Name: Chandigarh in Red zone as AQI surpasses 380
Uploaded: 2023-12-27T16:11:14.000+05:30
Duration: T00M27S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: Notably, not only Punjab and Haryana but the entire North India region is currently experiencing severe cold waves and fog.

AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra has been booked for rape, cheating, and intimidation following a woman’s complaint.

AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra Charged Amidst Party Criticism

AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra has been booked for rape, cheating, and intimidation following a woman&rsquo;s complaint.

AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, who attacked his own party's government over floods and questioned its central leadership, has been booked under the charge of rape.
The lawmaker from the Sanour seat in Patiala said police came to arrest him.
According to an FIR filed in the matter, Pathanmajra was booked on charges of rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation.
The case was registered on a complaint by a Zirakpur-based woman, who alleged that the MLA misrepresented himself as divorced, entered into a relationship with her, and later married in 2021 while still being married.
She accused him of continued sexual exploitation, threats, and sending "obscene" material to her.
After the FIR, Pathanmajra went live on Facebook, strongly criticising the Punjab government and alleging that Delhi-based AAP leadership was "illegitimately ruling over Punjab." He appealed to fellow party MLAs to stand with him, as he alleged that during the Congress or BJP governments, the central leadership did not interfere in state affairs the way AAP's did.
A case has been registered against him, said Pathanmajra, claiming that Punjab Police officials have come to arrest him.
"They can lodge FIRs against me, I can stay in jail, but my voice cannot be suppressed," said Pathanmajra.
On Sunday, Pathanmajra accused a senior IAS officer of not taking such actions as desilting and cleaning rivers, particularly the Tangri River, despite his requests.
He said the government should listen to people or they "will thrash us." Pathanmajra also alleged the party was trying to suppress Punjab MLAs instead of fixing the administration.
The MLA said he raised the issue in the Punjab Assembly several times, submitted deputations, and personally met Principal Secretary (Water Resources) Krishan Kumar several times, but "not a single meaningful step was taken." Speaking to reporters on Sunday, as several villages in his constituency were flooded, Pathanmajra lashed out at bureaucrats and said he had been demanding cleaning of the Tangri and permission to allow the use of soil near rivers to strengthen banks, but to no avail.
He also urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to immediately remove Krishan Kumar from his post.
On Monday, Pathanmajra claimed that his security had been withdrawn and that all station house officers and police post heads in his constituency had been transferred.
He said that he had anticipated this action.
"I had already told my gunmen yesterday that they would be sent back. The Delhi leaders (of AAP) think they can scare me with vigilance (action) or FIRs, but I will never bow down. I will stand like a rock with my people," he said.

Sond stated that every village with a population of more than 2,800 will have one Panchayat Ghar and one Common Service Centre. 

Punjab launches 500 Panchayat Ghars, CSCs statewide

Sond stated that every village with a population of more than 2,800 will have one Panchayat Ghar and one Common Service Centre.

Punjab&rsquo;s Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, said that modern Panchayat Ghars and Common Service Centres will script a new chapter in the development of villages. He informed that in the first phase, 500 Panchayat Ghars and Common Service Centres are being constructed across the state at a cost of Rs 125 crore. It may be recalled that a few days ago, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched this project from the holy land of Fatehgarh Sahib.
Sond stated that every village with a population of more than 2,800 will have one Panchayat Ghar and one Common Service Centre. The cost of constructing a Panchayat Ghar will be Rs 20 lakh while a Common Service Centre will be built at Rs 5 lakh. He added that villages without Panchayat Ghars have been prioritized under this project. Expressing concern, he noted that although Panchayats are the strongest foundation of democracy, many lacked even basic infrastructure for meetings. The new Panchayat Ghars and service centres will address this gap.
The Minister said that these facilities will provide multiple services to villagers. A Panchayat Ghar will not merely be an office but will serve as an important hub for deliberations and decision-making for rural development. He emphasized that Common Service Centres will act as the backbone of the digital revolution in villages, enabling people to access online services easily.
Highlighting the importance of digital infrastructure, Sond said that in today&rsquo;s era, services such as registration for government schemes, admissions to educational institutions, Aadhaar card, passport, and many others are available online. Hence, these Common Service Centres will play a vital role in facilitating these services for rural citizens. He also expressed hope that this initiative will provide Panchayats with an appropriate platform to come together and make collective decisions for the betterment of their villages.

