Panchkula, a city in Haryana, will soon get safe drinking water from the Kaushalya Dam. This project aims to help reduce the city’s reliance on tube wells and improve water quality.

The Chief Minister of Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini, held a meeting recently to discuss this important project. On October 23, 2023, he asked officials to quickly fix the damaged water pipeline. This pipeline connects Panchkula to the Kaushalya Dam. Fixing it is important for a smooth water supply to various parts of the city.

The Chief Minister emphasized that this repair work should be done as soon as possible. He wants the drinking water supply to resume quickly from the dam, ensuring residents have clean water. This shift from tube wells to a reliable water source is crucial for the health and wellbeing of Panchkula’s residents.

In the meeting, Saini also asked the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran to assist the Public Health Engineering Department. He directed them to provide 10-12 acres of land in the Pinjore-Kalka area. This land will be used to build a new clean water storage facility. By doing this, the government aims to ensure that clean drinking water gets to homes in these regions.

The Kaushalya Dam has always been a vital source of water for its surroundings. The dam is intended to meet the growing demand for drinking water in Panchkula. Kaushalya Dam’s water supply will reduce the pressure on local groundwater, which has been decreasing over the years.

Many areas in Punjab and Haryana are facing water shortages due to groundwater depletion. This situation makes the initiative to use surface water more important than ever. By focusing on surface water resources like the Kaushalya Dam, the state is taking a step in the right direction to tackle water scarcity.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Saini also stressed the need to improve the water supply system at the Kajauli Water Works. He encouraged officials to enhance the capacity of pumping motors. This upgrade will ensure a steady and sufficient water supply from this facility. Improved infrastructure is crucial for a growing city like Panchkula.

Moreover, Saini instructed the Irrigation Department to create a detailed plan. This plan will focus on increasing the storage capacity of the Kaushalya Dam. It is essential to have enough water supply not just for today but also for future needs.

An important part of the meeting was discussing how to keep the dam free from contaminated water. Chief Minister Saini emphasized that authorities must take effective measures to prevent any pollution. This will help provide safe drinking water to the community.

To ensure the safety of the Kaushalya Dam, experts are being called in. During the meeting, the Chief Minister requested an evaluation of the dam’s strength and stability. This assessment will also cover the Ottu Head in Sirsa and the Hathnikund Barrage in Yamunanagar. Experts will check these structures periodically to ensure everything is in good condition.

Moreover, these steps reflect a growing trend in Haryana. The government is focusing on sustainable water management as urban development continues. So, the involvement of organizations like the Haryana Urban Development Authority shows a commitment to long-term solutions for clean water.

As urban areas grow, the demand for clean water increases. Projects like this one aim to meet that demand responsibly.

The public health of citizens is a priority. Clean drinking water is essential for a healthy life. The plans for the Kaushalya Dam and the new storage facility are encouraging developments for Panchkula.

However, this situation is a reminder of how important it is for the government to provide basic needs like water. The people of Panchkula are hoping for timely progress on these water supply projects. Moreover, with the Chief Minister’s direction, there is hope for a brighter, healthier future for the city.

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Peshawar, Pakistan: On October 24, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa calls for lifting ban on wheat and flour, urging the Punjab government to end restrictions on wheat and flour transportation between the two provinces. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government warned that this ongoing ban is creating serious food security concerns for millions of people.

In a formal letter, the KP food secretary asked Punjab’s food secretary to remove the transport ban immediately. The letter explained that these restrictions are disrupting supply chains, increasing food prices, and threatening the province’s stability. The request highlighted three main goals: to restore smooth supply chains, to stabilize wheat and flour prices, and to protect food security in KP.

KP depends heavily on wheat from Punjab, as it produces only a small portion of its total demand of about 14,500 tonnes per day. Officials noted that the 2,000 tonnes Punjab currently allows to move into KP is far below actual needs. They warned that if the restrictions continue, shortages and price hikes could follow.

The KP government also reminded Punjab that these actions violate Article 151(1) of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees free trade between provinces. They said the current ban directly affects citizens’ access to essential food and goes against national economic unity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on October 17 to review the Interim Wheat Policy 2025. Participants stressed the importance of allowing smooth inter-provincial movement of wheat to maintain national food balance.

The KP Flour Mills Association has echoed these concerns, warning that stocks are running dangerously low. They urged both provincial governments to reach an agreement soon to prevent a food crisis.

KP Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi has strongly criticized the ban. He described it as “unconstitutional” and an “unfair act against KP residents.” He directed the food department to write immediately to Punjab, demanding that political disagreements should not block citizens’ basic needs.

