Pak-sent weapons seized in Pathankot
Biker killed in 3-vehicle collision on Amritsar-Pathankot highway
Security Tightened Amid Surge Of Tourists At Snow-Bound Destinations In J&Ks Bhaderwah
Bhaderwah/Jammu, Jan 10: Security arrangements have been strengthened across snow-bound tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda following a surge of tourists over the past fortnight, officials said on Saturday. The visible deployment of security personnel at popular high-altitude meadows, including Chattargalla (11,000 ft), Panj Nallah (10,200 ft) and Guldanda (9,555 ft) along the BhaderwahPathankot highway, is aimed at boosting visitors confidence and maintaining strict vigilance to ensure their safety, the officials said. Despite harsh weather conditions, the strong presence [] The post Security Tightened Amid Surge Of Tourists At Snow-Bound Destinations In J&Ks Bhaderwah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab Beggar Collects Rs 10 From People, Distributes 500 Blankets To Poor
As a severe cold wave grips North India, life has become harsh for the poor, homeless, and destitute. As many struggle to protect themselves from the cold, a remarkable story of compassion has emerged from Punjab's Pathankot.
Fresh Snowfall Covers Higher Reaches Of J&Ks Bhaderwah, Delights Tourists
Bhaderwah/Jammu, Jan 7: Fresh snowfall in the high-altitude areas of Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district delighted tourists, who had flocked to the picturesque valley in anticipation of the precipitation, turning their long-awaited wishes into reality. Visitors from different parts of the country, particularly Maharashtra, said they witnessed snowfall for the first time, describing it as a pleasant surprise. Tourists converged in large numbers at Guldanda (9,555 feet), Panj Nallah (10,200 feet) and Chattargalla (10,500 feet) along the BhaderwahPathankot [] The post Fresh Snowfall Covers Higher Reaches Of J&Ks Bhaderwah, Delights Tourists appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jammu teen held for sharing info with Pak handlers
Jammu Tawi, Jan 6:Punjab Police have detained a 15-year old boy from Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly sharing sensitive information with handlers in Pakistan. According to the details available, the teenage boy from Bari Brahmana presently residing in bordering Sujanpur of Pathankot district in Punjab was providing information to people sitting in Pakistan. Police received [] The post Jammu teen held for sharing info with Pak handlers appeared first on Northlines .
From Social Media to Spying: How Pak Handlers Targeted a Minor
PATHANKOT, Jan 6: Punjab Police on Monday arrested a 15-year-old boy for allegedly sharing sensitive information related to national security with Pakistani terror agencies, including the ISI and Pakistan military officers, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pathankot Daljinder Singh Dhillon said. The juvenile, identified as Sanjeev Kumar, had allegedly been in contact with Pakistan-based agencies [] The post From Social Media to Spying: How Pak Handlers Targeted a Minor appeared first on Northlines .
Punjab: 15-year-old held for spying, sharing confidential data with Pakistan
A 15-year-old boy was detained from Pathankot in Punjab by the police for spying and allegedly sharing confidential data via social media, prompting a state-wide alert for similar espionage activities involving children. Officials said on Tuesday that the boy, a resident of Jammus Samba district, was allegedly sending critical and sensitive information related to India Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Punjab: Teenager Apprehended For Sharing Information With Pakistani Handlers
Chandigarh, Jan 6: A 15-year-old boy has been apprehended in Punjabs Pathankot for allegedly sharing information about sensitive locations with Pakistani handlers, police said on Tuesday According to police, the boy was radicalised on a social media platform. Police had received information that the boy was in contact with and was providing information concerning the countrys security to Pakistan military officers, ISI and frontal organisations running terror modules in that country, Pathankot Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Daljinder Singh Dhillon [] The post Punjab: Teenager Apprehended For Sharing Information With Pakistani Handlers appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
15-Year-Old Boy Arrested In Pathankot On Charges Of Spying For Pakistans ISI
Police said the minor had been sharing sensitive information related to India with ISI handlers for the past one year.
Pathankot police apprehended a 15-year-old boy for allegedly leaking national security details to Pakistan's ISI and military. Exploiting his emotional vulnerability over a suspected father's murder, Pakistani handlers lured him via social media. The juvenile had shared sensitive location videos and communicated with Pakistan-based terror operatives for nearly a year.
Pratap World School Pathankot students shine in CLAT Examination
Excelsior Correspondent PATHANKOT, Jan 4: Pratap World School, Pathankot has achieved another academic milestone as its students Mehak Sharma and Ravipal Singh successfully cleared the prestigious Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), securing notable ranks at both state and national levels. Their achievement highlights the schools strong academic culture, dedicated faculty support, and focused preparation for competitive examinations. Ravipal Singh delivered an impressive performance by securing a State Rank of 58 along with an All India Rank of 1789, earning admission [] The post Pratap World School Pathankot students shine in CLAT Examination appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pathankot Attack: A Decade Later What We Remembered, What We Learned
Commemorating the Pathankot attack, which followed a brief period of diplomatic engagement with Pakistan, emphasizes the fragility of peace in the face of persistent cross-border terrorism and its implications for national security.
Pathankot Attack: Timeline of Events
In January 2016, India faced a tense situation as armed terrorists attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station. The incident unfolded over several days, highlighting the country's vulnerability to terrorism and the need for effective counter-terror strategies.
Explained in 5 minutes: What was the Pathankot attack?
On January 2, 2016, India faced a major terror attack as militants stormed the Pathankot Air Force Station, highlighting vulnerabilities at military bases.