Bhagwant Singh Mann lauded Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for launching several key initiatives for the welfare of the people.

Punjab CM highlights historic reforms in core sectors

Bhagwant Singh Mann lauded Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for launching several key initiatives for the welfare of the people.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the state government has undertaken historic initiatives in education, health, infrastructure, power, and other key sectors for the well-being of the state and the prosperity of its people.
Interacting with media persons here today, the Chief Minister said that the state government has consistently given top priority to these core sectors, which are of paramount importance to the public. He stated that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) deserves credit for bringing these sectors to the forefront of Indian politics, as they were previously neglected in the national discourse. Bhagwant Singh Mann lauded Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for launching several key initiatives for the welfare of the people.
The Chief Minister said it was a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him to be invited as the Chief Guest by the Tamil Nadu government for the expansion of the Chief Minister&rsquo;s Breakfast Scheme. He added that the Punjab government is always eager to learn from and replicate effective initiatives being implemented across the country for public welfare. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that Tamil Nadu and Punjab share a strong bond, with both states boasting a rich cultural legacy and history.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that unity in diversity is a defining feature of India, where communal harmony, brotherhood, and fraternity remain deeply rooted. Illustrating his point, he said that just as a bouquet of diverse flowers appears beautiful and draws attention, a country enriched with varied cultures and traditions is powerful and united. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that this historic visit would further strengthen the ties between Tamil Nadu and Punjab, ushering in a new era of progress and prosperity for both states.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur and Fazilka MLA Narinder Pal Singh Sawna today visited flood-affected villages Teja Ruhela and Chakk Ruhela, where they personally distributed relief material, including cattle feed, to support the affected fam

Punjab Ministers lead relief efforts in Fazilka floods

Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur and Fazilka MLA Narinder Pal Singh Sawna today visited flood-affected villages Teja Ruhela and Chakk Ruhela, where they personally distributed relief material, including cattle feed, to support the affected families.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur and Fazilka MLA Narinder Pal Singh Sawna today visited flood-affected villages Teja Ruhela and Chakk Ruhela, where they personally distributed relief material, including cattle feed, to support the affected families.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur and Fazilka MLA Narinder Pal Singh Sawna today visited flood-affected villages Teja Ruhela and Chakk Ruhela, where they personally distributed relief material, including cattle feed, to support the affected families.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that due to heavy rainfall in the hills, around 1.7 lakh cusecs of water has been released from Harike Headworks, which is expected to reach the Fazilka district through Sutlej Creek by tomorrow, further raising the water level. She appealed to residents to move women, children, and elderly people to safer places immediately.
The Minister said that, as per the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has set up relief camps across the district, while teams from Health, Animal Husbandry, Water Supply &amp; Sanitation, and Revenue Departments are actively working in the villages. Special arrangements are being made to provide feed and medical care to pregnant women, lactating women and children.
MLA Narinder Pal Singh Sawna reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to extending all possible support to the affected population. He stated that ration kits, cattle feed, and green fodder are being distributed on priority, and added that the District Flood Control Room is operational and can be contacted at 01638-262153 for any assistance.
Earlier, Dr. Baljit Kaur also chaired a review meeting with district officers at the District Administrative Complex to assess the ongoing relief measures and directed officials to work round-the-clock with utmost readiness.
Prominent among those present were Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Dr. Mandeep Kaur, SDM Virpal Kaur, DSP Avinash Chander, and Tehsildar Jaspreet Singh.

During his visit, he inspected the construction of the new Sub-Divisional Hospital and Mother-Child Hospital in Dhuri, various link roads, and the ongoing work of grain market in village Satauj.

Punjab adopts AI to revolutionize rural road development

During his visit, he inspected the construction of the new Sub-Divisional Hospital and Mother-Child Hospital in Dhuri, various link roads, and the ongoing work of grain market in village Satauj.

