Fire at Fazilka tehsil office, arson suspected

The records room in the old office of the Fazilka tehsildar caught fire early on Tuesday, gutting all documents stored there. The security staff at the local crime investigation agency (CIA) located opposite the records room noticed the fire in one portion of the old tehsil complex, but  before it could be controlled, documents, including revenue records like mutations and jamabandi, were destroyed.

 

The police station is 25 metres away and the sub-jail 30 metres from the records room. It took the fire tenders more than an hour to control the blaze.

The police have started an investigation and registered a case against unidentified persons. An official said on condition of anonymity that it was a case of arson.

Captain (retired) MS Bedi questioned how the arsonists could dare to set the records room on fire when it was in the proximity of the CIA and the police station.

Deputy commissioner Basant Garg said the staff of the tehsil office had shifted to a new administrative complex. "We are trying to find out what kind of records were gutted in the fire," he added.

On February 27, 2011, the records room of the court had caught fire. Later, the persons involved in the incident were traced and they confessed that they did so to destroy evidence pertaining to a case that was being heard at that time.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Bathinda/Arson-suspected-in-fire-at-Fazilka-tehsil-records-room/SP-Article1-949144.aspx

सेमिनार :इको कैब के नाम जुड़ी एक और उपलब्धि : रिक्शा चालक खुद को सिपाही समङो : एसएसपी

अमृत सचदेवा, फाजिल्का

ग्रेजुएट वेलफेयर एसोसिएशन के तत्वाधान में काम कर रही ईको कैब सोसायटी फाजिल्का के नाम एक और उपलब्धि जुड़ गई है।

मंगलवार को जिला पुलिस प्रमुख अमर सिंह चहल की अध्यक्षता में ईको कैब (फाजिल्का में ईजाद आधुनिक रिक्शा) की खूबियों, उपलब्धियों बारे एक सेमिनार का आयोजन किया गया। सेमिनार के मुख्य वक्ता एसोसिएशन के सचिव इंजीनियर नवदीप असीजा थे। जिसमें जिले के सभी आला पुलिस अधिकारी और सभी थानों के प्रभारी शामिल हुए। सेमिनार को संबोधित करते हुए इंजीनियर असीजा ने प्रदूषण कम करने, बुजुर्गो, महिलाओं व हर शहरवासी को फोन कॉल पर उपलब्ध ईको कैब के फायदों की जानकारी दी। उन्होंने बताया कि कार्बन उत्सर्जन को वैश्विक स्तर पर हुए समझौते के तहत देश के रिक्शा चालक जितनी कार्बन पैदा होने से बचाते हैं, उसकी एवज में उन्हें लाखों रुपये की प्रतिमाह कमाई हो सकती है। इसके अलावा नई रिक्शा इसे चलाने वालों की सेहत के लिए भी फिट है। इंजीनियर असीजा ने सोसायटी द्वारा रिक्शा चालकों के बच्चों की शिक्षा, उनकी नशामुक्ति, परिवार को दी जा रही स्वास्थ्य सुविधाओं के बारे में भी बताया। सोसायटी के कार्यो व नेटवर्क से प्रभावित एसएसपी चहल ने रिक्शा चालक से कहा कि वह खुद को रिक्शा पुलर नहीं बल्कि एक सिपाही समङों। वह अपराध रोकने में पुलिस के इंफार्मर बनकर पूरी मदद कर सकते हैं। साथ ही उन्होंने जिले के हर शहर में ईको कैब सोसायटी की तरह ईको कैब चलाने और रिक्शा चालकों का जीवन स्तर ऊंचा उठाने के लिए उनकी रजिस्ट्रेशन का ऐलान भी किया। इस मौके पर उनके साथ डीएसपी रामप्रकाश, अबोहर के एसपी वरिंद्र सिंह बराड़, जिला यातायात पुलिस प्रभारी हरप्रीत सिंह, फाजिल्का नगर थाना प्रभारी एसएस बराड़, यातायात प्रभारी नरेंद्र सिंह सहित अन्य अधिकारी मौजूद थे।

Dainik Jagran, 17 October 2012

Jyani announces opening of eye bank at Fazilka

Harish K. Monga

Fazilka, October 15, 2012: It was the third function organised by Social Welfare Society, Fazilka to honour families of eye donors.

