Around Town

Mohali to become first smoke-free district

MOHALI: Mohali will be the first smoke-free district in the state, announced Punjab Heath and Family Welfare Minister Satpal Gosain. In his inaugural address at a state level advocacy workshop against tuberculosis and lung diseases organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare in association with an NGO Generation Saviours Association at Municipal Bhawan. He said the consumption of tobacco attributed to 40 lakh deaths across the world, which is far more than the deaths caused by diseases like tuberculosis, heart ailments and road accidents. He assured that the health department will extend full cooperation and support in the endeavour by NGOs and international agencies towards their work against tobacco use. Dr Ashok Nayyar, Director of Health and Family Welfare, expressed concern regarding the increasing trend of tobacco consumption in the developing countries. He said tobacco consumption can lead to mouth, throat and lung cancer. Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary, Health, also spoke on the occasion.

Constable arrested for misconduct

CHANDIGARH: The Chandigarh Police booked a constable with the Indian Reserve Battalion Punjab (IRB), on Wednesday, after he created a ruckus at the house of a Minister in Sector 2 on Tuesday night. Chandigarh Police has informed the Punjab Police about the misconduct of its constable, Nirbhay Singh, who is part of the security staff with the Minister. The constable allegedly entered the residence of Punjab Revenue Minister Ajit Singh Kohar in an inebriated, semi-naked condition. He was stopped by staff members who then called the Police. A case on charges of house trespass and indulging in obscene activities was registered by the police. A departmental probe has been ordered against him.

Cylinder blast in Panchkula; none injured

PANCHKULA: It was a narrow escape for the family of a tobacco vendor as a cylinder exploded at their rented residence on Wednesday at Budhanpur village, near government school, in Panchkula. Maya, wife of Vinod, was cooking food at about 10 am. A leak developed and the pipeline of the cylinder caught fire. The couple's children, who are between 10-12 years, were also in the house at the time. Vinod tried to throw the cylinder out of the house, but his hands caught fire. He then evacuated his wife and children out of the house. The blast blew off the roof of the house and severely damaged the walls. Fire Control Room sent two fire tenders, which took about an hour to douse the fire completely. A fireman also narrowly escaped when a part of the sidewall fell. According to Vinod, he has suffered a loss of about Rs 25,000, which also included gold jewellery. Meanwhile, the family received only minor injuries.

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