ZIRAKPUR-DERA BASSI BELT TO BE DEVELOPED AS URBAN CONGLOMERATE ZIRAKPUR DECEMBER 18:

The Zirakpur and Dera Bassi belt as most modern urban satellite towns was on the final stages of discussion and Punjab Government was contemplating to attract international real estate players in this area disclosing Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab while laying the foundation stone of 3.5 km long 6 lane Ring Road in Zirakpur to divert Delhi- Mohali traffic away from the Zirakpur. Badal said that he has envisioned this plan to facelift the total region and the focus was on planned growth of total area. He said that GMADA was also finalizing the contours of sectoral grid of this whole area and he has already ordered for planned development of inter sector roads. Announcing a Rs 80 crore new International Sports Stadium at Nabha Sahib, Badal said that focus of the Punjab Government was nurturing the sports talent at the ground level besides providing them expert coaching from international coaches. Announcing tri-nation (India, Pakistan and Iran) traditional wrestling championship, said that after ensuring Kabaddi a global recognition, the Punjab Government was also focusing on other traditional games like hockey and wrestling. Earlier, N.K. Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary and local MLA thanked Mr. Badal for sanctioning multi crore development projects for the area.

SUKBIR GIVES FINAL TOUCHES TO THE MASTER PLAN OF ZIRAKPUR, DERA BASSI AND LALRU

Chandigarh, September 6 The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today gave final touch to master plans of Zirakpur, Dera Bassi and Lalru and asked the Urban Development and Town and Country Planning authorities to help GAMADA to convert the Zirakpur in sectors. During inspecting the project works of Mohali district, the deputy CM said the illegal construction in Zirakpur could not be tolerated. He asked the MLA Dera Bassi NK Sharma to convert the Zirakpur in sectors in coordination with concerned departments. Badal asked him (Sharma) to develop the Dera Bassi, Zirakpur and Lalru. Developing the Zirakpur modern town, Sukhbir told MLA Dera Bassi to upgrade the Zirakpur and provide proper basic amenities like road, sewerage and water supply. He also asked Sharma to plan a design to provide more green belts, stadiums and other entertainment things for Zirakpur and tabled in front of state govt. To develop a Industrial Hub in Lalru, Badal asked the MLA to make a plan to provide better facilities to upcoming industries.

AMARINDER HAS ADMITTED HIS POLITICAL FAILURE-SAD

Chandigarh, September 2 : The Shiromani Akali Dal today ridiculed the statement of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Chief Capt. Amarinder Singh on rebel Congressmen helping the SAD-BJP government and said that defeats struck Capt. Amarinder Singh was so paranoid of SAD-BJP combine that he sees SAD hand everywhere. Reacting to the statement of the Punjab Congress Chief, the party Joint Secretary and Treasurer Mr. NK Sharma in a statement released from party head office here today, said that it is fact that Capt. Amarinder Singh has failed to carry along his party with him and he was trying to deflect his failure to SAD to save his ‘Captaincy’ of the party. He said that he was so paranoid of SAD that he was hallucinating about presence of ruling party even in his dreams. He said that Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Capt. Amarinder Singh has virtually accepted his political failure by calling various political parties to come to his rescue as his own party men have already deserted him. Mr. Sharma said that Capt. Amarinder Singh has now himself realized that he is a rejected leader of masses who was given a humiliating defeat by the people at the hands of SAD-BJP combine and now his own partymen have rejected his leadership. Thus he is now forced to seek crutches from other parties to make him stand in Punjab politics. Ridiculing the statement of the Congress leader on Congress rebels helping government, Mr. Sharma reminded Capt. Amarinder Singh that elections are over since long and he should come out of election mode now. He said that in no way leaders of the opposition party can help the government. Questioning the dubious silence of Capt. Amarinder Singh on JNRUM guidelines and arm twisting tactics of the Centre that forced Punjab to levy property and other taxes, Mr. Sharma said that instead of protesting against Punjab government, he should organize dharna before 10 Janpath that was eroding the financial sovereignty of states. He said that Capt. should apologize to the people of Punjab that he failed to convince the Congress led UPA government for removing these anti people taxing mandates to the states. He said that he should speak against the Centre government who has created a record of sorts by usurping the public money with series of scams unearthed by CAG and other bodies. Suggesting the Congress leader to accept the ground realities, Mr. Sharma said that Capt. Amarinder Singh should work for the welfare of the people instead of working as a puppet of the Centre to harm the interest of the states.