So far, the SWC has arranged the eye donations of 177 persons after their death and Fazilka is now known as Eye Donors City.

Padamshree Vijay Kumar Chopra, chief editor, Hind Samachar Group of Papers was the chief guest and Surjeet Kumar Jyani, MLA and Forest and Labour Minister, Punjab, presided over the function.

On this occasion, Nirmla Jyani, Charandev Singh Maan, ADC, Sudesh Nagpal, patron Istri Arya Samaj, Surinder Ahuja, businessman, Dr. S. P. Garg, SMO, civil hospital, Dina Nath Sachdeva, president, Pacca Arthia Association and social worker and various prominent persons of the city and NGOs were present.

The members of the family, who have contributed for donating the eyes on the death of their nearest relatives were honoured by Vijay Kumar Chopra and Surjeet Kumar Jyani and Nirmla Jyani.

Surjeet Kumar Jyani, in his address said, Fazilka is now known as the city of eye donors and announced the opening of Eye Bank at Fazilka.  He further said that it is easy to say for eye donation but this service is not that easy as the people now shirk taking care of their parents even.

Charandev Singh, ADC said, eye donation is a big service to the society.  A man can donate his eyes before his next birth.  He thinks that the life is for him only but the real life is that if you are helpful to others.

Dr. Asha Goomber on this occasion said, the beautiful eyes are those, which are donate to give light to others after death.

 Raj Kishore Kalra, president, Kanwal Kishore Grover, secretary and Shashi Kant, chairman said, as on date, the society has managed the eye donation of 177 persons on their deaths besides arranging artificial limbs to 198 persons with the help of Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Samiti, Ambala, Lala Durga Charan Charitable Artificial Limb Centre and Parvati Devi Trust, Ambala.

They further said that the society has also arranged number of social service camps like sugar check-up, education to poor students, regular medicines to poor families, woolen sweaters and organised seminars on social evils.

Padamshree Vijay Chopra in his address said, earlier there was a shortage of eyes but it not now.  The initiative of Social Welfare Society for managing eye donations is appreciable and motivational.  He said, "A man will live even after his death by donation one of his organ".

He further said, most of the social welfare works to be done by the government are being managed by the social organisations.  The government should arrange sufficient power supply, pure drinking water and cheap education. By providing these essential services, the society will prosper and economists of the country must think it over.  The youths should come forward by moving on the footsteps of elders and with the joint working of elders and youths, the society will be benefited.

Date:
Monday, October 15, 2012

http://cityairnews.com/content/jyani-announces-opening-eye-bank-fazilka

नशा न करेंगे तो सड़क पर सुरक्षित रहेंगे : Safe Rickshaw Drive Campaign at Fazilka by Traffic Police, Punjab

