04062026-LT-01.qxd 6/4/2026 12:46 AM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune FOCUS ON FERTILISER, FOOD FOR AGRI SECURITY: PAU VC RITA MEHER HAS WORN MANY HATS…PRODUCER, DIRECTOR WE ONLY MAKE WHAT SOCIETY SHOWS US: FILMMAKER DEO “Focus on two ‘Fs’ for survival of humanity, long-term agricultural security and sustainability,” VC tells scientists. P2 This year, Tasveer has hosted the only official South Asian panel on the main stage at Marché du Film. P4 Abhinay Deo feels since crime is all around us, it ends up becoming most consumed genre in cinema too. P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 37°C | MIN 24°C YESTERDAY MAX 40°C | MIN 24°C SUNSET THURSDAY 7:21 PM SUNRISE FRIDAY 5:21 AM THURSDAY | 4 JUNE 2026 | LUDHIANA Country’s cycle capital Ludhiana ‘trackless’, thanks to admn apathy WORLD BICYCLE DAY Residents hesitate to pedal on congested, potholed roads in absence of safe tracks ManavMander Tribune News Service The cycling velodrome at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana. PHOTO: ASHWANI DHIMAN Cyclists call for better facilities, easier access to PAU velodrome Anil Datt Ludhiana, June 3 As cyclists across the globe on Wednesday celebrated World Bicycle Day, members of the Ludhiana’s cycling fraternity used the occasion to highlight the transformative role cycling can play in promoting health, environmental sustainability and sporting excellence while urging the state government to invest more heavily in cycling infrastructure. Cyclists, coaches, sports administrators and fitness enthusiasts observed the day by reiterating the importance of cycling as an affordable eco-friendly and highly effective form of exercise. They stressed that regular cycling helps improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthening muscles, enhances endurance and contributes significantly to mental well-being. Sports experts noted that cycling gained unprecedented popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic when lockdown restrictions brought normal life to a standstill. During those challenging times, bicycles emerged as a reliable mode of transportation for thousands of people. Many frontline workers, delivery personnel and citizens relied on cycling to meet their daily needs while countless others embraced it as a means to maintain physical fitness and mental health. Despite the growing popularity of the sport and recreational cycling, the enthusiasts expressed concern over the lack of adequate infrastructure for aspiring cyclists. They pointed out that the velodrome at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, remains the only dedicated cycling facility in the area. It enjoys international recognition and had successfully hosted the prestigious Asian Cycling Championship, showcasing Punjab’s capability to stage major sporting events. However, the cyclists lamented that accessibility to the facility was not always easy for budding riders and trainees. They emphasised that young cyclists from Ludhiana and neighbouring districts often struggle to obtain regular training opportunities at the venue. According to members of the cycling fraternity, easier access to the velodrome would go a long way in nurturing talent and encouraging greater participation in the sport. Experts also highlight that cycling is among the few sports that offer opportunities in both individual and team events. Punjab cyclists, particularly those from Ludhiana, have repeatedly demonstrated their prowess at national competitions, contributing significantly to the state’s medal tally. Several cyclists trained in the region have brought laurels to the state through outstanding continued on page 2 Ludhiana, June 3 On World Bicycle Day, irony rides through city’s streets. The city, celebrated as India’s cycle capital with nearly 5,000 manufacturing units, produces millions of bicycles each year. Yet its own residents hesitate to pedal on congested and potholed roads, deprived of safe cycling tracks. The paradox is stark: Cycles built for the world but unsafe for the city’s own people. Currently, Ludhiana has only two dedicated tracks, one along the Sidhwan Canal and another inside Rakh Bagh, both designed for leisure, not commuting. The much-hyped Smart City Mission track on Malhar Road has been completely taken over by vehicles. What was meant for cyclists, now functions as a parking lot, with showrooms even running valet services directly on the track. Other proposals have faltered. A plan for tracks in Focal Point for labourers collapsed while another from Dugri to South City never took off. Residents and cycling groups say the administration’s apathy has left enthusiasts stranded. “It is shocking to see that the cycle track on Malhar Road has been converted to a parking space by shopkeepers and the authorities have turned