Punjab Government on High Alert; Fire Brigade Preparedness Strengthened Amid India-Pakistan escalations
Leaves cancelled, Asked officials to remain alert, Contact numbers of fire officials released
Cabinet Ministers will visit Fire Brigade Offices and Hospitals
Chandigarh, May 9:In view of the current tensions between India and Pakistan, the Punjab Government has taken immediate steps to ensure the highest level of preparedness in the state’s Fire and Emergency Services.
Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh has issued strict directives, cancelling all leaves of Fire Brigade staff and ordering 24x7 deployment at sensitive locations across Punjab. He said that war is a major emergency and the Fire Brigade plays a crucial role in such situations. He instructed officials to conduct mock drills, ensure all equipment is fully functional and maintain constant communication with Army authorities for swift response in case of any emergency. Officials have been directed to remain on high alert with their mobile phones active at all times.
Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to ensuring public safety and has mobilized all resources to handle any emergency effectively.
To ensure rapid response, the Cabinet Minister has asked Fire Brigade officials to coordinate closely with Deputy Commissioners to strategically position fire tenders at key locations for quick mobilization. Regular meetings must be held to review preparedness and all necessary arrangements should be expedited.
Dr. Singh reassured the public that the situation is under control and urged citizens not to panic. He also instructed officials to study the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) manuals to ensure timely and effective relief operations. Additionally, local vehicle repair workshops will be engaged to provide emergency maintenance services, even during nighttime, if required.
Dr. Ravjot Singh announced that Cabinet Ministers will personally inspect hospitals and Fire Brigade facilities to assess readiness.
Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Tejvir Singh stressed the department’s responsibility and called for professional commitment in delivering efficient services. He confirmed that the department is well-equipped with modern firefighting tools but urged officials to promptly report any additional requirements. A written duty roster must also be maintained for better accountability.
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AAP Govt intensifies anti-corruption drive : Vigilance Bureau nabs 34 in bribery cases in April
Registers criminal cases against 18 public servants and 16 private individuals
Chandigarh, May 9, 2025:Reinforcing its relentless commitment to curb corruption at all levels, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) arrested 34 individuals including 23 government officials and 11 private persons in connection with 22 bribery cases during the month of April. All accused were apprehended red-handed while accepting illegal gratification during specially laid trap operations across the state.
An official spokesperson of the VB stated here today that the Bureau, acting under the zero-tolerance policy of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government, continues to adopt a proactive and uncompromising stance to root out corruption from public offices. “This campaign is not only about taking action but about setting a strong deterrent against corrupt practices,” the he asserted.
He further informed that during the same period, the VB had filed 12 charge sheets in various courts and registered 20 criminal cases involving 34 accused, including 18 government employees. Additionally, one vigilance enquiry was initiated to thoroughly probe allegations of corruption in a specific case.
Highlighting the Bureau’s legal successes, he said three bribery cases contested by the VB in different courts concluded with convictions. The courts handed down imprisonment terms ranging from four to five years, along with fines between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 35,000.
The spokesperson reiterated the Bureau’s unwavering determination to cleanse the system of all forms of corruption and urged citizens to play an active role in this mission. People are encouraged to report incidents of bribery or corruption directly through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line by lodging complaints via WhatsApp at 95012-00200.
“This initiative empowers the public to become active stakeholders in ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance,” he added.
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HARBHAJAN SINGH ETO ANNOUNCES MAJOR MILESTONES IN AMRITSAR’S POWER INFRA OVERHAUL
Chandigarh, May 7:Punjab Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today announced significant advancements in the modernization of Amritsar’s power distribution network under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for the financial year 2024-25.
He informed that with Amritsar emerging as a key religious, cultural and economic hub, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has prioritized upgrading its aging power infrastructure to curb losses, enhance efficiency and ensure seamless electricity supply to residents and businesses.
He said that the initiative focuses on critical areas such as infrastructure reinforcement, voltage stabilization, reduction of technical and commercial losses and the adoption of smart technologies to future-proof the grid. Key interventions include the augmentation of power transformers, replacement of outdated conductors with High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) cables, installation of advanced distribution transformers and underground cabling in theft-prone and heritage-sensitive zones. Besides this, the deployment of smart meters, SCADA systems and GIS-based monitoring mechanisms has been accelerated to improve operational transparency and consumer service delivery.
Highlighting the project’s achievements, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO informed that five 12.5 MVA power transformers were upgraded to 20 MVA, while four 20 MVA units were enhanced to 31.5 MVA. Likewise, five new 100 MVA transformers were installed to bolster the grid’s capacity. Over 508 km of high-tension (HT) lines and 299 km of low-tension (LT) lines were upgraded alongside the installation of 5,200 new distribution transformers and the replacement of 4,060 overloaded units. To optimize load management, 60 feeders were bifurcated and Aerial Bunched Cables (ABC) were deployed in high-theft areas, contributing to a 2% reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses.