Remembering the Brave on Pathankot Attack Anniversary
On January 2, 2016, the Pathankot Air Force Station was attacked by Jaish-e-Mohammed militants, leading to a lengthy counter-terror operation that tested the resolve of Indian security forces.
Punjab, Haryana reel under intense cold as dense fog envelops many areas
CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana are reeling under intense cold while dense fog enveloped many areas in both states on Saturday. Ballowal Saunkhri in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district was the coldest place in Punjab, recording a low of 4.4 degrees Celsius, according to a report of the local meteorological department. Among other areas in Punjab, Amritsar recorded a low of 5.1 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. Ludhiana shivered at 4.6 degrees Celsius while Patiala's minimum was 7 degrees Celsius. Pathankot, Bathinda, Faridkot and Gurdaspur recorded their respective lows of 5.4, 6, 4.9 and 5.8 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh, the joint capital of the two states, recorded a minimum of 6.9 degrees Celsius. In neighbouring Haryana, Gurugram was the coldest place with a low of 4.9 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Ambala was recorded at 9.3 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal, while Hisar's low was 5 degrees Celsius. Karnal recorded a low of 8 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. Narnaul, Rohtak, Bhiwani and Sirsa registered minimum temperatures of 5.5, 7.2, 6.5 and 7 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Long-distance bus travel offers cleaner air than polluted cities in winter: Study
NEW DELHI: A new study by Respirer Living Sciences in collaboration with IntrCity SmartBus has found that long-distance bus travel during winter exposes passengers to significantly cleaner air compared to the severely polluted conditions in many north and central Indian cities . The study, conducted from December 7 to 14, 2025, covered 11 intercity routes across the country and is Indias first to measure real-time air quality inside long-distance buses. Its findings show that passengers spent up to 80% of their travel time breathing air with PM2.5 levels below 60 micrograms per cubic metre (g/m). Across most routes, around 6080% of the journey duration recorded PM2.5 levels under 60 g/m, indicating generally acceptable in-cabin air quality during transit. The analysis suggests that air filtration and in-cabin air systems play a crucial role in reducing passenger exposure to pollution, even while travelling through heavily polluted corridors in northern and central India. The study notes that while pollution spikes did occur, they were short-lived and intermittent. Overall, a substantial share of bus travel took place under low to moderate PM2.5 levels, offering a relatively cleaner breathing environment compared to outdoor city air during winter. Route-wise data showed particularly favourable conditions on sectors such as DelhiKanpur, PuneNagpur, PuneBangalore, DelhiLucknow, PathankotDelhi, DelhiKatra, and KatraDelhi, where PM2.5 levels remained below 60 g/m for more than 80% of the travel time. In contrast, the DelhiPathankot and LucknowDelhi routes recorded slightly higher exposure, with over 20% of travel time exceeding the 60 g/m threshold. Even on routes with relatively higher pollution, exposure to PM2.5 concentrations above 90 g/m was generally limited to a small portion of the journeyoften less than 1015% of total travel time. According to the study, these brief pollution peaks are likely linked to short-term external factors such as traffic congestion or localised pollution hotspots. Researchers said the findings provide a detailed picture of passenger exposure to particulate pollution during long-distance road travel and add a new dimension to discussions on mobility and public health in India. The study is the first publicly shared evidence of real-time air quality conditions inside long-distance buses in the country. As North India chokes, there can be no hiding 'behind the smokescreen of farm fires anymore'
Punjab rural election results: The ruling AAP in Punjab won the zila parishad polls and was also surging in majority of the zones of panchayat samiti. Congress secured the second spot and BJP managed to win 4 zones of the zila parishad in Pathankot. Punjab Congress Chief accused the AAP government of stealing polls.
Punjab Police arrests two gangster-turned-terrorists linked with BKI from Mumbai
CHANDIGARH: In a major inter-state operation carried out in coordination with central agencies, Punjab Police have arrested two gangster-turned-terrorists linked to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) from Mumbai, officials said on Monday. The arrested men have been identified as Sajan Masih, a resident of Veroke village in Gurdaspur district, and Sukhdev Kumar alias Munish Bedi, a resident of Lahori Gate in Amritsar. Both were allegedly operating from overseas locations before their arrest. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the two accused had a long criminal history, with multiple cases registered against them for murder, attempt to murder, offences under the Arms Act, use of explosives, and provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at police stations in Batala and Amritsar. According to Yadav, the arrested men were key operatives of Pakistan-based ISI-supported terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda and USA-based BKI operative Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, who is currently detained. They were operating from overseas locations, including Dubai and Armenia, while attempting to orchestrate criminal and terror activities in Punjab, he said. The DGP said Punjab Police had issued Look Out Circulars (LOCs) and Red Corner Notices against several wanted criminals who had taken refuge abroad, which helped in tracking and apprehending the two accused. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the duo was part of a BKI-linked network responsible for multiple grenade attacks on police stations in Amritsar and Batala, as well as the killings of Hardeep Singh of Jourrian Kalan and Ravi Kumar, a kiryana store owner from Dera Baba Nanak. Yadav added that Sajan Masih was also coordinating with another key associate, Shamsher Shera alias Honey, who is currently based in Armenia. Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said the arrests were made following specific intelligence inputs developed in close coordination with central agencies. A joint team of the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, and Counter Intelligence, Pathankot, was swiftly dispatched to Mumbai and took the accused into custody immediately after they landed from abroad. Mann said the arrested men were actively involved in providing logistical support, funding channels and strategic direction to foot soldiers operating in Punjab. Both accused have been arrested in connection with FIR No. 47 dated August 25, 2025, registered under Sections 25, 29 and 30 of the Arms Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.
