28042026-ATR-01.qxd 4/28/2026 12:32 AM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY CONG WORKERS PROTEST COPS’ 'HIGHHANDEDNESS' IN RAJASANSI HOW SCHOOLS ARE KEEPING THEIR COOL AMID RISING HEAT SAVOUR SIDDUS DELICACIES AT SHIMLA’S HIMACHALI RASOI The Congress on Monday staged a protest against "anti-people policies" of the AAP government. P2 As a severe heatwave sweeps across north India, authorities have begun revising school timings in city. P3 Himachali Rasoi at Middle Bazaar in Shimla city is a must-visit restaurant for a delightful range of siddus. P4 » » MAX 39°C | MIN 23°C YESTERDAY MAX 39°C | MIN 21°C SUNSET TUESDAY 7.08 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 5.46 AM » TUESDAY | 28 APRIL 2026 | AMRITSAR MLA flags off pilgrimage bus from Jeobala in Tarn Taran Fire destroys wheat crop in dist village, farmers demand relief Tarn Taran, April 27 Khadoor Sahib constituency MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura on Monday flagged off a bus from Jeobala village under the Chief Minister’s Tirth Yatra Scheme. Devotees and prominent personalities from the area were present on the occasion. Speaking at the event, the MLA said that the pilgrimage scheme, launched by the Punjab Government, is proving highly beneficial for the common people, enabling them to visit various religious places without any financial burden. He said that the Punjab Government remains committed to the welfare of the people and that every section of society is benefiting from such initiatives. He extended his best wishes to the pilgrims and urged them to undertake their journey with devotion and return home safely. Several party leaders present at the event also appreciated the initiative. Among those in attendance were party leaders Amarinder Singh Ammy, Anju Verma, Kuldeep Singh Pheloke, Baljit Singh Khaira, Sher Singh Jhander and others. — OC Amritsar, April 27 A major fire broke out in the fields of Mahniya Kuhada village near Jethwal here this afternoon, destroying standing wheat crop and stubble spread over nearly 15 acres. The incident, which occurred around noon, is believed to have been caused by a short circuit, leading to heavy losses for local farmers. Villagers said around eight acres of ready to be harvested wheat and seven acres of stubble belonging to farmers Gurdev Singh and Gurlal Singh were burnt to ashes within a short time. The fire spread quickly due to dry conditions and heat, leaving little chance to control it. Dr Parminder Singh Pandori, a leader of BKU Ekta Ugrahan, alleged that the fire was caused by negligence of the electricity department. He said that power supply to agricultural motors during daytime hours, from 9 am to 2 pm, increased the risk of such incidents. “Earlier, electricity was supplied in the early morning hours, which was safer. The new timing has put farmers at risk,” he said. The wheat straw, which is very combustible, can catch Tribune News Service Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service A massive fire engulfs wheat crop at Jethuwal village in Amritsar. fire even with a minor short circuit or sometimes with heat produced by grinding parts of the agricultural machinery. Villagers claimed that the fire brigade was informed immediately, but no vehicle reached the spot in time, allowing the flames to spread further. Farmer leaders expressed anger over the incident and blamed the electricity department for the losses. They demanded compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre for the affected farmers and strict action against those responsible. Police officials, including Kamboj police station SHO Shamsher Singh, reached the spot along with electricity department staff and the local patwari to assess the damage. With wheat harvesting still ongoing in a few areas, farmers fear that such incidents could happen again if proper precautions are not taken. ASI raises concern over alterations at Ram Bagh Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service Amritsar, April 27 Construction of a retaining wall around the pedestal of the iconic Maharaja Ranjit Singh statue at the historic Ram Bagh is continuing despite objections from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which had sought registration of an FIR against the Amritsar Municipal Corporation in December over unauthorised work within the protected monument premises. The civic body had begun dismantling the damaged portion of the podium surrounding the statue and initiated construction of a retaining wall after concerns were raised last year over the deteriorating condition of the site. The work, which started months ago, is still underway, and the wall structure is now nearing completion. The ASI has objected to the A view of the under-construction RCC retaining wall near the statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Company Bagh in Amritsar. VISHAL KUMAR construction activity, maintaining that Ram Bagh is a protected monument and that any structural alteration or civil work within its premises without prior permission is illegal under heritage protection norms. Sri Om, Senior Conserva- Soaring temperatures take toll on tourist influx in city tion Assistant, ASI Amritsar, said the department had written to the authorities seeking registration of an FIR against the municipal corporation for carrying out the work. However, despite these objections, construction activity has continued at the site. In 2018, an agreement between the ASI and the municipal corporation designated the civic body as the custodian of Ram Bagh for its maintenance and upkeep. The statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, created by internationally renowned sculptor Ram V Sutar, is one of the prominent landmarks within Ram Bagh. The equestrian statue depicts the founder of the Sikh Empire mounted on a horse and holding a spear. Last year, concerns were raised over the deteriorating condition of the statue complex, including damage to the platform, broken tiles, weed growth and alleged vandalism to the spear held in the Maharaja’s right hand. Heritage enthusiasts had demanded immediate restoration and expert consultation for repairs. The statue also holds historical significance. It was continued on page 2 Amritsar, April 27 An intense heatwave gripping the region, with temperatures crossing the 40 degrees Celsius mark over the past few days, has led to a sharp decline in tourist footfall in Amritsar. Tourism, the mainstay of the city’s economy, which provides employment to auto-rickshaw drivers, retailers around the Golden Temple selling souvenirs and business to restaurants and eating joints, has taken a hit. Piyush Kapoor, a senior manager at a leading hotel and an office-bearer of the Amritsar Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHARA), said there has been a 50 to 70 per cent drop in