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Punjab Sees Rise in Farm Fires: 202 New Cases in Recent Days

Punjab is facing a big problem with farm fires.

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Punjab Sees Rise in Farm Fires_ 202 New Cases in Recent Days
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A Punjab sees rise in farm fires as nearly 800 new cases appeared in just five days, showing the pressure on farmers to prepare fields for wheat sowing. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) reported over 200 new fires this week. On Thursday alone, Sangrur had 48 incidents, taking its total to 212 cases. Tarn Taran remains at the top with 330 farm fires.

Punjab has now recorded 1,418 farm fires this season. Although the number shows a 42% drop from last year’s 10,909 cases, the situation is still worrying. Several districts in the Malwa region, Punjab’s main grain area, have already crossed last year’s early figures. Bathinda reported 77 fires compared to 48 last year, Barnala had 31 versus 20, and Muktsar saw 30 cases, higher than before.

Sangrur continues to draw concern. It had the highest number of farm fires last year with 1,725 incidents. This year, it already has 218, which is close to last year’s early total of 259. Officials said stubble burning started late because of delayed rice harvesting. The delay happened due to poor weather and slow crop growth. PPCB experts confirmed that the burning pattern is running about two weeks behind schedule.

At present, only a few districts have finished over 90% of their rice harvest. The Malwa belt, which sees the most fires, is expected to record more cases soon. Farmers are rushing to clear their fields before the November 15 deadline for wheat sowing, which helps get a better yield. Because of this hurry, many may burn leftover straw instead of using eco-friendly methods.

The PPCB has been tracking fires from September 15 to November 30 every year. Last season, it recorded over 10,900 burning cases. Officials now expect a rise in early November as harvesting speeds up. Despite campaigns, awareness drives, and penalties, the issue continues to test both farmers and authorities.

Meanwhile, farm fires are hurting air quality across Punjab. Bathinda recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 231, the worst in the state, while Jalandhar reached 201. PPCB warned that calm weather and low wind may trap smoke, making pollution worse. Such poor air can trigger coughing, eye irritation, and breathing trouble, especially for the elderly and children.

To curb this problem, officials are urging farmers to adopt cleaner alternatives. Composting crop residue can boost soil quality. Mulching helps retain moisture and reduce the need for burning. Machines like Happy Seeders and Straw Management Systems can mix straw into the soil directly. The government is offering subsidies and support programs to promote these solutions.

Experts say strong community participation and farmer training can help break the yearly fire cycle. Schools, local panchayats, and farmer groups can also spread awareness about the dangers of stubble burning.

As winter nears, health experts advise residents to monitor AQI daily, limit outdoor exercise during poor air days, and wear masks when needed. Those with breathing issues should use air purifiers at home for safety.

In the end, Punjab sees rise in farm fires even as awareness improves. With stronger action, better technology, and public cooperation, Punjab can reduce pollution, safeguard health, and secure a cleaner environment for all.

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Emergency Care Denied: Man Loses Finger After Delay in Treatment

A serious incident occurred in Mohali, Punjab, where a man named Jatinder lost his finger.

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Emergency Care Denied_ Man Loses Finger After Delay in Treatment
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A heartbreaking case in Mohali has brought serious attention to emergency healthcare failures. Man loses finger after delay in treatment becomes the key phrase that sums up this shocking story. On a busy day in the city, Jatinder suffered a severe crush injury to his left little finger, and his search for urgent medical help turned into a painful journey that ended with the loss of his finger.

The couple first went to Civil Hospital in Phase 6, where doctors quickly referred them to GMSH-16 in Chandigarh for specialized care. Although this seemed like a step toward treatment, the situation became worse. On their way, they stopped at ESI Hospital in Phase 7, hoping for faster help. However, the doctor told them Jatinder was “not eligible for cashless treatment,” which clearly violated ESIC guidelines that guarantee emergency care from day one of employment. This denial added confusion and stress when speed was crucial.

Because they were refused help, they rushed back to GMSH-16. Even then, they waited for nearly three hours, yet no doctor examined Jatinder. This delay, combined with the earlier refusal, created a dangerous gap in the care he urgently needed. By the next morning, desperation pushed them to visit a private hospital in Mohali. Sadly, doctors explained that the delay had caused irreversible damage. Plastic surgery was no longer possible, so amputation was required. The family paid Rs 5,000, but the emotional cost was far heavier.

Advocate Jasbir Singh strongly criticized the situation, calling it a “serious system failure.” He explained that Jatinder could have kept his finger if treatment had been timely. He also demanded strict action against officials responsible for ignoring ESIC rules. Although he informed senior ESIC officials on the same day, no one responded to him. His reaction reflects the concerns of many workers who feel unprotected despite contributing regularly to the system.

Meanwhile, ESIC Regional Director Pankaj Vohra acknowledged the incident only after hearing about it from the advocate. He has requested a detailed report from the Senior Medical Officer and said further steps will follow. However, residents are waiting to see whether these statements will lead to real improvements.

Mohali’s growing population, rising urban needs, and increasing pressure on hospitals already challenge the system. Many people feel the current healthcare structure is struggling to keep up. Because emergency care can determine whether a patient recovers or suffers life-changing consequences, delays cannot be ignored. This incident also highlights the importance of clear communication, proper staffing, and strict enforcement of medical guidelines.

Ultimately, this story serves as a reminder that healthcare access is a basic right. Systems must respond quickly, especially in emergencies. Authorities should act now so no one else faces such a tragedy. The painful reality of a man loses finger after delay in treatment should push the system toward urgent reform.

