16092025-LT-01.qxd 9/15/2025 10:12 PM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune TEHBAZAARI STAFF TOLD TO ENSURE SMOOTH TRAFFIC DURING FESTS CBSE COUNSELLING MODEL OUT, FOCUS ON HOLISTIC DEVP THE STUDIO SCRIPTS HISTORY AT EMMYS WITH 13 AWARDS Sr Dy Mayor met officials of tehbazaari wing of the MC and told them to take steps to ensure smooth movement of traffic .P2 The CBSE emphasises on career guidance and overall counselling aimed at fostering peer learning, capacity-building .P3 The Studio turned the Emmys into a wrap party, winning best comedy series and breaking a record for victories. P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 35°C | MIN 26°C YESTERDAY MAX 34°C | MIN 26°C SUNSET TUESDAY 6.31 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 6:11 AM TUESDAY | 16 SEPTEMBER 2025 | LUDHIANA Mandis brace for slow start as paddy procurement gets underway today Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 15 As paddy procurement officially begins on Tuesday, grain markets are bracing for a slow start. Despite the government’s decision to advance the procurement date to September 15, not much produce is expected to arrive immediately due to widespread crop damage after continuous rainfall and floods. Farmers who had sown early-maturing varieties and plan to follow it up with potato cultivation before wheat sowing are now facing unexpected setbacks. Many began harvesting their paddy early to clear fields for the next crop, but the results have been disappointing. Davinder Singh, a farmer from Samrala, who had sown short-duration variety PR 1509, reported a sharp decline in output. “The yield has decreased to 16-17 quintals per acre, compared to the usual 24-26 quintals. I want to sow potato crop in between the wheat crop, so I went for short duration and have harvested Even as paddy procurement starts from Tuesday, but the arrival is not expected pick up till mid-October. TRIBUNE PHOTO: HIMANSHU MAHAJAN my paddy crop,” he said. Other farmers echoed similar concerns, citing poor yield. Santokh Singh from Koom Kalan, who has also sown short-duration variety, said that the yield had decreased considerably due to the extreme weather conditions and continuous rainfall. Expert from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Buta Singh attributed the drop in yield to untimely rains during the flowering stage. “Farmers who wanted to sow potatoes transplanted paddy early, but this year the flowering coincided with heavy rains, which severely affected grain formation and quality,” Singh explained. Agricultural experts recommend transplanting paddy in the second fortnight of July and raising nurseries in June to avoid such issues. However, potato growers often opt for early nursery to ensure field clearance by October 1, the peak harvesting window. This leads to a compromise in crop health and yield, especially for varieties like PR 126. “The situation is particularly concerning in basmati-pro- ducing belts, where early sowing and weather disruptions can lead to financial distress. Farmers fear that continued crop damage could threaten their seasonal income and long-term sustainability,” added an expert. Meanwhile, another challenge that the farmers are facing is sharp rise in brown plant hopper population in state. These pests, which thrive in hot and humid conditions, suck sap from rice plants, causing them to become yellow, wilt and eventually die — a phenomenon known as “hopper burn”. The PAU has issued advisory, urging farmers to monitor their fields by gently shaking plants and check for floating hoppers. If infestation exceeds five hoppers per plant, farmers have been advised to use the PAU-recommended insecticides and focus on application at the plant base for maximum effectiveness. The compounded impact of fungal damage and pest infestation threatens to devastate yield in Punjab’s key paddy producing belts. Admn to ensure smooth, hassle-free procurement: DC DC releases poster of SARAS Mela themed on ‘chardi kala’ coming to the grain market and duties of the Mandi Board had already been fixed. The sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) will conduct surprise inspections to monitor procurement activities and address any issue promptly, besides ensuring that farmers face no difficulty while selling their produce. He also highlighted that the timely procurement, lifting and payment processes were a priority to support the state’s food growers. Jain also urged farmers to bring only dry paddy with moisture content of 17% or lower. Moisture meters have been given to Mandi Board staff and employees will be deployed at the entrance to inspect every loaded vehicle, ensuring compliance with the set standards. Additionally, he said that combine harvesters had already been instructed to operate strictly between 10 am and 6 pm and warned that violations of these guidelines would result in strict action, including the seizure of combines. Ludhiana, September 15 Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain on Monday released the posters of SARAS Mela-2025, themed on an ode to the ‘chardi kala’ spirit of Punjab, to be held from October 4 to 13 at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Amarjit Bains, Assistant Commissioner (UT) Pragati Rani, Employment Generation & Skill Development Training Officer Jeevandeep Singh and music producer Bunty Bains were present on the occasion. The Deputy Commissioner announced that all proceeds generated from daily evening star night at the mela would be donated for flood relief, supporting people affected by floods. This initiative underscores Ludhiana’s dedication