06022024-LT-01.qxd 2/6/2024 1:07 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune AT 44, AQI IMPROVES TO ‘GOOD’ CATEGORY IN CITY THE JAMIE LEVER SHOW BLEND OF LAUGHTER, IMPERSONATIONS APURVA SHARMA LAUNCHES SONG TERIYAN JUDAIYAN After the rainfall and sun shining bright, the air quality of Ludhiana has also improved on Monday. P2 One of the most talented comedians & actors, Jamie to embark on India’s inaugural one-woman show.P3 Singer Apurva says: “I’ve always been interested in Sufi songs. I started doing riyazwhen I was in the school.” P4 » » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 19°C | MIN 6°C YESTERDAY MAX 17°C | MIN 9.4°C SUNSET TUESDAY 6.05 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 7:15 AM TUESDAY | 6 FEBRUARY 2024 | LUDHIANA MC initiates massive plantation drive under NCAP at ~29 crore Of total 46 works, 19 already completed, 27 in progress for environment protection Nitin Jain Tribune News Service Ludhiana, February 5 The Municipal Corporation (MC) has initiated a massive plantation drive under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) at the cost of Rs 29 crore, officials have said. Of the total 46 works spread across eight Assembly constituencies under the MC limits, 19 works have already been completed at the cost of Rs 14.18 crore while the rest 27 works were in progress at the cost of Rs 14.73 crore. The development assumes significance as Ludhiana has figured among 20 most polluted cities in the country in a latest national study conducted by Climate Trends and Respirer Living Sciences recently. Taking serious note of the situation, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora reviewed the current status of funds received and spent under the NCAP during a meeting with MC Commissioner Sandeep Rishi here recently. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member from Punjab in the Upper House of Parliament told The Tribune on Monday that the MC had initiated 46 plantation works at the cost of Rs 2,891.53 lakh across eight Vidhan Sabha segments falling under the MC limits, of which 19 works have already been completed at the cost of Rs 1,418.35 lakh while the remaining 27 works were in the advanced stage of completion at the cost of Rs 1,473.18 lakh. While the Ludhiana West constituency got the maximum share of Rs 856.36 lakh, the minimum of Rs 6.92 lakh was being spent in the Sahnewal segment area falling under the MC limits. Among other constituencies, Atam Nagar got Rs 399.46 A vertical garden planted on pillars of Southern Bypass in Ludhiana. TRIBUNE PHOTO: HIMANSHU MAHAJAN NCAP FUND STATUS CITY ■ Ludhiana ■ Chandigarh ■ Amritsar ■ Pathankot/ Dera Baba Nanak ■ Dera Bassi ■ Jalandhar ■ Khanna ■ Mandi Gobindgarh ■ Naya Nangal ■ Patiala PLANTATION STATUS RELEASED 97.75 28.783 73.25 4.73 UTILISED 56.48 12.96 65.86 1.66 %AGE 57.78 45.03 89.91 35.1 1.115 30.045 5.18 5.269 2.718 14.86 0.42 2.63 2.04 2.8 0.67 2.96 37.67 8.75 39.38 53.14 24.65 19.92 (AMOUNT IN RUPEES CRORE) Segment Atam Nagar Central East North Sahnewal South West General Total Works 3 12 4 10 1 3 9 4 46 Amount 399.46 328.64 133.82 643.52 6.92 205.79 856.36 317.02 2,891.53 (SOURCE: MC. AMOUNT IN RUPEES LAKH) WORST IN PUNJAB Ranked 14th most polluted city in the country, Ludhiana has emerged as the worst polluted city in the state when it comes to the PM10 pollution level. However, Mandi Gobindgarh, which has ranked 10th lakh, Central Rs 328.64 lakh, East Rs 133.82 lakh, North Rs 643.52 lakh, South Rs 205.79 lakh, and a sum of Rs 317.02 lakh was being spent across different parts of the city. Of the 19 completed and 27 ongoing works, one has been finished and two were underway in Atam Nagar, five completed and seven in progress in Central, two finished and two underway in East, four completed and six in progress in North, one underway in Sahnewal, two finished and (PM2.5) and 15th (PM10) most polluted city in India, has the maximum PM2.5 pollutants in Punjab. Amritsar has ranked 16th most polluted city in the country with respect to the PM2.5 pollution level. one in progress in South, three completed and six underway in West while two works have been finished and two were underway across different parts of the city. Ludhiana had got a whopping Rs 98 crore for environment protection under the NCAP between 2018 and 2023 but the pollution levels reached an alarming situation during the period, according to the latest report. Of the total allocated funds, Ludhiana utilised Rs 56 crore, which accounted for almost 58 per cent of Rs 98 crore allocation but the most hazardous pollution levels in the city had gone up by almost 24 per cent during the past five years, the NCAP study has pointed out. The study report showed that PM10 pollutants in Ludhiana rose from 106.4 in 2019 to 131.8 in 2023, which accounted for an increase of 23.9 per cent while the PM2.5 pollution level went up from 53.2 in 2019 to 60.9 in 2023, which was 14.5 per cent increase over the past five years. It had led to Ludhiana becoming the 14th most polluted city in the country. Amritsar and Mandi Gobindgarh in the state were also listed among the 20 most polluted cities in India with maximum pollution levels, the national-level NCAP study has said. While Ludhiana has been the worst among three most polluted Punjab cities with respect to the PM10 pollution level, Mandi Gobindgarh has the maximum PM2.5 pollutants in the state. The study revealed that Ludhiana got the maximum funds under