Govt Says 15 Airports Under UDAN Scheme Are Temporarily Non-Operational
At present, fifteen airports, namely Pathankot, Pakyong, Kushinagar, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Shravasti, Moradabad, Bhavnagar, Ambikapur, Rourkela, Ludhiana, Datia, Kalaburagi and Shimla are temporarily non-operational under the UDAN scheme: Murlidhar Mohol
13 Injured As Bus Rams Into Flyover Pillar Near Jammu
JAMMU, Nov 27: At least thirteen passengers were injured on Thursday when a bus rammed into a pillar of an under-construction flyover on the Jammu-Pathankot national highway here, police said. According to the officials, the incident occurred near the Bari Brahmana area when the bus, travelling from Jammu to Kathua, hit the pillar after the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, allegedly due to overspeeding. All the injured were taken to a nearby hospital, they said. The post 13 Injured As Bus Rams Into Flyover Pillar Near Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.
Jammu/Pathankot/Chandigarh, Nov 20: The Nagar Kirtan commemorating the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji received a heartfelt and spiritual welcome from the sangat in Jammu before proceeding towards Pathankot on Wednesday. Devotees walked barefoot alongside the procession during the late-night reception and todays onward journey. A special stopover was arranged at Gurdwara [] The post Guru Tegh Bahadur Jis Martyrdom Anniversay: Nagar Kirtan gets warm reception in Jammu, proceeds towards Pathankot appeared first on Northlines .
Mann, Kejriwal, Omar Abdullah Take Part In Sikh Religious Procession In Srinagar
Chandigarh, Nov 19: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday participated in a nagar kirtan (religious procession) in Srinagar as part of the commemorative events to mark 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The procession, which started from Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi in Srinagar, will reach Punjabs Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22 after halting at Jammu on November 19, Pathankot on November 20 and [] The post Mann, Kejriwal, Omar Abdullah Take Part In Sikh Religious Procession In Srinagar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Cabinet has approved a new farmhouse policy for land parcels de-listed under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) in the environmentally sensitive Kandi region of the lower Shivalik Hills, stretching from SAS Nagar to Pathankot. The move aims to regularise authorised structures and is expected to rescue numerous influential individuals, including politicians and senior bureaucrats, who own properties in these areas. The policy establishes a standardised and transparent framework for the regularisation of existing structures and for permitting new low-impact residential units on de-listed lands. It stipulates a minimum plot size of 4,000 square yards and imposes strict controls such as a low Floor Area Ratio (FAR), limited site coverage, and a restriction to ground-plus-one construction. To ensure environmental protection, the policy mandates robust safeguards, including plantation of indigenous species, use of sustainable building materials, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy systems. A committee headed by Secretary, Housing, Vikas Garg, was constituted on the directions of Chief Secretary KAP Sinha to frame guidelines for regularisation of authorised structures. The biggest beneficiaries are expected to be those who own land or have already constructed farmhouses in the periphery of Chandigarh. According to sources, the government was under pressure from a powerful lobby, as many VIPs had already built farmhouses on de-listed land and were facing demolition notices for violating housing norms. Forest department sources noted that the policy had faced hurdles due to the Periphery Act, the proposed Sukhna eco-sensitive zone, and Supreme Court guidelines governing land use in areas removed from PLPA protection. The Eco-Tourism Development Committee reportedly rejected around 90 regularisation applications, stating that the existing structures violated guidelines. Forest officials maintain that Supreme Court directions must be upheld to protect forest and wildlife norms. Other decisions The Cabinet also approved a policy, modelled on that of the Department of Industry and Commerce, for fragmentation or subdivision of industrial plots under the Housing and Urban Development Department. This aims to bring parity between the two departments. Subdivision of industrial plots into two or more units will be permitted, provided no sub-plot measures less than 500 square yards. Approval was also given to launch the Navi Dishaa scheme to address menstrual hygiene and provide free sanitary napkins to adolescent girls and vulnerable women. The initiative will emphasise awareness, education, behavioural change, and distribution of free sanitary napkins to women aged 1544, especially school dropouts, BPL households, slum dwellers, itinerant communities, and homeless women. The Cabinet further granted approval to summon the 10th (Special) Session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha at Anandpur Sahib on 24 November, as part of events commemorating the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The session will be held at Bhai Jaita Ji. In another significant decision, the Cabinet enhanced the retirement age for administrative posts filled through promotion from the Medical Teaching Faculty in the Department of Medical Education and Research (MER) from 62 to 65 years. The move aligns Punjab with Haryana, Chandigarh (UT), and Union Government institutions, and is expected to improve faculty retention and institutional stability amid expanding medical colleges. The government also approved the creation of a separate cadre for postings in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Many Punjab quota posts have remained vacant, leading the Board to fill them with its own staff. The Cabinet has sanctioned 2,458 posts across various departments and approved relevant service rules. Additionally, approval has been granted to recruit 311 nurses in the Health and Family Welfare Department. This measure underscores the states commitment to strengthening public healthcare infrastructure. Recruitment of more than 400 additional nurses is under way, with all new staff expected to join by the first week of December. The government has already completed the recruitment of 800 doctors through a transparent process to meet rising healthcare demands. Over 175 specialist doctors have been appointed in key disciplines, including paediatrics, medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, and surgery. Taken together, these efforts constitute one of Punjabs largest recent healthcare recruitment drives, aimed at ensuring timely, accessible, and high-quality health services for all.
