31102025-LT-01.qxd 10/31/2025 12:54 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune EVERY JAIL INMATE ENTITLED TO FREE LEGAL AID, SAYS JUDGE HOW TO CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN 2025 IN TRUE SPOOKY STYLE! DHALIWAL’S EFFORTS PUT STATE ON NATIONAL BASKETBALL MAP As general secretary of the PBA, Teja Singh Dhaliwal played a crucial role in promoting sport in region. P3 Every jail inmate has right to free legal aid under Constitution, said Judge Harpreet Kaur Randhawa.P2 If loud music, laughter & devilish fun are your idea of Halloween, Sec 26’s 26 Boulevard is haunt for you. P4 » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 32°C | MIN 17°C YESTERDAY MAX 32°C | MIN 17°C SUNSET FRIDAY 5.37 PM SUNRISE SATURDAY 6:35 AM » FRIDAY | 31 OCTOBER 2025 | LUDHIANA Farm fire cases may see spike Canal banks still cluttered as post-Chhath Puja celebrations clean-up moves slowly in coming weeks, say experts Irrigation Department acknowledges gaps, assures restoration soon District has recorded 18 incidents this year so far Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 30 While the agencies concerned have started registering cases against farm fire incidents occurring across the state, the district has recorded 18 cases of farm fires this year so far. As compared to the past two years, the cases are low. At the same time, experts at the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) suggest that the next 15-20 days were crucial when the state would see a spike in cases of farm fires from all corners. As per data available with the PPCB, in 2023, 53 farm fires were reported from the district on October 30 while in 2024, it was nil on the specific day. However, one case of farm fire was reported from the district on Thursday. At the same time, from September 15-October 30 in 2023, a total of 277 incidents of farm fires were reported from the district while these came One case of farm fire was reported from the district on Thursday. FILE down to 48 in 2024 in the period. But this year, there are only 18 cases of farm fires in the district till date. Nodal Officer Amritpal Singh said as compared to the past two years, less number of farm fires were reported from the district. “The harvesting starts late here. At the same time, the next 15-20 days would be crucial when more incidents of farm fires will be reported from all over and there could be a spike in the cases. But we are monitoring the issue carefully and are strict on the same,” he said. In 2023, till October 30, 6,284 farm fires were reported in the state while in 2024, the figure came down to 2,466 and this year, the number has further declined to 1,418. One of the farmers, Surdul Singh, from Lalton, said many farmers resist burning stubble openly due to repercussions of registration of FIRs. “But the government should provide easy and viable ways to get away with the stubble to curb the menace,” he said. Missing youth’s body found on roadside Mahesh Sharma Ludhiana, October 30 The Salem Tabri police have initiated a probe into murder of a youth who was reported missing since Monday and his body was recovered in a gunny bag dumped alongside the Kasabad-Noorwala road on Thursday. The deceased was identified as Suraj Kumar, alias Manoj (24), at present staying in Ludhiana. He used to stitch buttons at a readymade garment factory here. Though the police are yet to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the murder, his illicit relationship with a colleague is suspected to be the reason behind the murder. Perusal of an FIR registered at the Salem Tabri police station under various sections of the BNS revealed that Suraj had gone missing on Monday and his family had come to know about his murder when they identified the body recovered by the police on Thursday. Deceased’s brother Ash- wani Kumar, on whose statement the police had registered a murder case against unidentified persons, has now accused the husband of a colleague of the victim of committing the murder. The accused, yet to be named in the FIR, suspected that his wife and the victim had developed an illicit relationship while working together in the factory. The complainant alleged that the suspect had developed a fake friendship with Suraj with an ulterior motive of killing him. He sent his wife to his native village and called Suraj to his home on the pretext of having drinks. It is suspected that the victim was served some drug-laced drinks and then attacked with sharp weapons. The investigating police, led by SHO Harashveer, are yet to declare the identity of the prime suspect and his accomplice, if any. The police have seized two gunny bags, an electric wire and a plastic tub from near the body, which has been kept at the mortuary for autopsy. Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 30 Days after the Chhath Puja celebrations concluded, the clean-up efforts have begun along various stretches of the Sidhwan Canal. But the work is far from complete. While areas near Gill Road and Sarabha Nagar have been cleared of ritual waste, other stretches, especially near Ayali Kalan and Pakhowal Road still bear the remnants of the festivities. Banana leaves, disposable plates, leftover food and puja materials continue to litter canal banks. In several spots, diyas and plastic packaging remain scattered, painting a picture of neglect after devotion. “The rituals were performed with fervour but the aftermath is troubling,” said Neha Sharma, a resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. “The canal near our area is still covered with waste. The clean-up has started but it’s slow and uneven,” she said. Organising committees have taken the lead in initiating the clean-up, deploying volunteers and coordinating with sanitation workers. “We began the process the very next morning,” said Mukesh Kumar, a member of one of the Chhath Puja committees. “Our volunteers collected biodegradable offerings but managing plastic and synthetic waste requires municipal support,” he said. The Irrigation Department, which oversees canal maintenance, acknowledged gaps and assured full restoration soon. “The process to clean the major stretches have begun and expectantly, the remaining areas will be cleaned by the weekend. Notices are being sent to the organising committees. Coordination with local organisers has Remnants of items used during Chhath Puja littered along the Sidhwan Canal. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN ENVIRONMENTALISTS RAISE CONCERNS ■ Environmentalists have raised concerns about the long-term impact of ritual waste on water bodies ■ Process to clean major stretches have begun and the remaining areas likely to be cleaned by the weekend ■ Residents and activists are urging the authorities concerned to deploy more manpower and ensure timely waste disposal helped but some areas need more attention,” said Aakash Aggarwal, Executive Engineer of the department. Environmentalists have raised concerns about the long-term impact of ritual waste on water bodies. “While biodegradable items such as banana leaves and diyas are part of tradition, use of plastic plates and synthetic decorative items is harmful,” said Dr Meenakshi Verma. “It’s disheartening to see the canal side littered with puja waste. Water should offer a refreshing sight but instead, it presents a picture of neglect and indifference,” said Anjali Sabharwal, a local resident who visits the canal daily for morning walk. Senior citizens, who have witnessed the Chhath celebrations evolve over decades, say the spirit of the festival must be matched with civic responsibility. “Earlier, we used to clean up ourselves after rituals,” said Ram Prasad, a 70-year-old devotee. “Now, it has been left to the authorities, that’s not the way it should be,” he said. Despite the partial clean-up, canal’s many stretches remain cluttered. Residents and activists are urging the authorities to deploy more manpower and ensure timely waste disposal. Unemployment, family conflicts, easy drug availability Floods: Weeks on, Dhoka Mohalla residents await compensation major reasons for addiction among youngsters Manav Mander Tribune News Service Family members of many victims are trying hard to help them overcome situation ONLY 10 BEDS AVAILABLE AT CENTRE Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 30 Twenty-nine-year-old Rajan (name changed), who is hearing and speech impaired, has been taking drugs for the past seven years. His mother has been running from pillar to post to help him overcome the addiction. Worried about his future, she fears that if something happens to her, her other two sons may harm Rajan as he often picks fights with them under the influence of intoxicants. “If the government had controlled the drug menace, I would not have been sitting here at the de-addiction centre. Drugs are easily available in Salem Tabri and nearby areas,” she lamented. At the 10-bed de-addiction centre at the Civil Hospital, only hardcore addicts are admitted while others are treated in the daily OPD. One of the staff members there said: “You can’t imagine the kind of cases we receive here. Since we can accommodate only 10 patients, others are prescribed medicines and At the 10-bed de-addiction centre at the Civil Hospital, only hardcore addicts are admitted while others are treated in the