PM makes brief halt in city
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — The Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, was accorded a warm welcome during his brief halt here here this morning. The Prime Minister then flew to Kulu where he was to lay the foundation stone of the 2051-MW hydro-power development project at the Parbati river basin.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by the Union Power Minister, Mr P.R. Kumaramangalam, the Union Consumer Affairs Minister, Mr Shanta Kumar, Union Minister of State for Power Jayawati Mehta, and the Himachal Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, arrived here by a special aircraft.

He was received by the Governors of Punjab, Lieut-Gen J.F.R Jacob (retd) and Haryana, Mr Mahavir Prasad; Chief Ministers of Punjab, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, and Haryana, Mr Om Parkash Chautala, Union Minister for Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation, Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, besides MPs Mr Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, a former BJP MP from Chandigarh, Mr Satya Pal Jain, and the Mayor, Mr Kewal Krishan Addiwal.

The Chief Secretaries of both Punjab, Mr R.S. Mann, and Haryana, Mr Ram S. Varma, besides other senior officials were also present at the airport.

The Prime Minister and his entourage also made a brief halt here on their way back to Delhi.

City hospitals find it tough to meet deadline
By Poonam Batth
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — With just a few days left for the expiry of the Union Government’s notification with regard to the installation of waste treatment facilities like incinerators in all hospitals and nursing homes with a capacity of 500 beds, the present arrangements being adopted by the three main hospitals in the city for the treatment and disposal of waste are far from satisfactory.

There are no signs of installation of an incinerator in General Hospital, Sector 16, which reportedly produces 150-200 kg of bio-medical waste product daily. A sum of Rs 35 lakh was sanctioned in June this year for the installation of incinerator and the same was to be completed by December end.

An official of the Engineering Department said, “We have already initiated the process of getting it installed and it should be ready for use in another two to three months.’’ The incinerator, which is to be installed behind the serai building, will be able to take the load of 100 kg waste per hour, he added.

The DHS, Mr Joginder Singh, said that since the public health authorities had not been able to complete the project within the stipulated time, we would tie up with the PGI, which is willing and in a position to take our load. “Presently, majority of the hospital waste is being dumped in the dumping grounds of the Municipal Corporation at Dhanas and Mani Majra, much to the dismay of the people residing in the nearby areas.

The situation in Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32 is somewhat better with at least pathological waste comprising human anatomical waste, animal and microbiology waste and other solid items contaminated with blood and body fluids being burnt to ashes in the incinerator. Dr V.K Kak, Director Principal of GMCH, maintains that since the present incinerator does not have much capacity, it is not possible to use it for the disposal of the entire hospital waste. However, things will improve when the second main incinerator is installed in the ‘B’ Block by the end of the next year.

Sources reveal that even now large quantities of general waste, chemical waste and other potentially infectious waste such as syringes, blood bags, uro bags , surgical gloves, medicine foils and rubber tubes is being dumped in the open. And in most cases, quite a few of the waste material is being salvaged for re-selling.

Dr Kak said that the main problem lies with the disposal of plastics, which can destroy the incinerator or can be recycled if thrown out in the open. Hence, the only solution lies in banning these.

Dr Kak also pointed out that incinerators are non-polluting systems and the heat generated can be used through the solar panels to heat water. However, they do cause some environmental pollution. He also advocates that the authorities concerned should come up with solid waste management plans for the city as a whole to ensure proper treatment and disposal of the waste.

The PGI is the only hospital in the city which presently claims to use its big incinerator commissioned in May last regularly for the disposal of all that waste which is meant to be incinerated. The Deputy Medical Superintendent, Dr R.K Sharma said that waste comprising needles, syringes, blades, glass etc is either destroyed or treated chemically before being dumped in the land filling site in Dadu Majra. The liquid waste of the hospital is generally disinfected through chemical treatment and discharged into drains.

