31082025-LT-01.qxd 8/31/2025 12:10 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune ATHLETES VIE FOR TOP HONOURS IN TRACK & FIELD JULIA GOT EMOTIONAL AFTER HER MOVIE RECEIVED OVATION A FOOD STORY ROOTED IN INDIA’S FIELDS Track and field events such as sprints, distance races, relays, jumps & throws kept the spectators engaged. P2 After the Hunt received a six-minute standing ovation at the ongoing Venice Film Festival at Lido island. P4 Chandigarh enjoyed a unique ninecourse artisanal vegetarian feast at Corby’s, Hyatt Centric. P4 » » FORECAST CLOUDY MAX 29°C | MIN 25°C YESTERDAY MAX 30°C | MIN 25°C SUNSET SUNDAY 6.46 PM SUNRISE MONDAY 5:59 AM » SUNDAY | 31 AUGUST 2025 | LUDHIANA Fields along Sutlej inundated, Relief in Sasrali as water level in river stabilises; preventive work underway flood memories haunt villagers Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 30 With floods affecting several parts of Punjab, the Sutlej river has also seen rising water levels at locations in Ludhiana district. Although the situation is officially declared to be under control, with water yet to cross the danger mark, villagers living near the river in the Ladhowal area remain anxious. Many spend sleepless nights, frequently visiting the riverbank — even during late hours — to monitor the flow themselves. The district administration has assured residents that water levels are being monitored continuously, but memories of past floods have left the villages on edge. As The Tribune team visited villages near Ladhowal and Phillaur on Saturday, scores of villagers could be seen keeping watch near the riverbank. Ramandeep Singh, a resident of Bholewal village, recalled the 2019 floods, when a breach developed in the Dhussi Bundh and water entered homes. “Although the water level is still below the danger mark, the memories of that flood are keeping us restless. At night, villagers patrol the riverbank in groups to raise an alarm immediately if signs of a breach appear,” he explained. Amritpal Singh from Mao Sahib village shared similar concerns, noting that his settlement lies in a low-lying area. Panicked villagers stand on the banks of the Sutlej; and (below) MGNREGA workers fill bags with sand at a village near Ladhowal in Ludhiana on Saturday. TRIBUNE PHOTOS: HIMANSHU MAHAJAN “If there is a breach in the bundh, or even a sudden rise in Sutlej’s level, the entire village could be inundated. Fields of many farmers located on the riverbank have already gone under water. If levels continue to rise, Dhussi Bundh may give way at any point, damaging the remaining fields as well,” he warned. MGNREGA workers allege wage delays MGNREGA workers deployed to prepare sandbags for flood protection have alleged delays in wage disbursement. Despite long hours of labour on the riverbanks, their payments have not been credited for months. “We have been working for the last three days filling sand- bags, and earlier carried out plantation drives along the banks to control water flow. However, our wages have not been released. We are only entitled to Rs 350 per day, but it has been three months without payment in our bank accounts,” said one of the workers. He added, “We are poor people and cannot afford to refuse the work, even when our wages are delayed. We continue with the hope that someday our dues will be cleared.” Ludiana, August 30 Villagers in Sasrali Colony appeared relieved today as the water levels of the Sutlej were described as “controlled”. The sarpanch and residents said they expected the river to recede further if there was no heavy rainfall in the hills. In the meantime, administrative and the Health Department teams have reached the affected villages to extend assistance. Ankit Kumar, Junior Engineer at Rour Complex, Sasrali Colony, said studs were being installed where the river was barely 150–200 feet from farmland. “However, villagers are requesting us to construct these as far as 900–1,000 feet away. We are monitoring the situation closely, and arrangements are in place to safeguard the land,” he stated. Sarpanch Karam Singh of Sasrali Colony said the conditions had improved in comparison with earlier days. “Although we continue to guard the fields, workers are placing studs and sandbags to prevent water from flowing Villagers place sand bags to prevent water from entering fields at a village in Ludhiana on Saturday. onto this side,” he explained. At Dhullewal village, anxiety prevailed yesterday when the river was barely 200 feet from the fields. Within the past 24 hours, however, authorities and local workers successfully installed studs and reinforced nearly 295 feet of vulnerable land to avert flooding. Jasmeen Singh, Junior Engineer at Dhullewal, told The Tribune: “The situation had deteriorated yesterday, but within a few hours labourers and villagers managed to install studs and sandbags to stop the water from entering the fields.” DC Himanshu Jain, after reviewing reports from sensitive villages, said the overall situation remained under control. “We anticipate water levels will not increase further provided there is no additional rainfall in the