Jalandhar

Jalandhar authorities demolished an illegal property owned by drug trafficker Harvinder Singh, who has 18 FIRs against him. The action, part of the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' initiative, aims to deter drug trafficking and reclaim neighborhoods. Citizens are encouraged to report drug activity confidentially via WhatsApp.

On Shaheed Udham Singh's martyrdom day, both Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (Urban) in Jalandhar held separate tributes, honoring his sacrifice and avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The Akali Dal also planted a tree in his memory, while the Democratic Employees Federation held a separate tribute in Garhshankar.

The 1st Finnov8 Capital Open Chess Tournament at DAVIET had 220 players and a Rs 1.5 lakh prize pool. Puneet Verma won the open category. Winners were also recognized in age groups, regional categories, and for female and veteran players. 83 trophies were awarded.

Jalandhar's Municipal Corporation held a stakeholders meeting to showcase city beautification achievements. Recent projects include chowk redevelopment, park upgrades, and art installations. Upcoming initiatives involve a 'waste to wonder park' and facade lighting. MC officials were recognized for their contributions, and awards were distributed.

A Judo academy in Jalandhar, founded in 1978, provides free training to underprivileged government school students. Under coach Surinder Kumar, the academy has produced national gold medalists, including at the Khelo India Youth Games, thanks to support from donors and school authorities.

Raizada Hansraj Stadium in Jalandhar will inaugurate four new outdoor multi-purpose courts on August 8, adding to its existing badminton facilities. The stadium, which has undergone significant upgrades including new courts, a gym, and a yoga center, is focused on player development and aims to host national-level championships.

Students from a poor village school in Mundi Kasu achieved success in a zonal sports competition, qualifying for the district level despite facing hardships. Their dedication and a teacher's efforts, including providing food and sports kits, enabled the students to overcome challenges like flood-damaged grounds.

Doaba Kisan Sangharsh Committee, Kirti Kisan Union, BKU Rajewal and BKU Lakhowal participate in protest

Hospital Deaths Beri seeks high-level probe; Pargat for legal action against erring staff

Rajkummar Rao, facing charges of hurting religious sentiments for his role in a 2017 film poster, sought exemption from a court appearance due to travel. He was booked with others, and arrest warrants were issued after Rao missed summons. He was granted anticipatory bail previously.

Sarb Naujawan Sabha, Phagwara, has spent 35 years empowering underprivileged youth and women. They organize mass weddings, vocational training with high employment rates, and anti-drug campaigns. The NGO also conducts environmental initiatives, healthcare courses, eye surgeries, and scholarships.

After seven years, the Jalandhar Improvement Trust cleared encroached land for a second railway station entry point. This will improve access for residents of surrounding schemes. The project's revival includes slum resettlement, infrastructure development, and sewage improvements, bringing relief to long-waiting residents.

The historic Sheesh Mahal in Hoshiarpur is severely decaying despite its cultural significance and promised restoration. Built in 1911, the palace, famous for its mirror work, is deteriorating due to neglect and recent monsoon damage. Although heritage corridors are planned, funding for structural repairs remains unapproved, prompting local calls for urgent action.

Hoshiarpur's Mata Chintpurni Mela is running smoothly and cleanly thanks to the 'Charhda Suraj' campaign led by Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain. NGOs and civil defense volunteers are working tirelessly to ensure a plastic-free, congestion-free environment, maintaining cleanliness and managing heavy footfall. The initiative has eliminated garbage and traffic problems, making cleanliness a key feature.

A five-day training program for delivery boys, organized by DBEE and PSDM in Nawanshahr, concluded. It provided employable skills to rehabilitated individuals, particularly those recovering from substance abuse, as part of the 'Yudh Nashe De Virudh' campaign. Certificates were distributed, with officials emphasizing employment's role in recovery and offering job assistance.

Phagwara struggles with complete water and sewerage coverage due to financial constraints. While most areas have access, outskirts and unauthorized colonies lack services, leading to sanitation issues. Non-functional water tanks and rising demand exacerbate the problem, necessitating funding for infrastructure upgrades.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner to clear a road blocked by protesters in Latifpura within 30 days. The blockage, due to demolition of illegal structures, caused severe traffic congestion and economic losses. The Joint Action Committee filed the petition and welcomed the court's decision.

Manjit S Rai warns of violent protests in Punjab against forced land acquisition. Farmers, including Rai, will fiercely resist government attempts to seize land for development projects, fearing land grabbing and financial ruin. Upcoming protests include marches and mahapanchayats.

Farmers, led by SKM, protested the government's land pooling policy with a tractor march. They submitted a memorandum demanding the policy's withdrawal, triggered by land acquisition in Mahalon village. Farm leaders accused the government of favoring corporations and vowed to intensify protests if the policy isn't scrapped.

Archana, a 15-year-old aspiring teacher, died due to oxygen supply failure at a hospital. Her mother, a daily wager, had wanted a better life for her. Blaming negligence, the family hopes for help with the education of their surviving sons after Archana's death.

Three doctors, including the Medical Superintendent, and a house surgeon were disciplined after three patients died due to disrupted oxygen supply at a Jalandhar hospital. The Health Minister blamed administrative failure and ordered improved oxygen and power backup across all state hospitals.

Minister Dr Balbir Singh says there were 4 sources of oxygen at the hospital, but poor management led to the deaths

Kapurthala's DC ordered agriculture officials to curb stubble burning this harvest. They must identify hotspots, conduct awareness campaigns, and promote government-subsidized machinery for in-situ straw management. The goal is to reduce burning incidents compared to last year.

A Phagwara woman, Narinderjit Kaur, filed a police complaint against her neighbor, Surlekha Rani, alleging defamation and use of offensive language on social media. Police registered a case under IPC sections 294 and 500. The investigation is ongoing; no arrests have been made.

Tractor march today