Dr Sharma said the incinerator is generally used for an hour daily to dispose of the waste and depending on the need we can use both chambers and increase the number of hours also. The second incinerator, which operates on electricity, is hardly being used these days, he disclosed.

Meanwhile, the nursing homes in the city (with 50 beds and above but less than 200 beds) and those with less than 50 beds which are required to comply with these directions by December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2002, have still not woken up to the need of managing hospital waste.

The Administrator of INSCOL, Mr M.B Singh, said that we have not thought of installing an incinerator so far. While plastic containers and other waste generated from disposable items — tubings, catheters, intravenous sets, bottles are generally sold to a junk dealer, most other waste is dumped in the sanitary boxes of the corporation daily for regular disposal. Even Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Charitable Eye Hospital in Sohana village, which performs nearly 30 surgeries a day, has no proper waste disposal system. Even old nursing homes like CMC, Sector 17, and Bhargava, Sector 8, have no such arrangements.

Dr Mrs Kanwarjit Kochhar of Deep Nursing Home, Sector 21-D pointed out that the nursing homes in the city have neither the money nor the required space to instal incinerators. She is of the view that the Administration or the Municipal Corporation should instal a common incinerator out in the open, which can be used by the nursing homes by paying fixed monthly charges.

The responsibility of transporting the waste will be of the nursing home concerned. Few other nursing Home owners also feel that they should be allowed to use the PGI incinerator by paying the required charges as it is not feasible to have independent ones nor is it practical keeping in view the daily waste of most of these 20-30 beded hospitals.

A disgrace to the martyrs' valour
By Geetanjali Gayatri
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, Dec 12 — Contrary to having been meant to instill a feeling of pride in the family members, Major Sandeep Shankla's memorial has become a nightmare for them. "It is shameful to see people bathe, wash clothes and defecate in an area supposed to be a country's tribute to a martyr who lost his life in the interest of his extended family, the citizens of India. This is how they have chosen to pay back and it's all very disgusting,'' Lt-Col J.S. Kanwar (retd), father of the martyr, says.

At 27, his son's heart was touched with fire and his very being was fired by the spirit of nationalism and patriotism. With a mind set to safeguarding the boundaries of the country, Major Sandeep Shankla, was commissioned into the 18th Battalion of the Dogra Regiment in 1986. He laid his life fighting anti-national elements in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir in August 1991.

And for his sacrifice, recognition came by way of national mourning and his heroic valour entitled him to the Ashoka Chakra which was awarded posthumously by the President of India. This was also reason enough for the Government of Haryana to earmark an area for a war memorial in the name of the hero.

In Sector 2 of the town stands a concrete structure in granite with Major Sandeep Shankla War Hero's Memorial inscribed on it. This memorial, approached by a flight of steps, has another granite slab with the Ashoka Chakra placed at an elevation and elsewhere a marble slab gives a brief history of the martyr.

All this in the name of immortalising the Major and hoping that it would inspire youngsters. However, the purpose of the exercise seems to have fallen flat on its face. Colonel Kanwar says, "I don't even look towards that side. If my eyes wander in the direction, I can't help but cry at the sorry state of affairs.''

He explains that he has put in numerous requests to the District Administration to enclose the area and ensure that it is not misused by the public, but to no avail. "This is not a priority with them and my appeals seem to have fallen on deaf ears,'' laments the moist-eyed father.

In no uncertain terms, he says that the memorial is a disgrace to the memory of his son. "The provision of the water body has made matters worse. I have been asking officials to line it with tiles but nothing has happened so far. Mud lines the base of the tank and it is never filled with water,'' he says.

A cobbler who sits just next to the memorial adds, "Milkmen and others do use these grounds to bathe and wash but nobody seems to mind. Also, winter afternoons and summer evenings see a lot of visitors to the memorial. Any litter on the grounds is picked up by the gardener who is in charge of the upkeep of the place.'' None of them, however, seem to be aware of the sanctity of the place.

Some time back, the parents of another martyr, Major Sandeep Sagar, had lambasted the Administration for its callous ways in maintaining the roundabout named after their son.

