12032024-LT-01.qxd 12-03-2024 01:00 Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune CONGRESS, AAP LEADERS LOCK HORNS OVER VENDS ANIMAL SMUGGLING RACKET BUSTED, 15 CATTLE RESCUED OPPENHEIMER DOMINATES AT 96TH ACADEMY AWARDS Tension erupted at Chhapar village when AAP activists asked vendors sitting in front of a park to shift their vends. P2 Malerkotla police claimed to have busted an inter-state cattle smuggling racket and rescued 15 bovines. P3 Christopher Nolan’s film Oppenheimer dominated the 96th Academy Awards as it took home seven trophies. P4 » » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 27°C | MIN 13°C YESTERDAY MAX 27°C | MIN 13°C SUNSET TUESDAY 6.33 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 6:39 AM TUESDAY | 12 MARCH 2024 | LUDHIANA Possibility of discharge of industrial effluent into sewer line: Centre’s panel It observes significant variation in BOD, COD, sulphate, chloride concentration in sewer samples GIASPURA GAS TRAGEDY Nitin Jain Tribune News Service Ludhiana, March 11 In what appears to be the incriminating evidence, the Centre’s joint probe panel has hinted at the possibility of discharge of industrial effluent into the sewer line at Giaspura here, where the sudden release of high concentration of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas from a roadside manhole on April 30 last had claimed 11 lives, including five of a family, and had left four injured. The Central joint committee, comprising senior functionaries of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Delhi, constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to conduct fresh independent probe into the Giaspura gas leak tragedy, has made this finding after observing significant variation in the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), sulphate and chloride concentration in sewer samples collected from manholes near investigation/ affected area and inlet to the sewage treatment plant (STP) located at Balloke to which the Giaspura sewer line was attached. In its 58-page inquiry report submitted before the NGT recently, a copy of which is with The Tribune, the joint probe panel submitted that it was evident that significant variation was observed in BOD, COD, sulphate and Release of toxic gas from a sewer line led to tragedy in Giaspura. FILE chloride concentration in sewer samples collected from manholes near investigation/ affected area and inlet to the said STP indicates possibility of discharge of industrial effluent in the sewer line. “A team from the CPCB carried out a visit to Giaspura on December 20, 2023, as directed by a joint committee to assess effluent generation process and their management in a few units randomly and also assess sewer connections of units/other premises around the affected area,” it revealed. Sharing the observations made by the CPCB team, the probe panel divulged that four red category units were selected from 200-m to 500-m radius upstream of the adjacent affected area of the gas leak and these were visited to verify effluent generation and its treatment mechanism. “At the time of the inspection, these units were found in operation. These are members of the CETP The team observed that . effluent generation through pre-post rinsing wastewater after plating/ acid bath is collected in effluent storage collection tanks provided by these units on their premises and the same is lifted by the CETP through GPS-enabled tankers after online booking by the units. These are small units mainly engaged in the job and the quantum of effluent generation is less,” it noted. Submitting that based on records provided by the units as well as the CETP operator for one year from April 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023, no discrepancy was found, the Central joint committee reported that the amount of water consumption as reflected in water meters installed by the units was found in synchronisation with the effluent lifted by the CETP operator as per verification made from the records as well as manifest data. “As per consent, domestic effluent is permitted to be discharged into sewer,” it stated while noting that most of the units located in the region were white category machining units and were exempted from consent management. The inquiry report further submitted that the inspection of three white category units located upstream of the gas leak site had also been carried out to see engaged activities. “These units are mostly engaged in dry work i.e. trading of iron parts, welding, fabrication and machining of auto parts,” it revealed while stat- ing that the domestic effluent/ rainwater was discharged through houdis (vents) into the branch sewer line from these units and drainage pipe was provided at the personal houdi of white category units for discharge of rainwater. “Since the white category units are also engaged in machining works of iron parts, fine iron particles in powder form may enter the sewer line along with domestic effluent/ storm water through floor cleaning as well as hand washing from these units,” the Centre’s joint panel observed while stating that the area was crowded with residential establishments of migrant labourers, who work in industries. At the upstream of the tragedy point, there were a lot of dormitory type establishments, which were called vehras in local terms. In these small dormitories, many families live in a small area. The experts visited three residential establishments at the branch sewer line upstream of the gas leak site. In one residential establishment, around 20 persons were found residing in a plot of 150 sq yards and in another establishment of about 180 sq yards, nearly 50 persons were found residing. A