As part of the Punjab Government&rsquo;s commitment to ensuring quality and transparency in development projects, Punjab Mandi Board Secretary, Mr. Ramvir, conducted a review of ongoing development works in Sangrur district today.
He was accompanied by Mr. Dalvir Singh Dhillon, Chairman of Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation; Mr. Rajwant Singh Ghulli, Chairman of Market Committee, Dhuri; Mr. Gurinder Singh Cheema, Chief Engineer, Punjab Mandi Board; and other officials.
During his visit, he inspected the construction of the new Sub-Divisional Hospital and Mother-Child Hospital in Dhuri, various link roads, and the ongoing work of grain market in village Satauj.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has advocated the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for need-based construction of rural roads to optimize the use of public funds. He noted that smart road surveys conducted across the state have saved ₹383 crore by leveraging technology to transform sectors such as education, policing, and agriculture.
He instructed Punjab Mandi Board officials to prioritize quality in all development projects. He stressed the urgent need to strengthen and upgrade rural roads to facilitate smoother commuting for residents. The strategy for road construction has been meticulously planned, with priority given to roads that have not been repaired or rebuilt in over six years.
Highlighting the state&rsquo;s shift toward smart governance, Mr. Ramvir stated that technology, transparency, and accountability are reshaping Punjab&rsquo;s administration. Previously, crores of rupees were spent on road repairs without proper scrutiny. For the first time, a comprehensive AI-based survey, combined with videography, was conducted across the state, examining 3,369 roads. Of these, 843 were found to be in good condition, saving ₹383 crore. These savings will now be redirected toward public welfare projects, eliminating unnecessary tenders and corrupt practices.
He announced that similar inspections will be conducted across the state to uphold quality and transparency. He further directed that berms (sidewalks) must be constructed alongside roads to ensure safety and accessibility.
Chairman Dalvir Singh Dhillon said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has urged contractors to maintain high standards in development and construction works. Contractors are now required to maintain roads and buildings for five years after project completion, ensuring long-term accountability.
He emphasized that the Chief Minister has approved the use of AI for the strategic development of rural roads, ensuring efficient utilization of resources while delivering high-quality infrastructure. This innovative approach is set to revolutionize road construction by significantly reducing costs. He added that the state government has decided to upgrade, reinforce, and widen rural roads to enhance connectivity across Punjab.
Mr Rajwant Singh Ghulli appealed to residents to provide honest feedback on the quality of materials used in construction projects, emphasizing that public funds belong to the people.

She further said that this assistance is provided until the child attains the age of 18 years, and so far, a total of 5,475 beneficiaries have already received support under this scheme.

Punjab boosts children’s future with monthly sponsorship aid

She further said that this assistance is provided until the child attains the age of 18 years, and so far, a total of 5,475 beneficiaries have already received support under this scheme.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is working tirelessly for the overall development of children across Punjab. At the same time, special priority is being given to the care and upbringing of children from economically weaker families and orphans. This was disclosed by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that under the Sponsorship Scheme, the Punjab Government provides financial assistance of ₹4,000 per child per month to economically weaker, destitute and orphan children. This assistance is meant for wards belonging to families unable to provide proper care due to financial constraints, as well as for orphaned children living with their relatives.
She further said that this assistance is provided until the child attains the age of 18 years, and so far, a total of 5,475 beneficiaries have already received support under this scheme.
Highlighting the objective of the initiative, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the scheme is not merely about financial aid but also about providing children with a brighter future. With this support, children are able to continue their education, pursue their dreams and integrate into the mainstream of society.
Reiterating the Punjab Government&rsquo;s commitment, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the ultimate aim of the government is to ensure that every child becomes educated, self-reliant and a responsible citizen contributing to the progress of society and the state. Special efforts are being made for the holistic development of those children who have been left out of the mainstream of society.

Revealing this in a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the auction process for these properties is now underway.

Punjab launches auctions to recover massive excise arrears

Revealing this in a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the auction process for these properties is now underway.