to combining cultural with meaningful social responsibility, he added. The 10-day mega event will feature over 500 stalls showcasing the works of more than 1,000 artisans, craftsmen, traders and skilled individuals from across India. There will be vibrant display of handicrafts, traditional arts and culinary delights. The mela will also host performers from various states, presenting India’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance and art. Deputy Commissioner also stated that Ludhiana is hosting this prestigious event for the fourth time, following successful editions in 2012, 2017 and 2023. “SARAS Mela2025 is a celebration of India’s diversity and Punjab’s indomitable spirit. The participation of artisans and artists from across the country makes this a unique platform to showcase talent and culture, he added. “The administration will contribute to flood-relief efforts by donating all proceeds generated from daily evening star night, ensuring that this event leaves a lasting positive impact,” said Jain. He stated that the district administration was working tirelessly to ensure the success of the mela, promising an unforgettable experience for all visitors. Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 15 The district administration is all set to ensure smooth and hassle-free paddy procurement in Ludhiana from Tuesday. Reviewing the preparations, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain reiterated the firm commitment of the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to procure every single grain of the farmers. With an estimated 16.55 lakh metric tonnes of paddy expected to arrive in Ludhiana’s 108 grain markets and 79 temporary yards, he stated that the administration had made comprehensive arrangements to facilitate uninterrupted procurement. He assured that adequate gunny bags were available and all measures for prompt lifting and timely payments had been established across all purchase centres. Farmers will receive payments within the stipulated timeframe, he said. The DC further said that moisture meters would be used to check every loaded vehicle Emergency animal relief Sanitation workers protest against launched in flood-hit areas privatisation of garbage collection Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 15 As devastating floods caused havoc across Punjab, leaving people displaced and impacting more than 2.50 lakh animals, Humane World for Animals India (formerly Humane Society International India) has mobilised an urgent disasterresponse operation to assist stranded and suffering animals. Humane World for Animals is headquartered in the USA, with its India office based in Hyderabad. In collaboration with the Indian Red Cross Society (Punjab), Compassion for Animals Welfare Association and the Animal Husbandry Department, the organisation is working to deliver emergency aid to the worst-affected districts. The August 2025 floods have led to widespread loss of livestock, including cattle, buffaloes, chickens and goats. In Ferozepur, the team reached out to 250 cattle and 60 dogs, distributing 750 kg of cattle feed, 80 kg of dry dog food and 30 tarpaulin sheets to provide shelter. In the severely impacted districts of Amritsar and Jalandhar, their outreach extended to 15,800 cattle head, with 50,000 kg of feed supplied to prevent starvation. The organisation began its operations last week and will continue for another three-four days. Jaihari AK, senior coordinator of disaster response at Humane World for Animals India, shared grim accounts from the field. “We’ve seen street dogs scavenging through debris and snatching fish from floodwaters. In many villages, animals have gone without food for days. Our team delivered the first batches of fodder and companion animal feed in Jalandhar and Amritsar, and the impact was immediate — animals began eating again, and communities expressed deep relief.” The team’s priorities include distributing emergency feed to prevent starvation, supplying veterinary medicines for injured and sick animals and providing basic care to companion animals. Despite high-water levels preventing access to some remote areas, feed was distributed to local caregivers to sustain animals temporarily. In Fazilka, farmer Baldev Singh shared, “We watched the team arrive with feed and medicines when no one else had come. They treated our buffaloes and gave food for our dogs. It was the first help we received, and it gave us hope.” Ferozepur resident Kamalpreet Kaur added, “I saw volunteers wading through waist-deep water just to reach our village. They rescued our goats and even checked on our chickens.” Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 15 Members of the Door-to-Door Mazdoor Ekta Sangathan staged a protest against the municipal corporation’s decision to award a Rs 170crore contract to a private firm for door-to-door garbage collection, at the MC’s Zone D office today. The protest was marked by black flags, slogans and emotional appeals from sanitation workers, who fear losing their livelihoods. The protesting garbage collectors reached the MC office in their carts that they use for collecting garbage. The union submitted a memorandum to the Municipal Commissioner, demanding the immediate cancellation of the three-year contract and protection of existing workers’ jobs. Union president Surinder Taank criti- Members of the Door-to-Door Mazdoor Ekta Sangathan stage a protest outside zone D office in Ludhiana. HIMANSHU MAHAJAN cised the corporation’s outsourcing move and stated that, “Why is the corporation outsourcing? We have been keeping the city clean for