Bathinda, January 31
Bathinda and its adjoining areas have been reeling under an intense cold wave in January, that too at a time when people were expecting a respite from the chill— especially after the Lohri festival— which is usually the case every year.

But this month, till date, the mercury has dipped seven times to sub-zero conditions with minimum temperature being recorded at -2 degrees Celsius. Temperature at -2 degrees Celsius was recorded on the nights of January 22, 24 and 27. On January 23, the temperature was recorded at -1.5 °C, on January 3 and January 21 at -1 °C and on Republic Day at –0.5 °C.

According to the data received from the Punjab Agricultural University Regional Research Station (PAURRS), Bathinda, temperature here went as low as 0.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday night.

Experts attribute this dip in temperature to snowfall in the upper reaches coupled with north-westerly winds in the region. The current occurrence of frost has broken all records of the past three decades. “In Punjab, frost was seen on 16 days as against an average of five for the month,” G. S. Bains, head, Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, said.

Gurmit Singh Buttar, director, PAURRS, said, “On January 25, the minimum temperature in the city was recorded at 0 °C, on January 28, it was 0.5 °C, on January 29 it was 1 °C and on January 30 and 31, it was recorded at 0.5 °C. The maximum temperature for the past one week as 17 °C, recorded on January 30. Today, the maximum temperature was 16.5 °C. Bathinda, on this New Year’s Eve recorded a minimum temperature of 0.2 °C, which was the minimum temperature recorded in 2007.”

Discussing the effect of this weather on crops, Buttar said that winter maize, sugarcane, potato, peas, citrus and delicate nurseries of horticultural crops would be adversely affected. “The weather, however, was expected to be beneficial for oil seed crops and wheat, barring the early sown variety. The development of biotic stress due to insects, pests and diseases would get suppressed because of the prevailing cold weather.”

K.K. Gill, assistant professor, Department of Agricultural Meteorology, PAU, Ludhiana, said, “As per the data received from the Indian Meteorological Department, Pune, the cold wave is likely to continue in Punjab till February 1. The weather will be normal in the next 48 hours.”

Bathinda, January 31
The succession of Mahant Paramjit Singh of Rohtak as the designated president of Seva Panthi Adam Shahi Sabha, Amritsar, has created a controversy. The Mahant had succeeded Baba Tirath Singh of Dera Bhai Tikana Sahib, Goniana, who passed away on January 6.

One of Mahant Paramjit Singh’s main opponents, secretary of the Sabha, Mahant Karamjit Singh of Dera Mahant Nishchal Singh Ji, Thada Sahib, Yamunanagar, said, “The election has been conducted without informing us. It is against the constitution of the Sabha. Just one person, Amarjit Singh, proposed his name in the presence of six persons and declared him as the president of the Sabha.”

“Paramjit Singh can not even be called a mahant as he has violated the rules of the Sabha which clearly state that no mahant can get married. In violation of the rules, he got married in September 2004,” Karamjit Singh alleged.

Speaking about his future strategy, he said, “We have rejected his claim and called a meeting of the Sabha members on February 9 at Dera Sant Amir Singh Ji, Gali Sato Wali, Amritsar, where the matter will be discussed in detail.”

When Mahant Paramjit Singh was contacted for his version on phone, he said, “There are a total of 16 members of the Sabha. Out of this, 13 stand by me. Only three of the Mahants have been creating the controversy. In fact it was not an election, but selection as the members appointed me the president of the Sabha to look after the work that Mahant Tirath Singh Ji had initiated but which could not be completed because of his untimely death.”

“They have been leveling false allegations regarding my marriage. I will accept their decision if are able to present any document or proof in support if it,” he added.

About the role of Amrit Pal, who had proposed his name for the top job, he said, “He is entitled to propose my name as he has spent all his life in the Deras.”