Rs 2.94 crore will spend on drainage system says Sharma

Zirakpur, Sept 2 The development of the newly included villages in Zirakpur Municipal Council will be done on priorities. This was stated by MLA Dera Bassi NK Sharma while laying the foundation stone of developments in Singhpura village here today. Talking to mediapersons, NK Sharma said that Rs 1.20 crore would be spent on development at the village. The roads of Singhpura village have been recarpeted and streetlights had installed in the area. He said to solve the problem of water logging on Zirakpur-Patiala highway near Lucky dhaba and surrounding areas, Rs 2.94 crore would be spent. Describing the drainage system, Sharma said with the help of this drainage system, the rain water would be directly throw in ghaggar near Bhankarpur village.

Zirakpur becoming a hotbed of gambling

Alkesh Sharma, TNN MOHALI: Zirakpur, which is considered a gateway to the city and to Himachal and is in close proximity to both the railway station and the airport, is gradually becoming a safe haven for gamblers, who head for it from places as far as Amritsar, Jalandhar and even Delhi. The mushrooming of many low-budget hotels in Zirakpur is also providing a secure refuge for gamblers, who indulge in "satta" on cricket and football and are even involved in online betting. Three days ago, police had arrested ten high-profile gamblers from a Zirakpur hotel, Nest, and had recovered around a dozen mobile phones -- that were being used in conducting their 'business' -- and around Rs. 3.50 lakh from their possession. Earlier too, police had arrested gamblers from a Zirakpur hotel during the IPL season. "Working on a tip-off, we laid a trap and arrested 10 persons on Sunday. They are from different towns of Punjab including Jalandhar, Amritsar and Patiala. They are all high-profile businessmen working in various fields including real-estate, besides agriculturists. Some even own petrol pumps. We recovered around Rs. 3.50 lakh cash from their possession," said Trilochan Singh, station house officer of Zirakpur, around 10km from Chandigarh. He added, "Earlier also we have arrested many gamblers, who were indulging in betting on cricket and playing "satta." Though it is a bailable offence, we are keeping a tab on the activities of the accused and have also put their phones under surveillance." A few weeks ago, Chandigarh police had busted an inter-state gang of gamblers, who were running this illegal business from Zirakpur. "Gamblers from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana are using Zirakpur as a meeting point. They don't mind driving four to five hours to reach here. They remain in touch with each other through e-mails and then rent easily available hotel rooms here to run their activities," said a senior police official of Mohali.

Were obstructing natural flow of Baltana choe in Mohali

Pipelines removed following High Court's intervention Saurabh Malik Tribune News Service Chandigarh, August 29 Pipelines reportedly affecting the natural flow of Baltana choe in Mohali have been removed following the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s intervention. But a petition filed in public interest for directions to the State of Punjab and its functionaries to stop “unauthorised construction” in the area earmarked for the natural choe has failed to find favour with the High Court. The petition filed by the Sahara Welfare Society, was disposed of by a Division Bench after it was informed that “the alleged choe, if any, existed on private land”. The directions by the Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Jasbir Singh and Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain are significant as they have now paved a way for the resumption of construction activity in the area. Only on May 22, the Mohali Deputy Commissioner was directed to inspect the disputed site at Baltana village. He was also asked to ensure that no unauthorised or illegal construction was raised in the choe. Builders were also restrained from raising any construction. Pursuant to the High Court's directions, the Deputy Commissioner visited the spot and submitted a report on August 2. After going through the report the same day, the High Court asked the Deputy Commissioner “to get demarcation done of the natural nullah starting from the railway line up to Shagun Hotel”. He was also asked to remove unauthorised constructions that had come up on public land. “It should also be ensured that nobody is allowed to throw dirty water in the nullah, without permission and meeting the sitting norms laid down by the Punjab Pollution Control Board,” the High Court ordered. As the case came up for resumed hearing, the Deputy Commissioner filed an affidavit saying Dera Bassi tehsildar, who was directed to demarcate Baltana choe, found that it was not marked on the revenue map. Moreover, the land on which it flowed belonged to “private persons”. He also found that up to 95 per cent area was already constructed and demarcation was not possible under such conditions. The Deputy Commissioner also informed the Bench that he had directed the Dera Bassi Sub Divisional Magistrate and Patiala Executive Engineer (drainage) to remove RCC pipes from the Baltana choe as per the High Court's directions. In his report, a Sub Divisional Officer submitted that the entire length of RCC pipes laid near Aastha Royal Homes, Baltana, had been removed. The Bench concluded: “In view of the report of the revenue authorities, it is not feasible to proceed further in the matter because in the absence of demarcation of the area. In this view of the matter, the writ petition is disposed of”.

