01102025-ATR-01.qxd 9/30/2025 11:23 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 34°C | MIN 24°C YESTERDAY MAX 34°C | MIN 24°C BAN IMPOSED ON BURNING STUBBLE IN K’THALA AKAL ACADEMY STUDENTS PERFORM ON ASHTAMI CELEBS OFFER PRAYERS AT DURGA PUJA PANDAL Kapurthala DM Amit Kumar Panchal has imposed a ban on the burning of paddy straw and other agri residues. P2 The local Universal Adademy organised a special assembly on Tuesday to commemorate Durga Ashtami. P2 Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor visited the North Bombay Durga Puja and offered prayers there. P4 » » » SUNSET WEDNESDAY 6.15 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 6.24 AM WEDNESDAY | 1 OCTOBER 2025 | AMRITSAR Nursing staff’s protestover disparity in pay enters 5th day Garbage lifting crisis triggers uncontrolled burning in city Doctors warn of increased respiratory problems due to hazardous smoke Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Nursing staff during a protest at Government Medical College in Amritsar on Tuesday. Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 30 The protest by nursing employees of Government Medical College (GMC) entered the fifth consecutive day today with staff demanding the restoration of grade pay of Rs 4,600. The agitating nurses said they were being discriminated against despite performing the same duties. The protesters said the government had reduced their grade pay from Rs 4,600 to Rs 2,800 in 2021. Currently, those recruited in 2019 are receiving a grade pay of Rs 3,200, while nurses appointed from 2020 onwards are being paid only Rs 2,800. The PCC raises concern over deteriorating road infra Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 30 Office-bearers of the Pollution Control Committee (PCC) have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of city roads, alleging that poor engineering practices and lack of supervision are the primary reasons behind their frequent damage. Pollution Control Committee president PS Bhatty said after extensive discussions, it was concluded that multiple factors contribute to the poor state of roads in Amritsar and other parts of the district. He alleged that road projects are largely handled by unskilled contractors with no proper checks or monitoring of their execution. Explaining the technical issues, Parkash Singh Bhatty said tar and concrete are mixed at hot mix plants to bind road surfaces, but contractors often use cheaper petrochemicals in place of quality tar. “Tar is not used in the right proportion, which weakens the binding of concrete and reduces durability. Water then becomes the first enemy of tar, loosening the surface and damaging the road carpet,” he said. He said improper levelling and lack of water discharge planning cause waterlogging from rain, household drainage and car wash runoff, further accelerating road damage. “No road is laid with any sense of levelling. As a result, water collects on the surface and weakens the structure,” he remarked. The committee also criticised the role of civil work departments of government agencies, alleging that officials act as “commission agents” rather than ensuring quality work. Bhatty claimed that frequent digging of roads for water supply, sewerage, under-ground cable laying and gas pipeline projects is carried out without proper restoration. employees argued that this disparity is unjust as they are doing identical work. Gathering on the GMC campus, the nurses raised slogans and held placards demanding restoration of fair grade pay. They said such policies lower the morale of staff and discourage young professionals from joining the service. “We work day and night, shoulder to shoulder with one another. But when salaries show this difference, it feels like our contribution is being ignored,” said Ramanjit Singh Gill, president of the union. The employees urged the state government to take immediate steps to end the disparity. They warned that if their demands were not met, they would intensify their agitation in the coming days. Patients visiting the hospital have begun to feel the impact of the protest as routine services are getting affected. Senior doctors are being forced to manage additional responsibilities due to the absence of nurses in certain wards. Union representatives said they had already submitted memorandums to the Health Department, but no concrete action has been taken so far. They added that the protest would continue until the government makes a written commitment to resolve the issue. Amritsar, September 30 Irregular garbage lifting in Amritsar has led to a surge in residents setting trash heaps on fire across the city. The issue stems from ongoing disputes between the Municipal Corporation (MC) and former waste management firm Averda, which have disrupted regular garbage collection for several months. Large heaps of garbage are now a common sight in various parts of the city. The MC has been unable to lift and dispose of the waste completely, leading to a deteriorating hygiene situation—particularly around hospitals and the densely populated walled city. Residents report that even when garbage is collected, the lifting is only partial and occurs after several days of delay, causing waste to rot and stink. In frustration, residents and possibly sanitation A heap of garbage set on fire in Indira Colony on Majitha Road in Amritsar on Tuesday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR workers have resorted to setting garbage piles on fire. Fires have been reported in public parks, along roadsides, in parking lots, and even inside garbage bins. Smouldering heaps and smoke have been seen Three nabbed with 532 grams of heroin Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 30 The Amritsar Rural Police have arrested three men and recovered two pistols, 532 grams of opium and a motorcycle during a naka operation near Mode village. The accused were identified as Karnbir Singh, a resident of Sarai Amanat Khan in Tarn Taran district, Sahilpreet Singh and Husandeep Singh, both residents of Cheema Kalan, Tarn Taran. The police said a team of the Special Cell, Amritsar Rural, was conducting vehicle checks near Mode village Three suspects in custody of the