cluster of meat shops exists at the upstream area of the affected site. Further, there were many tiny shops in the upstream area. During the visit to two commercial establishments as well as three residential establishments located at around 40 m to 200 m radius upstream of the affected area, toilets as well as houdis were verified and P-traps/ water seal traps were found at all Indian/ western toilets and observed houdis, except on the affected premises. “All these establishments were connected to the branch sewer line through a closed houdi and the branch sewer line was further connected to the Sua Road main sewer line,” the probe panel reported. NGT was, however, yet to take up the report. Earlier, the NGT had on October 13 last “rejected” the report of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) chairman-led joint inquiry committee, while terming it “not convincing” and had ordered a fresh independent probe into the sudden release of high concentration of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas from a roadside manhole in Giaspura here on April 30 last, which had claimed 11 lives, including five of a family, and had left four injured. PPCB gave clean chit to polluting industries The eight-member fact-finding joint committee, headed by PPCB chairman Adarsh Pal Vig, had concluded in its report, which had earlier been “rejected” by the NGT, that the actual causes of the incident are “very difficult” to establish, while giving a “clean chit” to the polluting industries on the ground that “no polluting industry was responsible for the incident”. The PPCB had submitted the 397-page voluminous report to the NGT on October 11 last, after conducting the inquiry for over five months. NGT took suo motu notice Taking a suo motu notice of continued on page 2 Jewellery shop vandalised by AAP leader, kin in Sidhwan Bet Recent CCTV grab shows politician carrying rifle outside showroom Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, March 11 An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader along with his brother and other accomplices vandalised a jewellery shop at Sidhwan Bet here. The jeweller alleged that suspects resorted to the crime as part of a conspiracy to get the shop vacated as he is a tenant at the shop. Not only this, the AAP leader even broke decorations, lights and CCTV cameras and took away DVRs along with him. The Sidhwan Bet police yesterday registered a case against three persons, including AAP leader Balkar Singh, his brother Balraj Singh and Parminder Singh, all residents of Sidhwan Bet, and some unidentified persons under various sections of the IPC. The victim, Praveen Verma, said he runs a jewellery shop in the name of Sardar Jewellers near PNB Bank in Sidhwan Bet. Some years ago, he had taken the shop on rent from Jagdev Singh, father of the key accused, Balkar Singh. Regarding the shop, a court case between Balkar and him was going on in court. For the past sometime, the AAP leader had been threatening him to vacate the shop. The complainant alleged that a few days ago, the AAP leader came outside his shop, brandished a .12 bore rifle and threatened him to vacate the shop. He also threatened to kill him if he did not vacate the shop. He had complained to the police in this regard several times and even a CCTV footage of the suspect carrying a weapon was also given to the police but due to his political influence, the police did not take any action The vandalised jewellery shop at Sidhwan Bet; and (below) a recent CCTV grab of the AAP leader carrying a rifle outside the shop. against the AAP leader. The complainant further alleged that on the night of March 10, Balkar along with his accomplices vandalised his shop. Light fittings, decorations, CCTV cameras, etc, were broken in the shop, hence causing damages worth lakhs. The suspects also reportedly stolen some gold ornaments from the shop. The complainant alleged that Balkar ‘s brother Balraj had fled to Canada after committing the crime. Investigating officer ASI Nasib Chand said after receiving a complaint, the police registered a case under Sections 380 (theft in dwelling house, etc), 456 (punishment for lurking house trespass, house breaking by night ), 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty), 506 (criminal intimidation), 120B (criminal conspiracy) against the three suspects and some unidentified persons. The ASI said raids were being conducted to nab them. When asked if one of the suspects went to Canada, he said Balraj had come from Canada but it was not clear yet if he went abroad or not. Arrest suspects, says Cong leader Sandhu Senior Congress leader Capt Sandeep Sandhu said after the incident, the complainant had also contacted him and alleged that the police were not taking action. He also talked to the SSP Ludhiana , (rural) and urged him to register a case. Though the case was registered, the police were yet to nab the suspects. He would extend all possible help to the victim if the police fail to deliver justice. He said such AAP leaders were resorting to lawlessness in the area and the Congress would stand against such incidents. Youths resort to hooliganism in Shivaji Nagar MLA Pappi kick-starts 11 projects worth ~2.84 cr to strengthen water supply infra Tribune News Service Ludhiana, March 11 Two groups indulged in a clash at Shivaji Nagar, pelted stones and bricks at each other in broad daylight on Sunday. Panic spread in the locality due to the hooliganism. The suspects were captured in CCTV cameras brandishing sharp weapons. As per information, initially both groups indulged in heated arguments in the area and later, they pointed sharp Brandishing sharp weapons, suspects pelted stones, bricks at