a blind eye towards it,” said Harpreet Kaur, a cycle enthusiast. “Parents are not willing to send their children on cycles as roads are unsafe,” A cycle track inside Rakh Bagh; and (below) another on Malhar Road being used for parking vehicles. PHOTOS: ASHWANI DHIMAN NO TRACK FOR COMMUTING Currently, Ludhiana has only two dedicated tracks, one along the Sidhwan Canal and another inside Rakh Bagh, both designed for leisure, not commuting. The much-hyped Smart City Mission track on Malhar Road has been completely taken over by vehicles. What was meant for cyclists, now functions as a parking lot, with showrooms even running valet services directly on the track. Other proposals have faltered. A plan for tracks in Focal Point for labourers collapsed while another from Dugri to South City never took off. says Ranjodh Singh of the Ludhiana Pedallers Club. “New colonies should not be passed till they have cycling tracks. There is space along Ferozepur Road but nobody is paying attention.” Industry leaders echo the concern. Onkar Singh Pahwa, CMD of Avon Cycles, points out that while kids’ fancy cycles dominate sales, demand for gear cycles remains low as city roads are unworthy of them. “Overseas markets thrive on gear cycles as they have infrastructure,” he adds. DS Chawla, former president of the UCPMA, insists that the government must promote cycling and create infrastructure. “Roadster cycles account for only 25–30 per cent of production, supplied largely through government tenders for female students under school schemes,” he explains. For young residents, the absence of safe tracks is disheartening. Viren, a Class X student, says he loves cycling but his parents forbid him from riding on city roads. “The only option left is Punjab Agricultural Universi- Immigration agent gets extortion calls 2 pvt schools face action for ‘defying’ closure orders amid heatwave Ludhiana, June 3 The Division Number 6 police have initiated a probe into an incident in which an unidentified caller have made multiple extortion calls to demand Rs 50 lakh from an immigration agent at Gill Chowk. The suspect claimed to be staying in England and hailing from Tarn Taran, by introducing himself as gangster Ghanshyam Puria. The police said the suspect had been making extortion calls and sending SMSes, demanding Rs 50 lakh through the number +60424557322 from Karanpreet Singh of JS Immigration Centre, Gill Chowk. — OC Tribune News Service Sukhpreet Singh Ludhiana, June 3 The Education Department has initiated action against two private schools, Narayana E-Techno School, and RS Model Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar, for allegedly remaining operational despite the state government’s orders to keep educational institutions closed during the ongoing heatwave. The issue came to light after a video purportedly showing students coming out of RS Model Senior Sec- ‘ENSURE STRICT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDERS’ Parents and residents have urged the authorities to ensure strict implementation of the orders and take appropriate action against institutions found violating government instructions. ondary School, Shastri Nagar, after attending classes surfaced on social media. The video of RS Model School quickly went viral, prompting the authorities to verify the allegations and initiate inquiries. According to information, students of Classes VIII, X and XII had allegedly been called to the school for academic practice sessions and preparations related to board examinations of RS Model School. The viral video reportedly showed a large number of students leaving the school premises, raising questions over compliance with the state government’s closure directives issued in view of soaring temperatures. The controversy further escalated after a member of the management of RS Model Senior Secondary School was accused of engaging in a verbal spat with a local journalist who had visited the campus to verify whether the institution was adhering to the government’s orders. A video of the exchange also circulated on social media. Sources said a police complaint had been filed regarding the incident. Following the viral videos, officials of the Education Department conducted inspections and sought reports from the schools concerned. The department has already initiated action against Narayana E-Techno School for the alleged violation sfter getting information. Deputy District Education Officer Amandeep Singh said the department had taken serious note of the matter. “Teams were sent to both schools after the video surfaced. Action has already been initiated against Narayana school. As far as RS school is concerned, further action will be taken after consultation with senior officials and completion of the necessary proceedings,” he said. The incident has again highlighted