Every year, KP consumes around 5.3 million tonnes of wheat and flour but produces only 1.5 million tonnes locally. The province relies on supplies from Punjab and other provinces to cover the shortfall. Without open trade, experts warn that KP’s food prices could spike in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, a parallel dispute has emerged between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The PPP accused Punjab of blocking wheat seed supplies to Sindh, warning that this could harm upcoming wheat cultivation. PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro said Punjab’s Agriculture Regulatory Authority is stopping seed sales to Sindh, even though farmers have already paid for them.

Khuhro urged Prime Minister Shehbaz to intervene, saying the ban could cut Sindh’s wheat production and hurt farmers’ livelihoods. He also accused the Punjab government of favoring political allies while ignoring Sindh’s agricultural needs.

Pakistan produces around 552,000 tonnes of wheat seed each year, and Punjab-based companies supply 516,000 tonnes of it. Reports claim that these companies are currently barred from selling seeds to Sindh, further fueling tensions between provinces.

PPP leaders also raised concerns about the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of PKR 3,500 for 40 kilograms of wheat. They fear middlemen could exploit farmers by buying below this rate, especially after changes to the Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Services Corporation (Passco).

Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari responded sharply, saying PPP’s accusations are politically motivated. She warned that if the party continues making baseless claims, the PML-N will respond equally.

These growing disputes reflect how inter-provincial politics affect Pakistan’s food supply and agriculture. Experts say that smooth trade between provinces is essential to ensure affordable food, fair farmer profits, and national food stability.

As the debate continues, millions in KP and Sindh are hoping for quick decisions that will protect their food security and livelihoods. The issue remains urgent as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa calls for lifting ban on wheat and flour, seeking cooperation and fairness between Pakistan’s provinces.

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In Mohali, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) ED Seizes properties linked to illegal mining case, marking a major step in a high-profile investigation. The ED has attached properties owned by Baljinder Singh, also known as Aman, and his close associates. These assets are located in several districts, including Ropar, Nawanshahr, Machiwara, Nangal, Nurpur Bedi, and Mohali.

This move is part of a larger investigation into illegal mining and money laundering linked to a drug cartel led by Jagdish Singh (Bhola). Bhola has already faced property seizures by the ED during earlier operations.

To enforce the action, the ED sent directions to deputy commissioners, sub-divisional magistrates, sub-registrars, and senior police officials. They were asked to attach the identified properties owned by Baljinder. The agency stated that Baljinder, who lives in Ambika Florence, New Chandigarh, used fake documents to run illegal mining businesses. These activities caused heavy financial losses to both the state and central governments.

Baljinder is a close associate of Bhola and allegedly managed illegal mining work on Bhola’s lands. He currently faces 10 FIRs under serious sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) – 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B – involving cheating, fraud, and forgery. He is also charged under the Mines and Mineral Act, particularly sections 21(1) and 4(1), in Nurpur Bedi, Ropar, and Nangal.

In Nangal, police later expanded the FIR to include additional IPC sections like 188, 379, 411, and 447. This shows that the case has grown more serious over time. Between 2020 and 2025, Baljinder declared an income of ₹68 lakh. However, investigators found that he owns properties worth ₹7-8 crore, suggesting that his wealth came from illegal sources.

The ED has recorded statements from nearly 40 witnesses so far. Their testimonies describe a large network of illegal mining and money laundering managed by Baljinder and his partners. Officials are now tracing financial trails and property transactions to find every person involved in the racket.

An ED officer confirmed, “We are tracing the remaining assets and identifying everyone connected to Baljinder Singh’s network.” The agency aims to dismantle this entire chain of illegal mining operations in Punjab and nearby states.

Meanwhile, the ED corrected a false report that labeled Baljinder Singh as a pastor. The agency clarified that Baljinder is not a pastor. The confusion arose because of another person named Pastor Bajinder Singh, who is serving a life sentence for unrelated crimes.

Illegal mining has long been a major problem in Punjab. It damages the environment and drains government revenue. The ED’s strong action highlights its commitment to stopping such crimes and ensuring justice. Officials believe that strict monitoring and tough enforcement will discourage similar operations in the future.

Overall, this case shows the ED’s determination to fight financial and environmental crimes. With solid evidence and witness support, the agency continues to dig deeper into the illegal mining network. The crackdown proves that the ED Seizes properties linked to illegal mining case, setting a clear example of accountability and justice in Punjab.

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