NK SHARMA APPOINTED SAD TREASURER

Chandigarh, Sept 1 The President Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal today appointed SAD Joint Secretary NK Sharma as treasurer of the party. Disclosing this in a statement released from the party head office here today, the party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that NK Sharma is MLA of Dera Bassi and presently serving as Chief Parliamentary Secretary Industry and Commerce. He said that Sharma is a dedicated leader of the party who had successfully accomplished every task given to him by the party President Sukhbir Singh Badal and now he has been promoted as treasurer of the party. The residents of the Zirakpur today congratulated NK Sharma for becoming treasurer of SAD. Jagtar Singh MC ward number 12 along with presidents of the ward 12 gave bouquet to Sharma at his office.

Zirakpur MC plans to convert residential colonies into sectors claims Sharma

Zirakpur, August 28

The Zirakpur Municipal Council has decided to convert the residential colonies of Zirakpur and surrounding areas in sectors on the Chandigarh pattern. The meeting was chaired by MC president Kulwinder Sohi here today. MLA Dera Bassi Narinder Kumar Sharma was also present. During the meeting, Sharma said that the council has decided to set up a market after distributing in plots at old Kalka road near water supply office in Zirakpur. the main market would give relief from the traffic jams and revenue would be spent in development works. Sharma said the proposal has been prepared to convert the residential colonies in sectors and a special team would survey the areas. The council has decided to install three new tubewells in the town to solve the drinking water problem in MS Enclave and Gurjeev Enclave, Sadashiv Enclave, Basant Enclave Phase-II, Sharma added.

Before Vidhan Sabha results:- Candidates seek divine intervention

Zirakpur, March 5 The impending election results have made the candidates in the fray superstitious. While some are turning to gods for divine intervention to ensure their victory, the others are banking on their lucky day for emerging as a winner in the poll. The candidates remained busy throughout day answering phone calls of their supporters and the other purported well-wishers. The main candidates in the fray from Dera Bassi Constituency are NK Sharma (SAD-BJP) and Deepinder Singh Dhillon (Independent). On Monday, the SAD candidate NK Sharma started his day with listening to the grievances of the area people and met the party workers where he discussed the strategy for next day. “Tuesday is lucky day for me and I will start the day after paying obeisance at Lohgarh temple.” He said that as such he had no plans to take out a procession after the victory but it will depend only on his supporters. He assured that he will win the seat with huge margin as he had done development works in the area. On the other hand, Deepinder Singh Dhillon, an Independent candidate had started his day with receiving phone calls from his supporters and well wishers who congratulated him in advance. Later, he attended a bhog ceremony and marriage functions of his supporters. In the evening, Dhillon met the party workers and agents where they planned for big day. “I will start my journey from Chandigarh and pay obeisance in Gurdwara at Bhankarpur in Dera Bassi,” he added. He says, “If I win, his priority will be development in the area.”

Things get going in Zirakpur

Tribune News Service Chandigarh, August 27 Once having the dubious distinction of being Chandigarh’s poor cousin targeted by developers because of its proximity to the City Beautiful, Zirakpur is on the fast track of planned and systematic development. Encroachments have been removed from malls and housing colonies. This is not all. Penal action, too, has been initiated against various violators as per provisions of law. Information made available to a Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court suggests that the Zirakpur municipal council has taken action against as many as 500 encroachers “and encroachments have been removed”. The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority, too, has identified nothing less than 30 cases of different types of violations, wherein penal action has been taken. The executive officer of the civic body has also informed the Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Jasbir Singh and Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain that sewage treatment plant would be completed by March 31, 2013. The Bench was also told that the work of laying of underground sewerage lines has been completed to the extent of 90 per cent and the remaining work would be completed by March 31, next year. The significant assertions came during the hearing of a suo motu case on the facilities available in Zirakpur. During the hearing of the case, director, Punjab local government, Ashok Kumar Gupta, was present in the court. In an affidavit, he informed the Bench that Zirakpur’s masterplan was made effective in 2009 and “thereafter within the municipal limits no unauthorised construction has cropped up”. Taking on record the assertions, the Bench closed the petition with observations: “In view of the orders passed by the court from time to time and the assurance given by the director, local government, Punjab, in his affidavits, placed on record on earlier dates and today, this writ petition is disposed of”.

HIGH SCHOOLS IN DERA BASSI TO BE UPGRADED CLAIMS SHARMA

HIGH SCHOOLS IN DERA BASSI TO BE UPGRADED

Zirakpur, August 27 The high schools of Dera Bassi and Zirakpur in Lohgarh would be upgraded soon. This was stated by MLA Dera Bassi NK Sharma while interacting with school development committee and members of associations who were fighting for up-gradation of schools. Talking to mediapersons, Chief Parliamentary Sectretary and MLA Dera Bassi NK Sharma stated that to upgrade both schools, a proposal has been sent to education department for approval. Sharma said he personally discussed the issue with Punjab education minister Sikander Singh Maluka who had given him positive response regarding the issue. He claimed that on the coming Teachers’ Day on September 5 and give a gift to children of the Dera Bassi district.