Delhi blast: Agencies detain three doctors, two fertilizer sellers for alleged terror links
CHANDIGARH: A surgeon from Pathankot in Punjab, who had earlier worked at Al-Falah University, has been detained in the Delhi Red Fort blast . Additionally, two doctors from Nuh and two fertilizer and seed sellers were picked up from Sohna in Haryana. The Al-Falah University in Faridabad continues to remain under the scanner of multiple central and state agencies, with revenue officials checking the university's land records and measurements. Meanwhile, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has cancelled the registrations of the four doctors involved in the terror module behind the blast on November 10. Sources said that 45-year old Dr Rayees Ahmad Bhat, who is presently associated with White Medical College in Pathankot, was detained by the central agencies and is being questioned after investigators found that he was allegedly in touch with Dr Umar Nabi the main master mind of the Delhi Red Fort blast in which a dozen people died. Bhat worked at the Al-Falah University from 2020 to 2021. The investigators found that Dr Bhat was in regular touch with staff at the university. Sources said Bhat was taken into custody to establish facts and to ascertain whether he was part of the white collar terror module that was allegedly supported by the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. One of the accused had called him on the phone, an official said on condition of anonymity. On Friday evening, two doctors from Nuh and two fertiliser and seed sellers from Sohna were detained for questioning. Sources said that a doctor Mustkim, a resident of Sunhera village in Nuh district, was picked up for questioning. He had reportedly completed his MBBS and was doing his apprenticeship at Al-Falah University, which ended on November 2. He allegedly travelled to Delhi on November 9. Dr Rehan, a former student of Al-Falah University who is currently employed with a private hospital in Nuh, was also detained. However, neither police nor Central agencies have officially confirmed their detention. Sources said that two fertilizer and seed store owners were detained from the new grain market in Sohna over suspicion that they might have sold chemicals to individuals connected to the terror module. The development has triggered strict restrictions in Gurugram on fertiliser distribution. An investigation officer confirmed the detentions, saying the two traders were picked up for questioning. Meanwhile, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has cancelled the registrations of the four doctors. In a notice, the commission cancelled the Indian Medical Register (IMR) and National Medical Register (NMR) entries of four doctors -- Dr Muzaffar Ahmad, Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, Dr Muzamil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Saeed -- with immediate effect, said sources. In its notice, the NMC cited charges mentioned in FIRs and said Ahmad, Rather and Shakeel, who were registered with the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council, were found to be involved on the basis of evidence collected by investigating agencies. Their alleged conduct, the commission noted, was prima facie inconsistent with the standards of ethical propriety, integrity and public trust expected of medical professionals under the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002. These doctors can no longer practise medicine or hold any medical appointment anywhere in India, the notice read. The land records of the university have also come under scrutiny. A revenue team comprising patwaris visited the campus in Dhauj yesterday and measured land parcels. A measurement of the land is under process to clarify if any encroachment by the university. It will also be clarifying how the university administration takes the panchayati land on which condition and norms, said an officer.
Delhi blast case: 45-year-old surgeon detained from Pathankot for questioning
On Monday, agencies busted a white collar terror module with links to terrorist outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind and spread across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. They seized 2,900 kilograms of explosive substances and arrested eight people, including three doctors linked to Al Falah University.
Red Fort Blast Probe: Another Doctor Who Worked At Al-Falah University Detained
Police detained a White Medical College professor from Pathankot over possible links to the Delhi Red Fort blast.
Masood Azhar: Mumbai, Parliament, Pathankot, Pulwama Attacks...Now Delhi
The blast that ripped through the heart of Delhi on November 10 has renewed focus on Masood Azhar, one of the most prominent terror faces from across the border.
Armys Western Commander Reviews Preparedness In Jammu-Pathankot Sector
Jammu, Nov 7: Armys Western Commander Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar on Friday reviewed the operational preparedness of troops deployed in forward areas along the Jammu-Pathankot sector, officials said. The review by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief comes as the troops prepare for the winter months to effectively counter threats posed by terrorists operating in the higher reaches and forest belts in the Jammu sector. Lt Gen Katiyar reviewed the operational preparedness of troops deployed in forward areas of Jammu, Kathua, [] The post Armys Western Commander Reviews Preparedness In Jammu-Pathankot Sector appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab: 122 stubble burning cases recorded on October 26; highest single day spike this season
CHANDIGARH: Punjab recorded 122 new cases of stubble burning, marking the highest single-day spike this year. This takes the total count this season to 743. This is the first time in 2025 that the state recorded farm fire incidents in three digits. Approximately 58 per cent of the total 31.7 lakh hectares of paddy have been harvested across the state till now. In the coming days, crop residue might increase as farmers harvesting the crop after November 2 will have a limited window to sow wheat. As per the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) data, Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts contributed the bulk of cases, as many farmers continued to disregard the state government's appeal to stop crop residue burning. Of the 122 crop residue incidents, nearly 70 were reported from the south Malwa region. The highest farm fire incidents were reported from Tarn Taran at 224, followed by Amritsar 154, Ferozepur 80, Sangrur 47, Patiala 39, Gurdaspur 38, Kapurthala 29, Mansa, Moga and Ludhiana 8 respectively, Barnala 6, Maelrkotla 4, Hoshiarpur 3 and SBS Nagar 2. Meanwhile, Pathankot and Rupnagar districts have not reported any stubble-burning incidents so far. The state has seen a sharp jump in stubble-burning cases in the past week, from 353 cases recorded till October 20 to 390, the data showed. This comes even as data from the Centres Decision Support System (DSS) showed the estimated contribution of stubble burning to Delhis pollution touched a season-high of 3.71 per cent on Sunday. Farm fires can contribute up to 35 per cent of Delhis total PM 2.5 levels when stubble burning touches its peak, usually in the first week of November. 