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का : अतिरिक्त पुलिस महानिदेशक आरपी सिंह के आदेशानुसार रिक्शा चालकों को भी ट्रैफिक नियमों के दायरे में शामिल कर लिया गया है। जिसका आगाज मंगलवार को फाजिल्का से किया गया। ट्रैफिक पुलिस की ओर से नवगठित फाजिल्का ईको कैब वेलफेयर सोसायटी के रिक्शा चालकों को रोड सेफ्टी की ट्रेनिंग दी गई। जिसमें 120 रिक्शा चालकों ने भाग लिया। इस मौके पर रिक्शा चालकों को नशे से दूर रहने की अपील की गई। पुलिस के सेमिनार के उपरांत दैनिक जागरण के मिस्टर नशामुक्तएडवोकेट संजीव बांसल ने भी रिक्शा चालकों को नशे के दुष्प्रभावों के बारे में बताया। ट्रैफिक पुलिस के एएसआइ नरिंद्र सिंह ने बताया कि नशा करके वाहन चलाने से करीब 60 प्रतिशत हादसे होते हैं। जिनमें कई मौत हो जाती है और कई घायल हो जाते हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि नशामुक्त नागरिक ही स्वस्थ समाज का निर्माण कर सकता है। रिक्शा चलाते समय चालक तंबाकू का सेवन न करें। सवारी इसे पसंद नहीं करती और चालक को इससे नुकसान होता है। नशेड़ी रिक्शा चालकों का प्रभाव स्कूल जा रहे बच्चों पर भी पड़ता है। उन्हांेने कहा कि रिक्शा चलाते समय मोबाइल फोन पर बात करने की बजाय थोड़ी देर रुकना बेहतर रहता है। ट्रैफिक पुलिस के हवालदार जसवंत सिंह व पवन कुमार ने कहा कि चौक को पार करते समय शॉर्टकट की बजाय नियमानुसार चलें। इस मौके पर सोसायटी के मनजिंद्र सिंह, गुरदीप सिंह और राज कुमार आदि मौजूद थे।

Dainik Jagran, Ludhiana Edition, Ferozpur-Fazilka Page 3, 11 October 2012

आरटीआइ कार्यकर्ता को जान से मारने की धमकी

जागरण संवाददाता, फाजिल्का : आरटीआइ कार्यकर्ता और अग्रदूत सोशल वेलफेयर सोसायटी के महासचिव अमर चेतीवाल ने एक भाजपा नेता पर उन्हें जान से मारने की धमकी देने का आरोप लगाया है।

चेतीवाल ने कहा कि उन्होंने विभिन्न विभागों में हो रहे भ्रष्टाचार के बारे में आरटीआइ के तहत सूचना मांगी है। इसी की खुन्नस में सात अक्टूबर को उनके मोबाइल फोन पर किसी ने फोन किया। उक्त व्यक्ति ने अपना नाम राकेश सहगल बताया और उन्हें जान से मारने की धमकी दी और आरटीआइ के तहत सूचनाएं मांगना बंद करने को कहा। चेतीवाल का आरोप है कि उक्त व्यक्ति भाजपा का नेता है। उन्होंने पुलिस से इस मामले में कार्रवाई की मांग की है।

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नहीं दी धमकी : सहगल

भाजपा नेता राकेश सहगल ने कहा कि उन्होंने फोन जरूर किया था, लेकिन कोई धमकी नहीं दी। उन्होंने कहा कि चेतीवाल भाजपा के जिला महासचिव रहे हैं। एक जिम्मेवार पद पर रहने के बावजूद वह आरटीआइ की आड़ में पार्टी की छवि खराब कर रहे हैं। फोन पर हुई बात में उन्होंने चेतीवाल से आरटीआइ की बजाय सीधे पदाधिकारियों से जवाब मांगने की सलाह दी थी। यहां तक कि उन्होंने चेतीवाल को सूचना मांगने से भी नहीं रोका।

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शिकायत मिलते ही कार्रवाई : एसएसपी

अमर चेतीवाल ने खुद को मिली धमकी की शिकायत रजिस्टर्ड डाक से एसएसपी व नगर थाना पुलिस को भेजी है। इस बारे में एसएसपी अमर सिंह ने कहा कि अभी तक उन्हें ऐसी कोई शिकायत नहीं मिली। शिकायत मिलते ही बनती कार्रवाई की जाएगी।

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सूचना न देने पर ईओ सहित तीन चार्जशीट

फाजिल्का : आरटीआइ कार्यकर्ता अमर चेतीवाल ने नगर परिषद की ओर से खरीदे गए सीवरेज मेनहोल के ढक्कनों, सलेमशाह बाजार में बनाए गए डिवाइडर सहित विभिन्न विकास कार्यो सहित दो दर्जन सूचनाएं मांगी थीं। लेकिन समय पर न दी गई, आधी-अधूरी व गुमराह करने वाली सूचनाओं के आधार पर चेतीवाल ने प्रदेश सूचना आयुक्त से शिकायत की थीं। उसी के आधार पर प्रदेश सूचना आयुक्त ने नगर परिषद के कार्यकारी अधिकारी, एसओ व क्लर्क को चार्जशीट कर दिया है।

http://www.jagran.com/punjab/firozpur-9741852.html

Term "Act of God" or "Natural Disaster"