years. You can’t just discard us and hand over the work to private hands.” Tara Chand, who has been lifting garbage in Ludhiana for over two decades, stood silently for a moment before speaking, his voice heavy with uncertainty. “I’ve been doing this work for 20 years. I know every street, every household. People recognise me, they trust me. Now suddenly, they say a pri- vate company will take over. What will I do? I’m not trained for anything else. I’ve built my life around this job. If they take it away, I’ll be left with nothing — not even dignity.” Sunita, a mother of three who has been lifting garbage for 15 years, expressed her anguish with desperation. “This job is my lifeline. I wake up before sunrise, collect the garbage and come home to feed my children. My husband passed away five years ago and this is the only income we have. If they take this away, how will I survive? How will my children eat? I’m not asking for charity. I’m just asking to keep on doing the work that I’ve been doing with honesty and pride.” Her voice trembled, but her resolve was clear — she wasn’t just fighting for a job, she was fighting for her family’s survival. Tribune News Service Man on deathbed, wife ‘sells’ son for ~2.5L Encroachments, wrong parking lead Mahesh Sharma Ludhiana, September 15 In a shocking incident a migrant woman, Rita, of SBS Nagar, Ludhiana, allegedly sold her newborn child for only Rs 2.5 lakh when her husband was on deathbed hundreds of miles away in Agra, UP . The illegal act was conducted allegedly in connivance with Rita’s mother Prema Devi, ASHA worker Renu, PRO of a private hospital and some accomplice yet to be identified. Had the husband and fatherin-law of the main accused not become suspicious about her statement regarding gender of the ‘still-born child’, the gang dealing in illicit trafficking of human babies could have remained untraced. Though the Dugri police have registered an FIR under Sections 143 (4) and 61 (2) of the BNS after two months of Rita, who is accused of selling her newborn child, and office-bearers of various outfits at the office of sarpanch Sanjay Tewari . the crime for alleged conspiracy to sell the newborn male child, the complainant Gajraj Singh, whose son has already died, has accused the investigating team of trying to shield the accused, who are absconding from their homes. The complainant alleged that the FIR was registered only after office-bearers and activists of various social organisations led by sarpanch Sanjay Tewari came to his rescue and impressed upon the authorities concerned to either initiate action or face agitation. The leaders have now threatened to take organisational steps if all accused are not arrested by Wednesday morning, besides recovery of the child. Gajraj said that Rita had given birth to a male child at the government hospital at Jawadi on July 15, but she had informed him that it was a dead girl, while informing his son Sunny that a male child had been born. Both Gajraj and Sunny were in Agra, where the latter was undergoing treatment at Shanti Hospital there. Sunny died in Agra on July 21 and Rita returned with her mother to Ludhiana, thus prompting suspicion in Gajraj’s mind. Study of call recordings and inquiries from sources at various hospitals turned Gajraj’s suspicion into belief and he allegedly ran from pillar to post for around two months to get people involved in the sale of his grandson booked. It was only after some meetings at the office of Tewari that involvement of various persons, including Rita, was established and an FIR got registered on Sunday afternoon. Dugri SHO Ravinder Singh said that an FIR had been registered. c m y b to traffic chaos on Rani Jhansi Road Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 15 Rani Jhansi Road near Ghumar Mandi, one of Ludhiana’s posh areas with skyhigh land prices and leading jewellery and sweet shops, has turned into a nightmare for residents and commuters. The stretch remains choked with traffic during peak hours, thanks to rampant encroachments by eateries and careless parking all over, while enforcement agencies continue to look the other way. The chaos peaks in the afternoon when classes at Khalsa College for Women end between 1.30 pm and 2.15 pm. Autos, two-wheelers and cars take over almost half the road, causing massive jams. The situation worsens as Vehicles move in all directions on the Rani Jhansi Road due to wrong parking and encroachments by rehris. ASHWANI DHIMAN boys, allegedly waiting outside the college, park their vehicles anywhere in the adjoining park and even in the middle of the road. “We avoid stepping out between 1.15 pm and 2 pm. It’s a total mess with vehicles brushing past each other and no traffic cops in sight amid eve-teasing concerns. People are often seen arguing just to find space to pass,” said Sandeep Sharma, another local resident. Locals also alleged that without reason, groups of boys gather outside the col- lege when classes end, adding to congestion and uneasiness. The evenings bring no respite. From 6 pm onwards, 20-30 rehris selling eatables line along both sides of the road. Customers park vehicles haphazardly to grab food, virtually blocking the stretch. “Whenever there’s a VIP visit, rehris vanish and traffic flows smoothly. On other days, authorities prefer to turn a blind eye. The police and the MC do nothing to clear these encroachments,” rued Megha, another resident. With the road under siege both in the afternoons and evenings, residents demand immediate intervention of the traffic police and the MC. Even outside the big showrooms vehicles are often seen parked in a wrong manner.