241 stubble burning cases in Punjab from September 15 to October 18: Data Agriculture scientists have cautioned that farmers are more likely to resort to burning crop residue to prepare fields quickly as the time window of wheat sowing is shrinking. According to the Punjab Agricultural University, wheat sowing must ideally be completed by November 15 to ensure optimal yield. Till now, only 58 percent of the total 31.7 lakh hectares under paddy has been harvested, while farmers harvesting after November 1 will have a very limited window to sow wheat, which may lead to a surge in stubble burning in the coming days, said an official of the Punjab agriculture department. Meanwhile, paddy harvesting in Amritsar and Tarn Taran has touched the 85 per cent mark, but in Muktsar, Ferozepur, Barnala, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Mansa and Ferozepur districts, known for high-yield paddy cultivation, which contributes the most to stubble burning, is still below 50 per cent mark. Punjab Police have so far registered 266 FIRs against farmers for violating stubble-burning norms. Of these, 73 FIRs have been lodged in Tarn Taran alone, the district reporting the highest number of farm fire incidents. The farmers have been booked under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant. Fines amounting to Rs 16.80 lakh have been imposed as environmental compensation in 329 cases, of which Rs 12 lakh has been collected. Also, 296 red entries have been marked, including 108 in Tarn Taran and 68 in Amritsar, in the land records of farmers who burnt crop residues. A red entry bars the farmers from getting loans against their farmland or selling it. The total area under paddy cultivation in Punjab this year is 31.72 lakh hectares. Till October 26, 56.50 per cent of this area had been harvested. Punjab saw 10,909 farm fires in 2024 as compared to 36,663 in 2023, marking a 70 per cent drop. The state recorded 49,922 farm fire events in 2022, 71,304 in 2021, 76,590 in 2020, 55,210 in 2019 and 50,590 in 2018, with many districts, including Sangrur, Mansa, Bathinda and Amritsar, reporting a large number of stubble-burning incidents.
Automatic Ticket Vending Machines Installed at 5 Major Railway Stations in Jammu Division
JAMMU, Oct 22: To enhance passenger convenience during the festive season, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) have been installed at five key railway stations in the Jammu division, officials said on Wednesday. The machines are now operational at Pathankot Cantonment, Pathankot City, Jammu, Shahid Captain Tushar Mahajan (Udhampur), and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra stations. [] The post Automatic Ticket Vending Machines Installed at 5 Major Railway Stations in Jammu Division appeared first on Northlines .
Samba (Jammu), Oct 19: A Special Police Officer (SPO) was crushed to death by a speeding truck along the Jammu-Pathankot highway in Samba district, the police said on Sunday. SPO Rahul Singh was on duty at a checkpoint in the Vijaypur area when he was hit around Saturday midnight. He died on the spot, they [] The post SPO crushed to death by truck appeared first on Northlines .
6 Nabbed For Robbing Construction Site In Jammu, Thrashing Guards, Workers
Jammu, Oct 15: Six people were arrested for allegedly attacking guards and workers at a construction site in Samba and robbing types of building material, police on Wednesday said. A complaint in the matter was filed on Monday by Sudhir, a representative of Shivalaya Construction Limited, they said. According to the complaint, on the night of October 12-13, an around dozen-strong mob attacked the companys site in Sarore village along the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway. The mob stormed the site around [] The post 6 Nabbed For Robbing Construction Site In Jammu, Thrashing Guards, Workers appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Infant found abandoned near railway track, condition stable
Jammu Tawi, Oct 1 : A two-and-a-half-month-old boy was found abandoned near a railway track in Kathua district on Wednesday, police said. The infant was found abandoned near the Jammu-Pathankot railway track at Hatli in the district, following which police shifted him to a hospital where doctors declared his condition as stable, they said. Police [] The post Infant found abandoned near railway track, condition stable appeared first on Northlines .
Punjab: CM Bhagwant Mann steps up demand for flood relief package
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Assembly on Monday passed a resolution accusing the Centre of not responding adequately to the states flood crisis and demanded a special financial package of Rs 20,000 crore for compensation and rehabilitation. The resolution said Punjab had been ravaged by catastrophic floods, widely regarded as the worst and most destructive deluge since the 1988 floods, affecting over 20 lakh people, destroying crops on nearly five lakh acres, causing heavy livestock losses, and damaging both private and public property. It also criticised the Prime Ministers Office for not responding to Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns repeated requests for a meeting, thereby insulting the people of the state and preventing the state from making a proper and comprehensive representation of the full scale of the disaster. The resolution demanded the immediate transfer of the Rs 1,600-crore relief announced by the Prime Minister during his visit. Mann, however, said he has been given time to meet Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday. Mann announced compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre for 75100% crop loss, Rs 10,000 per acre for 2675% damage, and Rs 1.20 lakh for fully damaged houses. Farmers will receive Rs 7,200 per acre for removing sand deposited by floods and Rs 47,500 per hectare for land that was washed away. A special girdawari is underway, and compensation will start reaching families before Diwali. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa cited letters from the Water Resources Department showing that critical flood mitigation works in districts including Anandpur Sahib, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Pathankot, and Ferozepur had not begun. Bajwa said, If everything was completed by July 14, why did urgent instructions go out two weeks later?
