24112025-LT-01.qxd 11/24/2025 12:16 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune PAU REITERATES SUPPORT FOR GREEN INNOVATIONS OVER 1,500 TAKE PART IN AVACOR 10K RUN Ludhiana Runners Club organised the 5th Avacor Ludhiana 10 km Run at the PAU on Sunday. P3 MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 24°C | MIN 7°C YESTERDAY MAX 24°C | MIN 8°C MANISH MALHOTRA STEPS INTO FILMMAKING Officials take stock of progress made across crop improvement, plant protection, resource mgmt. P2 FORECAST Celebrated designer awaits release of his maiden production Gustaakh Ishq: Kucch Pehle Jaisa. P4 » » SUNSET MONDAY 5.23 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 6:56 AM » MONDAY | 24 NOVEMBER 2025 | LUDHIANA Civic body move to resume construction Cop’s wife, daughter fall prey to two snatchers in Jagraon of STP at Leisure Valley draws criticism Tribune News Service As protests mount, residents seek its relocation while officials continue to defend plant’s utility Manav Mander RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS Tribune News Service Ludhiana, November 23 The Municipal Corporation’s move to resume construction of a sewerage treatment plant (STP) at Leisure Valley, Sarabha Nagar, has reignited sharp criticism from residents, walkers and welfare associations. Locals argue that the project, previously halted after widespread protests, threatens public health, violates planning norms and undermines the very purpose of the city’s green lungs. Residents staying opposite the valley say the plant would emit foul smell, making life difficult in one of the city’s posh localities. Morning walkers, who flock to the valley for fresh air and fitness, fear the facility would degrade the environment and discourage community use of the space. “The STP will defeat the very purpose of coming here for a walk and fresh air,” said Davinder Singh, a regular visitor from BRS Nagar. Municipal officials, howev- ■ Foul smell and degraded air quality ■ Health risks to children, elderly and walkers ■ Violation of planning norms ■ Threat to Leisure Valley’s environment MC’S STAND ■ Small plant with 200-KL capacity ■ No foul smell expected ■ Treated water to irrigate parks << Residents argue that the project threatens public health and undermines very purpose of city’s green lungs. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN er, maintain that the plant was small, designed to treat 200 kilolitres of water daily and would not emit foul smell. They insist that the treated water would be used to irrigate Leisure Valley and nearby parks, aligning with Smart City goals. Yet the opposition has intensified with Senior Congress leader and former Punjab Large Industrial Development Board Chairman, Pawan Dewan, formally urging Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to halt the project. In a letter to the CM, Dewan highlighted the STP’s proximity to Sacred Heart Convent School and densely populated residential zones, calling it “grossly inappropriate” and a violation of urban planning norms. He warned of health risks to schoolchildren, elderly residents and individuals with respiratory problems. Dewan reminded that urban guidelines mandate STPs be located on city outskirts and not in residential or educational zones. “The project blatantly disregards those norms, setting a dangerous precedent for future civic planning,” he asserted. He also criticised the resumption without public consultation, terming it a disregard for democratic engagement. The controversy underscores a larger debate between civic bodies and citizens — whether infrastructure projects can be pursued at the cost of community health and environmental integrity. As protests mount, residents demand relocation of the STP and reassessment of the site selection while officials continue to defend its utility. Ludhiana, November 23 The wife and daughter of assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Harjeet Singh, posted with the Sadak Suraksha Force (SSF), were allegedly robbed of their purse late on Saturday evening. The incident occurred near Sherpur Road in Jagraon on Saturday when the woman and her daughter were commuting on a scooter. Masked men on a bike, without a registration number plate, snatched the purse from the pillion rider and fled the scene. Purse containing cash, mobiles taken away; incident captured on CCTVs The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed nearby. The footage showed that the miscreants had been following the scooter for some time. They stopped briefly due to the crowd. Once the road cleared, they committed the crime and sped away. On receiving information, a police team from the bus stand outpost reached the A CCTV grab of the suspects in Jagraon. scene and began examining the CCTV footage. The police said said the stolen purse contained around Rs 25,000, two mobile phones and some important documents. The woman and her daughter did not fall from the scooter during the snatching, thus averting a major accident. Following the incident, concerns about law and order have increased in the city. Local residents have raised police security concerns, asking how the safety of ordinary citizens could be ensured when even a police officer’s family was not safe. Jagraon City SHO inspector Parminder Singh said after examining the CCTV footage, the police had already got vital clues about the identity of the suspects and a police team would soon arrest them and the snatched valuables would be recovered. Health Dept intensifies drive 12 pickpockets target devotees during Nagar Kirtan, nabbed to make dist dengue-free Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, November 23 A gang of 12 women belonging to Barnala, Patiala, Sangrur and Malerkotla targeted several people who took part in the Nagar Kirtan organised to mark the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur and stole cash, valuables from their pockets. Tribune News Service Ludhiana, November 23 To protect residents from dengue, the Health Department has launched an intensive campaign of inspections and awareness across the district. Civil Surgeon Ramandeep Kaur said teams were visiting houses to make people aware of preventive measures and check for mosquito-breeding sites. She emphasised that dengue mosquitoes breed in clean and stagnant water found in coolers, drums, refrigerator