01092025-LT-01.qxd 9/1/2025 1:02 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune 100TH STATE JUNIOR, U-23 ATHLETICS MEET CONCLUDES FRANKENSTEIN GETS 13-MIN STANDING OVATION BASRA MAKES A COMEBACK WITH FAMILY DRAMA MEHAR Participants exhibited determination even in challenging weather conditions during the athletics meet. P2 Guillermo del Toro directorial earned impressive 13-min standing ovation at Venice Int’l Film Festival in Lido. P4 Geeta Basra, 41-yr-old artiste, credits cricketer-turned-politician husband Harbhajan Singh for comeback.P4 » » FORECAST GENERALLY CLOUDY MAX 28°C | MIN 23°C YESTERDAY MAX 30°C | MIN 23°C SUNSET MONDAY 6.45 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 6:00 AM » MONDAY | 1 SEPTEMBER 2025 | LUDHIANA Rain continuous to batter city, streets flooded, goat farmers put on alert Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 31 Heavy and continuous rainfall lashed Ludhiana on Sunday, leaving several parts of the city waterlogged and slowing down daily life. From clogged drains to submerged intersections, the downpour exposed the city’s fragile infrastructure and sparked health concerns in both urban and rural pockets. The city recorded the highest maximum temperature of 35.6°C on August 20. The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at 22.6°C on August 25. Rainfall was abundant this year (totalled 255.2 mm), placing August 2025 among the wetter years, though still below the record of 364.2 in 2019 in previous 13 years. With 91 per cent humidity and minimum temperatures hovering around 23°C, the city woke to a soggy landscape with warning of “extreme” rainfall conditions. Waterlogging was reported in several residential colonies and market areas. Local residents, undeterred by ankle-deep puddles, were seen navigating flooded lanes for their Sunday breakfast chores. People on a waterlogged road near a dairy complex in Ludhiana on Sunday. ASHWANI DHIMAN HEALTH DEPT’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESIDENTS ■ Drink only boiled or chlorinated water ■ At first sign of loose motions, start ORS, visit nearest health camp/institution ■ Don’t allow water to stagnate, empty and cover all containers ■ Sleep under mosquito net every night to prevent malaria and dengue ■ Walk carefully in flood-hit areas, use shoes, torch to avoid snakebites ■ Change into dry clothes, keep skin clean to avoid rashes, fungal infections “We walked through water only to get poori-chana,” said Harpreet Singh, a resident of Model Town. “It’s a tradition, rain or shine,” he said. “Driving through the waterlogged lanes is risky. Potholes are invisible under water and one slip can cause a serious accident,” said Pritpal Singh, a resident of the Chandigarh Road area. Civil Surgeon Ramandeep Kaur said: “People must avoid contact with stagnant water and ensure children don’t wade through flooded streets. Boiling drinking water and maintaining hygiene are critical now.” Rural Punjab faced a more urgent crisis. Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) issued a comprehensive advisory for goat herders, especially those managing Beetal breeds during the breeding season. “Three-day sickness caused by flies and mosquitoes is becoming common,” warned Dr Ravinder Singh Grewal, Director of Extension Education at GADVASU. “Ticks can lead to babesiosis, and contaminated water may carry salmonella and E coli, causing severe diarrhoea.” Dr Grewal also emphasised the importance of vaccination against lumpy skin disease, foot-and-mouth disease and hemorrhagic septicemia but cautioned against vaccinating sick animals. “Timely intervention can prevent disease outbreaks and protect livestock livelihoods,” he said. To support farmers, GADVASU has activated helplines 62832-58834 and 62832-97919 for expert guidance and emergency assistance. Advisory for goat farmers The university has urged farmers to relocate animals to dry, elevated areas and avoid grazing in low-lying floodprone zones. They should boil water for lambs and monitor mucous membranes for signs of jaundice and clean hooves with 5 per cent formalin or lime solution and trim them once dry. The farmers should refrain from feeding moldy grains or poor-quality silage, which could cause toxicity and abortions. Governor visits women’s jail, listens to inmates’ concerns Conducts review of healthcare, food, legal aid facilities Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 31 Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Sunday visited the women’s jail and listened to issues faced by inmates. He conducted a comprehensive review of facilities provided to the inmates. He personally inspected key amenities, including food services, medical facilities, legal aid clinics, PCO, library, barracks, factory and other vocational