Northern Railway To Resume 8 Long-Distance Trains From Jammu Starting October 2
Jammu, Sep 29: The Northern Railway on Monday ordered the resumption of eight long-distance trains from Jammu station starting October 2, after ensuring the safety and continuity of tracks damaged by heavy rains and floods in August this year. Heavy rainfall in the JammuPathankot and JammuKatra sections had severely affected rail services in the division, with tracks and bridges bearing the brunt of the floods. More than 50 trains were suspended, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at the Jammu railway [] The post Northern Railway To Resume 8 Long-Distance Trains From Jammu Starting October 2 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Assembly today unanimously passed a resolution seeking a comprehensive special package of Rs 20,000 crore from the Union government for compensation to farmers, rebuilding infrastructure, and restoring livelihoods in flood-affected areas. The assembly also condemned the 'lack of response and the failure' of the BJP-led union government to sanction a special financial package for the flood-hit Punjab. The resolution also condemned the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) for not responding to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns repeated request for a meeting, thereby 'insulting' the people of the state, and preventing the state from making a proper and comprehensive representation of the full scale of the disaster. Additionally, it demanded the immediate transfer of Rs 1,600 crore relief announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Punjab. The resolution, which was moved on Friday, was passed after the completion of the discussion on the rehabilitation of the state. The two BJP MLAs were not present in the House when the resolution was passed. As per the resolution, Punjab has been ravaged by catastrophic floods, widely regarded as the worst and most destructive deluge since the 1988 floods, which historically impacted more than 34 lakh people. The current disaster has surpassed previous major floods in independent India, such as those in 1955 and 1978, in terms of sheer scale and devastation, causing loss to more than 20 lakh people in many ways, destroying crops on nearly five lakh acres, numerous losses to livestock, and irreparable damage to both private and public infrastructure, read the resolution. Winding up the discussion in the House on the concluding day of the session, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre for 75 to 100 per cent damage of crops due to the recent floods will be given. He said Rs 10,000 per acre will be given for 33 to 75 per cent and 26 to 33 per cent of crop damage. He added that a compensation of Rs 1.20 lakh will be given for complete damage of houses. Mann said a special 'girdawari' for assessment of losses is underway and added that flood-hit families will start getting compensation before the Diwali festival. Farmers will be given Rs 7,200 per acre for extracting sand, which has accumulated following the floods, from their fields. A sum of Rs 47,500 per hectare will be given to farmers whose farmland was washed away by rivers. He slammed the Centre for allegedly not giving him time to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a representation of the disaster. He also took a swipe at the Centre, saying the PM gave time to meet the Punjab governor. Mann, however, said he has been given time to meet Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday. The resolution stated, This House categorically condemns the lack of response and the failure of the BJP-led Union government to sanction a special financial package commensurate with the scale of the worst floods faced by Punjab in decades. Records its strong protest against the BJP led Union governments apathy that has resulted in the non-disbursement of the announced token funds, thereby critically crippling the speed of the state governments ongoing relief and rehabilitation operations, said the resolution. Earlier in the day, the House was adjourned following a heated exchange between Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and Finance Minister Harpal Cheema. Cheema alleged that while Bajwa blamed the government for failing to provide relief, he himself was promoting self-interest through land deals at the expense of others. In a statement, Bajwa accused the government of misleading the House and the people of Punjab on crucial flood preparedness measures. He specifically called out AAP minister Barinder Goyal, who had earlier claimed in the assembly that all preparations for flood mitigation had been completed by July 14. The facts prove otherwise, Bajwa said. He revealed that on July 22, 2025, the Chief Engineer (Vigilance) of the Water Resources Department wrote to the Chief Engineer (Drainage) directing him to start reviewing the necessity of flood protection works a process which had not even commenced at the site despite two-thirds of the monsoon season already having passed. Bajwa alleged that Executive Engineers from several districts themselves admitted that no flood mitigation or drainage repair works had started in critical areas, including Shri Anandpur Sahib, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Pathankot, and Ferozepur. These facts clearly expose the lies of Barinder Goyal and highlight the governments negligence, he added. Bajwa also pointed to letters sent by the Water Resources Department in late July as proof of the administrations unpreparedness. The Principal Secretary of the department had written to all Deputy Commissioners on July 28, directing them to procure EC bags and Geo bags for flood protection, while a separate letter on July 27 instructed the Chief Engineer to arrange EC bags for Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts. If everything was completed by July 14 as claimed, why did these urgent instructions go out two weeks later? Bajwa asked. Responding sharply to allegations made by Cheema regarding his personal land purchase, Bajwa clarified that he had bought the land legally and paid the required stamp duty to the state government. If I have done anything illegal, I challenge Cheema to file a case against me, he asserted.
