HEALTH

Infertility due to pollution, stress: expert
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, December 18
“Infertility is on the rise in the world. Stress and environmental factors are responsible for it.” This was stated by Dr Iqbal Ahuja, a leading gynaecologist, during his talk on “Infertility” at Lakshmi Ladies Club here today.

Dr Ahuja said toxic components in food and the air could be responsible for infertility. He said science had progressed tremendously. “Even cloning has been attempted in human beings”, he said. Hi-tech machinery and drugs are being imported to tackle infertility, he added. “Our success rate is equivalent to that of foreign centres. There is an immediate need to stop the mushrooming of unauthorised IVF centres in the country”, stressed Dr Ahuja.

Gujjarwal sports fest from Jan 10
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, December 18
The annual sports festival at Gujjarwal village about 20 km from here, will be held at the Shree Gur Hargobind Sahib Stadium from January 10 to 12. According to a press note issued by Mr Pawittar Singh Grewal, president of the host club, Amarjit Grewal Club, this was decided at a meeting of the club today. During this festival, competitions will be conducted in kabaddi, football, basketball, volleyball, tug-of war, bullock cart and dog races besides some typical rural games.

The meeting was attended by Mr Iqbal Singh Panesar, Mr Raja Singh, Mr Jaswinder Singh Jassa, Mr Vicky, Mr Swarnjit Singh, Mr Gurdev Singh Patwari, Jathedar Bhag Singh, Mr Pritpal Singh , Mr Harlal Singh, Mr Kanwaljit Singh Shankar, Mr Prithipal Singh Batala, Mr Kuldeep Singh and Pritam Singh.

ADMINISTRATION

Admn warns LPG dealers on unauthorised supply
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 18
Taking a serious view of the rampant sale and supply of gas cylinders by the gas agencies outside their earmarked areas, the local Food and Supply Department has directed all dealers to supply LPG cylinders only in their areas and warned that in case of any kind of violation, stringent action against the defaulter would be initiated.

These directions were given by Ms Simarjot Kaur, DFSC, at a special meeting of the LPG distributors and agencies of gas cylinders, held here today under her chairmanship. The DFSC said in future LPG supplies could be made only through advance customer bookings for their registered customers in the respective areas.

Regarding the irregular and unauthorised supply by delivery men of different LPG dealers in all parts of the district, she told them to stop this practice and directed them not to make unauthorised storage and sale of LPG cylinders through unauthorised vendors. The DFSC said she had received numerous complaints about the diversion of domestic LPG to commercial establishments, which was in violation of the rules, and asked the dealers to stop this practice or face strict action.

Ms Simarjot Kaur also told the LPG dealers to ensure the proper painting of delivery vehicles and identification of delivery boys.

She called upon the consumers to always receive a gas cylinder on making advance booking with the LPG agency of that area. She informed that the department, in cooperation with the associations concerned, would launch an awareness campaign to properly educate the people in this regard.

The consumers have also been advised to neither accept underweight cylinder nor pay more than the fixed rate of the cylinder, she added.

The DFSC informed that the district administration had constituted a special committee comprising government officers, representatives of petroleum companies and LPG dealers to make periodic checking to ensure the strict implementation of these directions.

Among the others who attended the meeting were Mr Wassan District Coordinator, LPG, Mr S.K. Sharma, Senior Sales Officer, IOC, and Mr Dilbag Singh, DFC.