12052025-LT-01.qxd 5/12/2025 12:20 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune AGRI VARSITY, TECH INSTITUTE INK SMART FARMING PACT FILM INDUSTRY REMEMBERS ITS MAKEUP ARTIST VIKRAM B’WOOD VETERAN AMITABH BACHCHAN SALUTES ARMY Scripting a new chapter to bridge domains of agriculture and technology, PAU and BITS signed an MoU. P2 Film industry remembered its makeup artist Vikram Gaikwad who passed away in Mumbai on Saturday. P4 Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has expressed profound admiration for the Indian Army’s valour. P4 » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 37°C | MIN 23°C YESTERDAY MAX 37°C | MIN 22°C SUNSET MONDAY 7.07 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 5:30 AM » MONDAY | 12 MAY 2025 | LUDHIANA Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 11 Works under the 24x7 canalbased water supply project are going on in full swing. Though it took seven years for the project to start, the people are now hopeful that sooner or later 24x7 canalbased water supply will finally become a reality. The project is expected to do away with dependence on the groundwater. At present, the work of establishing a world class water treatment plant (WTP) is going on at Bilga village, near Sahnewal, and overhead water reservoirs are also being set up in different parts of the city under the project. A pipeline is also being installed for supplying treated surface water from the village to the city. The first phase of the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) funded canalbased water supply project is being taken up at a cost of around Rs 1,300 crore (civil works). The works will be The work for the laying of a pipeline in progress near the Jalandhar bypass. PHOTO: INDERJEET VERMA TO BE COMPLETED IN TWO PHASES The first phase of the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank funded canal-based water supply project is being taken up at a cost of around ~1,300 crore (civil works). These will be completed in two phases. completed in two phases. In the second phase, house service connections will be given with metering to ensure 24x7 canal-based water supply. It may take seven to eight years to complete the project but surface water supply might start in some parts of the city after completion of the first phase. A resident from Shimlapuri, Gurpreet Singh, said water table depletion was a cause of concern and the project should be turned into reality to save the city from the crisis. “Water contamination is another issue in many areas, which will be solved once the project gets completed,” he added. MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal said the project would help raise the underground water table, reduce incidences of water-borne diseases and also the financial burden of operating and maintaining existing tube wells would be reduced. “Regular meetings of the project monitoring committee (PMC) are being held and directions are being issued to expedite the work of laying supply lines from Bilga village to the city. Inspections are being conducted to take stock of the situation at the ground level and the contractor has been directed to expedite the works and ensure that there is no compromise with the quality of the same. OHSRs are also being constructed under the project in various parts of the city. As different departments are involved, regular meetings of the PMC are being held to improve coordination and expedite the works,” he said. Canal-based water supply will reduce the burden on tube well and plug the depletion of groundwater. There are around 1,000 tube wells from which the MC was supplying almost 550 million litres daily (MLD) to over 20 lakh people living within the city limits. Of these, over 100 tube wells are now lying defunct. State BJP chief Jakhar bats for Three nabbed for special economic package seeking ransom Meets drone attack in gangster’s name victims in city Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 11 At the all-party meeting held in Chandigarh on Saturday, which was attended by the Governor, the Chief Minister and representatives of all major political parties, state BJP chief Sunil Jakhar had raised the pressing need for a special economic package for Punjab, keeping in mind losses it had been facing due to its status as a border state, not only in current circumstances but also historically. Stating this during his visit to the DMCH here on Sunday to meet victims from Ferozepur who were injured in the recent shelling and drone attacks in a village, Jakhar emphasised the urgent need for collective action. “Given Punjab’s strategic location and the economic constraints it has faced over the years, especially in terms of disrupted trade, border-zone restrictions and heightened security risks, it is imperative that we now pursue a struc- tured and sustained form of Central support,” he said. The BJP leader specifically proposed that Punjab should be considered for a