Regarding the meeting called by Mahant Karamjit Singh at Amritsar on February 9, he dismissed it, saying “He has no right to call any meeting and no one will be present there. He, along with some of his supporters, is issuing only baseless statements.”

Bathinda, January 31
The much-awaited and ‘expected’ elevation of Sukhbir Singh Badal to the top post of SAD (B) has triggered speculations related to his political carrier, his ability to fulfill promises made to the people and party’s relationship with coalition partners and others. As far as the general mood in Bathinda is concerned, upbeat over the development, the local SAD (B) workers distributed sweets among the residents. 

However, no clear-cut picture emerged from the Congress and the BJP camp.

The news fuelled speculations related to chief ministership issue. Many related his ‘promotion’ as a step, which his father Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has taken for facilitating his future elevation to the CM’s post.

With the post comes responsibility, a general consensus among optimist residents emerged as they view it as the time for Sukhbir to fulfill his promises made to the people of Bathinda in general and for face-lift of city in particular.

SAD (B) halqa in-charge Sarup Chand Singla said, “It is for the betterment of the party and the state as he is full of enthusiasm. Earlier, he was just officiating party head but now, he will use his powers more efficiently.”

Ex-minister Chiranji Lal Garg said replying to a query on speculation about Sukhbir being a ‘future CM’, he said, “Parkash Singh Badal has shown his way. Only because of this has he been given such a big responsibility.” Under the guidance of his father, he will now be able to take all serious decisions, he added.

When the district president BJP, Narender Mittal was contacted, he said, “It is apparently in the interest of Bathinda as he has been taking interest in its development. Though it is certain that he himself or one of his family members would contest the parliamentary elections from Bathinda constituency, but even otherwise, he has interest in Bathinda.”

About the future relationship between BJP and SAD, he said, “If he follows in the footsteps of his father, only then can the relationship remain as smooth as it is now. The BJP hopes and will ensure full cooperation for the development of this relationship.”

On the other hand, Tehal Singh Sandhu, the general secretary of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) said, “Parkash Singh Badal has used his political power to impose his son on the supreme chair of the party. Badal has ignored all seniors and intellectuals.. Though the BJP leaders have not been openly opposing his elevation but as per reports, the differences would soon surface.” “SAD has been running on the base of nepotism,” he further alleged. 

Bathinda, January 31
Acting on a tip-off, a team of special narcotics cell of the Amritsar police detained three persons for allegedly indulging in drug trade and recovered 1.30 quintal of ‘habit-forming powder’ from their possession valued in lakhs late on Wednesday evening. 

The accused were later released after they furnished personal bonds.

Though the police remained tightlipped, yet it had been reported in these columns yesterday that an investigative team from Amritsar had arrived in Bathinda to investigate a case under the NDPS Act.

Giving details, deputy superintendent of police, (special narcotics cell), Gurbax Lal said, “We received a tip-off that an ayurvedic doctor Krishan Dev Sharma of Bhikhi was involved in a trade of some habit forming powder, which is illegal. To nab him red-handed, a team comprising drug inspector Vinay Jindal and the police raided several places on Wednesday.”

“It was a secret operation and special nakas were set up. We detained two persons, Kulwinder Singh and Sukhwinder Singh of Bhikhi when they were carrying packets of the powder in their pick-up vehicle bearing the number PB 31E 8718. Soon after, Ram Lal, the driver of the doctor’s vehicle, arrived there in a car bearing the number DL 4CL 1247. We rounded up the three accused and seized the powder. The team also visited to the doctor’s factory, where we found only the grinders but the doctor could not be traced.”

Speaking further, DSP Gurbax said, “We had information that the doctor runs his business in the whole Malwa region and on Wednesday, he had supplied the powder in Kotshamir village. When we visited the village, there were hundreds of people standing in a queue waiting for the powder. There we came to know that the 200 gm packet of the powder is being sold for Rs 600.”