the NCAP in Punjab and Chandigarh as well but little more than half of the allocated amount could be spent for environment protection between 2018 and 2023. Chandigarh had got Rs 28.783 crore, of which Rs 12.96 crore was utilised, accounting for 45.03 per cent of the total allocated funds, which had helped in bringing down the PM2.5 pollution level by 5.6 per cent while PM10 pollutants went up by 13.6 per cent from 2018 to 2023. Among other Punjab cities, Amritsar had got Rs 73.25 crore, of which Rs 65.86 crore was spent, accounting for 89.91 per cent utilisation, despite which PM2.5 pollution level went up by 18.4 per cent and PM10 pollutants rose by 5.9 per cent, Pathankot and Dera Baba Nanak got Rs 4.73 crore, of which Rs 1.66 crore was utilised, Dera Bassi got Rs 1.115 crore, of which Rs 42 lakh was spent, Jalandhar got Rs 30.045 crore, of which Rs 2.63 crore was utilised, despite which PM2.5 pollution level went up by 0.6 per cet and PM10 pollutants decreased by 12.2 per cent, continued on page 2 3 nabbed in robbery cases Tribune News Service Ludhiana, February 5 The police claimed to have arrested three persons allegedly involved in recent robbery incidents at a 24x7 store on Ferozepur Road and a pharmacy store in BRS Nagar. ADCP Ramandeep Singh said the suspects had been identified as Dheeraj Kumar of New Deep Nagar in Haibowal, Sourav Jastoria of Waddi Haibowal and Vikas alias Billa of Ludhiana. A sharp weapon and a motorcycle had been seized from them. SHO at the Sarabha Nagar police station Amrinder Singh said the suspects had targeted a 24x7 store on Ferozepur Road here in the wee hours of January 29. They snatched Rs 23,000 from a shift in-charge by brandishing a pistol and a sharp weapon. They also stole chocolates from the store Girl comes in contact with high-tension wires, suffers burn injuries Cops address mediapersons in Ludhiana. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN before fleeing. A case under Sections 379-B(2), 380 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was earlier registered at the Sarabha Nagar police station on January 29. SHO Amrinder Singh said the interrogation of the suspects indicated that they had targeted the Apollo pharmacy store in Block E of BRS Nagar on the night of February 2. According to the police, the suspects looted Rs 10,000 in cash from the pharmacy 2 booked for making hole in jail bathroom Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Ludhiana, February 5 After coming in contact with high tension wires, a 10-year-old girl, Deepali, suffered severe burn injuries. She has been admitted to the Civil Hospital, Ludhiana. She sustained burns on her face too. When her mother heard her cries, she went upstairs and was shocked to see her daughter lying unconscious. The girl is studying in Class IV at a government school. Her father said she was standing on the rooftop, and her foot got caught in a kite string, which also came in contact with the high-tension wires. As a result, she received an electric shock. She was rushed to the Civil Hospital for treatment. store, snatched a kitbag containing Rs 5,500 and important documents from an employee working at the store and also took his mobile phone. The incident was captured in CCTV camera installed in the store. Subsequently, a case under Sections 392 of the IPC and 25 (7), 54 and 59 of the Arms Act was registered against them at the Sarabha Nagar police station. Further investigation in the case was underway. Ludhiana, February 5 A suspected plot for a jailbreak was thwarted when officials found a hole in the bathroom of the Ludhiana Central Jail. After getting information, two inmates have been booked for causing damages to the jail property. However, the exact reason behind making the hole will become clear after the interrogation of the suspects as the police would bring them on production warrant. Surinderpal Singh, Assistant Superintendent at the Central Jail, Ludhiana, filed a complaint at the Division Number 7 police station, stating that they came to know about the hole in the bathroom during an inspection at the jail. Inmates Prem Chand and Sarab had created the opening by removing around 10 bricks in the bathroom located in NB ward’s Barrack Number 5. Consequently, the suspects caused damages to the government property, he said. Meanwhile, an investigation is underway to determine the reason behind creating the hole and whether they were planning a jailbreak. A case under Sections 52-A of the Prisons Act and 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, has been registered at the Division Number 7 police station against them. Inspector Janak Raj at the Division Number 7 police station mentioned that the suspects will be brought on a production warrant on Tuesday. Subsequently, they would be interrogated to ascertain their intention and plans. Man killed, 2 hurt Man gets 20-yr jail for violating minor Residents hold protest againstimmigration firm as car rams into stationary truck Doraha, February 5 One occupant was killed while two others were injured when the car in which they were travelling in from Delhi to Ludhiana rammed into a stationary truck on a flyover on the national highway here early on Sunday morning. A case has been registered against the unidentified driver of the truck, who is yet to be traced. The taxi (bearing registration number HR 55 AF 9819) was coming from Delhi and going towards Ludhiana when it rammed into a stationary