Introduction

Mohali is part of the Chandigarh Tricity area in Punjab. The city has changed a lot over the years. In 2001, about 90,000 people lived in Mohali. Today, more than 1.5 million people call it home. This rapid growth has also brought challenges, including increasing Water Issues in Mohali, highlighting the need for sustainable urban planning.

The Growth of Mohali

Mohali’s growth is impressive. People move here for jobs, education, and a better life. With the nearby city of Chandigarh, residents enjoy a mix of urban and suburban life.

Chandigarh is famous for being one of the cleanest cities in India. It has been in the top five of the Swachh Survekshan rankings since 2016. This means Mohali benefits from a clean environment, too.

What Makes Mohali Attractive?

• Job Opportunities: Many companies are opening their offices in Mohali.
• Educational Institutions: Parents send their children to good schools and colleges.
• Modern Amenities: The city has parks, malls, and healthcare facilities.

As more people come, the city must change to meet their needs. New roads and homes are being built to help everyone settle in.

The Challenge of Water Scarcity

While Mohali is growing and becoming a popular place, it faces a big challenge-water scarcity. Punjab, the state where Mohali is located, has had water problems for years. Only about 4% of its land is irrigated by canals. This number is very low.

Because of this, people depend on groundwater for water. But there is a big problem. Groundwater is running out quickly. Overuse of groundwater affects farmers and families in the area.

Understanding Water Issues in Punjab

Punjab is an agricultural state. Farmers need water to grow their crops. But with less water available, the situation is becoming difficult. Here are some key points:

• Punjab only has 4% of its area well-irrigated.
• Farmers increasingly rely on groundwater to water their fields.
• Groundwater resources are quickly depleting, leading to a water crisis.

What Can Be Done?

It’s very important to find solutions. Here are some ideas:

1. Increase Rainwater Harvesting: This means collecting rainwater and using it for everyday needs.
2. Promote Water-Saving Techniques: Encourage farmers to use less water when growing crops.
3. Expand Canal Systems: Build new canals to bring more water to fields.
4. Raise Public Awareness: Teach people about the importance of saving water.

Conclusion

Mohali is a vibrant, growing city. The increase in population shows it is an attractive place to live. However, Water Issues in Mohali must be addressed urgently. Working together, the community, government, and residents can protect this valuable resource for future generations. Let’s ensure that Mohali remains not only a great place to live but also a city where water is respected and conserved.

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Incident at Jalandhar Civil Hospital

On July 27, 2023, a tragic event unfolded at a civil hospital in Jalandhar, Punjab. The Jalandhar Hospital Oxygen Supply Failure led to the loss of three patients‘ lives due to a serious problem with the hospital’s oxygen supply system. This distressing situation has raised many concerns about healthcare in the state.

Government Action

In response to the incident, Punjab’s Health Minister, Balbir Singh, took swift action. He announced the suspension of three doctors involved in the case: Dr. Raj Kumar, Dr. Surjit Singh, and Dr. Sonakshi. These doctors are now under investigation as officials look into what went wrong. This thorough inquiry aims to uncover the details surrounding the incident. Minister Singh has labeled this as an ‘unpardonable act’ that requires full accountability.

The Tragic Loss of Lives

The three patients who died were critically dependent on oxygen support. Among them was a 15-year-old boy who had suffered a snakebite. There was also a patient who had taken an overdose of drugs and another who was battling tuberculosis. All three were on ventilators when the oxygen supply problem occurred. Unfortunately, the backup oxygen systems failed to provide the needed support, leading to their untimely deaths.

Healthcare Challenges in Punjab

This incident highlights significant issues in the healthcare system of Punjab. The state has struggled with healthcare quality for quite some time. Reports show that Punjab ranks lower in healthcare standards compared to other regions in India. Such tragedies point to the urgent need for improvements.

The situation has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many hospitals are currently dealing with an influx of patients. This increased patient load has strained hospital resources, making it difficult to provide adequate care.

The Need for Stronger Systems

Healthcare infrastructure is crucial for the well-being of any state. Punjab must focus on improving its systems to avoid future tragedies. Proper maintenance and regular checks of medical equipment, especially critical systems like oxygen supply, are essential.

What’s Next?

The suspended doctors will face a thorough inquiry. This investigation will determine whether they should be dismissed or reinstated. The government aims to take appropriate action based on the findings. There is a strong public demand for accountability and better healthcare facilities. People want to ensure that no family suffers due to inadequate medical care in the future.

Community Response

The community in Jalandhar is in shock. Many families are expressing their sadness over the lost lives. Local leaders are calling for more support for public health initiatives. Citizens believe that everyone deserves access to safe and reliable healthcare.