“The samples of the powder have been taken and would be sent to a forensic laboratory and after the report is received, a case would be registered. Till that time, the three accused have been released on personal bonds,” he added.

When the accused Ram Lal was asked, he said, “I am unaware of the content. I only know that the powder is a medicine. The doctor was along with me but after receiving some information, he got down from the car at Bathinda and sent me to keep a check.”

On his part, drug inspector Vinay Jindal said, “The powder apparently contains dextropropoxephen and diphenoxylate, the sale of which is illegal. After the sample report is received, further proceedings would be initiated.”

It has been reported that two of the accused, Ram Lal and Sukhwinder, are already facing charges for a similar offence.

Barnala, January 31
Finally, people in Barnala have something to cheer about. After a sustained struggle of nearly 27 years, the much-talked about urban estate scheme is about to die a natural death without even seeing the light of the day.

The high-level committee chaired by Punjab chief secretary Ramesh Inder Singh has put its seal on the demise of the scheme. Citing it as unviable, as most of the land has already been developed by city residents and because it is difficult to remove the existing structure, the government has decided to scrap the 270.4 acre urban estate scheme.

A final decision will be taken by the state cabinet and people here are preferring to keep their fingers crossed.

The meeting was held in Chandigarh today. Among those who were present included principal secretary, finance, D.S. Kalha, secretary, housing and urban development, Arun Goyal, finance commissioner (revenue) Romila Dubey, PUDA chief administrator Som Parkash, DC Barnala R.L. Mehta besides PUDA officials.

The DC said that he presented a detailed report regarding the scheme. He also put forth the practical problems before the committee if the scheme were to be implemented. After listening to his views, the officials were of the view that the scheme should not be implemented.

It may be recalled that MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa played a pivotal role in the final scrapping of the scheme. Now it is evident that he will spare no effort to get the final nod from the cabinet.

Mansa, January 31
Labourers and farmers’ organisations today blocked all roads leading to the secretariat, to press for the acceptance of their demands.

Leaders of the Punjab Kisan Union, Mazdoor Mukti Morcha and Banawala Thermal Plant Struggle Committee addressed the gathering. The leaders demanded the cancellation of cases registered against the six leaders, who were leading the farmers in connection with the land acquisition at Banawala.

Workers of the above organisations gathered at the local Saheed Sewa Singh Thikriwala Chowk and marched towards the secretariat. They submitted their list of demands to the deputy commissioner.

Addressing the workers of the different organisations, state president of the Punjab Kisan Union, Ruldu Singh Mansa, state secretary of the CPI (ML) Liberation, Rajvinder Singh Rana, former MLA Tarsem Jodhan, state secretary of the Mazdoor Mukti Morcha, Bahagwant Singh, and Malkeet Singh Banawala criticised the district administration for registering cases against farmers’ leaders.

These leaders demanded a reasonable price for land acquired at Banawala, where a thermal power plant is going to be set up. They also opposed the privatisation of the Punjab State Electricity Board. 

Abohar, January 31
In a response to a call given by the joint front of 17 organisations to oppose the privatisation policy of the state government, hundreds of farmers, government employees and daily-wage earners held a rally, blocked the road traffic and gheraoed the sub-divisional office complex for about two hours today.

The protesters assembled at Nehru Park carrying banners of different factions, including the Bhartiya Kisan Union, the Technical Services Union, the PWD Field and Workshop Workers Union. Senior office-bearers of the CITU, the Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, the Dehati Majdoor Sabha, the Lok Sangram Manch and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Naujwan Sabha, including Baldev Singh, Jagga Singh, Parwinder Pawar, Bal Kishan Fauji, Avtar Singh, Kulwant Kirti, Resham Midha, Jagjit Singh, Radha Krishan, Ram Niwas, Harnam Singh Koyalkhera, Kulwant Singh Rukanpura and Jarnail Singh addressed the rally.

