04022026-ATR-01.qxd 2/3/2026 11:07 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY TICKET-CHECKING DRIVES HELD IN TRAINS DHOTIAN, WHERE HISTORY LIVES & HARMONY BREATHES JASMEEN DROPS HER LATEST SINGLE, MALAK DYAAL Ferozepur Railway Division has collected ~2.52 crore in fines during the month of January this year. P2 Steeped in history, the village, located on Sheron-Jamarai road, has great social and cultural significance. P3 The song arrives following an overwhelming response to her recent releases. P4 » » MAX 20°C | MIN 7°C YESTERDAY MAX 20°C | MIN 7°C SUNSET WEDNESDAY 6.02 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 7:11 AM » WEDNESDAY | 4 FEBRUARY 2026 | AMRITSAR Man held for trying to impersonate Health Minister, threatening officials Action taken after written complaint from Senior Medical Officer, Civil Hospital Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 3 The police have arrested a man for impersonating Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh from his office in an attempt to exert undue pressure on government health officials and interfere in departmental functioning. According to the police, the action was taken following a written complaint received from Senior Medical Officer (SMO) posted at Civil Hospital, Amritsar. In his complaint, the SMO stated that on February 3, at around 10:34 am, he received a phone call on his mobile number from an unknown person who introduced himself as Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr Balbir Singh. The caller allegedly made intimidating statements, accusing the hospital administration of mismanagement and attempted to issue illegal directions. These included demanding the removal of DCP (Law and Order) Alam Vijay Singh addresses the media in Amritsar on Tuesday about a case in which a man called up health officials posing as Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR certain staff members, putting pressure on the administration to continue specific individuals on particular posts, and using abusive and derogatory language against the hospital staff. The caller also falsely claimed links with government machinery and minis- terial vehicles to reinforce his authority. When the SMO questioned the caller's identity again, the person changed his version and claimed that he was Gurjeet Singh, calling from the office of Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh. The complainant further alleged that the caller mentally harassed and pressurised him by repeatedly asserting false authority. The matter was immediately brought to the notice of the Civil Surgeon, Amritsar, who discussed the issue with Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh. The Health Minister categorically denied making any such call or issuing any directions and instructed the officials to initiate strict legal action against the impersonator. Based on the complaint, Amritsar Commissionerate Police registered an FIR under Sections 204, 217, 221 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at ADivision police station, for impersonation, criminal intimidation and misuse of identity to influence public servants. During the investigation, the police arrested Harjit Singh (57), a resident of Gurbaksh Nagar, Amritsar, from the Gate Hakima police station area the same day. The accused is a private driver by profession and has studied up to Class V. Police revealed that the accused has a criminal history with six previous cases registered against him, all related to cheating under Section 420 of the IPC at various police stations in Amritsar. Further investigation in the matter is underway, said police officials. Shots fired at shop, extortion suspected to be motive Our Correspondent Tarn Taran, February 3 Two motorcycle-borne suspected operatives of gangsters opened fire at the cloth house in Fatehbad township on Monday when the shopkeepers were yet to shut their establishments for the day. The shop owner, Mohan Singh, said that he has been regularly receiving extortion calls for Rs 50 lakh, but failed to give the amount to the said gangsters as he is not in a condition to meet the request. Mohan Singh, in his statement to the police, said the bullets fired had shattered the glass panes of his shop. He said that he has reported the matter to the police. SSP Surendra Lamba confirmed that the victim Mohan Singh had reported the matter to the police. The miscreants managed to escape from the spot after the firing incident. SSP Lamba said that the police recovered two empty cartridges from the spot. According to the SSP the , elements behind the firing incident would be identified and apprehended. Lamba also urged the general public not to be misled by mischievous elements. Aashirwad scheme linked to Sewa Kendras Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 3 The government, in order to make welfare services more transparent and people-friendly, has linked the Aashirwad scheme with Sewa Kendras across the state, AAP spokesperson and Ajnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal stated this here on Tuesday. Dhaliwal said that the Aashirwad online portal has now been officially connected with Sewa Kendras and from now on, applications under the scheme can be submitted only through Sewa Kendras. The move will make the scheme more effective, transparent and accountable, he claimed. He said that submitting applications through Sewa Kendras will help end corruption, prevalence of middlemen and misuse of the scheme. This will also strengthen public trust in the government system, he added. He further stated that the initiative reflects the government's concern for the dignity of girl child, social security and clean administration. The MLA said that the Aashirwad scheme is an important welfare programme of the Punjab gov- ernment. Under the scheme, financial assistance of Rs 51,000 is provided for the marriage of daughters. The benefit is given to families belonging to Scheduled Castes, the Christian community, Backward Classes, economically weaker sections, widows of all castes, widows of Scheduled Castes and divorced women. He explained that earlier, the beneficiaries had to submit their applications and documents at the Tehsil offices of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department. This often caused delays and technical problems. Later, even after the scheme was made online, complaints were received about private cyber cafes charging high fees from the applicants, the minister said. Footpaths turn into shops as city roads Pvt firm directed to expedite work get choked by illegal encroachments on Surface Water Project in city Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 3 The display of goods on footpaths and even on busy roads has left little or no space for pedestrians in several parts of the city, especially in areas