Latest news with #Randhawa
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Declare Amritsar a ‘no-war zone: Congress MP Randhawa writes to PM
Gurdaspur Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to take steps towards declaring Amritsar district, which is home to the Golden Temple, a 'no-war zone'. The letter was sent weeks after the latest India-Pakistan armed conflict. Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla also wrote a similar letter to the Prime Minister. On May 7, India carried out pre-dawn missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Following the Indian action, Pakistan launched an offensive against Indian military bases and resorted to shelling the border areas for the next three days. In the letter, Randhawa wrote that the city is the spiritual heartbeat of the Sikh faith. 'Its sacred aura transcends religious boundaries, offering comfort, unity, and compassion in a world increasingly torn apart by conflict and division. 'I wish to clarify that this appeal is not a request for political sovereignty akin to the Vatican City, but rather a plea for international spiritual recognition and enduring security protections. 'In an era marked by rising global tension and militarisation, it is imperative that Sri Amritsar is shielded from the threats of war and violence - now and forever,' Randhawa said. 'As many global powers lean increasingly toward conflict, the Sikh ethos of 'Sarbat da Bhala' (the welfare of all) must be elevated and preserved as one of humanity's last hopes for coexistence and peace,' he said. He said that recent geopolitical tensions, particularly during the Indo-Pak standoff, have revived legitimate concerns regarding Amritsar's potential vulnerability in the event of military conflict. 'These concerns, voiced by the Sikh community and civil society alike, necessitate a broader vision - one that goes beyond regional anxieties and calls for an international framework to guarantee the safety and sanctity of this revered city under all circumstances,' the MP said. 'For the Sikh faith, Sri Amritsar holds the same spiritual gravity as Mecca does for Muslims and the Vatican for Christians,' he pointed out. 'It is, therefore, my humble submission that the global spiritual significance of Sri Amritsar be officially recognised, and that appropriate international security mechanisms-akin to those safeguarding the Vatican-be considered and adopted,' he said. He urged that the government of India should initiate necessary diplomatic and legislative steps toward declaring Amritsar a 'no-war zone' and work with international bodies to establish enduring protection of the city.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
British Sikh hopes to spark Nanded's clean-up revolution from Hazur Sahib
For decades, litter strewn across the roads of Nanded had ended up in the city's drains, causing waste pollution in the sacred Godavari river and leading to water-borne illnesses such as diarrhoea. But now, finally, a solution is in sight: British Sikh Gurch Randhawa, professor of diversity in public health at the University of Bedfordshire, is on a mission to help the Nanded-Waghala city municipal corporation (NWCMC) clean up the river, with funding from the UK Economic and Social Research Council's Brown Gold project. The project team recalled he had hosted King Charles at Guru Nanak Gurudwara in Luton in 2022, which made history as it was the first time a British head of state sat on the floor. That combined with his public health expertise, made him the perfect person to manage the complex dynamics in Nanded, a city which hosts one of the holiest place for Sikhs, Hazur Sahib, the final resting place of Guru Gobind Singh. "The Nanded govt has always recognised they have a huge water pollution problem in that river. But it's about where do you start? In a way, the best place to start is, to start where you have the biggest pull. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Hazur Sahib attracts 50,000 pilgrims a day. If you can get that gurudwara to want to do something about tackling waste management, the rest of Nanded is likely to follow," he told TOI. When he first went to Nanded in Dec, everyone knew who he was because of a photo of him sat with the King on the floor that went viral among Sikhs. "That really helped," he said. What struck Randhawa was how spotless the gurudwara was, yet rubbish was strewn all around the rest of Nanded, clogging up drains and polluting the river. "They have bins everywhere in the gurudwara and yet as soon as you step outside, there are barely any bins and piles of waste and that's how it ends up in the sewers and drains and in the river," he said. At 2.30am every day, thousands of pilgrims walk 1km bare-footed from Hazur Sahib to a site next to the Nagina Ghat Gurdwara where the priest collects water in a gagar (pot). After ardas (prayers), they walk back and use the holy water to wash the sacred parts of the gurdwara. "The gurdwara has created a structure next to the river with a filter pump and so water they get is clean. Yet right behind the structure, the riverbank is full of rubbish," Randhawa said. He returned to Nanded in March with samples of British recycling bins and met the superintendent of the gurudwara, Gurbachan Singh, who agreed to install recycling bins around the 12 gurdwaras in Nanded. "The idea is that if the gurdwara visitors start using these bins, then mosques, temples and churches will follow," he said. He also met the commissioner of NWCMC, Maheshkumar Doiphode, who agreed to pilot these bins every 100 metres along the 'Gagar Seva' procession route and, crucially, ensure they get emptied. Brown Gold project will secure funding for the bins and Randhawa plans to return before the end of the year to install them. The NWCMC is also going to invest in new pipework along the riverbank with filters to prevent rubbish entering the river. The focus of World Environment Day on 5 June is on ending plastic pollution, which is integral to this project, Randhawa said. "It's such a privilege to contribute to this initiative to clean up the Godavari river to ensure the health of locals improves and the Gagar water ceremony is sustainable for years to come," he added.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Beautification of Derabassi bus stand, devp of park to start soon
Mohali: In a major step toward enhancing the city's infrastructure and appearance, the Derabassi municipal council has initiated beautification of the old bus stand and surrounding areas. A new parking facility will be developed in place of the tank park, and a modern public park will come up on the site of old municipal office. The municipal council has approved projects worth over Rs 3 crore to address parking and beautification needs. A key house meeting of the municipal council was held recently under the leadership of council president Ashu Upneja and was attended by area MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa. During the meeting, two long-pending development projects were approved. These included beautification of the old bus stand area with a budget of Rs 2.41 crore, and the development of a park at the old council office site and adjacent land, with an estimated cost of Rs 68 lakh. Sharing details of the plan, MLA Randhawa said, "Previous governments made lofty promises about the city's development, but failed to take any action. After being elected, I had promised significant improvements, and today, that promise is taking shape with unanimous approval of the budget for these vital projects." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Randhawa further stated that the ongoing issue of parking congestion near the tehsil road and bus stand would be resolved by constructing a parking lot at the old bus stand site and tank park. The road from the bus stand to the tehsil will be widened to 18 metres, easing traffic movement in the area. As part of the beautification drive, the old municipal council building will be demolished to make way for a landscaped park. The water tank in front of the hospital will also be removed to develop an additional parking area, providing much-needed relief from traffic jams on Tehsil Road. The new Derabassi bus stand is also set to come up near the fire brigade office on the Chandigarh–Ambala National Highway, while the municipal council will move to a new building on Barwala Road. With the project budgets approved, the tendering process will soon begin, and construction work is expected to start shortly. The initiative is seen as a transformative step for Derabassi, aiming to solve critical infrastructure issues and improve the city's overall livability.
