02042026-JTR-01.qxd 4/1/2026 10:50 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune WHEAT ARRIVALS IN CITY MANDIS YET TO BEGIN EXPERT UNDERSCORES BENEFITS OF HIPEC, PIPAC THERAPIES Mandi Department officials said the delay is primarily due to weather conditions affecting crop maturity. P2 Dr Jitender Rohila highlights the role of procedures such as HIPEC, PIPAC in managing abdominal cancers. P3 » » PRIYANKA OFFERS SEVA AT GOLDEN TEMPLE Priyanka Chopra made a sombre visit to Amritsar, offering prayers at the Golden Temple as she remembered her father. P4 » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 30°C | MIN 18°C YESTERDAY MAX 28°C | MIN 15°C SUNSET THURSDAY 6.47 PM SUNRISE FRIDAY 6:14 AM THURSDAY | 2 APRIL 2026 | JALANDHAR Poor facilities mar Day 1 of wheat procurement Rishika Kriti Fauja Singh remembered on 115th birth anniv Tribune News Service Lieut Gen Amit Kabthiyal (right ) takes command of the Vajra Corps from Lieut Gen Ajay Chandpuria in Jalandhar on Wednesday. Lieut Gen Kabthiyal takes Vajra Corps charge Tribune News Service Jalandhar, April 1 Lieutenant General Amit Kabthiyal took command of the prestigious Vajra Corps ‘Defenders of Punjab’ - from Lieutenant General Ajay Chandpuria on Wednesday. The new Corps Commander laid a wreath at Vajra Shaurya Sthal to pay homage to the bravehearts, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. He exhorted all ranks to maintain highest standards of operational readiness, adapt swiftly to evolving challenges, uphold values of the Army and contribute proactively towards organisational excellence and nation-building. An alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, the new GOC-in-C is a secondgeneration officer of the Garhwal Rifles with over three decades of service. He has served extensively across diverse operational environments, counter-insurgency operations, deployments along the northern boarders and LoC, and participated in the Operations Rakshak, Rhino, Vijay and Parakram. His command experience includes Command of a Scouts Battalion, which is a unit specialised in mountain warfare, raised a new infantry battalion and commanded the same along the northern borders, an Assam Rifles Sector in challenging counter-insurgency environment in Manipur and a Mountain Division in the strategically important East Sikkim area. He has also held key instructional and staff appointments, including a tenure with the Army Training Team in Lao PDR, contributing to India’s global military diplomacy. Aakanksha N Bhardwaj Jalandhar, April 1 As the wheat procurement season commenced today, mandis across Jalandhar appeared woefully unprepared on day one, with several essential arrangements still missing on the ground. Basic facilities such as clean storage space, adequate drinking water and proper sanitation were found lacking, pointing to significant gaps in preparedness even as the district gears up for the arrival of wheat in the coming days. Highlighting a grim picture, the new grain market near HMV College was found encroached upon by trucks laden with goods belonging to nearby shops, parked on the premises and occupying space meant for procurement operations. The encroachment highlighting negligence on the part of the authorities has raised serious concerns over potential delays and added inconvenience for farmers and traders right at the outset of the procurement process. Lakhbir Singh, a farmer from a nearby village, said, “There is no proper arrangement for us. Every year, the Tribune News Service The district gears up for the arrival of wheat in the coming days. FILE same situation prevails. The authorities come and sweep the area for namesake, but basic amenities are never in place. There is just one water tap point and that too is located between the mandi and nearby shops. Imagine the rush once farmers start coming in.” He further pointed to the lack of sanitation facilities, adding that, “There are only two washrooms here and even those are poorly maintained. There is no separate arrangement for women who accompany us. It will be extremely difficult, especially during peak procurement c m y b days when people have to spend hours here.” Gurpal Singh, another farmer pointed to the persistent rodent menace in the mandi, saying, “The problem of rats here is quite worrisome. How will we be able to keep our grain safe in such conditions. They can damage the gunny bags and create unhygienic surroundings. Even before procurement has begun, their presence is visible.” Despite the concerns on ground, officials maintained that preparations are underway. According to official data, the district has 80 per- manent mandis and 24 temporary mandis set up for the season with an expected arrival of around 5.19 lakh metric tonnes of wheat. District Food Supplies Controller Narinder Singh said, “Wheat arrivals across mandis in Jalandhar are expected to begin around April 13 or 14. The maintenance and upkeep of mandis are managed by the District Mandi Board which has already floated tenders to private contractors for arrangements. Work is in progress and all mandis are expected to be prepared by April 5 or 6.” Jalandhar, April 1 On the occasion of his 115th birth aniversary on April 1, the family of legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh remembered him with emotion and pride. His son Harvinder Singh shared memories, saying that not a single day passes without the family speaking about him. “He would have turned 115 today. “Edda lagda hai ki oh saade naal hi hai (It feels as if he is still with us,” Harvinder said, reflecting on the enduring presence of his father in their lives. Fauja Singh passed away in July last year following a tragic road accident in his native village of Bias near Adampur. His sudden death left his fans and admirers in shock. Despite the loss, Fauja Singh’s legacy continues to inspire. Harvinder revealed that he is frequently invited to running events and marathons his father used to attend. Beyond his athletic achievements, Fauja Singh was also known for his distinctive sense of style. According to his family, he had a fondness for branded clothing and took pride in coordinating his outfits, from shoes to socks with meticulous care. Fauja Singh’s British coach had earlier told The Tribune that he (Fauja) was special from the day he met him. “He turned up for coaching for the London Marathon wearing a three-piece suit. I told him to take off the jacket, or it would look like he was running away from a crime scene,” he had recalled his conversation with Fauja fondly. Fauja then smiled, removed the jacket, and the two began a journey that would make history.