units. During interactions with the female inmates, he gathered information about the healthcare services provided at the jail hospital, the food served and the status of their ongoing cases. He informed them that those who were unable to afford private legal representation could avail free legal aid through the District Legal Services Authority, Ludhiana. The Governor said inmates could have avail this assistance by visiting the legal aid clinic in the jail and filling out necessary forms. He also emphasised that the visit was aimed at ensuring the rights of female inmates were upheld and Guv Gulab Chand Kataria meets women and kids at a jail in Ludhiana. addressing any challenges they face. He affirmed that the jail administration was committed to resolving issues promptly and ensuring fair treatment for all women. He also met children staying with their incarcerated mothers in the jail, providing them with notebooks, geometry boxes and other educational supplies. Later, the inmates presented a cultural programme, demonstrating their artistic and vocational skills. The Governor also lauded Superintendent Dalbir Singh, Deputy Superintendent Ravneet Kaur Dhillon, and other jail officials for arrangements made for the inmates and urged them to maintain high standards in the future. He also planted a sapling on the jail premises. IG (Prisons) RK Arora, DIG (Prisons) Daljit Singh Rana, along with jail officials, honoured the Governor with items crafted by the inmates. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Khanna, Shikha Bhagat; DCP Parminder Singh Bhandal; Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jasleen Kaur Bhullar; Superintendent of Central Jail Kulwant Singh Sidhu and Deputy Superintendent Jagjit Singh were among those others who were present. Dispose of pending cases, cops told Illicit liquor racket busted, 2 nabbed Tribune News Service Nikhil Bhardwaj distribution network. Ludhiana, August 31 In a major breakthrough, the Excise Department of Punjab busted an illicit liquor racket in Ludhiana East, exposing a premium liquor refilling gang and seizing smuggled PML bottles. The raid was conducted by the Ludhiana East Range team, acting on specific intelligence inputs and under the guidance of Excise Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal, with direct supervision from DCX, Patiala Zone, Tarsem Chand, ACX, Ludhiana East, Shivani Gupta, and excise officials Ashok Kumar and Amit Goyal. It uncovered a sophisticated act where empty bottles of premium imported liquor were being refilled with lowgrade IMFL and PML 60 bottles seized at village, man held Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 31 Commissioner of Police (CP) Swapan Sharma on Sunday convened a special meeting with all officials of the Ludhiana Police Commissionerate. In the meeting, the top cop took update about pending criminal cases and directed them to dispose of pending cases immediately. The meeting was attended by DCP (Crime) Harpal Singh, DCP Snehdeep Sharma, DCP Parminder Singh Bhandal, ADCP Amandeep Singh Brar, ADCP Sameer Verma, ADCP Karanvir Singh, other senior officials of all police zones, heads of all police stations and police posts. Even heads of all other crime wings were also present. CP Swapan Sharma interacts with cops during a special meeting in Ludhiana on Sunday. The meeting started with focus on the disposal of pending NDPS cases. The CP after taking feedback about the pending drug cases told the officers concerned to expedite the disposal process of the same so that these can be taken to a logical end and arrested smugglers could be convicted. The CP discussed in detail about other pending criminal cases and told the officials to speed up probe and present charge sheets in courts. Sharma also discussed about pending court matters and asked the officials to ensure compliance of every matter. He also directed them to strengthen the crime detection system so that it could be detected on time and culprits be put behind bars. A discussion was also held regarding steps being taken to ensure public safety. “Public safety and security are the top priority of the Ludhiana police. We should take necessary steps to ensure that every citizen get justice and issues of residents be resolved on time,” he said. Meanwhile, the CP also heard about problems being faced by police personnel and promised that all issues would be resolved on a priority basis. The suspects in Ludhiana police custody. brands. Two suspects, Amit Vij and Pankaj Saini, were arrested on the spot. During the raid, 106 empty bottles used for refilling 39 premium liquor brands, including Glenlivet, Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker Gold Label, Hendrick’s Gin, bot- tling accessories and refilling material were seized. A