16062025-ATR-01.qxd 6/15/2025 10:58 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MID-DAY MEAL WORKERS WANT HIKE IN REMUNERATION CROWD AT MALL CAUSES TRAFFIC JAM IN AMRITSAR SIMRIT’S NATURE-INSPIRED SOLO SHOW BLENDS SERENITY The Mid-day Meal Workers’ Union flayed the state government for not accepting their demands. P2 A dinosaur-themed amusement show led to a massive traffic jam on Sunday evening. P2 Simrit Luthra's exhibition is presented by Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi in collaboration with Chd Tourism. P4 » » » MAX 42°C | MIN 30°C YESTERDAY MAX 42°C | MIN 30°C SUNSET MONDAY 7.20 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 5.23 AM MONDAY | 16 JUNE 2025 | AMRITSAR Illegal sand mining goes unchecked in Ajnala as admn looks other way Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Ahead of the start of maternal health care services at Aam Aadmi Clinics, a workshop for medical officers was organised in Amritsar on Sunday. Aam Aadmi Clinics to provide maternal health care facilities Amritsar, June 15 A training programme was conducted for medical officers of Aam Aadmi Clinics, as per the orders of the Punjab Government to equip the doctors with specialized knowledge on maternal healthcare, enabling them to provide comprehensive care to pregnant mothers. As per government orders, maternal health and new natal care facilities would be made available at all Aam Aadmi Clinics from the next week. Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said all treatment required for pregnant women would now be made available at all 72 clinics in the district from June 23. She highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating that the Aam Aadmi Clinics will now be able to offer free check-ups, tests, and treatment to pregnant women. The move is expected to improve healthcare outcomes for mothers and reduce maternal mortality rates, she said. Civil Surgeon Dr Kirandeep Kaur provided detailed information about the training programme, emphasizing that medical officers will receive specialized training on high-risk pregnancies, anemia, hypertension, diabetes, previous cesarean sections, twin pregnancies, and other serious conditions. The primary objective of this training is to reduce maternal deaths and ensure that preg- nant women receive timely and effective care, she said. The training will enable Aam Aadmi Clinics to provide antenatal care, including free tests, medicines, and ultrasounds, close to the homes of pregnant women. This will eliminate the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment, making healthcare more accessible and convenient. District Family Welfare Officer Dr Neelam Bhagat, District Immunization Officer Dr Bharti Dhawan, and Dr Chinki Thakural, a specialist in women’s diseases, led the training programme. The event was attended by District MIO Amardeep Singh and other medical staff. — TNS Amritsar, June 15 The illegal sand mining in the Ravi river belt in Ajnala and Ramdas area continues unabated while the Punjab Government and the district administration look the other way, if the recent instances are anything to go by. On Saturday, the Mining Department found two huge pits from Khanwal village in Ajnala from where the sand was excavated. Following a complaint lodged by Abhishek Sharma, Mining Inspector, Amritsar Drainage Sub Division here, the Amritsar rural police have registered an FIR against unknown persons after he along with other officials found around 126,000 cubic feet sand excavated from huge pit measuring 126 X 50 X 20 square feet in Khanwal village in Ajnala subdivision. The team also found another pit measuring 168 X 136 X 18 feet nearby. The team also impounded a vehicle being used for excavating and transporting the illegally dug-out sand. The Mining Department on Friday found two huge pits from Khanwal village in Ajnala from where the sand was excavated. FILE PHOTO The raid was conducted following a complaint filed by several local residents on the online portal. In another incident, the Ramdas police also recovered a goods carrier (PB05-Y-7077) carrying sand illegally and a case was registered a case against unknown driver in this regard. Similarly, on Thursday, Mining Department officials raided Fattewal village in Ajnala wherein they found a Garbage mess irks Putligarh-Gawal Mandi residents Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 15 Heaps of garbage lie strewn at places across the stretch from Putligarh to Gawal Mandi Chowk. Garbage heaps have turned one of the city’s busiest commercial areas into a stinking mess, drawing criticism from traders, residents and daily visitors. Despite the fact that the area is a commercial hub with hundreds of shops being visited by thousands of people every day, sanitation services remain woefully