concerns over compliance with government directives issued for the safety of students during extreme weather conditions. The state government had ordered the closure of schools from June 1 till June 30 across the state due to the prevailing heatwave and rising temperatures, aimed at protecting children from heatrelated illnesses. Parents and residents have urged the authorities to ensure strict implementation of the orders and take appropriate action against institutions found violating government instructions. Education Department officials said inspections would continue and schools would be expected to strictly adhere to all directions issued in the interest of student welfare. Silt piles up along Buddha Nullah, raises flood fears ahead of monsoon Sukhpreet Singh Tribune News Service Ludhiana, June 3 Even as the Municipal Corporation (MC) claims to be preparing for the monsoon season by carrying out desilting and cleaning operations in the Buddha Nullah, heaps of black silt and waste removed from the drain continue to lie unattended along its banks, raising concerns among residents staying in nearby localities. Residents alleged that the civic body has extracted sludge from the nullah at several locations but has failed to lift and dispose of the waste for months. With the monsoon season fast approach- Silt and waste lying unattended on the banks of the Buddha Nullah in Ludhiana. ASHWANI DHIMAN ing, they fear a repeat of last year’s situation when rainwater carried the deposited silt and waste into residential areas, causing inconvenience and financial losses. According to residents, Chandan Nagar, Haibowal, Madhopuri and other areas c m y b situated along the nullah were among the worst affected during the monsoon last year. Overflowing water from the drain mixed with the black sludge dumped on its banks had entered several houses. Residents had to spend days cleaning their houses while many reported damage to household items and foul smell lingering in affected areas. “Last year, the black mud and waste entered our homes after heavy rainfall. The MC had removed the sludge from the nullah but left it on the banks. When the water level rose, the waste was washed into nearby colonies. We do not want the same situation to again,” said Naresh Kumar, a resident of Chandan Nagar. Residents claimed that despite repeated complaints and reminders, the civic body had not taken adequate measures to remove the accumulated waste. They said the heaps of waste not only posed a flood risk but also created unhygienic conditions and emitted foul odour in surrounding areas. The presence of large quantities of sludge along the nullah has again highlighted alleged shortcomings in the MC’s monsoon preparedness. Residents questioned the purpose of desilting operations if the extracted waste was not disposed of in a timely manner. Environmental activists also pointed out that leaving the waste along the drain defeats the purpose of cleaning operations, as a single spell of heavy rain could wash the sludge back into the nullah or adjoining residential areas. MC Commissioner Neeru Katyal said the issue had already been brought to her notice. “I have already directed officials to remove the waste piled up along the Buddha Nullah within a month before the monsoon season,” she said. ty but even that requires a pass,” he laments. Older residents recall the past. Rakesh Kumar, a city resident, reflects: “Cycling has never been just about fitness. It is about freedom and joy. I used to go to school on a cycle but today I am afraid to send my children the same way. We need dedicated tracks as available in Chandigarh.” Subdivisional office employee caught taking ~5,000 bribe Mahesh Sharma Ludhiana, June 3 The Vigilance Bureau claimed to have foiled an attempt to do registration of a plot at Cycle Market, Ludhiana, by nabbing a facilitator while accepting Rs 5,000 as part payment of Rs 25,000 bribe for getting an illegal transaction done. The suspect has been identified as Sarbjit Singh Bittu of New Deep Nagar, Haibowal Kalan, Ludhiana, who claimed to be an employee of the Raikot subdivisional office. The complainant, Amrinder Singh, of New Baba Deep Singh Nagar, informed Vigilance officials, led by DSP Shiv Chand of Range 2, Vigilance Bureau, that his father Lachhman Singh had entered into an agreement with Kuldeep Kumar of Sahnewal in 2010 to purchase a plot from him and its possession was also taken in 2020. It was later came to the fore that kin of the complainant has got a fake registration done in the name of Kulwant Singh. After some meetings, Sarbjit assured the complainant to get registration done through an official, who would charge Rs 3.50 lakh, besides his own share of Rs 25,000. It was on Wednesday that VB sleuths laid a trap and caught Sarbjit red-handed accepting Rs 5,000.