In a determined push to reinforce fiscal discipline and maximize revenue realization, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced today that the Punjab Excise Commissionerate has intensified efforts to recover long-pending excise arrears inherited from previous SAD-BJP and Congress governments. The department has already recovered Rs. 1.85 crores in the current financial year 2025&ndash;26, and permission has been granted to sell 27 properties with a combined base value of Rs. 20.31 crores (at Collector Rate), marking a significant step toward financial accountability.
Revealing this in a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the auction process for these properties is now underway. "As part of this recovery drive, 14 properties located in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, and Mansa districts will be auctioned during the first two weeks of September", he added.
Providing further details, Cheema stated that six properties in Mansa and Bathinda districts&mdash;comprising agricultural and commercial/residential land with a base price of Rs. 5.4 crores&mdash;will be auctioned on September 4. On September 8, four agricultural properties in Sri Muktsar Sahib with a total base price of Rs. 4.89 crores will go under the hammer. Another set of four agricultural properties in Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka, valued at Rs. 1.99 crores, will be auctioned on September 11.
The Finance Minister also announced that eight additional properties will be auctioned later in September, ensuring sustained momentum in the recovery campaign. He emphasized that the government anticipates substantial revenue recovery from 67 pending arrears cases within this financial year alone. This initiative, he said, is part of a broader strategy to streamline legacy dues and unlock stalled revenue.
Highlighting the contrast with previous SAD-BJP and Congress regimes, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema asserted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, license fees are being recovered on time, leaving no room for arrears. He described the recovery of long-pending dues as a vital move toward strengthening Punjab&rsquo;s fiscal health and underscored the government&rsquo;s commitment to compliance and accountability. Reaffirming the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government&rsquo;s dedication to transparent and efficient governance, Cheema said the ongoing efforts reflect a clear resolve to uphold financial integrity and public trust.

He said that the Central Government has made 27 amendments to GST so far and has adjusted the rates 15 times.

Punjab demands ₹50,000 crore pending GST compensation

He said that the Central Government has made 27 amendments to GST so far and has adjusted the rates 15 times.

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema has strongly demanded that the Central Government immediately release compensation of Rs.50,000 crore to Punjab to cover losses after GST implementation.
After participating in the two-day meeting of the GST Ministerial Group on health and insurance, rationalizing rates, and compensation cess, Cheema said that since the implementation of GST in 2017, Punjab has suffered a total financial loss of Rs.1,11,045 crore.
He added that despite receiving approximately Rs.60,000 crore as compensation from the Centre, Rs.50,000 crore is still pending. The Central Government had announced a 5-year compensation package to states in lieu of financial losses incurred due to GST implementation, but this compensation has now been discontinued.
He said that while the Punjab Government is not opposed to the rationalisation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, the Union Government must take responsibility for the resulting financial losses to the states.
He said that the BJP-led Central Government is continuously undermining the financial structure of states, which is a significant attack on the federal structure of the country. Cheema stated that now the Central Government is even evading the release of funds to Punjab. He mentioned that apart from GST, Rs.8,000 crore of rural development funds and over Rs.1,000 crore under the Prime Minister's Road Scheme are also being withheld.
He added that when GST was implemented, all states stood united with the country, but now when the issue of compensating states for financial losses arises, the Centre turns a blind eye."
He said that the Central Government has made 27 amendments to GST so far and has adjusted the rates 15 times. Now, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed a new tax structure with two tier rates of 5% and 18%. He emphasized that even if these new GST changes are implemented, the Central Government should take responsibility for compensating states for financial losses.
Lashing at the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union Government of repeatedly making changes to the GST system without reaching a definitive solution, Finance Minister Cheema said that this uncertainty leads to constant harassment of taxpayers and a systematic breakdown of the country&rsquo;s financial framework. He pointed out that during a recent meeting on the Compensation Cess, the Centre informed that the loan repayment would be completed by October 31, and that the special tax on sin goods, which was a source of compensation for states, would also be reduced.
He criticized the GST rate rationalization, calling it irresponsible. As an example, he pointed out that while GST exemptions are being given to health and insurance, the sin tax on raw tobacco is being reduced from nearly 100% to 40%. He argued that reducing sin taxes on harmful goods is, in itself, an anti-social step." He warned that this gambling with the tax structure would cause massive harm to the nation, dismissing the centre&rsquo;s promises as mere rhetoric.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday exhorted the Senior Punjab Good Governance Fellows to act as a bridge for percolating the benefits of several flagship schemes of the state government to the people.