Next in line are the parents of war hero Major Shankla. They rue the fact that flowers are strewn all over the memorial once in a year when it is spruced up for martyrdom day, but the rest of the year, it is a picture of complete neglect and a disgrace to the valour and enthusiasm of the martyrs.

Thousands visit show
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — Crowds thronged the Terraced Garden in Sector 33 here on the concluding day of the 13th Chrysanthemum Show today.

Thousands visited the garden to have a look at the beautifully-decorated flowers displayed by amateur chrysanthemum growers and institutions.

The musical fountain in the background was a hit with the visitors and added to the beauty of the the garden.The Mayor, Mr Kewal Krishan Addiwal, who was the chief guest, gave away prizes to the winners of various competitions organised as part of the show.

Students from Kailash Behl DAV Centenary Public School, Sector 7, presented a cultural programme.

Green belt or junk yard
Tribune News Service

SAS NAGAR, Dec 12 — When it comes to the removal of junk dumped in a green belt in front of the Phase 7 market here, the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) appears to be least bothered.

Apart from being an eyesore, the condemned vehicles are proving to be a distraction for motorists passing by the green belt. Shopkeepers of the market lament that the junk has been lying at the site for the past several months. They say that these grounded vehicles belong to a wing of the Public Works Department. Though the office moved out a few months ago the junk was left behind by the department.

Since then neither the department has bothered to dispose of the vehicles nor PUDA — the agency responsible for developing the greeb belts — has taken any steps to get the same removed. In fact green belts along the road are often used for dumping waste material or for placing goods by shopkeepers.

Resident of the town lament that removal of junk and other waste material was last on the agenda of PUDA.

Call to shun foreign goods
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, Dec 12 — The policy of liberalisation came in for criticism at a lecture on the topic “Kahan Kho Gaye Gandhiji?”, organised by the Bharat Vikas Parishad at the day care centre of Senior Citizens in Sector 15 here today.

The main speaker, Mr Shivraj Kesar, said the number of multinationals had gone up from a mere 2000 to over 12,900 in the country and these, too, like Britishers, were working on draining the wealth out of India. This is also leading to uncalled for dependence on foreign nations.

He added that leading nations of yesteryears were slowly losing out on the progress they had made over the years and development was on the decline. Most of these nations had reached saturation point and hence they were trying to divert their goods and open branches of companies of their countries in developing nations. Mr Kesar informed that over 100 volunteers working with him were spreading the message of shunning foreign goods in villages and cities.

Mr Kesar pointed out that forces of foreign countries had always worked towards destabilising the nation by plundering the wealth of the country and that history was witness to this fact. “We were referred to as the ‘golden bird’ and had five times more gold in comparison to the rest of the world. In the attacks that followed, invaders took away our wealth, making us poor in the process.”

Speaking on the struggle for independence, Mr Kesar said Gandhiji was needed to save the country from the growing influence of foreign countries and to steer India to new heights. He also made a reference to the changes in the industrial policy after Independence, the role of the East India Company and important years in the history of India. He added that India was the only known exporter of spices in the pre-British years and iron was the other major industry which brought in a lot of wealth. However, down the line, Britishers forced the natives into slavery and all technology was lost.

The chief guest for the function, Mr Fakir Chand Aggarwal, Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, warned the people to beware of foreign forces which were uprooting Indian culture and tradition. He said Gandhiji stood for truth, non-violence and brotherhood. “At a time when the country is passing through a crucial phase, we must follow the ideals of Gandhiji to make a success of our country in these trying times.”

Referring to the ‘swadeshi’ movement initiated by Gandhiji, he said we must put into practice the message of shunning foreign goods. He said the Father of the Nation dreamt of a prosperous cottage industry in the villages of the country and that it was the duty of every Indian to make this dream a reality.

Science awards for Anju, Harminder
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — Dr Anju Pusri (mathematics) and Dr Harminder Singh (life sciences) were awarded the young scientists awards on the concluding day of the Punjab Science Congress at Panjab university here today.

