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Harsimran Singh Batra

Articles by Harsimran Singh Batra

Lack of clarity around reopening leaves Ludhiana gym owners in the lurch

The gym owners are waiting for the government to announce the final date for the reopening as well as related SOPs

A gym owner supervising the sanitisation of his gym premises in BRS Nagar, Ludhiana, on Wednesday, (Harsimar Pal Singh/HT)

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Published on Jun 10, 2021 01:20 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

200 measurement books missing from Ludhiana MC records since 2013

Show-cause notices have been issued to 48 junior engineers and subdivisional officer-level officials to whom the books were issued initially

(Picture for representational purpose only)

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Published on Jun 09, 2021 01:48 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Ludhiana city buses remain off road amid cap on occupancy, restrictions

Even as the administration is gradually easing the restrictions in the district, 50% cap on occupancy and evening curfew is keeping city buses off the road

The service was halted on May 7. (HT file)

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Published on Jun 08, 2021 12:58 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Now, life detectors to help Ludhiana firemen trace victims trapped under debris

In case a building collapses, the sensors will be placed at different points to check any movement of those trapped, which is extremely crucial at the initial stage of rescue operation

Three life detectors worth about <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>50 lakh have been provided to the fire department under the Smart City Mission. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

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Published on Jun 08, 2021 12:56 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Amid pandemic, 33 Ludhiana hospitals sitting on tinder box

Audit finds these hospitals lacking basic fire safety arrangements such as smoke and fire detection systems, ventilation, fire exit, fire-fighting equipment etc

The municipal corporation (MC) team had carried out audits at 39 major hospitals in the city. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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Published on May 28, 2021 01:34 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

New 8pm deadline for home delivery brings Ludhiana restaurants back in business

Restaurants and hotels only offering dine-in services urge government to ease curbs and allow them to serve at 50% capacity

Delivery boys collecting orders from a restaurant in Ludhiana on Monday as the administration allowed home delivery till 8pm. (Harsimar Pal Singh/HT)

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Updated on May 24, 2021 11:56 PM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Prolonged curfew leaves Ludhiana’s street vendors on the brink of starvation

For the last two weeks, Jagtar Singh, a fast-food vendor who operates out of the Gol market in Jamalpur, has been languishing at home

Street vendors in Chaura Bazaar waiting for customers in Ludhiana on Saturday. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

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Updated on May 22, 2021 11:41 PM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Treatment plant deadline lapse: PPCB slaps ₹1.27-cr penalty on Ludhiana dyers’ body

With the Punjab Dyers Association (PDA, Tajpur Road module) missing the January 31 deadline for making operational the common effluent treatment plant (CETP), the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has imposed an environmental compensation of ₹1

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Published on May 20, 2021 01:20 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

These six volunteers have cremated 1.5K Covid victims in Ludhiana till now

Initially part of the traffic marshal project, they came together after seeing family members refusing to cremate their loved ones

The volunteers say that cremating bodies while wearing PPE kits in the searing heat is a major challenge. Two of them had even fainted last week. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

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Published on May 19, 2021 01:20 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Ludhiana left with just 2, 200 doses for Sunday

The vaccination drive will not take place in rural areas and sub-divisions, and will only be carried out at limited sites in the city on Sunday.

In all, 13, 085 eligible residents got jabbed on Saturday while 53,4,027 residents have been vaccinated in the district till now. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

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Updated on May 02, 2021 02:10 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Ludhiana’s main vegetable market a ticking bomb amid surge in Covid cases

Despite Ludhiana leading Punjab in the number of Covid infections, no steps are being taken to stop crowding at the vegetable market

Visitors and vendors paying scant regard to Covid safety norms at Ludhiana’s main vegetable market near Jalandhar Bypass on Monday. (Harsimar Pal Singh/HT)

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Updated on Apr 26, 2021 11:23 PM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Ludhiana gyms once again face uphill battle to survive

All gyms in Punjab have been directed to stay closed till April 30; many gym owners in the city say they are staring at complete closure

Gym owners say the government’s order has come as a double blow since they were already struggling to recover from the losses suffered due to the lockdown last year. (Harsimar Pal Singh/HT)

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Published on Apr 24, 2021 02:24 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Ludhiana restaurants’ body decides to move HC over Capt govt’s fresh curbs

Say their businesses are a “soft-target” for the government, which has allowed factories to continue operations.