truck parked on the flyover of Doraha on Sunday morning. Of the six occupants, three got injured and were taken to SPS Hospital, where one of them succumbed to his injuries. The deceased has been identified as Mohit Kumar, a resident of Tappa in Bathinda. The injured are Jatin Verma and Deepak Kumar, who are also residents of Bathinda. Their condition is stated to be stable. Ludhiana, January 5 The Court of Additional Sessions Judge Amarjeet Singh has sentenced Rajpal, a resident of Chandigarh Road, here, to 20-year rigorous imprisonment (RI) under the POCSO Act on the accusation of raping a minor girl, who was staying on footpath. The accused was also ordered to pay Rs 1 lakh as fine for indulgence in such a heinous crime. The court has made it clear that the recovered fine amount would be paid as compensation to the 11-year-old victim. Pronouncing the verdict, the court held that the prosecution has successfully proved the charges against the accused. The court declined the plea of leniency raised by him. A case against the accused was registered on November 14, 2022, at Division No 7 police station on the complaint of a social activist, Sarmta Kaur, who is heading the Bandhu Helping Hand Foundation at Harcharan Nagar, near Samarala Chowk, here. The complainant had stated to the police that her organisation was engaged in the welfare of unemployed and destitute children. On the day of the incident, she went to distribute medicines and clothes among poor families staying on the footpath near Vishal Mega Mart on Chandigarh Road. When she was about to return, the girl came to her and said she wanted to talk to her in private. The girl said they were four sisters. Her mother had already expired and her father was a drunkard. One of her uncles, after consuming alcohol harasses them. A few days ago, he came in the night and forced her to swallow a pill, following which he sexually exploited her. The social activist approached the police and got registered an FIR in the matter. Later, the accused was arrested and put to trial. However, during the trial he pleaded innocence and claimed false implication in the case but convinced with prosecution evidence, the court found him guilty. — OC The ill-fated car that met with a mishap on a flyover in Doraha. As per the statement of the taxi driver, Sandeep Kumar, the truck driver had parked the truck on the road without any indication which resulted in the accident. A case under Sections 283, 304-A, 337 and 427 of the IPC has been registered against the unidentified truck driver. The search is on for the suspect, who is said to have parked his vehicle on the national highway without any indication,” Doraha SHO Rohit Kumar said. — OC Goods worth ~36L seized from house Mohali, February 5 The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chandigarh, seized goods worth Rs 36 lakh from the house of Surinder Kalra, a resident of Dugri, Ludhiana, under the NDPS Act on Sunday. Kalra fled to Dubai on November 18, 2022, after the arrest of Sandeep Singh Nijjer with 20.3 kg of heroin at Ludhiana on November 15, 2022, by the NCB. Kalra is a known associate of Akshay Chabra, a drug smuggler and kingpin in the NCB case. He is accused of running a hawala business in Dubai and suspected to be involved in illegal activities such as drug trafficking and hawala. — TNS c m y b Admn to hold 45 camps today Ludhiana, February 5 To deliver 44 types of services to the people at their doorsteps from February 6 in special camps under ‘AAP di Sarkar AAP de Dwar’ programme, Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney directed officials to ensure all necessary arrangements. She said a total of 45 camps would be held on Tuesday (February 6) in the district. Sawhney said the camps would be held under supervi- sion of SDMs and officials from various departments including Revenue, Sewa Kendras, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Social Security and Development of Women and Children, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Health, Water Supply and Sanitation, PSPCL, Rural Development and Panchayats, Food Supply Labour, Police and others will participate and solve grievances of the people at the spot. — TNS Tribune News Service Ludhiana, February 5 A group of people staged a protest against an immigration consultancy company on Link Road, here, on Monday. One of the protesters levelled allegations of fraud against the company, demanding justice from the district administration. Meanwhile, the police also reached the spot. Gurwinder Singh, one of the protesters from Mansa district, said he had filed a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, regarding the fraud committed by the company. He alleged that he had applied for a spouse visa, work permit for himself, and a study visa for his wife through the company. He claimed that they had paid Rs 15 lakh to the company. He alleged that the company had sent his wife to Canada. However, it had initially provided an offer letter mentioning fees of 19,900 Canadian dollars but only gave a receipt for 7,900 dollars. He also alleged that the company had not provided him with a work permit to date, thereby violating the agreement conditions. He said: “The company did not return our money. We demand justice from the administration.” Residents talk to a cop during protest in Ludhiana. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN
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