This term "Act of God" used by Insurance companies or Authorities needs to be looked upon. In 2001 during Bhuj, Gujrat earthquake in India, more than 20,000 people died and its magnitude at Richter scale was 7.6, now almost at the same time, there was an earthquake in El Salvador (Latin America) with richer scale intensity 7.7 and in that 852 people died, further the one in California with same intensity and in the year 2001 only caused death of about 50 people. So, if I go by the definition of insurance companies by saying these incidents as "Act of God" or "Natural Disaster" , statistically it is proved that God love Latin American people 25 to 100 times more than we Indians. Important here to understand  is that there is nothing called 'Act of God" and everything is man made. With the Development of Science, we understand the behavior of nature very well, but we are not prepared enough to handle that and for that reason we end up blaming god for it. The way we safeguard our houses from Rain, also can be protected for earthquake or tsunamis but dear human beings stop blaming god and act fast. Thanks to the movie "OMG" for starting this though proving debate

Civil Hospital ailing in Fazilka : Health services at the 103-year-old hospital crippled due to shortage of doctors

 Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, October 2
Medical services at the 103-year-old Civil Hospital, formerly known as Dane Hospital, Fazilka, which was established by the British, has been crippled following an acute shortage of specialised doctors and the paramedical staff.

Following the promotion and transfer of specialist doctors two years back, the office of the Civil Surgeon here fell vacant and has not been filled up yet despite Fazilka being a district headquarters.

As per the Senior Medical Officer (SMO), Civil Hospital, Fazilka, Dr SP Garg, out of the total 13 sanctioned posts, eight have been lying vacant for long and a pathologist, Dr Renu Dhuria, has proceeded on long leave.

The sanctioned posts of surgeon, gynaecologist, paediatrician, medical specialist, dermatologist and MBBS doctors are also vacant.

For the last few months, the doctors have been braving all odds to run the emergency services and OPD besides attending to duties like conducting the postmortem, attending the courts and sending the reports on a regular basis to the higher authorities.

The schemes run by the Centre and the state government for the poor sections of society have also been hit adversely due to the shortage of doctors. The aim of the state government-- to perform maximum deliveries at the Civil Hospital-- has also been affected in the absence of a gynaecologist.

It has become difficult for the staff to run the blood bank for want of a Blood Transfusion Officer (BTO).

The operation theatre and the ultrasound machine are virtually lying defunct. The ambitious DOTS project, for treating the tuberculosis patients, has been hit due to the non-availability of a physician. The hospital staff has to refer the seriously ill patients to the medical college at Faridkot for specialised treatment.

As per official sources, the number of patients at the OPD has declined to 200-250 on a working day. Earlier, the figure used to be around 400.

The number of indoor patients has also come down as the physicians, surgeons, heart specialists and the gynaecologists, who used to admit the patients, are presently not serving the hospital, thanks to the indifferent attitude of the state health department.

The patients hover around the OPD which often wears a deserted look even during the working hours. The posts of paramedical staff have also been lying vacant. Out of the total 24 sanctioned posts of nurses, 15 are lying vacant, which in turn, has affected the indoor services also.

"We have sent the report to the higher authorities but the vacant posts are yet to be filled up," said the SMO Dr Garg. 

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121003/bathinda.htm#1

Three from graduate category elected to PU senate

Counting for other seats still in progress

Three members were elected to the Panjab University (PU) senate early on Friday morning as the first round of results of the registered graduates constituency was declared.