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Court Clears Three Men Accused in 2020 Murder Due to Poor Police Investigation

Mohali: A local court in Mohali has cleared three men of murder charges.

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Court Clears Three Men Accused in 2020 Murder Due to Poor Police Investigation
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A Mohali court has made an important decision in a four-year-old murder case. Court clears three men accused in 2020 murder after police failed to provide enough evidence. Judge Hardeep Singh found serious flaws in the investigation conducted by the Phase 8 police station. This ruling raises important questions about police accountability.

The case involves the killing of a man known as “Haryanvi” on May 24, 2020. The incident occurred near the traffic lights at Phase 7 in Mohali. The three accused men are Pardeep alias Kalua from Sector 52 Chandigarh, Pawan from Phase 8, and Ranjeet from Phase 8.

Initially, police arrested these men based on a dying declaration by the victim. Before dying, the victim named them as his attackers. However, the court found that this statement was not recorded properly during the investigation.

According to the case details, PCR in-charge Prashotam Lal found the victim badly injured at the scene. His upper arm had a deep cut and he was bleeding heavily. Therefore, police rushed him to Civil Hospital in Phase 6.

On the way to the hospital, the victim identified himself as “Haryanvi.” He told police that Pardeep, Pawan, and Ranjeet attacked him with sticks. Unfortunately, he died shortly after reaching the hospital.

Following his death, Phase 8 police quickly registered a murder case. They arrested all three accused men soon after. However, three years later, the court discovered multiple flaws in the investigation.

The judge noted several critical problems with the police work. First, there was no proper medical evidence to support the dying declaration. Second, police could not recover any weapons used in the attack. Third, investigators failed to place the accused at the crime scene. Additionally, no blood samples were connected to the crime.

The court’s judgment stated that the investigation was incomplete and careless. Without strong proof, the prosecution had no choice but to drop the charges. Consequently, all three men walked free.

Such acquittals due to flawed investigations are not uncommon in Punjab and Haryana. The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently reviewed a case and remarked that the investigators carried out a “tainted and sketchy” probe while acquitting the accused persons. The Supreme Court has also noted that interference with an acquittal is permissible only when findings are “perverse and impossible.”

Proper documentation of evidence is crucial in murder cases. Dying declarations hold significant legal weight but must be recorded correctly. When police fail to follow proper procedures, criminals may escape justice.

This case serves as a reminder for law enforcement agencies. Thorough investigations with proper evidence collection are essential for successful prosecutions. The community expects better policing to ensure accountability.

In conclusion, the court clears three men accused in 2020 murder highlights serious gaps in police investigation procedures. The Mohali police must improve their methods to ensure justice is served. Without proper evidence, even strong cases can fall apart in court.

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Couple Attacked Over Sand Trolley Dispute in Ludhiana

A serious incident occurred in Ludhiana, Punjab.

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Couple Attacked Over Sand Trolley Dispute in Ludhiana
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A shocking incident took place in Ludhiana, Punjab when a couple attacked over sand trolley dispute outside their home. Ronit Mishra and his wife were brutally assaulted after they asked a driver to move a sand trolley. This incident highlights the growing problem of illegal sand mining in Punjab.

According to Ronit, he noticed a sand trolley parked outside his home late Wednesday night. The trolley was blocking the narrow street and creating safety problems. Therefore, he politely asked the driver to move it.

At first, the driver left without any argument. However, he returned shortly with a group of young men on motorcycles. They started making noise and creating a scene. Then, in a shocking turn, they attacked Ronit and his family.

During the violent attack, the group struck Ronit with an iron rod. As a result, he needed six stitches on his head. Additionally, the attackers tore his wife’s clothes and stole her gold chain and earrings. Both suffered multiple injuries from this assault.

Ronit expressed his frustration about the ongoing problem. He said there is an illegal sand mining stand in their street. Furthermore, he mentioned that residents have objected many times but received only abuse and threats in return.

Witnesses believe the attackers are connected to illegal sand mining operations. These people have a history of threatening those who speak out against their activities. Consequently, many residents live in fear.

Meanwhile, Inspector Harshveer Singh confirmed that police have not yet received a formal written complaint. He said action can only be taken once victims submit an official complaint.

Illegal sand mining remains a serious issue across Punjab. The Supreme Court recently termed rampant illegal sand mining as “serious” and asked Punjab and four other states to provide facts and figures on the issue. A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar said authorities must deal with such activities effectively.

The scale of illegal mining in Punjab is alarming. From April 2022 to October 2024, authorities filed 1,360 FIRs in illegal mining cases. In Ropar, indiscriminate sand mining damaged a key bridge, forcing residents from at least 200 villages to travel an extra 30 km every day.

Punjab has long struggled with illegal sand mining, often linked to politically connected mafias. The state earns only a fraction of potential revenue from mining. In 2023-24, the annual mining revenue was Rs 288.52 crore.

Anti-mining activists face serious dangers in Punjab. One Sarpanch recalled how he was once shot at when trying to stop illegal mining at night, and the case is still pending with police.

Residents of Ludhiana are now calling for strict action against illegal mining. They want authorities to crack down on those who threaten common citizens. Community safety should be the top priority for law enforcement.

In conclusion, the couple attacked over sand trolley dispute case shows the dangers residents face when standing up against illegal activities. Until authorities take strong action, such incidents may continue to threaten peaceful neighborhoods across Punjab.

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