A special lecture on new horizons in research was delivered by Prof S. Vardharajan, former President of the Indian National Science Academy. He listed priority research areas with change in the pattern and development of a new science. Increasing population and shrinking resources need immediate management, he said.

Professor Vardharajan pointed out that botanical and zoological surveys were neglected in our country. There was need for entomologists to study the vast species of insects in our country. He also stressed on interaction of different disciplines for proper growth and development.

Earlier, Dr R.C.Sobti, while welcoming the guests, highlighted the relevance of Mendel even in the era when when we talk of 'nanobiology'.

A recommendation of the congress said that by allowing sub-standard professional colleges and institutions, human resources in the state suffered. New institutions before being given permission needed to be critically examined.

Another recommendation said that like other states, Punjab should also have a State University Grants Commission which should monitor infrastructural and financial commitments. State-based focal areas needed to be identified .

The state needed a nodal agency to coordinate the research culture in improving the socio-economic conditions. To contract brain drain of scientists, technologists, engineers and doctors, the government needed to create a proper infrastructure, congenial atmosphere and job opportunities, recommendations at the end of the congress added.

"Strategies for R and D in Natural Products for the New Millennium" by Dr K.K. Bhutani from the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, "Biotechno-logy in India - a perspective" by Dr B.Dey from the Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi, "New generation of anti-malarial based on traditional medicinal plant Artemisia annua" by Dr G.P. Dutta, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, and "How cells evade toxins in their environment" by Dr A.Krishan, University of Miami, were the important papers presented on the occasion.

27 municipal wards created
Tribune News Service

SAS NAGAR, Dec 12 — The process of elections to the local Municipal Council, scheduled in January next year, has been set in motion with the Local Government of Punjab, issuing a notification for the delimitation of wards. Objections and suggestions on the delimited wards have been invited by the department by December 17.

As per the notification, at least 27 wards have been created in the municipal limits of the local council. Two new wards have been created out of Matour village, Sectors 70 and 71. Industrial Area, Phase IX, has also been included in the municipal limits.

While Ward No. 1 has been reserved for a woman Scheduled Caste candidate, Wards 14 and 20 have been reserved for general Scheduled Caste candidates. The wards reserved for women candidates are 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22 and 25. The wards reserved for general category candidates are 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 21, 23, 24, 26 and 27. Ward No. 17 has been reserved for a Backward Caste candidate.

The notification issued by the Local Government Department on December 7 was received at the local office of the council on Thursday. Meanwhile, there is confusion among residents about the exact demarcation of the wards.

A study of the copy of the notification reveals that the wards had been demarcated on the basis of names of roads and occupants of houses. For example, In Ward No. 3, there is a mention of Gali Ami Chand — the name of the lane probably refers to the name of an occupant of a house.

Similarly, in Ward No. 6, there is a mention of Ex-dsp Partap Singh Road. In Ward No. 10 a K.K. Verma Road has been mentioned and in Ward No. 18 there is a mention of Chadha House Road. An official of local council said these referred to names of occupants of houses which figured along the demarcated boundary of the ward concerned. Such mention are found in wards 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 21 and 22.

A number of persons could be seen enquiring about the location of their houses after the delimitation. Mr N.K. Marwaha, a municipal councillor of Phase 3B1, said, "We are finding it difficult to ascertain the limits of the new wards as per the parametres used by the department."

He said in the notification of wards before the last elections to the council, every house in each ward was clearly mentioned. Mr Amrik Singh Tehsildar, a councillor, said as per the Municipal Council Act, the wards should be geographically compact and due regard should be given to physical features.

Mr Marwaha alleged that the wards had been demarcated on political lines. In some cases, area of a ward had been attached with that of another one without any justification.

Chandigarh unit gets Best Chapter award
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — The Chandigarh Chapter of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has been awarded the Best Chapter award of the Northern Indian Regional Council of the ICSI for 1998.