hills. At locations roughly 250 feet inside the Sutlej, protective studs have been Pay property tax today or face penalty INBRIEF UNIDENTIFIED BODY RECOVERED Tribune News Service ludhiana, August 30 After repeated complaints from residents and commuters, repair work has finally commenced at the Lodhi Club underpass, leading to a temporary closure of the stretch for two to three days. The development follows a directive from the Punjab State Human Rights Commission, which took suo motu cognisance of the deteriorating infrastructure and persistent waterlogging at the site. The underpass, notorious for turning into a water trap even after short spells of rain, has long posed risk and inconvenience. Broken railings, failed drainage, and stagnant water have rendered it impassable for hours at a time. — TNS MLA Pappi, civic officials inspect Jagraon Bridge, order key repairs Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 30 In a move to strengthen and give a facelift to the Jagraon Bridge, considered the lifeline of the city, Ludhiana Central MLA Ashok Prashar Pappi, Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Prashar and Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal conducted an inspection of the bridge and adjoining areas on Saturday. Member of Punjab Road Safety Council Rahul Verma, Superintending Engineer (SE) Rahul Gagneja among others were also present during the inspection. During the inspection, con- MLA Ashok Prashar Pappi, Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Prashar and MC chief Aaditya Dachalwal inspect Jagraon Bridge. cern was raised over the unchecked growth of bushes and trees along the retaining wall of the bridge. It was also observed that rats had been continued on page 2 Rains trigger skin-related ailments in city Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 30 The monsoon rains have brought more than just waterlogged streets and traffic chaos—they have triggered a sharp rise in skin-related ailments across the city. Civil Hospital and private clinics are reporting a daily influx of 40 to 50 patients, many suffering from fungal infections, rashes, and persistent itching. Doctors directly attribute this to prolonged exposure to damp conditions and unhygienic surroundings. The impact has been widespread, affecting both children and adults. A 10-yearold student from Shimlapuri developed white patches and itching on her legs after cycling through rain-filled puddles. “I didn’t think much of it at first, but the itching got worse every day,” she recalled while waiting to see a doctor. She was diagnosed with a fungal infection and advised to maintain strict hygiene while avoiding contact with stagnant water. Another patient shared his ordeal: “I kept commuting to work in wet clothes, which led to painful boils and rashes on my neck and back. I thought it was just heat rash, but it spread further. Over-the-counter creams didn’t help, so I finally came to the hospital.” “Wet clothes and sweat create the perfect environment for fungal growth,” explained Dr Rohit Rampal, skin specialist at Civil Hospital. “We are seeing a marked increase in cases of red patches, boils, and white spots. People must avoid staying in damp clothes and should never self-medicate.” Dr Rampal also stressed preventive care: “After bathing, apply antifungal powder or a mild moisturiser. If symptoms such as itching, rashes, or white spots appear, consult a doctor. Timely treatment can prevent complications.” A city-based dermatologist echoed the warning, urging residents to stay alert. “The message is clear—maintain personal hygiene, avoid dirty water, and don’t ignore early signs of skin issues. As Ludhiana battles the seasonal downpour, awareness and timely care are the best defence against this silent surge in infections,” she said. Infections & causes Fungal infections: Athlete’s foot, ringworm, fungal acne thrive in humid conditions Bacterial infections: Folliculitis, erythrasma rise due to sweat and poor ventilation Papular urticaria: Insectbite allergies become more frequent during monsoon Scabies: Mites flourish in moist conditions, causing intense itching Psoriasis flare-ups: Worsen with reduced sunlight and high humidity Prevention & hygiene tips ■ Bathe twice a day with mild soap, paying attention to sweat-prone areas ■ Dry skin thoroughly before dressing, especially between toes and folds ■ Avoid sharing towels c m y b Ludhiana, August 30 Under the one-time settlement (OTS) scheme announced by the state government, August 31 will be the last opportunity for residents to clear their pending property tax dues without incurring penalty or interest. To facilitate maximum participation, the suvidha kendras at all Municipal Corporation (MC) zonal offices will remain open during normal working hours tomorrow. Mayor Inderjit Kaur said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to public welfare. She added that the decision to keep the centres functional on Sunday had been taken solely to assist residents. “I appeal to citizens to avail themselves of this golden opportunity and pay property tax dues without the burden of