A restaurant in Ludhiana wearing a deserted look on Tuesday. The government has allowed hotels and restaurants to open on weekdays for take-away and home delivery but on weekends, these will face a complete closure. (HarsimarPal Singh/HT)

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Published on Apr 21, 2021 01:48 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Afternoon lockdown order sends Ludhiana residents into tizzy

Amid unawareness and uncertainty, residents panicked to stock up on daily requirements, lining up outside departmental stores

Residents queuing up outside a departmental store to stock up on essentials, after the district administration announced a complete lockdown in Dugri’s Phases 1 and 2 in Ludhiana on Sunday afternoon. (Harsimar Pal Singh/HT)

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Published on Apr 19, 2021 12:57 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Dugri’s Phases 1 & 2 go under lockdown amid rising cases in Ludhiana

Decision taken after over 70 Covid-19 cases cropped up in these areas, which are home to over 50,000 people

Police stopping movement of commuters in Dugri’s Urban Estate, Phase 1, after the administration imposed a complete lockdown in the area on Sunday afternoon. (Harsimar Pal Singh/HT)

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Updated on Apr 19, 2021 01:03 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Cong supporters violate distancing norms at Mullanpur-Dakha event

Chief minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh has banned political gatherings in the state in view of the rising Covid-19 cases

Congress supporters and residents of Mullanpur-Dakha at the stone-laying ceremony on Monday. Many guests at the event were seen openly flouting the distancing and mask norms as police and administration officials remained mute spectators. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

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Published on Apr 13, 2021 01:38 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

No relief announced for Ludhiana factory next to roof collapse site

Suffered collateral damage, owners say their machines worth ₹10 lakh were damaged due to the debris falling on their factory, their factory’s shed was destroyed too; add they suffered because of their neighbour’s illegal activity

Debris lying on the premises of GK Plating, which is located next to the roof collapse site in Ludhiana. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

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Published on Apr 07, 2021 01:45 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Day after roof collapse, Ludhiana MC recommends FIR against lintel lifting

Lifting of lintel with jacks is illegal but building owners prefer this over installing a new beam as its saves time and money.

Debris clearing operations on at the roof collapse site in Baba Mukand Singh Nagar of Daba road in Ludhiana on Tuesday. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

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Published on Apr 07, 2021 01:32 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Ludhiana saw six-fold rise in Covid hospitalisations in a span of a month

As per information, around 70-80% of the beds at prominent city hospitals, including Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) and Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), are occupied. But hospital authorities – both at private and government ones—maintain that adequate arrangements are in place to deal with the situation.

Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana. (HT FILE)

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Updated on Apr 02, 2021 01:42 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Night curfew goes for toss in Ludhiana as liquor vends clear stock

Huge discounts were being offered as liquor traders wanted to clear their stock before the end of the financial year; though night curfew kicks in at 9pm, vends on Pakhowal Road, Gill Road, Railway station road, Dugri, Haibowal, Model Town and Haibowal, remained open even after 11pm as police patrol teams turned a blind eye to the violations.

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Published on Apr 02, 2021 01:28 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Ludhiana’s Covid cases in March surpassed count of previous 4 months

The district’s Covid-19 infections in the month of March surpassed the total number of cases recorded in the previous four months, data sourced from the health department has revealed

The worrying numbers bring out the callous attitude of residents, who are increasingly becoming complacent with regards to Covid-appropriate behaviour. (Harsimar Pal Singh/HT)

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Published on Apr 01, 2021 01:13 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

As pet registration deadline approaches, only 1,500 owners comply in Ludhiana

While pets can be registered for a ₹400 annual fee, the civic body will impose a ₹4,000 fine on owners of all unregistered pets after March 31

To register their pets, residents can either go to the MC’s zonal offices or visit mcludhiana.gov.in and fill in necessary details. (HT File Photo)

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Published on Mar 28, 2021 01:06 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Markets shut, trade suspended: Bharat Bandh evokes good response in Ludhiana

Roads and bazaars that usually remain crowded during the day wore a deserted look with farmers blocking highways and main chowks at different points

Markets in Model Town, Dugri, Ghumar Mandi, BRS Nagar, and Pink Plaza among others stayed closed till 6pm. (Gurpreet Singh/Hindustan Times)

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Updated on Mar 27, 2021 01:42 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Residents bear brunt of Ludhiana MC’s failure to dispose of waste

Frequent fire incidents are also reported at the dumpsite due to the generation of highly combustible methane gas

Over 16 lakh metric tonnes of waste is accumulated at the dump site spread over 40 acres of land and additional 1,100 metric tonnes of garbage is being dumped at the site daily. (Harsimar Pal Singh/HT)

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Published on Mar 26, 2021 01:46 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Ludhiana MC House approves ₹1,064 crore budget unanimously

As per the budget proposal, 55.46% amount will be used for development, 42.26% on establishment and 2.28% on miscellaneous expenditure

Ludhiana mayor Balkar Sandhu and municipal commissioner Pardeep Sabharwal during the House meeting on Wednesday. (Harsimar Pal Singh/HT)

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Updated on Mar 25, 2021 01:33 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Malls closed due to Sunday curbs, Ludhiana residents flock to local markets

Though the government had allowed restaurants and eateries to only provide takeaway and home delivery services, many residents were seen enjoying their meals while sitting at dhabas and eateries on the railway station road, South City, Ghumar Mandi, Model Town, Dugri and Civil lines.