IIT-IIM fellows to drive Punjab flagship programs

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday exhorted the Senior Punjab Good Governance Fellows to act as a bridge for percolating the benefits of several flagship schemes of the state government to the people.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday exhorted the Senior Punjab Good Governance Fellows to act as a bridge for percolating the benefits of several flagship schemes of the state government to the people.
Addressing an Interactive Session with the Fellows here today, the Chief Minister said that they have been recruited to serve across departments and will be deployed in flagship Programs of the state Government including Punjab Mukh Mantri Nishulk Tirath Yatra Yojana, Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana, Yudh Nashian Virudh, Aam Aadmi Clinics, Schools of Eminence and others. He expressed hope that these fellows will bring fresh perspectives, analytical skills, and execution support to improve service delivery and governance outcomes with dedication, innovation, execution and connecting with the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the fellows to establish direct contact with the people to get acquainted about the realities at ground level for smooth and hassle free execution of the schemes.
The Chief Minister assured fulsome support and cooperation to them from the state government adding that free hand will be given to them to contact the people with personal touch. He said that these fellows are a product of IITs to IIMs and have vast knowledge and expertise to execute the things in proper manner adding that they will be an asset for the state government. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the contemporary world belongs to brainstorming and bringing new ideas, adding that in the recent past billion dollar ideas had come up from a unique idea of one or two people.
The Chief Minister asked the fellows to gauge the ground realities and work wholeheartedly for filling the communication gap between people and the state government, so as to benefit the masses. Bhagwant Singh Mann encouraged them to provide ground information about every decision of the government so that a robust and viable feedback mechanism can be developed. He said that a positive idea and attitude is the key to success and the fellows must inculcate positivity in their outlook and working.
Citing an example, the Chief Minister noted that neither he nor any of his Ministers have ever claimed that the state exchequer is hollow and no stone is being left unturned for the development of the state. He said that now every single penny of the state is being judiciously utilized for the development of the state's progress and prosperity of its people. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that a former Finance Minister used to repeat this rhetoric that the exchequer is empty thereby significantly hampering the state&rsquo;s development.
The Chief Minister said that the earlier governments had never bothered about spreading positivity and had ruined the system due to which youth wanted to move abroad. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he has always been an advocate of new ideas and innovations adding that it is the need of the hour to empower the common man. He said that the state government was always open for new ideas and innovations to boost up the industrial growth in Punjab and every effort is being made to give wings to the ideas of youth and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause.
Earlier, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora welcomed the dignitaries.

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today conducted extensive field visits to assess flood-affected areas and monitor ongoing relief operations across Ferozepur and Tarn Taran districts.

Mann government intensifies relief, ensures direct coordination

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today conducted extensive field visits to assess flood-affected areas and monitor ongoing relief operations across Ferozepur and Tarn Taran districts.

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today conducted extensive field visits to assess flood-affected areas and monitor ongoing relief operations across Ferozepur and Tarn Taran districts.
Sh. Goyal visited the severely affected villages of Tendi Wala, Gazni Wala and Dhira Ghara in Ferozepur district, where he engaged directly with distressed families and addressed their immediate concerns. The Cabinet Minister was accompanied by MLA Ferozepur Urban S. Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA Ferozepur Rural Sh. Rajnish Kumar Dahiya and MLA Guruharsahai Sh. Fauja Singh Sarari.
In Tarn Taran, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, accompanied by Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, conducted an inspection of the critical Dhussi bundh on River Sutlej from Harike Headworks downstream. They both assessed flood-affected areas and listened to grievances from residents and farmers of villages including Kuttiwal, Gharumm, Basti Lal Singh, Sabhra, Gadaike and Gatti Harike.
Speaking to media persons, Sh. Goyal stressed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is personally overseeing all relief operations and has strategically assigned 8 Cabinet Ministers to visit affected districts to ensure direct coordination with affected communities.
The Cabinet Minister assured that Deputy Commissioners, SSPs and all departmental officers have been mandated to prioritize immediate assistance to flood victims. The state government's primary focus remains on safely relocating flood-affected populations to secure locations, providing essential healthcare facilities and food supplies, ensuring proper care and protection of livestock and maintaining round-the-clock surveillance of the evolving situation, he added.
Sh. Goyal informed that the government has invested Rs.276 crore in flood prevention infrastructure. Strategic stockpiling of sandbags along embankments has been completed for immediate deployment during adverse conditions.
During the inspection at Harike Headworks, both Ministers were apprised by officials that the current water flow statistics show 11,600 cusecs at Harike Headworks, 20,000 cusecs being channeled into canal systems and 96,000 cusecs flowing downstream.
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal reiterated that the Mann government will provide comprehensive compensation for crop losses and property damages.
Earlier in the day, Sh. Goyal conducted a strategic meeting at Husainiwala Head with Deputy Commissioner Ferozepur Deepsikha Sharma, SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, Chief Engineer (Drainage) Hardeep Singh Mendiratta and other senior officials to review relief operations and issue necessary directions.
The delegation in Tarn Taran included Deputy Commissioner Rahul, SSP Deepak Parik and Chief Engineer Drainage Hardeep Singh Mendiratta along with various departmental officers and local representatives.