additional penalty or interest,” she urged. Officials explained that property tax, first introduced in 2013–14, is payable annually on a self-assessment basis. Property owners who fail to pay are normally liable to a 20 per cent penalty and an annual interest of 18 per cent on the outstanding amount. However, under the OTS Clear dues or risk losing allotments: GLADA to defaulters Youth attacked with sword, robbed of cash in Sangowal Tribune News Service Repair work begins at Lodhi Club underpass installed, ensuring safety. At Dhullewal, Sasrali Colony and Talwandi Nauwad, preventive measures have been undertaken and no embankments have been breached,” he remarked, adding that teams were conducting round-the-clock monitoring. Meanwhile, villagers continued to stay on alert, watching over the flood situation and their fields in rotation, ready to respond swiftly should any emergency arise. Ludhiana, August 30 Three miscreants armed with sharp weapons targeted a young man on his way to the market, assaulting him with a sword before robbing him of cash and his mobile phone. The culprits went further, compelling the victim to disclose his UPI password and transferring money into a woman’s bank account. Sadar police yesterday registered a case based on a complaint lodged by Harjeet Singh, a resident of Sangowal, and launched an investigation. Harjeet reported that around 4 pm the previous day, while travelling to the market on his motorcycle, three men riding a Splendor motorcycle intercepted him near Malhotra Colony in Sangowal village. When the assailants tried to snatch his phone and cash, Harjeet resisted. In response, they beat him mercilessly. Terrified, and suffering from a kidney stone condition, Harjeet Ludhiana, August 30 The District Office of the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) has issued a public advisory directing allottees of residential and commercial plots in its urban estates to clear their outstanding dues without delay. Formal notices are being served to those who continue to default on payments. The authority has cautioned that continued non-compliance will result in cancellation of allotments. In line with this enforcement drive, GLADA has already cancelled the allotments of SCO No. 104 in Dugri Phase-1 and SCO No. 03 in Dugri Phases-1 and 2, Ludhiana. Officials said that the cancellation process will continue in the coming weeks against other defaulters. Residents pay property tax at a suvidha kendra. INDERJEET VERMA policy, all residents who pay their dues by August 31, 2025 will be exempted from penalty and interest. Payments can be made in person at the suvidha kendras situated at the MC’s zonal offices. Officials have clarified that from September 1, 2025, penalty and interest will levied on the applicants. attempted to escape, but one of the men struck his left arm with a sword, leaving him seriously injured. They then robbed him of Rs 10,000 in cash and his mobile phone. While thrashing him, the gang also forced him to reveal his UPI password, after which they transferred Rs 7,200 to an account under the name of Reetu Devi. After the culprits fled, passers-by spotted the injured youth lying in the deserted spot and rushed him to hospital, where his arm required several stitches. Following initial treatment, Harjeet carried out his own enquiries and discovered that the recipient account belonged to Reetu Devi at Punjab National Bank. He later provided these details and her address to the police. Harjeet told the police that the same suspects had robbed another man at the same location that day, stealing his cash and mobile phone. — TNS Ludhiana: An unidentified body was recovered this evening from the Gurthali bridge stretch of the canal in Doraha. The deceased, estimated to be between 35 and 40 years of age, was dressed in blue trousers and a white shirt bearing the number “7”. Locals who noticed the body floating in the water immediately alerted divers present nearby. Divers then pulled out the remains. One of the divers, Goga, remarked that the body appeared to have been in the water for three to four days. Station House Officer (SHO) Doraha, Akash Dutt, however, stated that he had not received official information regarding the recovery so far. TNS NRI DUPED OF SEVERAL CRORES Ludhiana: Balora Singh Sidhu, a 68-year-old Canadian citizen originally from Gondwal village, Raikot, has accused seven individuals of swindling him out of several crores of rupees. According to jyr police, the accused — among them a woman named Inderjit Kaur — allegedly lured Sidhu into a socalled “temporary” marriage as part of a fraudulent scheme. The marriage arrangement was then exploited to defraud him of an estimated Rs 5–6 crore. The accused are said to have channelled the money into the purchase of land under Inderjit Kaur’s name. The Ludhiana Rural police have registered a case against Ranjit Rana, Inderjit Kaur, Sarba Mistry, Bunty, Malkit Singh, Karnail Singh and Tejinder Singh. One of the named accused, Ranjit Rana, has already been arrested, while efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the remaining suspects. TNS