UT Administrator to launch Van Mahotsav 2025 on July 5
Chandigarh: Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria will launch Van Mahotsav 2025 at Rajendra Park, Sector 1 in Chandigarh on July 5. UT Administrator will also flag off three specially designated vehicles that will carry saplings across the city as per the fixed schedule. These mobile sapling distribution vehicles will cover all the sectors in the Union Territory, making it easier for residents to join the plantation movement. UT officials said that the Administration is all set to celebrate Van Mahotsav 2025 with a mega plantation initiative on 5th July, reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and public engagement in greening efforts. The Governor will also personally visit and inspect several plantation sites across Chandigarh, making the day a memorable and inspirational occasion for all stakeholders. The plantation drive will continue across 253 locations in the city, with an ambitious target of planting over one lakh saplings on a single day. The drive is being spearheaded by the Department of Forests & Wildlife, UT Chandigarh, which is the nodal department, in active coordination with the Municipal Corporation, Engineering Department, and 18 other greening agencies including the School Education and Higher Education Departments, Central Armed Police Forces, CISF, PGIMER, CSIR institutions, PU, GMCH and NSS volunteers, among others.
Use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets made mandatory in brick kilns outside NCR in Haryana: Minister
Chandigarh: The use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets has been made mandatory in brick kilns located in Haryana’s non-NCR districts. Following recent orders from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has issued a letter to concerned districts for immediate action. The use of biomass fuel was already mandatory in the NCR region. Now, to further reduce pollution caused by straw burning, all brick kilns across Haryana, including those in non-NCR areas, must start using biomass pellets made from paddy straw. Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rajesh Nagar said that a phased plan has been laid out to achieve 50 percent blending of biomass pellets in brick kilns in non-NCR areas of the state. The minimum usage targets are as follows: From November 1, 2025 — at least 20 percent blending; From November 1, 2026 — at least 30 percent blending; From November 1, 2027 — at least 40 percent blending; From November 1, 2028 — at least 50 percent blending. In line with this, letters have been sent to the Deputy Commissioners of Ambala, Fatehabad, Hisar, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Sirsa, and Yamunanagar, directing them to ensure timely and effective implementation.
Separate bus will be operated for women from Ambala to Mullana: Anil Vij
Chandigarh: Haryana's Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij on Thursday directed transport department officials to run a separate bus for women from Ambala to Mullana to ensure a convenient journey for women and girls. Vij gave these instructions while redressing the grievances of people in Ambala Cantonment. The request for this bus service was made by the councillor of Ward No. 27. During this, Vij instructed relevant officials to resolve people's greivances and redressed many of it on the spot. A resident of Railway Road in Ambala apprised that his 11-year-old child went missing while playing outside the house on June 29 and has not been found since. Despite informing the police, no report had been registered. In response, the Energy Minister instructed the DSP to register an FIR immediately and begin the search for the missing child.
Over 29,000 plastic bottles recycled: MCC celebrates Int’l Plastic Bag Free Day
Chandigarh: In observance of International Plastic Bag Free Day, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh marked the successful culmination of its month-long “Plastic Mukt Chandigarh” campaign, which was launched on June 5, 2025, coinciding with World Environment Day. MC Commissioner Amit Kumar said that in collaboration with Kandhari Beverages Private Limited, MCC had earlier installed 11 Biocrux Plastic Baling Machines across the city. Since their inception 1.5 years ago, these machines have collectively recycled 29,031 plastic bottles, amounting to approximately 580.62 kilograms of plastic waste. The Municipal Corporation reiterated its commitment to a cleaner, plastic-free Chandigarh and encouraged residents to adopt eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics. “Let us all pledge to reduce, reuse, and recycle — for a cleaner, greener Chandigarh,” said the Commissioner.
Haryana Minister suspends Guhla Tehsildar
Chandigarh: Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel on Thursday directed the suspension of Tehsildar Manjeet Malik from Guhla after irregularities surfaced. During the suspension period, Manjeet Malik will be stationed at the Ambala Deputy Commissioner’s office, where his attendance and accountability will be monitored. Goel said that the government aims to ensure a clean and transparent administration. He said there is no place for corrupt officers in Haryana. We are working to create a system where no common citizen has to face harassment or injustice. Our goal is to build a responsible and transparent governance model, said the Minister.
Punjab Speaker Condemns Farmer Suicides in Maharashtra, Calls it a National Failure
Chandigarh: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Thursday expressed deep anguish over the reported 767 farmer suicides in Maharashtra within just three months, calling it a “painful reflection of systemic failure”. He highlighted that only 376 affected families received government assistance, while the rest were ignored. Urging immediate intervention, Sandhwan appealed to the Centre and Maharashtra government to provide financial aid to bereaved families and revamp the prevailing agricultural model, warning that ignoring this crisis amounts to abandoning the nation’s food providers.
Minister Pushes PESCO Revamp, Pledges Jobs and Welfare for Ex-Servicemen
Chandigarh: Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Thursday directed the officials to revamp Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO) to ensure better services and employment for veterans. At a high-level review meeting, Bhagat assessed the corporation’s performance, including proposals to revise security guards’ wages and streamline appointments. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing job opportunities and resolving financial constraints. Managing Director Maj Gen Harmandeep Singh (Retd) presented a progress report, while Bhagat announced plans to visit PESCO facilities soon to personally assess on-ground operations.
MRSAFPI Sends 21 Cadets to NDA
Chandigarh: Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), Mohali, achieved another milestone by sending 21 cadets to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other premier defence training institutes in just three weeks. With this, the total number of MRSAFPI cadets inducted into defence academies has risen to 276. Director Maj Gen Ajay H Chauhan (Retd) on Thursday congratulated the cadets and expressed pride in the institute’s growing contribution to the Armed Forces. He urged the cadets to train diligently and serve the nation with honor and dedication.
Punjab SC panel chairman Begins NZ Visit to Promote Ambedkarite Ideals
Chandigarh: Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi has embarked on a month-long personal-cum-mission visit to New Zealand. While the trip includes private engagements, Garhi will also connect with diaspora communities to promote the philosophies of Dr BR Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram. A Commission spokesperson said that Garhi aims to raise awareness about social justice and empowerment during his stay. He is expected to return in the first week of August and resume official duties thereafter.