police in Amritsar on Tuesday. on Sunday when three young men on a motorcycle were stopped on basis of suspicion. On questioning, they ‘Centre, state govt to blame for destruction caused by floods’ disclosed their identities, and a search led to the recovery of a Glock pistol, a Zigana pistol and 532 grams of opium from them. The three were taken into custody and a case under Sections 18 and 29 of the NDPS Act and Sections 25(8), 54 and 59 of the Arms Act was registered at the Gharinda police station. The police said initial questioning suggested that the accused were in contact with Pakistani smugglers via WhatsApp. The police are examining their forward and backward links to identify the network and other individuals involved. near Guru Nanak Dev Hospital and ESI Hospital on Majitha Road. The burning of plastic-laden waste is releasing toxic fumes, posing a significant health hazard to city residents. Residents near dumping yards continue to resist further unloading of garbage. A large trash pile near Rattan Singh Chowk and the rear side of Company Bagh was reportedly set ablaze recently. Many citizens say they are left with no choice Up for sale Effigies of Ravana put up for sale along the roadside in Amritsar on Tuesday. TRIBUNE PHOTO Focus on air pollution, documentary on burning crop residue wins award Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 30 Akali Dal Waris Punjab De on Monday blamed both the Centre and the Punjab Government for the widespread destruction caused by the recent floods in the state. On the occasion, it also criticised the rejection of parole for Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh. Addressing a press conference, Tarsem Singh, father of Amritpal Singh, alleged that negligence in maintaining embankments, drainage systems and dams led to largescale damage. He said about 1,500-2,000 villages, 3 to 4 lakh people and nearly 3 lakh acres of farmland were affected by the floods with losses being pegged at Rs 13,000-14,000 crore, besides around 50 people losing their lives. He described the Prime Minister’s relief package of Rs 1,600 crore as a “joke” and claimed that delayed release of water from the dams worsened the disaster. The party also criticised the Centre for rejecting its memorandum seeking a month’s Amritsar, September 30 ‘Beyond Stubble’, a documentary film exploring the issue of burning crop residue in Punjab, has won an award at the prestigious ‘Breath of Change’ CMS Vatavaran Short Film Competition. The competition, focusing on air pollution, was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas. The award was handed to Dharmik Patel, the director of the film, by Rajesh Verma, Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management at an event held recently in Delhi. The documentary has been produced by Asar, a Bangalore-based development startup in collaboration with Clean Air Punjab, which is a network of organisations and individuals dedicated to promoting clean air and environmental sustainability across Punjab. Tarsem Singh (C), father of jailed MP Amritpal Singh, during a press conference in Amritsar on Tuesday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR parole for Amritpal Singh to participate in relief work and the release of MPLADS funds. “If an elected MP cannot stand with his people in such times, how can ordinary farmers and workers expect justice?” asked Tarsem Singhasked. Waris Punjab leaders said their volunteers set up 21 relief camps without government help and continue to assist farmers in rehabilitating damaged farm- land. The party placed five demands before the governments, a judicial inquiry into the floods, full control of BBMB in Punjab’s hands, a special relief package of Rs 25,000 crore, direct compensation to affected farmers and labourers, and strict action against negligent officials. Tarsem Singh said the party would continue to struggle until these demands are met. c m y b as sanitation services remain unreliable. Sudhir Aggarwal, a morning walker at Company Bagh, said, “Scores of city residents come here to breathe pollution-free air. But now, foul odours and garbage make it hard to even walk.” Harpreet Singh, a shopkeeper near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), remarked, “Garbage is piling up around the bus stand, leaving a poor impression on tourists visiting the holy city.” He added that the authorities should act swiftly with the festive season approaching. Medical experts warn that burning waste, especially plastic and polystyrene, emits dangerous toxins. The smoke contains particulate matter, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, benzene, styrene, arsenic, and more. Several residents have already complained of breathing difficulties due to prolonged exposure. The competition was organised by the MoEF&CC and the CAQM in the NCR and adjoining areas. The 13-minute film highlights the complex issue of stubble burning from the perspective of Punjab’s farmers. Through real-life stories and on-the-ground conversations, the film sheds light on the challenges faced by the farming community while also showcasing practical, onthe-ground solutions that can reduce burning without compromising their livelihoods. Patel, the director of the film, said he was extremely happy about the award, adding, “This award truly belongs to the farmers who shared their stories with us. ‘Beyond Stubble’ is a testament to the importance of listening to and learning from the people who work on land every day. Their experiences are keys to finding solutions that truly work.” Sanam Wazir, Director of State Climate Action at Asar, added, “This film celebrates the voices of farmers and their crucial role in creating a cleaner future. ‘Beyond Stubble’ hopes to inspire more conversations around sustainable farming, strengthen peer-topeer learning among farmers, and encourage collective action towards cleaner air and healthier futures for Punjab and beyond.” The award for ‘Beyond Stubble’ underscores the power of storytelling in raising awareness about stubble burning and the need for collaborative solutions. It is both a victory for the filmmakers and a tribute to the resilience and knowledge of Punjab’s farming community.