Maruti Swift Dzire vehicle was impounded and an FIR has been registered at the Division No 3 police station, here. Investigations are on to trace the supply chain and In a separate raid at Burma village in Samrala, the excise team apprehended Vikramjeet Singh for possession of 60 bottles of illicit liquor labelled ‘For sale in Chandigarh only’, indicating smuggling into the state. A case has been registered at the Samrala police station under the Punjab Excise Act, 1914. The Excise Department reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling illegal liquor networks and protecting public health. Officials emphasised that coordinated raids, surprise checks and inter-state enforcement would continue as part of the state’s intensified crackdown. Pollution board put on notice over ‘inaction’ against Jewellery, cash stolen from hotel illegal establishments along Sidhwan Canal Road during wedding reception bunal had directed the applicant to submit a detailed complaint to the PPCB. The board was instructed to examine allegations and take remedial action within three months of receiving the complaint. The PAC submitted a comprehensive complaint on August 10, 2024, but claimed that no substantial action had been taken by the PPCB to address the violations. Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, August 31 The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a formal notice to the Member Secretary of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) in response to an execution Application (EA) filed by the Public Action Committee (PAC). The petition alleges non-compliance with the Tribunal’s earlier order dated July 30, 2024, regarding environmental violations by several commercial establishments operating outside the Municipal Corporation limits of Ludhiana. The establishments include a wine shop-cum-tavern, restaurants and banquet halls situated along the Sidhwan Canal Road, also known as the NGT’s current directions Illegal establishments along Sidhwan Canal Road in Ludhiana. Ladhowal Bypass. These units have been accused of flouting the environmental norms, including illegal effluent discharge and unauthorised con- struction on land belonging to the Irrigation Department. The background In its July 2024 order, the Tri- The NGT has now issued a notice to respondents, requiring them to file their response via affidavit at least one week before the next hearing. The applicant has been directed to serve the notice and submit proof of service within the same time frame. The matter is scheduled for hearing on November 13. c m y b Environmental concerns Tribune News Service PAC members have previously highlighted that many of these establishments lack proper sewage treatment systems and have encroached upon public land. “The alleged inaction by the regulatory authorities has raised concerns about unchecked pollution and degradation of the canal ecosystem. This latest development underscores growing public scrutiny over environmental governance and the role of regulatory bodies in enforcing compliance. The upcoming hearing may prove pivotal in determining accountability and future action against the violators,” said Kapil Arora, member of the PAC. Ludhiana, August 31 A major theft occurred during a wedding reception at a hotel on Ferozepur Road. An unidentified thief made off with bags containing jewellery and cash belonging to bride’s relatives. The incident occurred during the wedding reception of Vandana Badal, daughter of Narinder Kumar, a resident of BS Nagar. Vandana had married Kulwinder Singh in Cyprus a few weeks ago. The family had organised the reception at Hotel Le Baron, located on Ferozepur Road, opposite PAU Gate Number 2 on August 29. During the function, the Unidentified suspect captured in CCTV bags belonging to Narinder’s wife and their relatives, Chanchal and Neha, went missing. These contained jewellery and cash. A search for the bags was initiated but no one could find them. After getting information about the incident, officials from Police Division 5 reached the scene. When the police checked the CCTV footage, they found that a man wearing a black coat and pant was seen wandering around during the party. The suspect, who had entered the party with an intent to steal, seized the opportunity to hide two bags under his coat and fled the scene. The police on Saturday registered a case of theft against the unidentified suspect and initiated a search for him. Police officials assured the complainant that the suspect would be arrested soon. Sources said the police were also suspecting that some waiters might have connived with the thief and helped the latter in stealing the bags containing the valuables and cash. Some waiters were also questioned by the police to get any clue in the case.