They strongly criticised the SAD-BJP government for its policy to privatise the PSEB, health and education departments. They alleged that the Adarsh School project too had the hidden agenda of benefiting some business houses besides political activists. They urged the workers and farmers to mobilise support for the the strike slated for February 19.

Later, they marched through the main roads here sloganeering against the state government and stopped the road traffic. They gheraoed the sub-divisional complex for about two hours.

Bathinda, January 31
The prevailing low temperature in Punjab, also called the ‘breadbasket’ of the country, while auguring well for wheat has adversely affected potato crops here. The weather, however, has not been harsh on pulses and onion crops. The wheat output this rabi season would decide if the country needs imports for the third consecutive year.

According to highly-placed officials in the state agriculture department, “The low temperature will certainly have a positive impact on wheat, and if these favourable conditions continue, we hope that India would produce more than 75 million tonnes this year. However, some damage to mustard, potato and some vegetables is certain.”

An official at the Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal, an arm of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), while speaking over the phone said, “Currently, temperature shoots up for a few hours during the day and at night, it is cool. If the temperature continues to be low this month and in March, we will have a better yield.” This condition is favourable for the north-western plains, which includes Punjab and Haryana.” “The area accounts for 56 per cent of the country’s wheat yield. Produce of about 75 million tonnes seems highly possible,” he added. Jagwant Singh Kanwar, head (vegetables), PAU, Ludhiana said, “The crop is progressing well and there have been no reports of any pest attack.”

Last year, Punjab, among top 10 wheat-producing states, continued to lead in wheat production with a per hectare yield of 4,179 kgs. As per the Punjab government’s statistical abstract 2006, the total area under wheat in Punjab is around 34.68 lakh hectares. Paramjit Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer, Bathinda said, “In Punjab, the average yield of wheat per acre is 42 quintals. Maximum yield per acre was received in 1999-00, when it was recorded at 47 quintals. Even the total wheat production at that time was 159 lakh tonnes. Weather played a major role in that. Though the exact production levels can be ascertained only around March, but such weather can be considered to be good start of an innings.’’

Abohar, January 31
The agriculture department, while intensifying its campaign against the Mealy bug today, involved school students in Azeemgarh, located on the outskirts of the town, to uproot weeds and shrubs which could be used by the pest for its growth.

Agricultural development officers, Bhupinder Kumar and Vinod Kumar, after visiting some villages said that similar efforts were in progress in other villages including, Dutaranwali, Sherewala, Khubban, Bhagsar, Kular, Gobindgarh, Bajidpur Bhoma and Gaddandob.

The caretakers in temples and gurudwaras have also been requested to make announcements twice in the day to prompt residents to uproot weeds around their houses and public places. There has been an overwhelming response from farmers’ clubs, educational institutions and NGOs, they claimed.

The village panchayats have been asked to get cotton-wood sticks shifted to safer places as the Mealy bug might surface again in February, other sources said.

Mansa, January 31
A class VII student of Vidya Bharti School here was killed today after being hit by a tractor-trolley. In protest, his family members blocked the traffic for hours.

The boy, Sahil Singla, was on his way to school when the accident took place. The driver of the tractor-trolley fled from the scene. His father Sanjeev Singla and other members of his family, on getting the information, reached the spot and found the tractor-trolley missing. They along with others raised slogans against the police and blocked traffic for nearly two hours in protest. Rail traffic was also affected for some time.

Local MLA Sher Singh Gagowal and Narotam Singh Chehal, president of the municipal council, Mansa, also reached the spot and along with others, demanded the arrest of the driver.

Police officials, on reaching the spot, assured that the driver would be arrested soon.

The city police has registered a case in this regard.

Bathinda, January 31
Four persons allegedly attacked the gunmen of the senior superintendent of police, Mansa, M.F. Faroqui, while they were trying to resolve a quarrel between some drunken members of a wedding party in Mansa on Thursday. 

The four were reportedly in an inebriated condition.