According to a press note, this was announced by the Union Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs, Mr Ram Jethmalani, at the inaugural function of the 27th national convention of the ICSI held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

The award, which comprised a certificate and a citation, was received by the Secretary of the Chandigarh Chapter, Mr Parveen Gupta, from Mr Justice U.C. Banerjee of the Supreme Court at the valedictory function held at Vigyan Bhavan yesterday.

The all-India Best Chapter award was given to the Hyderabad Chapter, the press note added.

Sanskrit teachers hold meeting
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — Members of the Sanskrit Teachers Union at a meeting held at Nehu Yuva Kendra, Sector 21, here today highlighted the importance of the Sanskrit language and deliberated on the problems it would face in the near future.

They also hailed the decision of the Central Government to announce this year as Sanskrit year. The newly elected President, Mr Ram Dev Shastri, said that a special work plan would be chalked out to ensure that the subject was taught in all the schools of the city and urged that at least one lecturer and one teacher should be appointed in these schools with immediate effect.

The following were elected office-bearers of the union: President — Mr Ram Dev Shastri; Senior Vice-President — Mr Dharampal Shastri; Vice-President — Mr Shiv Dutt Shastri; General Secretary — Mr Dharmendra Shastri; Joint Secretary — Mrs Suman Shastri; Finance Secretary — Mr Sarweshwar Pandey; Press Secretaries — Mr Shyam Lal Shastri and Mr Sudesh Kumar Shastri; and Accountant — Mr Prakash Chand Shastri.

Holiday in PU today
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — Panjab University will remain closed tomorrow on account of the Martyrdom Day of Guru Teg Bahadur, an official press note said here today.

However, the university examinations and meetings scheduled for tomorrow will be held as usual.

Govt school exams for today put off
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — All government schools in the city will remain closed tomorrow with the Chandigarh Administration announcing a holiday on account of the martyrdom day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur. Hence, the examination paper to be held tomorrow stands postponed.

The District Education Officer, Mr Brahmjit Kalia, when contacted, said that the new dates for the said paper would be announced later.

As regards private schools, he clarified that the instructions for closure of these schools were not mandatory and it was for the respective managements to decide whether they want to function or close the school. ''Since they do not directly fall under our purview, we cannot force them to close,'' he added.

Although a majority of these schools will remain closed, a few others which have started their December examinations are likely to function tomorrow also, it is learnt. Among those which are closed tomorrow are St John's High School, Sacred Heart Convent, Carmel Convent, St Xavier's Senior Secondary School and IS Dev Samaj Girls Senior Secondary School.

However, St Stephen's School, Sector 45, and Bhavan Vidyalaya, Sector 27, will function tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the house examinations in Government College, Sector 46, scheduled for tomorrow have been postponed to December 24, a press release said here today.

Children join 'save birds' campaign
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — Children from nine schools in urban, rural and slum areas participated in the ''Save Sukhna wetland — save the birds" programme organised by the Children's Alliance for Protectin of the Environment at the Sukhna Lake yesterday.

Carrying placards, some of the students played flutes to attract birds.

Two swamis — Bharama and Chhapra from Bihar — inaugurated the programme and asked the students to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the country. Dr K.K. Garg of the Ministry of Environment, who presided over the function, also released a large number of colourful balloons. Fish were also released in the Sukhna Lake as feed for migratory birds.

The following are the results of the various competitions: Banner parade — Government Primary School, Kishengarh 1, Moti Ram Arya School 2 and Government Model High School, Sector 33, 3; placard contests — Damodar Saini 1, Inderpal Singh 2 and Saurabh Saini 3; bird identification — Mahima 1; painting contest (under-10) — Deeksha 1, Rahul Sharma 2 and Sonu 3; above 10 years —Priyanka Gupta 1, Mahima Jhulka 2 and Pallave Manuja 3; and school band — Moti Ram Arya Secondary School.