Sandeep Kumar from Fazilka was the only candidate to clear the quota of 3,950 after receiving 4,996 votes. The Principal of DAV College, Abohar, Sanjeev Kumar Arora, won the election by garnering 3,236 votes, and Dayal Partap Singh Randhawa of Chandigarh received 2,422 votes. Arora and Randhawa, won as reserved candidates from Punjab and Chandigarh respectively.

After his victory, D P S Randhawa said: "I was re-elected because of my contribution to the University in the past years. I will continue to raise the issues of students as well as teachers in the senate." He is a sitting senator and was also the PU student council president from 1998 to 2000.

A delighted Arora, the Principal, of DAV College, Abohar, said, "I will work on the promotion of better research in the University making it a knowledge hub. Reforms should be initiated to benefit the students".

The ballot boxes for the registered graduates constituency were opened early on Wednesday morning. There are over four lakh registered voters in this constituency but just about 74, 520 votes were polled. The total number of valid votes were 63, 996 and invalid votes were around 10, 600, before the process was stopped. About 65 candidates were contesting for 15 seats. First round of results for the registered graduates' constituency of the Panjab University senate were expected to be declared by Wednesday night, but counting had been suspended after a discord between the candidates and the polling staff. The elections had been held on September 23. A total of 15 rounds of counting had been done before it was closed for the day at 6 pm.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/three-from-graduate-category-elected-to-pu-senate/1009419/

असीजा प्रशासन सुधार आयोग के सलाहकार

संवाद सूत्र, फाजिल्का : राज्य सरकार ने सड़क सुरक्षा व यातायात विशेषज्ञ नवदीप असीजा को प्रशासन सुधार आयोग में सलाहकार मनोनीत किया है। नवदीप इस आयोग में मुख्य रूप से बढ़ रही यातायात समस्या व सड़क दुर्घटनाओं को कम करने के लिए सुझाव देंगे।

आयोग का कार्य राज्य में विभिन्न सरकारी कार्यो में सुधार लाना है ताकि लोगों को बेहतर प्रशासन मिल सके। बता दें कि पंजाब प्रशासन सुधार आयोग का गठन पूर्व सरकार के कार्यकाल के दौरान हुआ था। उसके अंतर्गत ही सेवा आयोग का गठन किया गया था जिसके चेयरमैन डा. प्रमोद कुमार हैं। नवदीप असीजा पंजाब पुलिस के पूर्व प्रमुख एए सिद्दिकी की अध्यक्षता में बनी समिति के साथ सलाहकार के रूप में काम करेंगे। नवदीप पहले भी राज्य के मुख्य सचिव की अध्यक्षता में गठित ट्रांसपोर्टेशन सोसायटी आफ पंजाब के सलाहकार एवं गवर्नेस बॉडी के सदस्य भी हैं और पंजाब स्टेट रोड सेफ्टी कौंसिल के सदस्य हैं। इसके अलावा वह चंडीगढ़ सेक्टर 26 स्थित महात्मा गांधी लोक सेवा संस्थान में ट्रेनिंग के लिए आए 60 नए पीसीएस अधिकारियों व तहसीलदारों को भी सड़क सुरक्षा व यातायात की ट्रेनिंग देंगे।

http://www.jagran.com/punjab/firozpur-9672391.html

कहीं याद ही न रह जाये फाजिल्का बाधा झील - Badha Lake Fazilka

कहीं याद ही न रह जाये फाजिल्का बाधा झील 

Sarhad Kesri, Page 4, Fazilka Edition

अपनी जड़ों को नहीं भूला पाकिस्तान का शाही परिवार

अमृत सचदेवा, फाजिल्का

इंसान दुनिया के किसी भी कोने में चला जाए, अपनी जन्मभूमि को नहीं भूल सकता। हमें आज भी अपने गांव की मिट्टी की वह सोंधी खुशबू याद है, जिसमें हम पले-बढ़े हैं, जहां हमने बचपन में किलकारियां भरीं। ये उद्गार हैं पाकिस्तानी पंजाब के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री मियां मंजूर अहमद वट्टू के बड़े भाई नसीब अहमद वट्टू के, जिन्होंने पाकिस्तान से दैनिक जागरण के साथ फोन पर अपनी भावनाएं सांझा कीं। वह मुख्यमंत्री रहे अपने भाई मंजूर अहमद के भारत दौरे के तहत पैतृक गांव मौजम आने के बारे में अपने करीबी एक हिंदू परिवार के सदस्यों से बात कर रहे थे।