Conclusion

The Jalandhar Hospital Oxygen Supply Failure is a wake-up call for Punjab. It highlights the importance of investing in healthcare infrastructure and ensuring patient safety. By addressing these challenges, the state can work towards providing better care and preventing similar tragedies in the future.

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Massive Protest by Farmers

On Wednesday, thousands of farmers from Punjab gathered for a huge Tractor Rally Against Land Pooling Policy. They protested against the state government’s new land pooling policy, shouting slogans of unity as they drove through the streets.

The rally was organized by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM). Other farmer unions joined them, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and SKM (non-political). This rally showed a rare moment of unity among many farmers’ groups in Punjab.

Tractors on the Move

Tractors filled long convoys and moved along Ferozepur Road, GT Road, and other highways in Bathinda and Mansa. The rally covered around 164 villages affected by this policy, which plans to pool over 65,000 acres of land. The protest was particularly strong in cities like Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Ferozepur.

Farmers there claimed that their very existence was under threat. Sarwan Singh Pandher, the KMM coordinator, remarked, “This is only from four villages near Amritsar-Manawala, Navankot, Nijjarpur, and Rajewal. Imagine the scale when all affected villages rise.”

Understanding the Land Pooling Policy

The Punjab Government’s land pooling policy aims to create new townships. To do this, they want to take land from farmers by pooling rather than outright buying it. Farmers who give land will receive some back as developed plots. The rest will be sold to raise money for public services like schools and roads.

This plan has attracted sharp criticism from farmers. Many see it as a threat to their livelihood and way of life. Farmers worry that if their land is taken away, they will lose their identity.

Fears of Losing Agricultural Land

Farmers are particularly worried about permanently losing agricultural land. In places like Jodhan, over 50% of village land falls under this pooling scheme. A local farmer named Jagdev Singh spoke passionately, saying, “Punjab cannot afford horizontal growth at the cost of its villages. How can you erase rural existence in the name of rapid urbanisation?”

Additionally, the ruling party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), faced backlash when Tapinder Singh Jodhan, its local leader, quit in protest. He was against the land pooling policy.

Show of Strength Despite Rain

Even though it rained on Wednesday, farmers participated actively. Young farmers aged 20 to 50 drove tractors, while elderly farmers rode along with them. This showed how the protest brings together different generations.

In Ludhiana, the farmers brought attention to the poor condition of link roads. Many of these roads were bumpy and had potholes. Harnek Singh Gujjarwal, a young farmer, said, “This struggle is for survival. No one can live on a small plot forever. The government is pushing us to the edge.”

Government’s Compensation Plan

According to the policy, farmers will receive 1,000 square yards of residential area and 200 square yards of commercial area for every acre of land they pool. However, farmers remain skeptical about this arrangement.

Farmers ended the rally by reminding everyone of their main point: “What use is a tractor if there is no land left to till?” Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of Punjab’s largest farmer union, BKU Ugrahan, led protests in places like Jodhan and Koom Kalan.

A Call Against Business Interests

Manjit Singh Dhaner, president of BKU Dakaunda, emphasized the meaning of the tractor. He stated, “The tractor is not just a farming tool, but is our symbol of resistance. We sow seeds with it and now we are using it to protect our rights.”

He led the rally in Barnala’s Handiyaya and Mullanpur in Ludhiana. He criticized the policy for being supported only by businessmen and realtors, not by hardworking farmers. “Only businessmen and realtors with large landholdings are pushing it,” Dhaner added.

The Sarpanch’s Stand

In Bhattian Dhaha village, local leader Ranjit Singh Bath, who is part of the AAP, led the tractor march. He said, “I am with my village in this struggle against the land pooling policy. What will I do with a party that cannot protect my villagers?” Bath owns land across six villages, all under the policy.

He encouraged his community to take a stand. “Should we pick up our tiffin and start working in a factory? We have boards at the entrance of our village banning the entry of AAP leaders. Let me see who dares to enter.”

The Farmers’ Determination

Many village leaders have given feedback to the AAP seeking a rollback of the policy. They warned that resistance would occur if the government did not listen. Bath noted, “It seems they have not understood our polite feedback.”

Farmers’ unions stress that these rallies are not just about land. They are fighting for their dignity, existence, and the future of agriculture in Punjab.

Upcoming Events and Actions

The farmers plan to hold more large meetings following their Tractor Rally Against Land Pooling Policy. Mahapanchayats are scheduled for August 7, August 20, and August 24, involving SKM (non-political), KMM, and SKM’s Punjab unit.

On August 8, a seminar will take place in Ludhiana with an open invitation to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Also, the KMM plans a motorcycle march across various districts on August 11.

Farmers want to ensure that their voices are heard. They are standing strong together for their rights. The future of agriculture in Punjab depends on it.🚜✨

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