Government will continue ban on wheat & flour exports: Prahlad Joshi
NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs Prahlad Joshi on Wednesday declined the industrys request for permission to export wheat and flour, emphasising that domestic needs will be prioritised over exports. India has maintained a ban on wheat exports since 2022. During his address to the Roller Flour Miller Federation of India (RFMFI), he urged the industry to help in expanding wheat acreage and increase production to meet domestic requirements and buffer stock. Wheat production has not met expectations since 2022, hindering the countrys ability to achieve its procurement targets. The procurement levels reached 43.32 million metric tonnes (mmt) in 2021-22, but experienced a sharp decline due to adverse weather. According to government data, procurement came down to 18.78 mmt in 2022-23 and then rose to 26.58 mmt in 2023-24; 26.59 mmt in 2024-25, and 30.02 mmt in 2025-26 during the rabi marketing season. This year there are concerns regarding wheat production in Punjab Indias food bowl. The state is facing severe siltation of agricultural fields due to the worst flooding in four decades, which may adversely affect wheat sowing and production. Punjab received around 50% more rainfall than normal, according to the IMD data. In the 2024-25 procurement season, Punjab contributed 11.92 mmt, accounting for approximately 40% of the total central pool. According to the RFMFI, five major districts in Punjab Fazilka, Mansa, Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Gurdaspur may experience delays in sowing due to siltation. Such delays could disrupt the wheat trading ecosystem and negatively impact both quality and production. Siltation has affected large areas in these districts, said Navneet Chitlangia, president of RFMFI. It will delay sowing and impact grain flow in the market, Chitlangia added. The siltation has also affected areas like Kapurthala, Pathankot, and Hoshiarpur. Experts warn that the excessive siltation could make cultivating land difficult, resulting in substantial financial losses and long-term impacts on agricultural productivity. It may also lead to ongoing land degradation, making farming in affected areas more challenging and costly in the future. Additionally, the RFMFI has advised the government to increase procurement levels to stabilise market prices. The government needs to keep its stocks higher than usual. The current year-end stock stands at 7.5 mmt, which should be increased to 18 mmt, Chitlangia said. Millers body asks govt to increase procurement Additionally, the RFMFI has advised the government to increase procurement levels to stabilise market prices. The government needs to keep its stocks higher than usual. The current year-end stock stands at 7.5 mmt, which should be increased to 18 mmt, Chitlangia said.
CHANDIGARH: 220 villages of six districts -- Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Ferozepur and Fazilka of Punjab-- were submerged in the recent floods. Approximately 16,000 acres of land out of the total of 21,600 acres between the border fence on the Indian side and the zero line on the Indo-Pak international border are affected. The farmers whose land is beyond the fence have urged the Border Security Force (BSF) to allow them to desilt after the water recedes as at present, farmers are not allowed to do any kind of digging in their fields. The time span to sow the wheat is very short. They have also demanded that, while drafting the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) for farmers who till their land across the international border, the agricultural experts and farmers should also be consulted. Talking to TNIE , Surjit Singh Bhura, Vice President of Punjab Border Kisan Welfare Society, said that he met DG BSF Daljit Singh Chawdhary at Delhi and submitted a memorandum on behalf of the farmers. He gave a picture of how the state was badly affected by the floods. He said that the farmers in the six border districts have faced heavy losses and are facing difficulties in farming. He explained how the rise in water levels of the Ravi and Sutlej rivers caused floods and extensive damage. Large amounts of sand and silt accumulated in the fields of the farmer. Mounds and sandbanks have also been formed. Now the farmers have to remove feet of silt and sand from their fields. At present, the farmers are not allowed to use any kind of machinery in the fields across the fence due to security reasons by the BSF; they have only taken their tractor and trolley. We have requested the BSF officials that JCB and other machinery be allowed to remove the silt from their fields after the state government officer conducts the survey of their fields and permits them. As time is very short and we have to sow the next crop, he said and added that they have also requested that all gates should be opened at the BSF posts as usually only one or two are open. The company commanders should be authorised to take a decision in this regard on a case-by-case basis, as in routine they always say that they have informed the senior officers and are waiting a reply from them, he said. Bhura claimed that approximately 16,000 acres of land out of the total of 21,600 acres between the border fence on the Indian side and the zero line on the Indo-Pak international border in the six border districts is submerged due to the recent floods, and now water is receding, but they do not know how much more time it will take. Only a small pocket of land between Attari and Taran Taran was not affected due to floods, he said and added that the final figure will only emerge after the special gardawari is done by the state government. It was also demanded that farmers should be given permission to use an electric device to scare away the animals that come from the Pakistan side as they destroy their crops, as with its current setup, the animals cannot be killed, and it only gives a shock. Also, farmers should be allowed to use the 14-foot path to access their fields through BSF gates. Bhura claimed that he was given a patient hearing and assured of all possible help.