नसीब अहमद ने बताया कि बंटवारे के वक्त दोनों भाई 10 साल से भी छोटे थे। लेकिन इतना याद है कि गांव छोड़ते वक्त उनके अब्बू जंगीर खान वट्टू व सारा परिवार बेहद दुखी था। होता भी क्यों नहीं, गांव मौजम उनके पड़दादा मौजम खान के नाम पर ही तो बसाया गया था। उनकी यहां सैकड़ों बीघा जमीन थी। खैर, खुदा को यही मंजूर था। उन्होंने नेकनीयत से राजनीति के जरिये लोगों की सेवा की और अल्लाह ने उन्हें एक अच्छा मुकाम बख्शा। अब तो ढल रही जीवन की शाम में उन्हें जब भी हसरत होती है, अपने जन्म स्थान की खैर खबर लेने आ जाते हैं। मंजूर अहमद के 1993 में मुख्यमंत्री बनने से पहले 1990 में दोनों भाई फाजिल्का आए थे और अपने पैतृक गांव मौजम की मिट्टी को चूमा था।

उन्होंने अपने परिवार के करीबी रहे बुजुर्गो से भी मुलाकात की थी। उन्हीं में से एक परिवार के मुखिया बिहारी लाल चलाना हैं, जिनका परिवार गांव में करियाने का काम करता था। बंटवारे के वक्त बिहारी लाल चलाना भी 6-7 साल के थे, लेकिन उन्हें उनके वालिदान के नाम याद हैं। इस बार 12 सितंबर को भी उनके भाई मंजूर बिहारी लाल चलाना से मिलेंगे।

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22 साल बाद भी याद है पनीर पकौड़ों का स्वाद

फाजिल्का: फाजिल्का के डा. राजकुमार चलाना के पिता बिहारी लाल चलाना, जिन्हें खुद वट्टू बंधुओं ने 1990 में पहचाना था, आज भी वट्टू परिवार से संपर्क में हैं। चलाना ने दैनिक जागरण को बताया कि 1990 में दोनों वट्टू भाई उनके घर भी आए थे और काफी समय उनके परिवार के साथ बिताया था। चलाना ने बताया कि वट्टू बंधुओं के फाजिल्का आगमन मौके उन्होंने पाकपटनी हलवाई के पनीर के पकौड़े उन्हें खिलाए थे। आज 22 साल बाद भी जब कभी बात होती है, तो वट्टू बंधु पकौड़ों के स्वाद का जिक्र करना नहीं भूलते।

http://www.jagran.com/punjab/firozpur-9656366.html

BADAL PATS FOR OPENING OF TRADE THROUGH FAZILKA AND HUSSAINIWALA BORDERS

 

BADAL PATS FOR OPENING OF TRADE THROUGH FAZILKA AND HUSSAINIWALA BORDERS

 

TRADE ACTIVITY FROM THESE BORDERS WOULD IMMENSELY BENEFIT THE REGION

 

PAKISTANI FEDERAL MINISTER ENDORSES BADAL'S VIEW

 

Mouzam (Fazilka), September 12-

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today urged the National Governments of India and Pakistan to open trade through Fazilka and Hussainiwala borders of the state to herald a new era of economic development in the region besides promoting people to people contact in the sub continent.

            Addressing a mammoth gathering here today in a function organized to felicitate the Federal Minister of Pakistan Government Mr Mian Manjur Ahmed Watoo, who was here to visit his native village, the Chief Minister said that the opening of these borders was the need of the hour as it would promote trade activities between both the countries which would be pivotal in the development of both the eastern and western Punjab. Mr Badal said that he had already taken up this issue with the Government of India adding that he was hopeful of positive outcome on the issue He said that the time has come when both these countries should, as a part of their confidence building measures, remove these physical barriers thereby allowing the free flow of trade and commercial activity between both the countries.