NDTV
21-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
200 Shops Removed In Demolition Drive At Delhi's Popular Sarojini Market
New Delhi: In a mega anti-encroachment drive, around 200 shops removed from Delhi's Sarojini Nagar market. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Delhi Police carried out the anti-encroachment drive on Saturday (May 17) night, around 11 pm, clearing "unauthorised vendors, rings and encroachments - reclaiming space for citizens." Ashok Randhawa, president of the Sarojini Nagar Mini Traders Association, said around 150 to 200 shops and stalls were removed from footpaths and market areas. Mr Randhawa also claimed that some authorised shops were damaged during the drive. "When we came to the market, we saw that hoardings and parts of some authorised shops were also broken," he said. The traders reportedly alleged that the Police carried out demolition till 1 am without any official order. In a video shared by the Deputy Commissioner of Police of South West District on X (formerly Twitter) dozens of police officials were seen clearing the market. Vendors walked out of the market area carrying tables on their heads. Many vendors also loaded their belongings into a tempo. "Unauthorised hawkers and obstruction affecting pedestrian movement were cleared effectively. Cleanliness and public convenience were prioritised to ensure a safe and accessible environment for visitors," said the Delhi Police. A joint encroachment removal drive was carried out by staff of PS Sarojini Nagar & @tweetndmc in Sarojini Nagar Market. Efforts focused on restoring pedestrian movement & cleanliness for a safer and accessible market environment. @LtGovDelhi @CMODelhi @CPDelhi #DPUpdates — DCP South West District (@dcp_southwest) May 20, 2025 The NDMC has been regularly conducting such drives to "clear the clutter for a better tomorrow." The idea behind anti-encroachment drives is to keep urban spaces free and ensure clear access to markets, footpaths, and other public spaces for the people. "Let's keep our markets open, safe and accessible," NDMC wrote while sharing pictures from yesterday's drive. 🚫 Clearing the Clutter for a Better Tomorrow! NDMC's Mega Encroachment Removal Drive in Sarojini Nagar Market (Cl. 11) clears unauthorised vendors, rings & encroachments — reclaiming space for citizens! Let's keep our markets open, safe & accessible! #NDMC #EncroachmentFree — New Delhi Municipal Council Official (@tweetndmc) May 20, 2025 Sarojini Nagar is famous for its budget-friendly fashion finds.
Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Underpass project: officials say 85pc work completed
ISLAMABAD: The construction work on the Jinnah Square Murree Road Underpass project has been completed 85 percent, officials confirmed. Chairman CDA, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and DG Civil Defence Muhammad Ali Randhawa, accompanied by Member Admin, Member Engineering and Member Estate, visited the project site to assess the pace and quality of the ongoing development work. The visit was part of efforts to ensure timely delivery of infrastructure projects under the directives of Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. During the on-site briefing, project officials informed Chairman Randhawa that the structural framework of the underpass is nearly complete, and finishing work has begun. The remaining tasks include final touches to the concrete work, installation of electrical systems, and the implementation of horticultural features to enhance the overall aesthetics. Work on the drainage system, asphalt laying, and road surfacing is progressing rapidly. The beautification phase, which includes the planting of environmentally friendly greenery and installation of modern LED lighting, is also underway. Chairman Randhawa emphasised that work must continue 24/7 on all fronts to meet the project deadline. He reiterated that no negligence will be tolerated and that quality construction and visual appeal must go hand-in-hand. He stated that the project, once completed, will serve as a key link for travellers between Islamabad International Airport and the scenic regions of Murree and Kashmir, offering signal-free, smooth passage. 'With 85 percent of the work completed, we are close to delivering a major urban mobility solution that will ease congestion, save fuel, and improve the travel experience for citizens,' he remarked. The CDA hopes to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe, marking another achievement in Islamabad's expanding road infrastructure network. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