daily OPD. One of the staff members there said: “You can’t imagine the kind of cases we receive here. Since we can accommodate only 10 patients, others are prescribed medicines and called for follow-ups. Looking at the situation, the centre should have at least 20 to 30 beds.” A drug addict wipes the tears of his mother as she narrates her son's condition, at a de-addiction centre in Ludhiana. called for follow-ups. Looking at the situation, the centre should have at least 20 to 30 beds.” Taufeek (name changed), a 24-year-old youth, came to the centre accompanied by his sister. “I am fine now,” he said confidently, adding that “but around 6 pm, my body starts aching till I get alcohol. I can’t rest till I’ve had six to eight quarters.” His sister, with tears rolling down her cheeks, said: “He earns money as a daily wager but whatever he gets is spent on liquor. He doesn’t want food — only alcohol.” Another old couple from Haibowal brought their 35year-old son to the centre. The mother said he was unable to speak and act on his own due to the influence of drugs. “He has three children but his wife has been staying with her parents in Dasuya for the past six years. He remains under the influence of drugs all the time,” she said helplessly. Easy availability of drugs, unemployment and conflicts among families have emerged as major reasons for the growing addiction among the youth in the region. Peer pressure, though present, is a relatively smaller factor. A doctor at the de-addic- c m y b tion centre, requesting anonymity, said the easy availability of heroin remains the biggest concern. “Though we receive patients addicted to alcohol, cannabis or sleeping pills, most of the youths — especially between 20 and 40 years of age — are hooked to heroin. It causes severe judgment impairment and emotional numbness. When deprived, the addicts become violent, steal money or even try to escape from the centre,” the doctor explained. He said much more needs to be done to curb the menace. “While in cities, the younger population is suffering, in rural areas even middle-aged individuals are falling prey to drugs,” he said. Ludhiana, October 30 Weeks after black floodwater along with the slush from the overflowing Buddha Nullah entered homes in Dhoka Mohalla, residents continue to wait for the compensation promised by visiting officials and politicians. Despite initial damage assessments, no follow-up action has been taken, leaving families in distress and businesses in financial ruin. During the floods, 2–3 feet of contaminated water submerged homes, destroying furniture, electronics, documents and daily essentials. The stench still lingers and so does the silence from the administration. “All my belongings — bed, sofa, chairs — were ruined. Even my electronic items are gone,” said Hardeep Singh, a resident whose home was among the worst affected. “Officials came, took details and left. Nothing has happened since then,” he said. Shanti Devi, another resident, echoed the frustration. “All our belongings were destroyed. Important papers got soiled. The entire ration and grocery items got damaged. Politicians only come to see us — they don’t take action,” she said. A biker passes through a waterlogged road in Dhoka Mohalla. FILE The area, densely populated by working-class families, bore the brunt of the floods. Many residents say they’ve been neglected for years. “I’ve lived here for seven years. Nothing has improved,” said Sujata, adding that “We don’t belong to the area but we stay here due to work.” Dilashhad, another local resident, said: “Politicians come only during elections or after everything gets destroyed in floods. We need a proper solution, not just sympathy.” A boutique owner said her entire stock was ruined. “Not only my material but my customers’ orders also got destroyed. They’re asking me to compensate. From where I should give the money? Boutique is my only source of income.” Residents recall how offi- cials had visited the area soon after the floods, assuring compensation and clean-up. Damage assessment teams were seen taking notes and photographs but no relief has reached the victims so far. Activists are now urging the administration to release compensation funds and initiate long-term flood-mitigation plans. “It is not the first time the Buddha Nullah has overflowed,” said a volunteer, adding “but it’s time the city stopped treating these residents as invisible.” As Dhoka Mohalla waits for relief, the question remains — Will promises translate into action or the damages will be followed by another bureaucratic neglect? Meanwhile, MLA Central Ashok Prashar and DC Himanshu Jain were unavailable for comments.