trays, tyres and flowerpots. Residents had been urged to keep their surroundings clean, ensuring no water should be accumulated. They had also been told to adopt protective practices such as wearing full- An awareness drive in progress at a school in Ludhiana. sleeved clothes, using mosquito repellents, installing mesh doors and sleeping under nets. Dr Kaur highlighted common symptoms of dengue fever, including high temperature, headache, pain in muscles and joints and discomfort behind the eyes. She advised that anyone experiencing such symptoms should visit the nearest government health facility for free testing and treatment, available at all health centres and Aam Aadmi Clinics in the district. As part of the campaign, District BCC coordinator Barjinder Singh Brar conducted an awareness session at Singh Sabha Senior Secondary School, Model Town. Students and teachers were sensitised to dengue prevention. Stolen cash, valuables recovered from suspects Acting on the complaint, the Machhiwara police had registered a case and during investigation, they identified women thieves and then arrested them. The police also reportedly recovered stolen cash and valuables from the suspects. Complainant Tejwinder Singh, alias DC, a resident of Rajgarh village, in a com- The suspects in custody of the Machhiwara police. plaint to the police stated that when the Nagar Kirtan was passing near Machhiwara Sahib mandi, he, along with the community of arhtiyas, were taking part in the event. When he returned with prasad, his wallet was stolen from a pocket of his kurta which contained his Aadhar card, PAN card, driving licence, weapon licence deposit slip and 16,000 cash. He added that when he raised the alarm, a woman, Bhinder Kaur, a resident of Sundar Nagar, Machhiwara Sahib, said a gold bangle had also been stolen from her hand. Another person, who City residents enjoy pleasant weather, crisp air Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, November 23 Ludhiana woke up to a crisp Sunday morning with the minimum temperature settling at 8.4°C while the day warmed up to a comfortable 24.6°C. The weather is expected to remain clear and dry, offering both city dwellers and farmers a respite from the recent fluctuations that marked the transition into winter. With wheat sowing underway, dry spell is proving beneficial for farmers For residents, cool mornings have brought back the familiar rhythm of winter routines. Joggers at Rakh Bagh were seen wrapped in light woollens, The blend of cool mornings and sunny afternoons is shaping a season of comfort. ASHWANI DHIMAN enjoying the nip in the air. “It’s a perfect balance — neither too cold nor too warm. Morning walks feel refreshing and afternoons are pleasant enough to sit outdoors,” said Rohit Sharma, a retired banker who frequents the park. c m y b Farmers across the district are equally appreciative of the stable conditions. With wheat sowing underway, the dry spell is proving beneficial. “Clear skies mean we can work without interruptions. The soil has enough moisture from earlier rains, and this dry weather is ideal for timely sowing,” explained Baldev Singh, a farmer from Dakha. He said such conditions reduce the risk of fungal diseases in crops, which often thrive in damp weather. The city’s bustling markets also reflected the cheer of the season. Shoppers at Chaura Bazaar were seen enjoying mild afternoons. “This is the best time to step out. You don’t feel exhausted and the evenings are perfect for family outings,” said Simran Kaur, a homemak- er, while picking winter wear for her children. Meteorologists note that the absence of fog has kept visibility clear, aiding smooth traffic flow across city’s busy roads. Auto drivers and commuters welcomed the change. “Last year, fog used to slow us down by late November. This time, roads are clear and driving feels safer,” remarked Harpreet Singh, an auto driver near the railway station. As the city embraces the onset of winter, the blend of cool mornings and sunny afternoons is shaping a season of comfort. For Ludhiana, where agriculture and urban life run side by side, such weather is more than just a statistic — it is a shared experience that touches fields, homes and streets alike. took part in Nagar Kirtan, Shashi Bhushan Bhatia, said his purse had also been stolen, which contained his Aadhaar card, driving licence, credit card and Rs 11,000. After the pickpocketing incidents, a complaint was lodged at the Machhiwara police station. The nabbed women were identified as Seema Rani, a resident of Dher Majra village, Patiala; Amarjit Kaur, a resident of Jolia village; Bimala Kaur; Manjinder Kaur of Basti Ram Nagar, Sangrur; Lovepreet Kaur; Mukhtiaro, alias Hoshiar, alias Seeto, a resident of Samundgarh Channa, Sangrur; Rekha, alias Paramjit, a resident of Maji village, Sangrur; Kailo, a resident of Handiyaya, Barnala; Preeto, alias Beero, a resident of Indira Basti, Sunam; Sarbo, alias Moni, alias Soni, a resident of Barnala; Krishna, a resident of Shermajra village, Patiala; and Jarnail Kaur of Bagrian, Amargarh. SHO, Machiwara, inspector Harwinder Singh said after receiving a complaint, the police launched a probe and arrested the suspects. They had enter the procession for pickpocketing. Now, with the arrest of the women, the police have achieved a major success. Huge stock of goods destroyed in fire at electronics shop Tribune News Service Ludhiana, November 23 A major fire broke out in an mutli-storey electronics shop, Baldev Electronics, in Books Market here on Sunday night. A huge stock of electronic goods reduced to ashes in the fire. As per information, the fire broke out after the shop owner closed the shop and went home. Initially, the eyewitnesses said they saw flames billowing out of the shop and in no time, the same took the shape of a major fire. Nearby shopkeepers had informed the fire brigade and in a few minutes, fire tenders reached the scene and started dousing the flames. Fire officials said they had controlled the fire in the ground floor while efforts were still on to control the raging blaze on upper floors. The shop owner had also reached the scene after he was informed by some shopkeepers. “The shop had a huge stock of electronic goods and the losses must be in several lakhs. Even the building rendered useless as cracks have appeared in the establishment,” a shopkeeper said.