The Cabinet Minister said, “The integration of SCADA systems in central Amritsar and GIS-based asset mapping, covering 70% of the city’s network, has revolutionized real-time monitoring and fault detection", adding that the installation of 2,12,900 smart meters in urban clusters has significantly improved billing accuracy and consumer satisfaction.
These measures have yielded tangible results, with voltage-related grievances dropping markedly, system availability rising from 93.73% to 97.25% and billing efficiency improving by 5%. A decline in consumer complaints and safety incidents further underscores the project’s success, he added.
The Cabinet Minister said that the total expenditure for the fiscal year 2024-25 amounted to Rs.283.05 crore, with an additional Rs.897.4 crore earmarked for upcoming projects between 2025 and 2027. The current investments are projected to break even within 2.5 years.
Looking ahead, the Power Minister disclosed that a Rs.600 crore budget has been sanctioned under RDSS for 2025-26 and 2026-27. Key allocations include Rs.69 crore for 22 new power transformers, Rs.90.05 crore for eight substations, Rs.103.63 crore for the bifurcation and revamping of 221 feeders, and Rs.73.02 crore for 2,134 additional distribution transformers.
Acknowledging implementation challenges such as right-of-way disputes, monsoon disruptions, public resistance and manpower shortages, the Cabinet Minister reaffirmed Mann government commitment to addressing these hurdles, stressing the need for expedited underground cabling, wider smart meter adoption, rapid-response maintenance squads, community awareness campaigns and workforce upskilling.
“A centralized digital dashboard will integrate all systems, ensuring seamless coordination and data-driven decision-making,” said S. Harbhajan Singh ETO, adding that “These sustained efforts will not only meet Amritsar’s growing energy demands but also guarantee a reliable, safe and consumer-centric power ecosystem for years to come.
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TWO HELD WITH 5KG HEROIN, SEVEN PISTOLS, ₹7.2L DRUG MONEY FROM TARN TARAN
— ARRESTED ACCUSED WERE IN CONTACT WITH PAK-BASED SMUGGLERS, WHO WERE USING DRONES TO PUSH DRUGS ACROSS THE BORDER: DGP GAURAV YADAV
CHANDIGARH/TARN TARAN, May 9:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Tarn Taran Police has busted an international narco-terror smuggling module with the arrest its two operatives, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.
Those arrested have been identified as Lovepreet Singh alias Love and Jagroop Singh, both residents of village Fateh Chak in Tarn Taran. Police teams have also recovered 5 kg heroin, seven sophisticated pistols— including four .30 bore Bretta, two PX5 and one .30 bore Star Mark; Rs 7.20 lakhs drug money and currency counting machine from their possession, besides, impounding their Hatchback Hyundai i20 car.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that accused Lovepreet Singh alias Love was in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers and his foreign handlers. Probe has also indicated that the consignments were being dropped with the help of drones from across the border, he said.
The DGP said that further investigations are ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in this case. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.
Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana said that acting swiftly on reliable inputs, police team of CIA Staff under the supervision of DSP Detective Gurinderpal Singh Nagra conducted a targeted operation and apprehended accused persons Lovepreet Singh and Jagroop Singh from near Molsari Palace in Tarn Taran.
During interrogation, accused Lovepreet disclosed that he has a rented house at Green Avenue near Chabhal Chownk in Tarn Taran, which he was using as a safe haven for concealing the contraband, said the SSP, while adding that efforts are being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, buyers and hawala handlers to ascertain the total quantity of drugs and Arms-ammunition received by the arrested accused so far.
A case under FIR No. 109 dated May 08, 2025, has been registered under sections 21(c), 23, 25 and 27 (a) of the NDPS Act and section 25 (8) of the Arms Act at Tarn Taran City Police Station.
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Punjabis stand shoulder to shoulder with Indian forces during Indo-Pak tension – Sandhwan
Chandigarh 9 May 2025: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that Punjabis always stand shoulder to shoulder with the Indian soldiers. History manifested that bravery shown by the Punjabis during the previous Indo-Pak wars was unparalleled.
He further said that the enemies still felt fear of the stories of valor shown by the Indian Army during the past wars. He prayed for peace and tranquility in this time of Indo-Pak tension and also prayed for the prosperity of the Indian soldiers. Punjabis should be given due respect and dignity which they deserve for their sacrifices and bravery for the country.
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In view of current situation, Punjab Government deputes senior IAS officers in all districts
A nodal officer from each department appointed in State Control Room
Strict instructions to ensure supply of essential goods and prevent hoarding
Advance fund released to districts as per demand
Chief Secretary holds meeting with all Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners, Police Commissioners and SSPs
Chandigarh, May 9-In view of the situation at India-Pakistan border, as per the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann with the people to not let them face any problem, a State Control Room has been set up by the Punjab Government in which a Nodal Officer from each department has been included. Apart from this, the responsibility of monitoring and coordinating essential services in all the districts, a senior IAS officer has been deputed in each district.
