Development Initiative, 4 Micro Entrepreneurship Development Programme (MEDP), trained about 375 persons and formed 100 Self Help Groups and 125 Joint Liability Groups in District Sri Mukatsar Sahib.

Mr. M.M. Suri, DDM, NABARD, Sri Mukatsar Sahib briefed that NABARD is forming JLGs in Punjab with a motive to provide security and sustainable livelihood opportunities for weaker section of society.

While handing on the rickshaws to 41 members the Chief Guest Mr. Amit Dhaka conveyed his blessing to the members and advised them for timely repayment. He also suggested the banks to assist such activities on continuous basis.

Prominent among the others who were present in the programme include Mr. Varinder Kumar IAS, Assistant Commissioner under training, S. Baljit Singh Pawar, Lead District Manager, Mr. Gurjant Singh, GM, DIC, Mr. DK Dhawan, Director, Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) Mr. Surjit Singh, Manager PNB, Mr. Rawat, Mr. A.K. Bajaj, Mr. Krishan Gilhotra, Mr. Parween Gandhi, Mr. R.K. Gupta and Mr. Jagbir Singh.

Fazilite Kanwar Mohinder Sing Bedi "Sahar"- A Tribute

2011-08-23T12:13:00.001+05:30

This write-up is a tribute to legendry urdu poet Late Kanwar Mohinder Singh Bedi "Sahar". A legend who has made exceptional contribution in the field of Urdu Poetry and nurtured the culture of this beautiful town through his writings. A poet being equally loved in both the countries, his mushayras become the symbol of love and peace between India and Pakistan. His writings being sung by many famous singers like Mohd. Rafi, Jagjit Singh and Chitra. Recently Jagjit Singh launched his Gazal album "Forget me not", to mark tribute to this veteran poet of Fazilka. Haryana Urdu Academy constituted Chair to the name of "Kanwar Mohinder Singh Bedi". Grandfather of famous bollywood actress Mandira Bedi and our very own Capt. M.S. Bedi. Sharing some of the couplets from his writings and i hope u would love reading/listening him time and again.

"Daaman Bachaa ke yuun Na Hikaarat se Dekhiye,
Ashkon Ki Aabruu Bhii Sitaaron Se Kam Nahiin hotii"

"चले आ रहे हैं वो ज़ुल्फ़ें बिखेरे,उजाले से लिपटे हुए हैं,
अँधेरे झुकी सी वो उनकी हयाबार, आँखें वो पलकों के साये घनेरे\-घनेरे,
कभी हो तो जाये मेरे घर चराग़ाँ कभी आ तो जाओ अँधेरे\-अँधेरे,
अगर हो सके इनको अपना बना लें ये पुरकैफ़ लम्हे न तेरे न मेरे"

"tum hamaare nahiN tho kya gham hai
hum tumhare tho haiN ye kya kam hai"

"muskuraa do zara khuda ke liye
shamm-e-mehfil meiN roshni kam hai"

"Husn vaalon ka ehthraam karo,
Kuch to duniyaa mein nek kaam karo"

"abhi wo kamsin ubhar raha hai, abhi hai us par shabaab aadha
abhi jigar mein khalish hai aadhi, abhi hay mujh par ithaab aadha"

"Teri berukhi aur teri meharbaani, Yahi maut hai aur yahi zindgaani
Wahi ek fasaana wahi ek kahani, Jawaani jawaani jawaani jawaani"

"In ashkon ko paani kehna, Bhool nahin naadaani hia
Tan-man mein jo aag lagaaye, Ye tho aise paani hai

Kaise tum se iskq hua thaa, Kya kya hum par biti hai
Sunlo tho sachcha afsaana, Warna ek kahaani hai"

"Phool bhare hain daaman daaman, Lekin weeran ghshan gulshan
Akl ki baat karne waale, Kya samjhoge dil ki dhadkan
Kaun kisi ke dukh ka saathi, Apne aansoon apna daaman
Tera daaman chodoon kaise, Meri duniya tera daman"