special status on the lines of what is extended to states such as Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh which would allow for long-term economic and developmental benefits. He said Punjab’s industries, agriculture, and border communities had endured unique hardships owing to its proximity with Pakistan. Trade routes remain limited, investment faces structural hesitation and farmers often bear the brunt of uncertainties. Our youth deserve opportunities equal to their potential - and that requires tailored assistance and affirmative policy intervention. In this regard, at the all-party meeting held in the presence of Governor and CM Bhagwant Mann in Chandigarh on Saturday, Jakhar had invited all parties on behalf of the BJP to joint, ly approach the Central Government for the special economic package. In the interest of Punjab, this suggestion was welcomed by all parties present and the Governor, reflecting a rare moment of political unity and shared commitment to the state’s future. He said in coming days, the state BJP would be actively engaging with the Central leadership to ensure that Punjab’s rightful case — for special status and assistance — is presented with clarity and conviction, so that the interests of our farmers, bizmen and youth were addressed with urgency. Speaking about the four-day Indo-Pak escalation, he saluted the Indian Army for thwarting air strikes befittingly and protecting air bases, besides other places of strategic importance. He also appreciated the people for standing strong in the difficult times. Mahesh Sharma Khanna, May 11 The police claimed to have arrested three members of a gang that has been involved in seeking ransom in the name of a notorious gangster. The suspects identified as Tirath Singh of Khanna city, Abhishek Kumar and Nihal of Peerkhana Road, Khanna, were arrested by the police from different places on Saturday. Khanna DSP Amritpal Singh Bhatti said police officials supervised by SSP Khanna, , Jyoti Yadav, had solved a case in which a city jeweller had received threat calls, demanding 1 kg of gold as ransom by a miscreant, posing as gangster Prema Shooter on Friday. Shrikant Verma had received a call about 12.45 pm on Friday from a caller, claiming to be Prema Shooter, who said he had received a con- tract to eliminate his (Verma’s) son and other family members in case they failed to pay 1 kg of gold as ransom. Threat calls were made from two phone numbers and the victim’s family was asked to place the gold on a bridge in front of a hotel in the city on the day of the incident. Having received information about the threat received by the jeweller, the police formed a SIT under the supervision of SSP Jyoti Yadav and the suspects were identified on the basis of probe made in connection with the calls made by the suspects. Preliminary probe revealed that there were three suspects and they had conducted a recce around the premises owned by the jeweller and also enquired details about members of his family before making the threat call for ransom on Friday. All suspects are unemployed. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN Works under 24x7 canal-based water Timely help could havesaved 2 children from drowning: Kin supply project going on in full swing The wailing grandfather and father of Gurjit, one of the victims, at the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana. Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 11 A tragic incident occurred on Sunday when two minor boys, aged 13 and 15 years, from Ram Das Nagar, who went to take a dip in the “clean” water near a ghat where water of Buddha Nullah flows on Tajpur Road, drowned. An event was held by AAP MP Balbir Singh Seechewal to show the water body had been cleaned in the area. Though Seechewal said it was not a “snan” event and they had gathered to thank the Almighty for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, eyewitnesses maintained that many of the volunteers and followers of the environmentalist took a dip in the water body and there was no check on small children, who were also going towards the Victims drowned near Buddha Nullah ghat during Seechewal’s function on Tajpur Road deep waters of the ghat. One of the family members of a deceased boy said ardaas were held and langar was served to the people. “The two children, Abhay and Gurjit, who were friends, also went to have langar and take a dip in the water but since there was no proper barricading, the children went towards the deep waters and drowned. Unfortunately, no immediate help was offered by organisers. Had there been a timely help, they could have been saved. After some time, divers were called in search of the boys and by the time they were taken out of the water body, they breathed their last,” rued a relative wishing not to be quoted. An industrialist, who has a dyeing unit on Tajpur Road, said near Balaji Pulley, Baba Seechewal and his volunteers had taken the task of