tourist arrivals, with a similar decline in hotel room occupancy. “However, this is not unusual. It happens every year. As temperatures rise, leisure tourism declines and this trend continues until August. We do see a brief A view of the Amritsar railway station, which wears a deserted look, on Monday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR surge in visitors during school summer vacations, but that is largely because Amritsar serves as a transit point for tourists heading to the Kashmir valley,” he said. Amandeep Singh Dhaliwal, a tour and taxi operator, said his business usually picks up when travellers from distant states end their train journeys in Amritsar and hire taxis to travel onwards to Himachal Pradesh. At present, however, demand for taxis has dropped significantly. Meanwhile, the heatwave has also reduced footfall at public places, particularly the railway station and the Shaheed Madan Lal Dhingra Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), which appear largely deserted during daytime hours. Vendors at these locations reported a noticeable decline in sales as people are avoiding unnecessary travel and inbound tourist movement has also slowed. Since tourism drives the city’s economy, the impact is being widely felt. Even during essential outings, people are avoiding travelling with children and elderly family members. Continued on page 2 For devotees’ comfort As temperatures soar due to intense heat, devotees cool the marble floors of the Golden Temple's Parikrama by splashing water in Amritsar on Monday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR ‘Public support needed Midnight fire at garbage dump near old Cops seize huge stock to tackle social evils’ sabji mandi sparks panic in Hall Bazaar of restricted capsules Tribune News Service Amritsar, April 27 Residents of the Civil Lines area, along with students and their parents, raised concerns over the proliferation of hookah bars and the easy access to intoxicants during a community-police interaction held at Madhav Vidya Niketan School in the posh Ranjit Avenue locality on Monday. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, along with other senior police officials, was present at the interaction organised under the ‘Operation Sampark’ campaign of Punjab Police. Speaking on the occasion, the Police Commissioner underscored the importance of public cooperation in tackling social evils. “The public is the eyes, ears, and hands of the police. Without their support, it is impossible to eliminate social evils, including the rampant drug menace,” he said. Residents alleged that several hookah bars in Ranjit Avenue operate openly, shutting down only during police raids before resuming business soon after. Demanding strict action, they urged police officials to ensure that minors are barred from entry. Taking note of the complaints, the Police Commissioner directed his team to initiate immediate action. Parents and students also flagged the easy availability of gutka, cigarettes and other intoxicants. Bhullar clarified that while certain items are not completely banned, strict action would be taken if minors were found consuming them. He assured that the issue would be taken up with the Deputy Commissioner and the district administration. Highlighting the state’s continued on page 2 Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Amritsar, April 27 Panic gripped residents of the Hall Bazar area late Sunday night after a fire broke out at a garbage dump outside the old vegetable market, sending flames and thick smoke into nearby residential localities. According to local residents, the incident took place around 11.40 pm when flames suddenly erupted from the accumulated waste lying at the site. As the fire spread through the dump, dense smoke engulfed the surroundings, causing alarm among people living nearby. On receiving information, fire tenders from the Town Hall fire station rushed to the spot and launched an immediate operation to contain the blaze. Fire Department officials said the flames were A fire breaks out at a garbage dump at the old sabji mandi outside the Hall Gate in Amritsar. brought under control within 30 minutes after sustained efforts, preventing the fire from spreading to adjoining structures and nearby commercial establishments. Residents said the garbage c m y b dump has become a persistent source of inconvenience due to foul smell, smoke and repeated incidents of fire. They alleged that heaps of waste remain unattended for long periods, creating health hazards as well as increasing the risk of such mishaps. People living in the area said recurring fires at the site have made life difficult, particularly for children, elderly persons and those suffering from respiratory ailments. They added that smoke from burning waste often enters homes and shops, causing severe discomfort. Locals have urged the district administration and the municipal corporation authorities to immediately shift the garbage dump from the congested locality. They said relocating the site would provide relief to residents and help curb pollution in one of the city’s busiest commercial and residential zones. Residents also demanded regular lifting of waste and stricter monitoring to prevent future fire incidents. Amritsar, April 27 The Amritsar Rural Police have confiscated a large quantity of pregabalin capsules from a man in the Majitha area. The accused has been identified as Mangal Singh, while his nephew, Prabhjot Singh, managed to flee from the spot. Terming it a significant crackdown on illegal drug storage and distribution, the Majitha police have registered a case under Sections 318(4) and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in this connection. According to police sources, a team was present at the bus stand in Majitha when they received specific information that Mangal Singh and his nephew were allegedly involved in storing and selling a large quantity of pregabalin capsules from their residence without a valid medical licence. Acting swiftly, the police raided their residence near the railway station in Dera Khunian Wala village, Majitha. During the search operation, a total of 25,400 pregabalin capsules were recovered. Mangal Singh was arrested on the spot, while co-accused Prabhjot Singh managed to escape. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend him, police said. Pregabalin, a prescription medicine used for neurological conditions, has been placed under stricter regulation and falls under Schedule H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules due to its increasing misuse. It cannot be sold without a valid doctor’s prescription, and unauthorised possession or sale in large quantities attracts strict legal action. Amritsar (Rural) SSP Sohai Qasim Mir said further investigation is underway to trace the supply chain.