CHANDIGARH: The Ravi river unleashed the greatest fury, recording its highest-ever water flow of 14.11 lakh cusecs and causing 42 breaches in its embankments. Flood waters tore through Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Amritsar last month, submerging villages and farmlands due to sudden releases from Punjabs Ranjit Sagar Dam. Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party president Sunil Jakhar, today, demanded that an inquiry into the floods be conducted under the supervision of a retired judge. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party government had awarded the contract for safety inspections of the Madhopur headworks, which were responsible for the recent floods in Punjab and demanded that an inquiry into the floods be conducted under the supervision of a retired judge. He also stated that a complaint had been lodged with the Chandigarh Police regarding the falsehoods being spread on social media, blaming the central government and the BJP for the floods, so that the true masterminds behind this factory of lies can be exposed. Jakhar also said that the Punjab government had convened the assembly session merely as an attempt to divert attention from the real issue. He said that the real investigation should focus on: how much water was released from each dam during that period, when repairs of the dams and headworks were carried out, and which company was given the contract for headworks safety inspections. He added that a complaint had been lodged with the police to investigate those who, on the basis of lies, were trying to defame the central government and the BJP. Jakhar said that the greatest destruction was caused by the Ravi River, into which water flows from the Ranjit Sagar Dam. He emphasised that the Ranjit Sagar Dam is entirely under the control of the state government and has no connection whatsoever with the Bhakra Beas Management Board or the central government. He said that despite heavy rainfall warnings in the Ravi catchment area between August 20 and 26, very little water was released from the dam, and according to the governments own claims, 2.75 lakh cusecs of water were released on August 27. On this occasion, he also shared a video of the Chief Engineers statement with the media, in which the engineer claimed that 4.70 lakh cusecs of water entered through small rivulets downstream of Shahpur Kandi. Jakhar, however, said that between Ranjit Sagar Dam and Madhopur Headworks, there is no other river or rivulet that could bring such a huge volume of water. He asserted that all of this water was, in fact, released from the Ranjit Sagar Dam, which is under the control of the Punjab government. He questioned why the gates at Madhopur Headworks were not opened in advance after issuing warnings before the water arrived. He also said that during the floods, 45 embankments were breached, out of which 42 were along the Ravi River, and the dam on this river is fully under the jurisdiction of the state government. Raising another issue, he said that the company Level 9, which was given the contract to inspect the strength of Madhopur Headworks gates, had no experience in hydrological sciences and was actually a firm with an NIC code classified as dealing in research in social sciences. He said that the government cannot escape its own culpability by suspending a few lower-level officers when it was responsible for awarding such a contract in the first place. Jakhar said that in the assembly, the Water Resources Minister had stated that Rs 203 crore had been allocated for strengthening embankments. However, in reality, the government had allocated only Rs 80 crore. He asked the government to clarify how many work orders had actually been issued for these projects by August 8. Jakhar said that the state has riverside embankments stretching 1,000 km and 800 km of drains (drainage channels), yet the government failed to clean the drains in waterlogged areas in time or strengthen the riverbanks. He added that due to the lack of cleaning of these drains, thousands of acres of kinnow orchards had been destroyed, and even in Ludhianas Sasrali area, the breach in the river was caused by illegal mining. He said that more than 12,000 employees in the Irrigation Department had been charge-sheeted, and in such circumstances, how could government employees be expected to work effectively? Jakhar concluded by saying that it would be better if this entire matter were investigated impartially under the supervision of a retired judge so that the real causes can be identified and it can be ensured that such a disaster does not occur again.
Crumbling Bridges, Missing Accountability
The damage to three vital bridges on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway-the Ravi bridge at Lakhanpur, the Devak bridge near AIIMS Vijaypur, and the Sahar Khad bridge near Kalibari-marks yet another grim reminder of how fragile our infrastructure has become. Barely two years ago, commuters suffered the nightmare of the Tarnah bridge collapse near Dayala Chak. Now, with three more bridges incapacitated in a single rainy season, the pattern is too glaring to ignore: piers sinking, embankments displaced, and traffic thrown [] The post Crumbling Bridges, Missing Accountability appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CHANDIGARH: The Union Government has declared the Punjab floods a disaster of 'severe nature'. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked the state government to send an assessment report of the damage caused by floods within three months. Meanwhile, the Punjab Government has suspended three officers who were posted at the Madhopur headworks, which is on the Ravi River. Two of the 54 gates of the Madhopur barrage on the Ravi River, downstream of the Ranjit Sagar Dam, gave way during the heavy rain on August 28, thus leading to flooding in Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts. Sources said that the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 16, intimated the state government the decision recognising the severity of the floods. It was said that in such conditions, financial aid is provided through the State Disaster Response Fund, supplementing it with funds from the National Disaster Response Fund after assessment based on the visit of an inter-ministerial team. Also, Union Ministers Jitendra Singh and Jitin Prasada had visited flood-hit areas in Pathankot and Gurdaspur to assess the damage. Punjab Chief Secretary, KAP Sinha, yesterday convened a meeting of heads of all departments and deputy commissioners to prepare a detailed assessment report. The decision would mean higher allocation of funds; exact details of the implications of the MHA order were being examined, said sources. CM Mann launches global fundraiser for Punjab flood relief and rehabilitation Sources said that Executive Engineer (XeN) Nitin Sood, a sub-divisional officer (SDO) Arun Kumar and Junior Engineer (JE) Sachin Thakur have been suspended by the Principal Secretary, Water Resources Department Krishan Kumar, as the orders to this effect have been issued. It was on the intervening night of August 26 and 27 that 2.12 lakh cusecs of water were released from the Ranjit Sagar Dam. The 54 floodgates at the barrage had been sealed after Operation Sindoor to stop the flow of water to Pakistan. All three officials were posted in the irrigation and groundwater division that takes care of the Madhopur headworks. The action against them comes after the principal secretary of water resources submitted his probe report to the chief secretary earlier this week. As the water came gushing down from the upstream reservoir of the Ranjit Sagar dam, the floodgates of the barrage were opened when two collapsed under pressure, aggravating floods in the areas downstream. The flooding caused widespread damage to villages and farmland in Punjab and areas across the border in Pakistan. Thus, two gates broke and the Indian Army had to rescue 50 personnel at the headworks who were stationed there to help open the floodgates. Also, a building near the floodgates had collapsed under the pressure of raging waters. The barrage, which is near Pathankot, was first built in the 19th century and rebuilt in 1959, regulates the flow of Ravi River. Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu has demanded the resignation of Punjabs Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal, saying that merely suspending three officials was not enough. He asserted that both CM Mann and the minister should be held accountable for gross negligence in flood preparation before the onset of monsoons. Earlier, state irrigation and water resources minister Barinder Goyal had blamed a private company hired to certify the strength of the gates for the collapse. He had then said that the state government had hired a private firm to assess the strength of the structure. The company told the government that the gates were in perfect condition and would not suffer any damage even if 6.52 lakh cusecs of water were released, he had said.