Rush at the Sunday market near Jagraon bridge in Ludhiana. (Harsimar Pal Singh/HT)

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Updated on Mar 22, 2021 01:10 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

As Punjab extends night curfew timings, hospitality industry fears more losses

The traders stated that the government should focus on expediting the vaccination drive rather than extending night curfew timings.

The curfew will now begin from 9pm instead of 11pm and continue till 5 am. (HT FILE)

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Published on Mar 19, 2021 12:59 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Punjab issues draft notification for one-time settlement of illegal water-sewer connections

The draft notification issued on Monday invited suggestions from various urban local bodies for changes if required.

As per the draft notification, residents will be able to get their illegal water-sewer connection regularised at nominal rates, without any penalty or interest, within three months of the issuance of the final notification. (AFP)

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Published on Mar 17, 2021 01:24 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Amid rising Covid cases, Ludhiana bus stand authorities drop guard

Thermal scanning has been suspended at the inter-state bus terminal and visitors can be seen roaming around without masks, putting their own and others lives at risk

Passengers walking around without masks at the bus stand in Ludhiana on Saturday. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

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Published on Mar 13, 2021 11:15 PM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

Night curfew in Ludhiana: Rise in cancellations leaves hospitality industry jittery

Imposition of night curfew within two weeks of limits on gatherings at indoor and outdoor events has led to a rise in cancellations, greatly impacting the district’s hospitality industry

Night curfew was clamped in the district on March 12 in view of the sudden surge in Covid-19 cases. (HT File Photo)

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Published on Mar 13, 2021 01:49 AM IST

ByHarsimran Singh Batra, Ludhiana

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Harsimran Singh Batra

The gym owners are waiting for the government to announce the final date for the reopening as well as related SOPs

Show-cause notices have been issued to 48 junior engineers and subdivisional officer-level officials to whom the books were issued initially

Even as the administration is gradually easing the restrictions in the district, 50% cap on occupancy and evening curfew is keeping city buses off the road

In case a building collapses, the sensors will be placed at different points to check any movement of those trapped, which is extremely crucial at the initial stage of rescue operation

Audit finds these hospitals lacking basic fire safety arrangements such as smoke and fire detection systems, ventilation, fire exit, fire-fighting equipment etc

Restaurants and hotels only offering dine-in services urge government to ease curbs and allow them to serve at 50% capacity

For the last two weeks, Jagtar Singh, a fast-food vendor who operates out of the Gol market in Jamalpur, has been languishing at home

With the Punjab Dyers Association (PDA, Tajpur Road module) missing the January 31 deadline for making operational the common effluent treatment plant (CETP), the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has imposed an environmental compensation of ₹1

Initially part of the traffic marshal project, they came together after seeing family members refusing to cremate their loved ones

The vaccination drive will not take place in rural areas and sub-divisions, and will only be carried out at limited sites in the city on Sunday.

Despite Ludhiana leading Punjab in the number of Covid infections, no steps are being taken to stop crowding at the vegetable market

All gyms in Punjab have been directed to stay closed till April 30; many gym owners in the city say they are staring at complete closure

Say their businesses are a “soft-target” for the government, which has allowed factories to continue operations.

Amid unawareness and uncertainty, residents panicked to stock up on daily requirements, lining up outside departmental stores

Decision taken after over 70 Covid-19 cases cropped up in these areas, which are home to over 50,000 people

Chief minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh has banned political gatherings in the state in view of the rising Covid-19 cases

Suffered collateral damage, owners say their machines worth ₹10 lakh were damaged due to the debris falling on their factory, their factory’s shed was destroyed too; add they suffered because of their neighbour’s illegal activity

Lifting of lintel with jacks is illegal but building owners prefer this over installing a new beam as its saves time and money.

The district’s Covid-19 infections in the month of March surpassed the total number of cases recorded in the previous four months, data sourced from the health department has revealed

While pets can be registered for a ₹400 annual fee, the civic body will impose a ₹4,000 fine on owners of all unregistered pets after March 31

Roads and bazaars that usually remain crowded during the day wore a deserted look with farmers blocking highways and main chowks at different points

Frequent fire incidents are also reported at the dumpsite due to the generation of highly combustible methane gas

As per the budget proposal, 55.46% amount will be used for development, 42.26% on establishment and 2.28% on miscellaneous expenditure

Though the government had allowed restaurants and eateries to only provide takeaway and home delivery services, many residents were seen enjoying their meals while sitting at dhabas and eateries on the railway station road, South City, Ghumar Mandi, Model Town, Dugri and Civil lines.

The traders stated that the government should focus on expediting the vaccination drive rather than extending night curfew timings.

The draft notification issued on Monday invited suggestions from various urban local bodies for changes if required.

Thermal scanning has been suspended at the inter-state bus terminal and visitors can be seen roaming around without masks, putting their own and others lives at risk

Imposition of night curfew within two weeks of limits on gatherings at indoor and outdoor events has led to a rise in cancellations, greatly impacting the district’s hospitality industry

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