Police nabs carjacker after hot pursuit

Police nabs carjacker after hot pursuit Highway patrol vehicle damaged; two others at large Rajiv Bhatia Zirakpur, November 2 After a two-hour chase right out of any Bollywood action flick, the Zirakpur police nabbed a car thief, but not before getting its own vehicles damaged. Sources said the rashly driven vehicle rammed into a highway patrol vehicle several times before it was intercepted by the police at Banur. The vehicle taken by three carjackers eventually overturned, resulting in the arrest of one, while the other two fled the scene. The pursuit started from the Zirakpur-Kalka traffic lights when a stolen white colour Maruti car (CH03 H 8502), being pursued by the Chandigarh police, entered the Punjab territory around 2.30 am on Wednesday, an hour after the car owner, Amrik Singh, reported the theft to the police. The carjackers entered the Zirakpur territory where the chase was taken over by a local police unit. All attempts to intercept the speeding car failed even as the police vehicle nudged the car several times. The suspects took the Zirakpur-Patiala highway towards Banur even as both vehicles came in contact with each other several times till Banur. A police official said the highway patrol vehicle tried to take out the other vehicle by ramming into it time and again, which resulted in severe damaged to both vehicles. Later, the car overturned near Banur and the Zirakpur police informed the area police about the incident. The police said the car was stolen by three youths, including a minor, from Amrik Singh’s Ram Darbar Phase-II residence. Talking to The Tribune, Amrik Singh said his neighbour Harcharan Singh Bawa informed him about the theft of his car. Bawa had seen three youths push the car to a little distance before starting its engine after three attempts. Amrik Singh informed the police about the theft around 2.05 am. Zirakpur SHO Yogi Raj said they got a tip-off that a gang of car thieves was moving towards Zirakpur after stealing a car from Ram Darbar in Chandigarh. The police engaged the car in pursuit till Banur, where it arrested a minor youth. The two others escaped in the cover of darkness. The suspects have been identified as Ravi and Sonu, besides the minor, all residents of Ram Darbar. A case under Sections 379 and 457 of the IPC has been registered against them. A police official said the arrested suspect had sustained minor injuries was admitted to the Dera Bassi Civil Hospital from where he shifted to the GMCH-32, Chandigarh. He was later discharged after treatment. The accused was produced in a local court today and was remanded in judicial custody. The Banur police has also registered a case for hitting a police vehicle.

Punjab CPS NK Sharma arrives in Toronto to join PIFAA function

Zirakpur, July 28 Punjab Chief Parliamentary Secretary and SAD MLA from Derabassi (Mohali), NK Sharma visited Toronto to represent SAD-BJP govt in the Punjabi International Film Academy Awards (PIFAA). He was accorded a warm welcome by PIFAA organizers including Leader of NRI group Rajinder Saini, Tony Sodhi and Harpreet Sethi. Sharma got warm welcome from the audience. On this occasion, Sharma lauded Punjabi NRIs in Canada for taking this initiative of Punjabi Film Mela and giving an impetus to Punjabi culture and Punjabi language. He said that the Badal Govt. was fully committed for NRIs welfare and is making sincere efforts to mitigate their problems and grievances. He also exhorted NRIs make investment in Punjab.

Green Punjab

To make the ‘Green Punjab’ a drive initiated by the Chief Minister Punjab, recently. On the guidance of the Punjab Chief Minister, N.K. Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Govt. of Punjab and Ravinder Singh Chairman PPCB inaugurated the Green Punjab drive by planting trees in the industrial Focal Point Dera Bassi here today. The inauguration of the drive was done in co-ordination with the Industrial Association, Dera Bassi, Industrial Focal Point Association Dera Bassi and Stone Crushers Association, Dera Bassi. In his address, N.K. Sharma said that the Chief Minister has envisaged special schemes for the growth of industries in the state including single window clearance system for the various approvals. Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board in his address, informed the industrialists that for the benefit of industry, the Board has deputed one Assistant Environmental Engineer in each Regional Office as a Scrutiny Officer on all working days to receive the complete application of the industries and in case found some short comings he will inform the industrialists in writing so that the industrialist should know the shortcomings once and complete its application accordingly. He further informed that the Board has also started ‘Online Consent Management System’ so that the industrialists may apply online for obtaining various approvals from the Board. He appealed to the representatives of the industries to operate their effluent/air pollution control devices so as to save the environment and rivers from pollution. Dr. Babu Ram, Member Secretary of the Board in his address appealed to the industrialists not to discharge any effluent of their industries into the rivers/nalas and the same should be used for plantation.