inadequate. Traders in the area say the situation has worsened over the past two weeks. Heaps of waste, single use plastic carry bags, plastic wrappers, food leftovers and vegetable waste can be seen lying in the middle of the road, making the movement of com- While prominent roads and government office surroundings are cleaned on a priority basis, commercial and market areas, especially those like Gawal Mandi, are being neglected. “The irony is that this market contributes significant revenue through taxes and commercial activity, yet we are ignored when it comes to providing basic civic services, said Rajinder, another shopkeeper. Visitors too expressed their disappointment. Rachna, who came from Chheharta to shop for a party, said, “It’s disgusting. The foul smell hits you the moment you enter the market. This is not the kind of experience people expect in a prominent city like Amritsar.” However, until concrete steps are taken, shopkeepers and residents say they will continue to suffer amid the filth and foul air. dump of 1,280 cubic feet of sand, a Tata truck which was parked in a nearby house of the spot. Though the police have registered a case, further investigations are still in progress. Ratan Singh Randhawa, a prominent leader of the Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, said just like tall and hollow claims over eradication of rampant drug abuse in the border state, illegal sand mining under the political shelter is also a reality. It continues unabated just like in the past. “Nothing has changed at the ground while illegal sand mining in the river belt and many villages in the border belt is a harsh reality nobody can deny. A visit to the Ajnala and Ramdas will expose the hollow claims of the Punjab Government,” he said. Last year in October 2024, a joint task force of the Mining Department and the Punjab Police busted illegal sand mining operations in Ajnala. The raid was monitored in the real-time in Chandigarh via body-worn cameras enabling senior officials at the headquarters to oversee the entire operation remotely. The raid was conducted at Dhangai village in Ajnala. The raiding parties had confiscated an excavator involved in illegal mining. However, after that no such operations were carried out. Property tax camp organised Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 15 In an effort to provide ease and relief to taxpayers, the Amritsar Municipal Corporation’s Property Tax Department organised a joint recovery camp for the Central and South constituencies at Mishri Bazaar here on Saturday. The initiative was held under the directions of MC Commissioner Gulpreet Singh Aulakh, supervision of Joint Commissioner Surinder Singh and Secretary Sushant Bhatia, with on-ground command managed by Superintendent Raj Kumar. The camp aimed to facilitate taxpayers under the Punjab Government’s one-time settlement (OTS) scheme, which waives off penalties and interest on property tax dues. Residents and shopkeepers from nearby areas A property tax camp underway at Mishri Bazar in Amritsar. participated and availed of the benefits by clearing their outstanding dues. According to officials, a total amount of Rs 1,80,743 was collected and deposited into the municipal corporation’s account during the camp. This includes contributions from both commercial and residential property holders. The recovery drive was efficiently managed by Inspector Sita Ram and Tarsem Sahota, supported by the recovery staff from the Central and South constituencies. Ward in-charges Lakhwinder Singh, Baljit Singh, Bhupinder Singh, Gurvinder Singh, and Pradeep Shori were also present to ensure smooth coordination and outreach in their respective areas. MC officials said such camps would continue to be held across the city to encourage voluntary compliance. Punjabi diaspora in US to make documentary on Armed assailants Ghadar movement, its founder Sohan Singh Bhakna rob truck at gunpoint Three held with 912 gm heroin A garbage heap lies in the middle of a road from Putligarh to Gawal Mandi Chowk in Amritsar on Sunday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR muters difficult, besides being a health hazard. “Customers hesitate to enter the market because of the stink and unhygienic conditions. Despite repeated complaints to the municipal corporation, no permanent solution has been provided. Garbage is not being lifted regularly,” said Ashwani, a shopkeeper at Gawal Mandi Chowk. The poor condition of garbage collection vehicles of the municipal corporation is a major reason for the mess. Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 15 A section of the Punjabi diaspora in the US’s North Portland has announced to film a documentary on the Ghadar movement and its founder Sohan Singh Bhakna, whose image will also appear in the community-painted mural. After Amritsar Tribune highlighted the condition of memorial, library set up by Sohan Singh at his native village Bhakna, a release, mailed from the US by the Peninsula Odd Fellows Lodge, stated that it is undertaking the initiative to depict the epoch-making event in the 35’x83’ community-painted mural to honour the diverse and influential figures who have shaped North Portland’s history. Founded in 1895, the Peninsula Odd Fellows Lodge, which The Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna memorial at Bhakna village near Amritsar. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR also houses a museum depicting local history, has been a cornerstone of the North Portland community, providing support through charitable initiatives and preserving local history. The release stated that the artwork will feature prominent individuals whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the community. Among other notable leaders, honorees “Most of the garbage-lifting vehicles of solid waste management company are lying defunct. Only a few tippers are operational, and they are being diverted to clean only the main city roads,” said a MC worker in area. include Dr Merriman, Oregon’s first Black physician, William Killingsworth, a key figure in the building of numerous North Portland landmarks, Hattie Redmond, a Black suffragist whose leadership was instrumental in securing voting rights for women in Oregon, Thomas Monahan, a trolley car conductor turned civil servant, and Shohan Singh Bhakna who helped found the Ghadar movement after an anti-immigrant mob tried to forcibly expel Punjabi workers from St. Johns. Community volunteers will begin painting the mural on July 26 to honour the diverse and influential figures who have shaped North Poland’s history. Community volunteers will begin painting the mural on July 26 at the First Annual Unity in the community celebration. Oregon Public c m y b Broadcasting will be present at the celebrations, filming for an upcoming documentary on the Ghadar movement and its leader Sohan Singh Bhakna. It stated that Navdeep is a writer and professor, and the son of Pashaura Singh Dhillon, who was raised by Sohan Singh Bhakna, will be present to launch the painting of Bhakna’s image. It stated that their goal with this mural is to foster community pride and spark interest in North Portland’s rich and diverse history to preserve and celebrate for generations to come. The project to make mural becomes even more special due to its inclusive approach. The project will involve community volunteers, including students, local artists, and residents eager to participate. POLICE REGISTER A CASE ■ The victim Punma Ram of Bikaner, along with the conductor, was returning home when the incident took place. He told the police that yesterday, after unloading the material at DC Brick Kiln in Rayya, they reached near Tarn Taran-Jandiala bypass. He procured a bottle of water from there. When he came back to his truck, four armed persons forcibly entered the vehicle and after pointing a pistol at him. The police have registered a case. Amritsar, June 15 A truck driver and conductor were robbed of their truck by armed assailants from Jandiala Guru area here last night. The victim Punma Ram of Bikaner, along with the conductor, was returning home when the incident took place. He told the police that yesterday, after unloading the material at DC Brick Kiln in Rayya, they reached near Tarn TaranJandiala bypass. He procured a bottle of water from there. When he came back to his truck, four armed persons forcibly entered the vehicle and after pointing a pistol at him. He said they asked him to drive the truck and after a few kilometers, was asked to stop. They later pushed him down and took away the truck. He said when they tried to resist, the accused fired at him. Jandiala Guru police have registered a case on the charges of attempt to murder, robbery and armed act against unknown assailants. Further probe was on to identify the robbers, the police said. — TNS Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 15 The Gate Hakima police have arrested three persons with 912gm heroin and a pistol of .32 bore calibre from their possession. They were identified as Vikramjit Singh, alias Bika, and Satbir Singh, both residents of Guru Nanakpura in Islamabad area, and Kulwinder Singh, alias Kaka, of Ghanupur Kale in Chheharta. Sharing details, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishaljit Singh said the police had arrested Vikramjit Singh Satbir Singh a few days ago with 912 gm of contraband from Chabal road area. The police had also impounded their bike on the spot. Following their interrogation, the duo revealed that they used to procure the drugs from Kulwinder Singh of Ghanupur Kale.