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Notably, not only Punjab and Haryana but the entire North India region is currently experiencing severe cold waves and fog.

Chandigarh in Red zone as AQI surpasses 380

Notably, not only Punjab and Haryana but the entire North India region is currently experiencing severe cold waves and fog.

The capital of Punjab, Chandigarh, has witnessed a significant rise in pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 380, placing the city in the red zone.
Experts attribute the increase in pollution primarily to the growing number of vehicles on the roads. Currently, visibility on the streets is severely hindered by a combination of fog and smog.

Punjab witnessed 743 stubble-burning incidents from September 15 to October 26, with 122 cases on Sunday alone. Tarn Taran and Amritsar reported the highest cases.

Punjab: 122 stubble burning incidents on Sunday mark highest single-day spike this season

Punjab witnessed 743 stubble-burning incidents from September 15 to October 26, with 122 cases on Sunday alone. Tarn Taran and Amritsar reported the highest cases.

Punjab witnessed 743 stubble burning incidents from September 15 till October 26, with 122 cases on Sunday marking the highest single-day spike this season, official data showed.
Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts contributed the bulk of cases, according to Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) data, as many farmers continued to disregard the state government's appeal to stop crop residue burning.
The state has seen a sharp jump in stubble-burning cases in the past week, from 353 cases recorded till October 20 to 390, the data showed.
According to the data, the highest farm fire incidents were reported from Tarn Taran at 224, followed by Amritsar 154, Ferozepur 80, Sangrur 47, Patiala 39, Gurdaspur 38, and Kapurthala 29.
Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is often blamed for the rise in air pollution in Delhi-NCR. As the window for the Rabi crop, wheat, is very short after paddy harvest in October-November, some farmers set their fields on fire to quickly clear off crop residues.
According to PPCB data, the total area under paddy cultivation in Punjab this year is 31.72 lakh hectares. Till October 26, 56.50 per cent of this area had been harvested.
Fines amounting to Rs 16.80 lakh have been imposed as environmental compensation in 329 cases so far, of which Rs 12 lakh has been collected, according to the PPCB.
The data also showed that 266 FIRs have been registered against farm fire incidents during this period under Section 223 (disobedience of order promulgated by public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
State authorities have also marked 296 &lsquo;red&rsquo; entries, including 108 in Tarn Taran and 68 in Amritsar, in land records of farmers who burnt crop residues. A red entry bars the farmers from getting loans against their farmland or selling it.
Pathankot and Rupnagar districts have not reported any stubble-burning incidents so far, followed by SBS Nagar (2), Hoshiarpur (3), Malerkotla (4), Barnala (6), Moga (8), Ludhiana (8), and Mansa (8), according to the data.
Punjab saw 10,909 farm fires in 2024 as compared to 36,663 in 2023, marking a 70 per cent drop. The state recorded 49,922 farm fire events in 2022, 71,304 in 2021, 76,590 in 2020, 55,210 in 2019 and 50,590 in 2018, with many districts, including Sangrur, Mansa, Bathinda and Amritsar, reporting a large number of stubble-burning incidents.

PM Modi surveys flood-ravaged Punjab, holds review meeting in Gurdaspur, interacts with officials and affected families amid state’s worst deluge since 1988.