cleaning the nullah and dairies were stopped from throwing cow dung into the water body. “To an extent, the stretch is cleaned. Seechewal had held a function on Sunday to take a dip in the clean Buddha Nullah stretch and ardaas was also held when the unfortunate incident occurred. There was a pall of gloom all over as a huge number of people had gathered during the event,” the industrialist said. Meanwhile, the volunteers of Seechewal also said it was not a “snan” event and that the people had gathered to take part in the Ardas held for the ceasefire between the two nations. Just another day for them This mother-daughter duo seems to be supporting each other as they sell clothes on a busy road in Ludhiana on Mother’s Day. TRIBUNE PHOTO: HIMANSHU MAHAJAN Life limping back to normalcy in city after ceasefire Four land in police Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 11 After about five days of tensions across the country due to conflicts between the country and Pakistan, life started inching back towards normalcy in the city. It was a sigh of relief this morning when residents woke up to usual conditions. After the days filled with panic, the residents looked calm and peaceful. Though it was Sunday today, most of the offices and business establishments were shut. However, markets were opened like any other day. A huge rush of visitors was seen in the markets in interior parts of the city. Chaura Bazaar, Mochpura, Gur Mandi, Books Market, etc, were again abuzz with activity with Several markets witnessed a huge rush in Ludhiana on Sunday. PHOTO: ASHWANI DHIMAN a good number of people visiting the shops on Sunday. Sonu Nilibar from the Cloth Merchant Association on Mall Road welcomed the ceasefire between the two countries and said the war was not like a cricket match. “Social media cannot assess the damage the war could do between the two nations. War means deaths, broken homes and lifelong grief, which none of the nations wanted. True strength is knowing that you can win and still choose peace. I truly believe that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a right call,” said Nilibar. Vishal Malhotra from Reboot, a restaurant on Pakhowal Road, said during these days, major bookings of parties and kitties were can- c m y b celled. “But on Sunday, we again got confirmations for bookings from several people. At the same time, many residents maintained that India could not trust the neighbouring country blindly. “History shows that Pakistan has always stabbed in the back. Though the ceasefire has been announced, India must not trust that nation blindly and the forces should remain on alert till the issue is resolved completely. Traders and the industry are facing financial losses due to the uncertain situation but country’s interests are the lone priority for every citizen,” said Sunil Mehra, president, Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal, here. One of the residents said she had to hold a birthday party of his son on Monday, which was cancelled due to the tense situation. “Now, we have decided to organise it,” said Reena, a resident. Officials relaxed but on alert Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain said there would not be any rest till the issue was resolved and all would remain on high alert. “But it was a little relaxing day on Sunday as compared to the past few days as there were no panic calls. But since we had announced to open offices, it was a working day,” he said. Commissioner of Police (CP) Swapan Sharma said the entire department was on toes in the past few days. “On Sunday, we were bit relaxed as no panic messages or calls were received from the public,” the CP said. dragnet with drugs Ludhiana, May 11 The police claimed to have nabbed four persons for allegedly possessing and distributing drugs and narcotics. Habit-forming tablets and 65 gm of heroin were recovered from the four suspects nabbed in three separate cases whereas a suspect, who was carrying a big can filled with illicit liquor, succeeded in fleeing the scene. The liquor was seized. Cases have been registered against the suspects. Police officials led by Satnam Singh of the PAU police station had nabbed Tejtinder Singh of the Baranhara locality when he was waiting in a deserted plot for delivering a consignment of 55 gm of heroin. Jaswinder Singh of the Division Number 8 police station said 10 gm of heroin was recovered from Sandeep of Haibowal. SI Ravinder Kumar of the Model Town police station claimed to have recovered habit-forming tablets from Sandeep Singh of Vishwakarma Colony and Maninder Singh of the Sant Vihar area. The Ladhowal police claimed to have identified a member of a gang distributing illicit liquor under the guise of supplying liquid products in cans. Though the suspect, Raj Kumar, succeeded in dodging the police, they recovered a can filled with liquor that was abandoned by the suspect while fleeing. It contained about 7.5 litres of liquor. — OC