around the Golden Temple. With a large number of tourists visiting the holy city every day, the situation has turned chaotic, causing inconvenience to residents, devotees and visitors alike. Vendors have occupied footpaths by placing stalls, carts and goods meant for sale, forcing pedestrians to walk on the roads. In many places, shopkeepers have extended their trade beyond their allotted spaces, blocking walkways completely. As a result, people, including senior citizens, women and children, are compelled to risk their lives by walking amid moving vehicles. The problem becomes more serious during peak tourist hours and on religious occasions when thousands of devotees head towards the Golden Temple. Narrow roads, already under pressure due to heavy traffic, become further congested due to encroachments. Vehicles, pedestrians and rick- Amritsar, February 3 A review meeting was held today under the chairmanship of the Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Surinder Singh, to assess the progress of various components of the World Bank aided Surface Water Project. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding the ongoing works, including the laying of pipelines, construction of Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) and Over Head Ser- vice Reservoirs (OHSRs). The Additional MC Commissioner directed the L&T company to boost manpower and expedite the pace of work to ensure completion within the stipulated time period, while keeping public convenience in view during the execution. Additional MC Commissioner Surinder Singh stated that the Surface Water Project is progressing at full pace and work on laying the pipeline work is currently underway. He informed that approximately 86 per cent of the WTP work has been com- pleted, while 38 OHSRs are under construction, which are expected to be completed at the earliest as per the assurance given by L&T. The company has been instructed to double the labour strength to fast-track the completion of OHSRs. The Additional MC Commissioner further apprised that the digitisation of Municipal Corporation records is in progress, which will significantly contribute to institutional modernisation. Compactors are being installed in various record rooms of theMC. He also informed that a GIS-based survey under the project is underway and approximately 32,000 properties have been covered out of the targeted 4 lakh. A dedicated team of 30 surveyors has been deployed for this purpose. Upon completion of the World Bank aided Surface Water Project, residents will be provided with 24x7 canal-based water supply through OHSRs, marking a milestone in strengthening the city's water supply infrastructure. SCREEN TIME Goods displayed illegally on a road in Amritsar. TRIBUNE PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR shaws struggle to move, leading to frequent traffic jams and delays. Residents of the old city areas have expressed strong resentment over the situation. They say that despite repeated complaints, the problem continues to grow. "The footpaths are meant for pedestrians, but they have been turned into markets. Walking even a short distance has become difficult," said Jasvir Singh, a local resident. Shopkeepers and street vendors argue that their livelihood depends on selling goods in busy areas. However, residents point out that unregulated encroachments are creating safety hazards and damaging the image of the city, which is known worldwide for its religious and cultural importance. Residents have demanded that the municipal authorities and the police take strict action to remove all illegal encroachments from foot- paths and roads. They have also called for regular drives to ensure that cleared areas are not re-encroached upon. Residents state that proper regulation of street vending, creation of designated vending zones and strict enforcement of traffic and civic rules are necessary to restore order. "Ensuring smooth pedestrian movement is essential not only for residents but also for the tourists who visit the city every day," said Balwinder Singh, another resident. Film-maker Anubhav Sinha, actors Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra in Amritsar on Tuesday to promote their upcoming REPORT ON P2 film ‘Assi’, slated for release on February 20. Citizen Environment Committee to work for protection of stray dogs Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 3 A meeting of senior Municipal Corporation officials was held with dog lovers and environmental activists to deliberate on issues related to the welfare of stray dogs and environment protection in the city. During the meeting, par- ticipants held detailed discussions on improving conditions for stray dogs and ensuring a cleaner, more humane urban environment. Dog lovers and environmentalists strongly advocated the creation of at least five designated points in each ward of the city to ensure systematic feeding of stray dogs and to reduce conflicts between animals and residents. After extensive deliberations, it was unanimously decided to constitute the "Amritsar Citizen Environment Committee". The committee will work towards environmental conservation along with the welfare and protection of stray dogs and other animals in the city. Several prominent members attended the meeting, including cattle pound incharge Dr Geetu Sareen, Sukh Suhinder Singh, RD Sharma, Deepak Babbar, along with many dog lovers and environment enthusiasts from across the city. Addressing the meeting, Additional MC Commissioner Surinder Singh informed that an animal c m y b shelter project is being planned in coordination with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The project aims to provide protection, care and rehabilitation for all kinds of animals. He also shared that Sukh Suhinder Singh from the Municipal Corporation recently visited a dog sanctuary in Ludhiana to study best practices being followed there for dog welfare, which could be replicated in Amritsar. The Additional MC Commissioner further informed that a toll-free helpline number 1800-1803291 has been made operational for citizens to register complaints related to stray dogs and other animals. The helpline will function on all working days from 9 am to 5 pm. He added that the dog sterilisation programme is being carried out continuously at designated centres to control the stray dog population in a humane manner. During the meeting, Deepak Babbar emphasised the need to arrange food and water for stray dogs at the ward level. He stated that regular feeding at fixed locations would make dogs friendly towards people and significantly reduce incidents of dog bites. The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to work in coordination for maintaining a clean environment and promoting humane and sustainable animal welfare practices in Amritsar.