04092025-ATR-01.qxd 9/3/2025 11:17 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST GENERALLY CLOUDY FLOODS WREAK HAVOC IN TARN TARAN DISTRICT RASULPUR’S CIVIC NIGHTMARES ALIA BHATT, SRK, SEND PRAYERS TO PUNJAB FLOOD VICTIMS The area is facing a severe flood crisis and there are not much chances of a respite soon. P2 Garbage stinks up village as sewage contaminates groundwater, villagers report stomach ailments. P3 Actress Alia Bhatt has joined several celebrities in sending prayers and support to those affected. P4 » » MAX 27°C | MIN 23°C YESTERDAY MAX26°C | MIN 22°C SUNSET THURSDAY 6.50 PM SUNRISE FRIDAY 6:08 AM » THURSDAY | 4 SEPTEMBER 2025 | AMRITSAR HEALTH & WELLNESS The Tribune is starting a Q and A column to address your health-related queries. Please mail your questions (not exceeding 40 words) at healthandwellness@tribunemail.com. The Tribune’s panel of doctors will answer all your healthrelated concerns. INBRIEF PROTEST OVER LEAKING ROOFS Tarn Taran: Powercom employees lodged a strong protest on Wednesday against leaking roofs of the office building. The protesters said that with constant rain, the roofs of the offices of Deputy Chief Engineer Mohtam Singh and office complexes of the XENs have been leaking and official record was getting damaged. They said that in case a mishap, Powercom would be responsible. — OC Old buildings turn death trap during rainy season Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, Septemsber 3 The recent spell of heavy rain has once again exposed the danger of old, dilapidated buildings standing across the city. In the past two days, three century-old structures collapsed in different localities, leaving one young life lost and residents shaken. In Katra Jaimal Singh, a 16year-old girl, Praveen, was killed when the mud roof of her family’s 100-year-old house caved in during Tuesday morning’s downpour. While other family members were rescued, the tragedy highlighted how unsafe it is for families still living in such fragile homes. Two more buildings col- A building in the Khoo Suniarian Wala area that collapsed in rain on Tuesday in Amritsar. lapsed near Khuo Suniyara Wala and Katra Ahluwalia. Fortunately, no lives were lost in these cases, but vehicles were damaged and electricity supply disrupted. The incidents have caused fear among residents living in similar houses nearby. There are dozens of such dilapidated buildings in the city, many over a century old, where families continue to live or run shops despite knowing the risks. Every year, during the rainy season, some of these structures give way, causing loss of lives and property. Residents complain that the administration has done little to either repair or remove such unsafe constructions. With rains continuing to lash the city, residents worry that more houses could collapse. “These buildings are like ticking time bombs. We are living under constant fear,” said a shopkeeper from the old city. Experts say that weak mud walls, wooden beams, and poor maintenance make such buildings extremely vulnerable during long spells of rain. Unless urgent action is taken, old houses could keep turning into death traps each monsoon. As per Municipal Corporation survey, there are nearly 100 such buildings in the city. Some of these buildings are of heritage value. The residents stated that measures must be taken to assess vulnerability of these buildings and ensure that those which require preservation are preserved. “Apart from the occupants of these buildings, even the residents of nearby properties are at risk,” said another resident. Rain fury People carry relief material on a utensil, using it as a makeshift raft in the Ramdass area of Amritsar district on Wednesday. TRIBUNE PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR Snake bite claims two lives in Sisodia, Ministers Bhullar & ETO GNDU sets up relief flood-hit Ajnala, Ramdass areas visit affected areas along Beas river fund for flood aid Tribune News Service day. As part of the relief efforts, the university has constituted special teams of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) to establish relief camps in the affected areas. Additionally, medical teams have been instructed to remain on standby to provide medicines and other critical assistance. This comprehensive initiative is dedicated to the welfare and rehabilitation of flood-affected communities in Punjab. The VC said, “This is a time for all of us to stand united and extend support to those in distress. We are committed to assisting the people of Punjab in every possible way during this challenging period.” Registrar KS Chahal emphasised that the relief operations would be carried out transparently and efficiently. A coordinator has been appointed to oversee the functioning of the relief camps and medical teams. Amritsar, September 3 As floodwaters continue to surround villages near Ajnala and Ramdass, yet another threat — of snake bites — has begun haunting residents. At Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, three people were brought in after being bitten by snakes. Tragically, two of them could not survive. Civil Surgeon Dr Sawarnjit Dhawan confirmed the deaths, saying, “The number of snake bite cases has increased. Sadly, the two persons who died had reported very late to the hospital. After a snake bite, no time should be wasted. The patient must be taken immediately to a qualified physician.” Dr Dhawan said the Health Department has taken urgent steps to deal with the crisis. “Our teams are working day and night to save precious lives. Anti-snake ven- om is available in all government hospitals, and treatment is being given free of cost,” he assured. Health experts explained that floods have disturbed the natural habitat of snakes. Their burrows and hiding spots in the fields are filled with water, forcing them to move towards dry ground, houses and sometimes even relief camps. With villagers wading through floodwaters in search of safety, food or cattle, encounters with snakes have become more frequent and often deadly. Dr Dhawan also pointed out that dog bite cases have increased in the affected areas. “While medicines for dog bites can even be started the next day, snake bites are a far more serious issue. The patient should stay calm, keep the affected part still, and rush to the nearest hospital without delay. Cutting, sucking or tying the wound Man shot dead in Manochahal Kalan village Three nabbed by cops with pistol, heroin Akal Takht officiating jathedar flays govt for ‘inadequate’ relief Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Our Correspondent Tarn Taran, September 3 One person was shot dead in Manochahal Kalan on Wednesday by two assailants in broad daylight. The assailants managed to escape from the spot soon after committing the crime. Sub-inspector Avtar Singh, SHO, Sadar police station, said the deceased has been identified as Dilbag Singh (42). The SHO said that the deceased along with his wife and son was residing in Tarn Taran and had gone today to his native village. He was busy at his residence when two assailants on an Activa trespassed his residence and they indulged in a brawl. One of the assailants fired at him with a pistol, injuring him seriously. He was brought to the local Civil Hospital where doctors declared him dead. The SHO said the Activaborne assailants have been identified as Dilli and Harpal Singh. Atul Soni, DSP Goind, wal Sahib, along with SHO Avtar Singh, visited the spot. Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 3 City police have arrested three persons in two separate incidents leading to the seizure of four pistols of different calibre, a double barrel gun, 300 grams of heroin and ammunition from their possession. They were identified as Lovedeep Singh (30) of Dhall village in Tarn Taran, tightly must be avoided. People in flooded areas can also use public helplines or medical camps if transport is difficult,” he advised. The Health Department has dispatched over 100 antisnake venom injections to rural hospitals in flood-hit villages. More than 150 doses are stocked at the district civil hospital, while Guru Nanak Dev Hospital has ensured a large supply in its emergency ward. Relief camps and mobile medical teams are also working round the clock to monitor and treat villagers. For flood victims, already coping with destroyed crops, damaged homes and uncertainty about the future, the fear of unseen snakes hiding in murky waters has added another layer of misery. “We fear not just hunger and disease, but also what might be waiting for us in the waters,” said a villager. Atinderpal Singh alias Honey (32) of Majitha road and Gursimran Singh alias Shindhu (24) of Dasmesh Avenue on Majitha road. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations), Ravinderpal Singh Sandhu, while sharing details, said that Lovedeep Singh was arrested by the police from near Vallah vegetable market. The police confiscated two .32 bore pistols while AAP leader Manish Sisodia and Punjab ministers Laljit Singh Bhullar and Harbhajan Singh ETO interact with the flood-affected people in Tarn Taran district on Wednesday. PHOTO: GURBAXPURI Tarn Taran, September 3 Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia along with two Punjab Cabinet Ministers, Laljit Singh Bhullar and Harbhajan Singh ETO, visited the Marad and Keeryan villages in Tarn Taran on Wednesday to take stock of vulnerable points along the river Beas. The leaders reviewed the condition of embankments and interacted with local res- further probe led to the seizure of a .30 bore pistol and a double barrel gun from him. Similarly, in another incident, the local police arrested Atinderpal Singh from Indira Colony located on Majitha road here. The police recovered 300gm of heroin and Rs 5,000 in drug money apart from an electronic scale from his possession. During further probe, idents to assess the immediate challenges posed by rising water level. Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Cabinet Ministers and Sisodia, with active support of the local community and the district administration, joined hands in strengthening the river’s weak points using gunny bags and crates. The leaders appreciated the cooperation extended by the the police arrested his associate Gursimran Singh and seized a .32 bore pistols along with an SUV Thar from him. Atinderpal’s interrogation further led to the nomination of another suspect Jaskaran Singh alias Jassa in the case. The DCP said raids were being conducted to arrest him. Two separate cases under the Arms Act were registered. Cops clueless in college lab technician’s murder case Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 3 The city police was yet to make any significant breakthrough in the lab technician’s murder case. Ashutosh Mahajan (35), who was deputed at SR Government College for Girls, was gunned down inside his father’s restaurant in Batala road area here by unknown armed assailants on Sunday night. Though the police was yet to identify the shooters in the incident, a gangster allegedly associated with Lawrence Bishnoi gang had taken responsibility on social media with a handle in the name of Anmol Bishnoi. Dr Sheetal Singh, Assistant Commissioner of Police, said that police teams have been on the job and footage from the CCTV cameras have been analysed to find clues about the perpetrators of the crime. “The armed assailants were yet to be identified. Investigation is in progress,” he said. Two bike-borne persons had arrived at the restaurant and one of them went inside and sprinkled bullets at him leaving him critically wounded. The victim was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared him dead. Notably, the residence of Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar is located just 200 c m y b meters from the scene of the crime. Hours after the incident, gangster Hari Boxer of Lawrence Bishnoi gang took responsibility for the murder on the social media. In the post, they claimed that Ashu Mahajan was an informer of the police. He leaked information about the whereabouts of their accomplice Nona Harike and was therefore taught a lesson in the form of the gruesome act. villagers and officials in timely fortifying the embankments and assured that the state government will continue to monitor the situation closely to avoid any untoward incident. The ministers said Sisodia and the entire leadership joined hands with Punjabis in this difficult time. In the press release, the name of Sisodia was written after the ministers. — OC Amritsar, September 3 The employees and faculty of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) have collectively contributed approximately Rs 50 lakh to the GNDU Relief Fund to support the flood-affected people in Punjab. The initiative was announced by vice-chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh. Registrar KS Chahal coordinated the process. The decision was unanimously endorsed during a meeting attended by the presidents of three key university unions — the Guru Nanak Dev University NonTeaching Employees Association, the Guru Nanak Dev University Officers Association, and the Guru Nanak Dev University Teachers Association. The collected amount will be transferred to the GNDU Relief Fund account, with the process expected to be completed in a Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 3 The officiating jathedar of Akal Takht and Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, today visited several flood-affected villages in Ajnala. Accompanied by Baba Satnam Singh of Kar Sewa Qila Anandgarh Sahib, they assessed the damage caused to people’s homes, crops and livestock due to the floods. Jathedar Gargaj expressed gratitude to all youths of Punjab, organisations delivering relief material, Kar Sewa groups, and others engaged in sewa. Raising questions over the functioning of both state and Central governments, he strongly criticised administrative officials and representatives for their failure to reach every affected village and for not providing boats to the relief organisations working on the ground. He appealed to all serving organisations to ensure that relief material reaches every needy family in the Officiating jathedar of Akal Takht Kuldeep Singh Gargaj visits the flood-affected Ajnala and Ramdass areas on Wednesday. villages so that no affected household is left out. He emphasised that at present, it is urgent to reach the villages submerged in floodwater and supply fodder for the cattle. It is noteworthy that Baba Satnam Singh of Kar Sewa Qila Anandgarh Sahib organisation is rendering significant service in this region by continuously providing relief to the people and working to repair and reinforce the breached embankments.