each other weapons at each other. The miscreants even told residents of the area not to make videos of the incident else threatened them of dire consequences. However, some people made videos from rooftops of their houses which went viral on social media. When the police reached the scene, the suspects fled the scene. Earlier, there had been a clash between two groups on Mahashivratri. But the people had shooed away both groups from the area. BJP leader Gurdev Sharma Debi said frequent gang wars were occurring in the Central constituency and four such incidents took place in the past few weeks in which two groups had come face to face. Residents were living under fear due to such clashes in the area. He said on Friday, two groups had clashed at the same place. Yesterday, again around 25 persons belonging to two groups had come with sharp weapons to kill each other. The police should catch the miscreants and put them behind the bars. Meanwhile, the Police Division 3 launched a probe and checking videos to identify the miscreants. So far, no complaint was received from any group. Tribune News Service Ludhiana, March 11 With an aim to strengthening the water supply infrastructure, Ludhiana Central MLA Ashok Prashar Pappi kick-started 11 projects worth Rs 2.84 crore in different wards of the constituency on Monday. These included projects to install new water supply lines and tube wells to streamline supply of potable water. Speaking about the projects kick-started on Monday, Prashar said these included the projects to install new tube wells in Ganesh Nagar, near Islamia School, Qila Mohalla and near Nathu Ram Jal Ghar (near Hanuman Mandir). Further, projects have also been commenced to install water supply lines in the Dhokka Mohalla, Civil hospital road, Sikandri road in Khud Mohalla, Rai Bahadur road, Shankar Puri, Dhai Marla colony and Basant Bagh, Madrasi Camp and Jilt Wali Gali areas. The projects will prove beneficial for residents in ward (old wards) 54, 55, 56, 59, 60 and 62 and adjoining areas. The MLA said residents were facing trouble even in the supply of potable water. He said projects worth crores were being taken up in the Ludhiana Central constituency and more projects would be kickstarted in coming days. Four booked for Counter cameras installed at Suvidha Kendra Five arrested for Move will stop attacking cops interference of agents, planning dacoity Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Ludhiana, March 11 The City Jagraon police yesterday registered a case against four persons who allegedly attacked police officials on duty in Jagraon. The suspects have been identified as Bittu Singh, a resident of Rani Wala Khoo, Jagraon, Arman of Jagraon, Sachin of Ajit Nagar, Jagraon, and Arshdeep Singh of Kothe Athchak, Jagraon. The complainant, ASI Balraj Singh, said on the night of March 9, when he was discharging his duty in Jagraon, he received a call from senior constable Sukhvir Singh, who informed that several youths have gathered at Hargobindpura mohalla in Jagraon and they were disturbing law and order in the city. To prevent a clash, he, along with Sukhvir, and another policeman rushed to the scene, the ASI said. He said when they were trying to pacify the youths, one of them attacked him with an iron rod. Later, he was identified as Bittu. Afterwards, other youths also attacked the police team and obstructed them from performing duty. Besides registering a case under Sections 353 and 186 of the IPC, the police also added Section 160, IPC, to the FIR. Ludhiana, March 11 With an aim to stop the interference of agents in Suvidha Kendras, counter cameras are being installed by the Municipal Corporation (MC) in the kendras. Initially, the cameras have been installed at the Suvidha Kendra of the MC’s Zone D office. The move also aims to encourage residents to get their works done in the Suvidha Kendras by themselves. Now, only applicants or their family members are allowed to submit applications and pictures of the applicants, captured through the counter cameras, would also be printed on receipts. encourage residents to get works done by themselves Counter cameras installed at a MC Suvidha Kendra in Ludhiana. MC Zonal Commissioner Jasdev Singh Sekhon said the cameras had also been installed on the directions c m y b of MC Commissioner Sandeep Rishi. Through the move, the civic body wants to stop the interference of agents. Sekhon also appealed to residents to get their works done at the kendras by themselves and support the civic body in stopping ‘corrupt’ practices. To stop the interference of agents, the MC Commissioner had also issued an order in the recent past wherein staff of Suvidha Kendras were directed to accept applications only when applicants or their family members visit the kendras. Tribune News Service Ludhiana, March 11 The Moti Nagar police yesterday arrested five persons who were planning to commit a dacoity. The suspects have been identified as Ankush, alias Lala, of Kirti Nagar, Ashu Kumar, alias Baba, of Moti Nagar, Kamal of Kirti Nagar, Vishak and Ajay Kumar. Investigating officer ASI Jatinder Singh said yesterday he along with the police party was patrolling in Moti Nagar during which a tip-off was received that the suspects, who were running a gang of robbers, were planning to commit a dacoity at some place in the city. Following which, the police team conducted a raid and nabbed the miscreants. The police seized 11 mobile phones, three scooters and three swords from them. The ASI said now, the police remand of the suspects would be sought to inquire about their role in past robbery and snatching incidents. A case has been registered.
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