Giving details of the incident, the SSP said, “I along with my escort was passing through the city when we saw some persons quarreling with iron rods in their hands outside a wedding venue. Sensing the gravity of the situation, my gunmen tried to resolve the matter but the drunken persons thrashed them and misbehaved with me also.”

SHO (City) Balwinder Singh said, “A case against Jagdev Singh, Gurtej Singh, Hardev Singh, all brothers and Ranjit Singh, have been booked under sections 353, 186, 148 and 149 of the IPC as the uniform of one of the gunmen was also torn apart in the clash. The accused belong to village Raipur.”

Fazilka, January 31
Anti-Leprosy Day was observed by the health department here on Wednesday. A rally and seminar was organised on the occasion.

The officials of the health department and NSS volunteers from the Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Fazilka, carrying placards and banners, participated in the rally led by district leprosy officer G.S.Dhillon, district TB officer Anup Singh, SMO of the local civil hospital Y.K.Gupta and dermatologist S.K. Parnami to create awareness about the disease.

While briefing media persons, Dhillon said at present, there was one leprosy patient against a population of one lakh in Ferozepur district whereas the number was 35 for the rest of Punjab.

He maintained that the number of leprosy patients had been reduced to a great extent in the state. However, efforts were on to make the state and the country leprosy free.

Dispelling the fear among the people that leprosy was a dreaded disease, Dhillon said that the disease was no longer incurable and its treatment was simple. It could be contained and cured easily if detected in the initial stage.

He informed that there were five skin specialists who identify and treat leprosy patients and that free medicines for the disease were available at all the five civil hospitals and eight primary health centres in the Ferozepur district.

Dhillon maintained that the NGOs had been playing an active role in creating awareness among the masses about the disease by organising seminars, rallies and camps.

Barnala, January 31
Students of the ITI (Boys) here today held a demonstration and criticised the state government’s policy to privatise education. The students also raised slogans against the government.

Officials of the Trident group that had struck a deal with the state government to run the local ITI centre, visited the place today for inspection. When the students learnt that one of these officials was a director of the Trident group, they ghreaoed him and raised slogans against the owner of the Trident factory, Rajinder Gupta. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the officials left the premises without conducting the inspection.

Later, the students held a demonstration. Addressing the gathering, district president of the Punjab students’ union, Pardeep Kasba alleged that the government was bent upon ruining the education sector.

Abohar, January 31
About 150 students participated in the inter-house sports competitions in DAV College of Education here, in-charge of the events, Simple Rani, said today.

Principal Venita Singh said sports was part of the curriculum for B.Ed and ETT students. The annual sports meet would be organised by the end of the month, she added.

In the category for boys, the PT Usha house of the ETT was the winner in basketball, the Milkha Singh house in volleyball and the Kapil Dev house in badminton.

In the category for girls, the Dara Singh house won in basketball and throw-ball and the Major Dhyan Chand house emerged as the winner in badminton.

Bathinda, January 31
A day after having decided to change the route of two important trains, namely the Udyan Abha Express (3007/3008) and the Janta Express (9023/9024), which run on the Bathinda-Jakhal-Jind-Rohtak-New Delhi section, the Northern Railway on Thursday decided not to change the route of these trains, sources in the railway told TNS on Thursday evening.

However, the railway made no changes in its decision taken on Wednesday regarding the extension of the cancellation of the 341/342 passenger train.

It may be mentioned that on Wednesday, the railway had decided to divert the route of above-mentioned two trains, which touch Bathinda and its adjoining stations, from February 1 to February 20, due to the ongoing work related to the inter-locking system of railway tracks on the Jind-Rohtak section. The railway had also decided to extend the cancellation of a 341/342 passenger train for the next 20 days due to this reason.

The movement of the above-mentioned Express trains was least likely to affect the ongoing technical work, sources in the railway said adding that therefore, the rail authorities had changed their previous decision.