            The Chief Minister said that with the inflow of trade and commerce a new era of prosperity and development would be ushered in the Indian Sub Continent in general and in both the eastern and western Punjab in particular. He said that ever since independence the people of border areas of both the countries have lagged behind during the pace of development as they have not got their due share in economic development. However Mr Badal said that if the borders are opened today the borders districts of both the countries would emerge as business hubs.

The Chief Minister said that with the opening of ICP at Wagah border the trade activity has already been set up in motion between the both countries but it would get the much needed fillip only if the Fazilka and Hussainiwala borders are also opened. Mr Badal said that apart from promoting economic activity the opening of these borders would also help in further strengthening the socio-cultural ties amongst the people of both the countries. He said that the opening of trade activity from these borders is of immense significance for us because it would open new avenues of trade for our farmers and traders.  

            Going down the memory lane the Chief Minister recalled his college days spent in Lahore and shared his vivid memories with the gathering. Mr Badal also said that even today he aspires to visit Pakistan for reviving his vibrant memories of college days adding that even today he was very fond of the delicious Pakistani food.

            In his emotional address the federal Minister of Pakistan Mr Mian Manjur Ahmed Watoo expressed gratitude of the Chief Minister for fulfilling his cherished desire of visiting his ancestral house in the village. Mr Watoo also advocated the opening of more trade routes within both the Punjabs so that people on the both the sides of borders could be benefited from it. He said that the matter was under the active consideration of the Pakistani government adding that decision on it is likely soon. Terming himself as 'messenger of love', the Pakistani federal Minister said that he would make all out efforts to ensure that trade between both the countries is boosted.

            Earlier Mr Badal also announced a grant of Rs 8 lakh for upgrading the infrastructure of Primary school where Pakistani Federal Minister had studied. Later on the Chief Minister along with Mr Watoo and his family members also paid visit to the ancestral home of the Pakistani Minister and the Primary Government School where he had studied.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr Surjit Kumar Jiyani and Lok Sabha MP Mr Sher Singh Ghubaya.

Home greets eminent visitor from Pakistan

Pakistan federal minister Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo on Wednesday was a visitor in his pre-Partition home. When he landed at this native village of his family in Fazilka district, Wattoo found chief minister Parkash Singh Badal present to greet him. Claiming to be the "messenger of love", Watoo 

 

agreed to work on the CM's suggestion for more trade between the hostile neigbhouring countries.

"I do advocate the opening of more trade routes between the two Punjabs so that people on each side of the border can benefit," said Wattoo at a ceremony in his honour. "The matter is under the active consideration of the Pakistani government, and an early decision is likely."

"India and Pakistan should consider opening the Fazilka and Hussainiwala (Ferozepur) borders for trade and traffic," said Badal. "It will herald a new era of economic development in the region and promote people-to-people contact in the subcontinent."

The opening of bilateral trade through the proposed points would help business in both the east and western Punjab, especially, said Badal. "Since Independence, the people on the border areas of both countries have lagged behind. If the borders were opened, these would emerge as business hubs."

The opening of the integrated check post (ICP) at the Attari-Wagah border has set the bilateral trade activity in motion, said Badal, adding that the fillip would come only if the Fazilka and Hussainiwala borders were also opened. "It will also strengthen the socio-cultural ties among Indians and Pakistanis and open new avenues for even farmers," he said.

The veteran politician recalled his college days in Lahore and shared these memories with the gathering.

CM declares Rs. 8 lakh for Wattoo's old school

The chief minister also announced a grant of Rs. 8 lakh for the upgrade of the infrastructure at the village primary school where Pakistani federal minister had studied. He along with Wattoo and his family also visited the ancestral home and old school of the Pakistani minister.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Bathinda/Home-greets-eminent-visitor-from-Pakistan/SP-Article1-928899.aspx

Pakistan minister for Kashmir affairs arrives in India, to visit his birthplace

Pakistan federal minister for Kashmir affairs Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo along with his family  arrived in India through Wagah border on Wednesday morning. He is on a private tour and will visit his ancestral village and birthplace Muazzam near Fazilka.