Cultural show by children
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — A colourful cultural programme marked the annual prize distribution function of Divya Public School at the LECMA auditorium, Air Force Station, here today. Mr K.A.P. Sinha, Joint Secretary, was the the chief guest.

A Sarasvati vandana with colourfully dressed students marked the opening of the show. This was followed by a welcome song.

Barbie dolls, Spendthrift (English skit), Char jhalle (Punjabi skit) Ulti pulti qawwali and Boogie woogie were among the appreciated items. In praise of mother India, depicting soldiers celebrating with their family members deserves a special mention.

Mr Rattan Singh, Principal, read out the annual report of the school. Surinder Kumar was adjudged the 'best boy' of the school while Divyadeep was the 'best girl'. Dilbagh Singh was given a special prize for excellence in social activities.

Day of fun and frolic
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — It was a day of fun and frolic for the students of Dutt Vishesh Schoool as they celebrated their annual function here today.

The programmme commenced with vandana which was followed by the school song. Tiny tots were in their colorful best in the action song Ding dong, ding dong. The depiction of colours by students of the nursery class and the performance of bhangra by KG students were applauded by the audience.

However, the highlight of the show was a Punjabi play Wapsi based of the Kargil issue. Noopur Gulati of class III, who played the role of bebe, won the best actress award. While the play was declared the best item in the senior section, ''Seasons'' in which students had depicted various seasons, was declared the best item in the junior section. The country dance and the item, ''Diversity in unity'' were also well received. A young student, who is hard of hearing, was made to hold the National Flag in one of the items to ensure his participation in the function.

Simrat Bawa of class VI made an excellent banker in the English play, The Mystery of the Missing Paper.

Earlier the Principal, Mrs Sharda Dutt, who is also the President of the Dutt Vishesh Educational Society, highlighted various activities undertaken during the year.

Mr Harold Carver, Principal of St Stephen's School, was the chief guest. He announced free entry for the students in the ongoing carnival in his school.

SNIPPETS

Sub-office sought
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — Mr Sat Pal, President of Janta Rehri Market in Mani Majra, has urged the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation to open a sub-office of the Registrar of Births and Deaths at Mani Majra for the convenience of the general public. Mr Sat Pal also demanded opening of a similar office at Mani Majra where certificates for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes could be issued.

Christians' body holds function
Tribune News Service

SAS NAGAR, Dec 12 — To celebrate the last Christmas of the millennium, the Christian Association of SAS Nagar today organised a function at Industrial Area here on Sunday. Over 300 members of the community, hailing from Kerela, participated in the celebrations which included a quiz on the Bible, group song competitions in English, Hindi and Malyalam, besides carols singing.

Teams from all over the town participated in the competitions. Father K.J. Thomas, President of the Roshni Society for the disabled, read out his message on the occasion.

Fire victims get relief
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — Capt Kanwaljit Singh, Finance Minister of Punjab, today distributed relief cheques for Rs 5,000 each among the 12 shopkeepers of Zirakpur who suffered losses when their temporary shops were gutted in fire.

Expressing deep shock over the incident, in which the affected shopkeepers lost their sources of income, the minister said that they would be compensated suitably after a proper assessment of the damage caused by the fire.

The fire destroyed 12 shops in Lohgarh village on the Chandigarh-Ambala national highway on Friday morning.

Vaccination camp held
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Dec 12 — About 400 children were vaccinated against hepatitis B at a camp in Maloya Colony here today. The camp was organised by the Rotaract Mid-town in collaboration with the Mahila Parishad, Chandigarh.

The camp was inaugurated by Rotary President Capt Moni Kahlon. Ms Punita Singh (President Rotaract) briefed residents of the colony about the hepatitis B virus and stressed on the importance of such camps.

A amount of Rs 30 and Rs 60 was charged for each child dose and adult dose, respectively, whereas the same can be procured from the market for Rs 250 and 450, respectively. The next dose will be given on January 16, 2000.