PM Modi conducts aerial survey of flood-hit areas in Punjab

PM Modi surveys flood-ravaged Punjab, holds review meeting in Gurdaspur, interacts with officials and affected families amid state&rsquo;s worst deluge since 1988.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of the flood-ravaged areas in Punjab, battling its worst deluge since 1988.
Modi, who is on a day-long visit to Punjab and its neighbouring Himachal Pradesh to review the flood situation in the two states, landed in Gurdaspur -- one of the worst affected district in the state -- after conducting the aerial survey.
Prior to this, the PM visited Himachal Pradesh and took stock of the flood and landslides situation in the state.
In Gurdaspur, Modi met flood-affected people as well as NDRF and SDRF teams.
PM Modi chaired an official meeting in Gurdaspur to review the situation.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Punjab Agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu were also present in the meeting.
While leaving from Delhi for Himachal Pradesh and Punjab earlier in the day, PM Modi wrote on X, "The Government of India stands shoulder to shoulder with those affected in this tragic hour."
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma, senior party leader Tarun Chugh and Union minister Bittu were present when Modi was interacting with the flood-affected farmers in Gurdaspur Punjab is currently facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades. The floods are a result of swollen rivers the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi along with seasonal rivulets caused by heavy rainfall in their catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
Besides, heavy rains in recent days in Punjab also aggravated the flooding situation.
The death toll due to the devastating floods in Punjab stands at 51 while crops on 1.84 lakh hectares have been damaged.
The state government has estimated a loss of over Rs 13,000 crore because of the floods that ravaged the state.
A total of 2,064 villages have been impacted because of the floods, with maximum villages in Gurdaspur district at 329.
The worst affected districts are Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran and Pathankot.
According to the state government officials, over 3.87 lakh people have been affected across 15 districts and more than 23,000 persons have been safely evacuated from the flood-hit areas.
Tight security arrangements have been made in Gurdaspur in the wake of the prime minister's visit.
Ahead of the PM visit, the AAP government had demanded from Modi to announce a relief package of at least Rs 20,000 crore for the state during his visit.
On Monday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that he hoped that the PM would announce a comprehensive relief package to compensate Punjab and its people for the losses caused by the natural calamity.
Mann (51) is recovering in Fortis Hospital in Mohali where he was admitted after he complained of exhaustion and low heart rate on September 5.
"The Hon'ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is visiting Punjab tomorrow, and I welcome him. I am unwell, otherwise I would have personally taken him to visit all the flood-affected areas", he had said.
Union Agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on September 4 had visited the flood-ravaged areas in Punjab and inspected the extent of crop damage and called it a situation of 'jal pralai (water calamity).
He had assured farmers that the Centre would make every effort to bail them out of this crisis.
Chouhan had visited flood-hit areas in Punjab's Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Kapurthala districts where he interacted with people including farmers affected by the floods.

Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh reports Rs 780 crore damage to hospitals, dispensaries, and medical supplies due to floods; urges Centre to announce relief package ahead of PM Modi’s visit.

Punjab Floods Cause Rs 780 Crore Damage to Health Infrastructure

Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh reports Rs 780 crore damage to hospitals, dispensaries, and medical supplies due to floods; urges Centre to announce relief package ahead of PM Modi&rsquo;s visit.

Floods in Punjab have damaged health infrastructure worth Rs 780 crore according to initial estimates, state Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said on Monday while asking the Central government to announce a relief package.
The floods, he added, caused extensive damage to crops, houses and other infrastructure.
"Our machinery and medicines worth Rs 130 crore have been damaged. Severe damage has been caused to our 1,280 dispensaries and health and wellness centres. A total of 101 community health centres have been damaged," the minister told reporters "As per initial estimates, hospital infrastructure and medical items worth Rs 780 crore has been damaged," he added.
Besides, 31 sub-divisional hospitals have also been impacted, he added.
The health department with the assistance of several NGOs is providing medical aid in flood-hit villages in the state, Singh said.
He has written to Health Minister J P Nadda detailing the damage to the health infrastructure.
Singh echoed his colleague Aman Arora's appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a relief package of at least Rs 20,000 crore for the flood-ravaged state during his visit on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Punjab cabinet minister Aman Arora urges PM Narendra Modi to announce a relief package of at least Rs 20,000 crore for flood-hit Punjab during his September 9 visit amid massive crop and property losses.

Punjab Minister Urges PM Modi for Rs 20,000 Crore Flood Relief

Punjab cabinet minister Aman Arora urges PM Narendra Modi to announce a relief package of at least Rs 20,000 crore for flood-hit Punjab during his September 9 visit amid massive crop and property losses.