Wattoo who has arrived here on invitation of the state government said, "Pakistan was committed to resolve the Kashmir issue and it is possible through dialogue, and understanding of what Kashmiris want since they are the main stakeholders in this issue." Stressing that Kashmir issue has pushed India and Pakistan too far from each other, Wattoo said that Pakistan was committed to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue and advise of Kashmiris.

When asked whether both the countries are stuck on this issue, Wattoo said, "Resolving Kashmir issue is our top priority and we are consistently working on that. I personally feel that the kind of atmosphere created now wherein dialogue is on, solution to this long pending issue is possible, he added."

He also appreciated the way both countries have initiated talks on key issues, especially the recent foreign ministers' meet in Islamabad. He denied commenting when questioned on Pakistani delegates in the past meeting the fundamentalists in Kashmir first, and then their Indian counterparts.

Earlier, getting emotional about his visit to India, Wattoo said, "My ancestors lived in Muazzam village near Fazilka and I was born there. I was a child when our family moved to Pakistan." It was always a desire to see the village again and I feel lucky that the day has come, he added.

When asked about his stay in India Wattoo said, "I will like to see the house where my family lived, the streets, meet people and spend some time in the village. You can understand how eager a person can be to see his birth place." My wife, two sons, daughter and son-in-law are accompanying me and they all are very keen to see the village, he said.

The minister will stay at village Badal for one night and then move towards New Delhi. The minister, on his arrival, was received by Ajnala MP Rattan Singh, cabinet minister Surjit Jayani, Amritsar deputy commissioner Rajat Aggarwal, BSF officials and others.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Amritsar/Pak-minister-for-Kashmir-affairs-arrives-in-India/SP-Article1-928643.aspx

Realty check for lake campaign - Badha Lake Fazilka

A blow has come to the efforts of a Right To Information (RTI) activist to save the Badha lake of Fazilka. A division bench of the Punjab and Haryana high court on Wednesday dismissed a civil writ petition against a proposed residential colony on the site. The project belongs to the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA).

RTI activist Navdeep Asija of Fazilka, who was behind the dismissed petition, will now move the Supreme Court of India. "Anything to save the lake," he said after the division bench comprising acting chief justice Jasbir Singh and justice Rakesh Jain dismissed the matter after many hearings.

Asija claims to still have the evidence that the lake existed at the site. In reply to his RTI petition, the state forest and wildlife preservation department had accepted that the site held more than 350 green trees and 40 saplings that required care. However, in the court it said it had nothing to do with the land and the case should be dismissed.

Asija also cites a reply from the Punjab state council for science and technology that says the Badha wetland is 30 hectares only, while it can regulate only a wetland bigger than 500 acres. "Nevertheless, the lake to be protected," said Asija.

The state government acquired the land under its "optimum use of vacant plots", overlooking that it was in an eco-sensitive zone. "In the high court, the Punjab state science and technology council accepted the expert report of Dr SS Ladhar and recommended every possible effort to save wetlands," said Asija.

PUDA had failed to seek project permission from the forest and wildlife department and pollution control board and the executive engineers concerned of the drainage, electricity, pubic works, and town and country planning departments.

In 1844, British administrator Patrick Vans Agnew chose the banks of the Badha lake as the site for Fazilka city. The wetland's biodiversity attracted him to build his first bungalow by its waters.

Till 1980s, the lake was Fazilka's main source of drinking water. Mankind's greed choked the natural flow of the Sutlej river that used to recharge the lake with fresh water every year. Revenue record submitted to the court during one of the hearings suggest that from 1977 to 1995, the lake was the fish-farming ground and panchayat made revenue from it.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Bathinda/Realty-check-for-lake-campaign/SP-Article1-925605.aspx