It was disclosed by the Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, after holding a meeting with all administrative Secretaries, DGP and all the Deputy Commissioners, Police Commissioners and SSPs. The administrative Secretaries, deputed in all districts, have been handed over the task to regularly monitor health services, food and civil supplies, electricity, water supply, roads, transport, education besides ensuring better coordination between civil and military in their respective districts. They will also continuously monitor other issues and will be in touch with the administration of the concerned districts.
Mr. Sinha further said that 15 IAS/PCS have been deputed to monitor the State Control Room. Officers have been deployed who will lead this control room on a rotational basis along with a nodal officer from each department. The Chief Secretary also reviewed the current situation of all the departments. The Home Department has been made the nodal department of the state. In any situation, the department will contact the concerned agencies of the Union Government.
The Chief Secretary further said that the Food and Civil Supplies Department has been directed to ensure no shortage of essential commodities nor should anyone hoard it. He gave strict instructions that legal action should be taken against those hoarding the essential commodities. During the meeting, the requirements were ascertained from all the districts and Finance Commissioner Revenue was directed to release advance funds immediately as per the demand. The Chief Secretary also said that all the officers have been asked to cancel their leave and remain posted at their respective stations.
The senior IAS deputed in all the districts comprise DK Tiwari at Moga, Tejveer Singh at Sangrur, Jaspreet Talwar at Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Dilip Kumar at Bathinda, Rahul Bhandari at Malerkotla, VK Meena at Mansa, Rakhi Gupta Bhandari at Hoshiarpur, Vikas Garg at Faridkot, Sumer Singh Gurjar at Barnala, Neel Kanth. S. Avhad at Pathankot, Rahul Tiwari at Sri Muktsar Sahib, Alaknanda Dayal at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Kumar Rahul at Rupnagar, Gurkirat Kripal Singh at Gurdaspur, Priyank Bharti at Ludhiana, VN Zade to Fatehgarh Sahib, Kamal Kishore Yadav to Amritsar, Ajit Balaji Joshi at Ferozepur, Manvesh Singh Sidhu at Fazilka, Daljit Singh Mangat at Tarn Tarn, Dilraj Singh at Jalandhar, Abhinav at Kapurthala and Mohammad Tayyab has been deputed at Patiala.
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National Lok Adalats Scheduled Across Punjab on May 10 Postponed
Chandigarh, May 9:As per the guidelines issued by the National Legal Services Authority, New Delhi, the National Lok Adalats scheduled to be held across Punjab on May 10, 2025, have been postponed due to security concerns.
In this regard, a spokesperson of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority stated that the new date for organizing these National Lok Adalats will be announced once the situation in the state becomes conducive.
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Cabinet Ministers Lal Chand Kataruchak & Dr. Ravjot Singh visit Government Hospital Kalanaur & Fire brigade office Gurdaspur
Take stock of emergency services at Government hospital Kalanaur
Punjab Govt fully prepared to meet any emergency situation: Lal Chand Kataruchak
State Government to stand by its people in their hour of need: Dr. Ravjot
Chandigarh, Kalanaur/Gurdaspur, May 9:In view of the tense situation between India and Pakistan, the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and the Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today visited Government hospital Kalanaur and Fire brigade office, Gurdaspur to take stock of the arrangements being made to tackle emergency situations. Afterwards, both the ministers held a meeting with the District Administration to review the preparations made by the latter.
The ministers were accompanied by the Executive President AAP- MLA Amansher Singh Sherri Kalsi, MLA Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, Chairman Raman Behl, President District Urban Shamsher Singh, DC Dalwinderjit Singh, SSP Batala Sohail Qasim Mir, SSP Gurdaspur Aditya, ADC Dr. Harjinder Singh Bedi, SDM Dinanagar Jaspinder Singh and others.
During the visit to the Govt. Hospital Kalanaur, the SMO Kalanaur apprised the ministers that 38 bed facility is available at CHC Kalanaur with all the emergency facilities too. Apart from this, at Dera Baba Nanak 50 bed facility has been ensured along with all the necessary amenities such as blood in requisite quantity in the blood banks.
During a meeting at the District Administrative Complex with the District Administration, the Deputy Commissioner brought to the notice of both the ministers that the District Administration has complied with all the instructions issued by the Punjab Government and the blackout continues during the night time. Besides, the mock drill is also being conducted to deal with any untoward emergency.
On the occasion, Mr. Kataruchak said that the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stands shoulder to shoulder with the people. He further added that in this war against terrorism, the entire country stands united and is proud of our army and brave soldiers. The minister also saluted the spirit of resilience and bravery exhibited by the inhabitants of the border areas.
In his address, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the State Government is fully prepared and ready to face any eventuality and the whole government machinery has been put on alert. He also divulged that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is personally keeping tabs on the situation. He asked the people not to worry as the government stands by them in this critical hour.