Punjab cabinet minister Aman Arora on Monday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a relief package of at least Rs 20,000 crore for the flood-ravaged state during his visit.
PM Modi will visit Punjab on September 9 to take stock of the flood situation.
"Even though the PM has not uttered a word yet for the flood-hit Punjab, he is our PM and I welcome him with folded hands for his visit.I also expect that he should be seen standing by Punjab during his visit," Arora told reporters here.
Referring to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's recent letter to the PM demanding Rs 60,000 crore of the state's funds, Arora said it is Punjab's right and it should be released.
A few days ago, Mann had written to Modi to release Rs 60,000 crore of the state's funds, which he claimed were "stuck" with the government of India while highlighting that Punjab was grappling with one of the worst flood disasters in decades.
Noting that the prevailing flood situation was even worse than the 1988 deluge, Arora said, "the Centre should announce a relief package of at least Rs 20,000 crore for Punjab." He stated that over 4.50 lakh acres of crops have been damaged in the floods, besides loss of livestock and damage to houses.
There is going to be a challenge for farmers for growing the next crop as the silt is deposited in the flood-hit fields, Arora, who is also the president of the AAP's Punjab unit, said.
"We welcome your (PM) arrival but you should also announce release of state's Rs 60,000 crore and a relief package of Rs 20,000 crore in the hour of crisis," he said.
Punjab is currently facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades. The floods are a result of swollen Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers along with seasonal rivulets caused by heavy rainfall in their catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
Besides, heavy rains in recent days in Punjab also intensified the flooding situation, aggravating the challenges faced by residents.&nbsp;

AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra allegedly fled police arrest in a rape case after gunshots were fired in Patiala. An FIR includes charges of rape, cheating, and intimidation.

Punjab AAP MLA escapes police out to arrest him on rape charges; gunshots fired: Sources

AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra allegedly fled police arrest in a rape case after gunshots were fired in Patiala. An FIR includes charges of rape, cheating, and intimidation.

AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra on Tuesday allegedly escaped police out to arrest him in a rape case, sources said.
Gunshots were fired, and a policeman sustained an injury after being hit by an SUV in which Pathanmajra escaped, they said.
The Sanour MLA was helped in his escape by his supporters, sources said.
Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma could not be reached for comments.
A hunt is on for the MLA, who attacked his own party's government over floods and questioned its central leadership.
Earlier in the day, Pathanmajra, in a video message on Facebook, claimed that he had been booked under the charge of rape.
According to an FIR filed in the matter, Pathanmajra was booked on charges of rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation.
The case was registered on a complaint by a Zirakpur-based woman, who alleged that the MLA misrepresented himself as divorced, entered into a relationship with her, and later married in 2021 while still being married.
She accused him of continued sexual exploitation, threats, and sending "obscene" material to her.
After the FIR, Pathanmajra went live on Facebook, strongly criticising the Punjab government and alleging that Delhi-based AAP leadership was "illegitimately ruling over Punjab." He appealed to fellow party MLAs to stand with him, as he alleged that during the Congress or BJP governments, the central leadership did not interfere in state affairs the way AAP's did.
"They can lodge FIRs against me, I can stay in jail, but my voice cannot be suppressed," the lawmaker said in the video message.
On Sunday, Pathanmajra accused a senior IAS officer of not taking such actions as desilting and cleaning rivers, particularly the Tangri River, despite his requests.
He said the government should listen to people or they "will thrash us." Pathanmajra also alleged the party was trying to suppress Punjab MLAs instead of fixing the administration.
The MLA said he raised the issue in the Punjab Assembly several times, submitted deputations, and personally met Principal Secretary (Water Resources) Krishan Kumar several times, but "not a single meaningful step was taken." Speaking to reporters on Sunday, as several villages in his constituency were flooded, Pathanmajra lashed out at bureaucrats and said he had been demanding cleaning of the Tangri and permission to allow the use of soil near rivers to strengthen banks, but to no avail.
He also urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to immediately remove Krishan Kumar from his post.
On Monday, Pathanmajra claimed that his security had been withdrawn and that all station house officers and police post heads in his constituency had been transferred.
He said that he never anticipated this action.
"I had already told my gunmen yesterday that they would be sent back. The Delhi leaders (of AAP) think they can scare me with vigilance (action) or FIRs, but I will never bow down. I will stand like a rock with my people," he said.

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