Latest news with #GurpreetKaurSapra
Time of India
10 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Zirakpur flyover beautification to resume, but what about traffic snarls & waterlogging?
1 2 Mohali: Known more for its traffic snarls and waterlogging than anything else, the stretch beneath the Zirakpur flyover is finally set to undergo a long-awaited beautification. After years of false starts and abandoned plans, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has roped in an NGO to execute the project. Mohali deputy commissioner Komal Mittal confirmed the development, saying, "The project had lingered for years, but it is now in progress. The pillars will be painted with environmental and community-centric themes, and plantation will be undertaken to improve aesthetics and reduce encroachments." The beautification idea was first floated in 2018 by then DC Gurpreet Kaur Sapra. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) was formed in 2019, and by 2020, NHAI had even issued an expression of interest with a budget of Rs 2 crore. But like many urban dreams, it was shelved due to funding issues. In the vacuum left by inaction, the space beneath the flyover turned into an informal settlement. Squatters, slum dwellers, and beggars moved in, turning the area into a safety hazard and a civic embarrassment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The Zirakpur municipal council, lacking police support, struggled to reclaim the space. Now, with the NGO stepping in, authorities hope to not just beautify the corridor but also reclaim public space and restore order. From Blight to Bright The makeover plan includes: Fencing to prevent encroachments Thematic pillar paintings with environmental and community-centric messages Plantation drives to green up the grey concrete jungle But the road ahead isn't smooth Traffic mayhem at Patiala crossing The Patiala turning under the flyover remains a nightmare. During peak hours, it can take up to an hour to cross the bottleneck. The proximity to the congested Chandigarh-Delhi highway only adds to the chaos. Waterlogging woes Monsoon brings another challenge — waterlogging. A slight drizzle is enough to flood the area, thanks to a collapsed drainage system. Ironically, the very median where plantations are planned often turns into a mini lake. Zirakpur MC officials admitted they're helpless. The township's congestion leaves no room for reconstructing the drainage system, they said. Voices from the Ground Sunil Kumar, a resident of Lohgarh, shared a near-tragic incident: "I was driving under the flyover when a group of children suddenly ran in front of my car. I swerved to avoid them and ended up hitting another vehicle. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it could've been much worse."
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab: Leave of IAS, PCS officers cancelled amid India-Pakistan tensions Pakistan
The Punjab government on Friday cancelled the leave taken by Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Punjab Civil Services (PCS) officers across the state in view of the escalating tension between India and Pakistan. Punjab Police has already cancelled the leave of its personnel. #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Missiles, shelling, and attacks — here's all that's happening Pakistani Air Force jet shot down in Pathankot by Indian Air Defence: Sources India on high alert: What's shut, who's on leave, and state-wise emergency measures "In view of the prevailing situation and preparedness for the emergency response system, it has been decided that no officer shall proceed on any kind of leave or leave their station of posting without explicit approval of the Chief Secretary Punjab. All the leaves approved so far stand cancelled," said a letter issued by Punjab, secretary personnel, Gurpreet Kaur Sapra. The instructions come into force immediately, he said. "Meticulous compliance may be ensured failing which suitable action under relevant rules shall be initiated," said the letter addressed to IAS and PCS officers. A blackout was enforced in many cities, including Pathankot, Mohali, Jalandhar, Amritsar and Hoshiarpur, on Thursday evening. Live Events Tensions escalated after Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir ( PoK ), including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke, in retaliation for the terror attack in Pahalgam.
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Punjab Today LIVE News: Govt cancels leaves of employees amid India-Pak tension
Punjab Today News Live Updates: The Punjab Government Friday cancelled leave of employees in view of rising tension between India and Pakistan until further orders. According to the order issued by the Secretary of Personnel, Gurpreet Kaur Sapra, the government has asked the employees not to leave their station of posting. Earlier in the day, the Chandigarh administration had sounded a fresh air raid siren, appealing people to remain indoors. About an hour later, it said the siren for the alert was over. CM Mann directs 10 ministers to move to border districts: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called an emergency Cabinet meeting at his residence and assigned 10 of his Cabinet colleagues to hit the ground in the state and stay in the border areas as a confidence-building exercise amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The government issued the orders on Friday, saying that the ministers have to be with the people. Air raid alert issued around Chandigarh airport: The authorities issued an urgent alert in areas surrounding the Chandigarh airport on Friday, including Mohali and Panchkula, warning residents about a possible air strike. Citizens have been strongly advised to stay indoors and avoid standing near windows or doors, and not to step outside unless absolutely required. The warnings came as India launched a counter-offensive after Pakistani drones and missiles attempted to hit military facilities in Indian cities on Thursday.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab cancels leaves of IAS, PCS officers amid escalating border tension
NEW DELHI: Amid rising tensions along the border, the on Friday cancelled all leaves granted to IAS and across the state, citing the need for immediate preparedness and emergency response. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now An official order issued by Gurpreet Kaur Sapra, Secretary, Personnel, read: 'In view of the prevailing situation and preparedness for the emergency response system, it has been decided that no officer shall proceed on any kind of leave or leave their station of posting without the explicit approval of the Chief Secretary, Punjab. All the leaves approved so far stand cancelled.' The directive has come into effect immediately. 'These instructions shall come into force at once. Meticulous compliance may be ensured, failing which, suitable action under the relevant rules shall be initiated,' the order added. In a swift response to the developing situation following reports of exchanges of fire along the border between Indian and Pakistani forces, the state government is stepping up its preparedness efforts. Ten cabinet ministers have been directed to immediately head to the border districts following a high-level cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday. According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the ministers will assess the state's emergency readiness. 'Punjab government is preparing to deal with the situation. Today, the ministers will review the emergency services in the border districts. Will inspect hospitals, fire stations, will inspect the availability of ration and emergency services. Cabinet ministers will reach the border districts, immediately after the cabinet meeting, 10 ministers will leave for the border areas,' the statement said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The deployment plan for the ministers has already been outlined. 'Ministers Lal Chand Kataruchakk and Dr. Ravjot Singh will go to Gurdaspur. Ministers Kuldeep Dhaliwal and Mohinder Bhagat will take charge of Amritsar,' the CMO added. Meanwhile, amid heightened alert in the border areas, the District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) in Amritsar has issued an advisory urging residents to remain indoors and take precautionary steps for their safety. 'All citizens are requested to stay indoors and away from the windows, keep lights turned off, and draw the window curtains. There is no need to panic. A siren will blow now, and we will pass the message again once it is clear,' the DPRO's message read.
