14022026-ATR-01.qxd 2/13/2026 11:51 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY SCHOLAR DELIVERS LECTURE ON PUNJAB'S RIVER WATER DISPUTE THREE-DAY SUFI FESTIVAL BEGINS AT MALERKOTLA COLLEGE ROSES, CHOCOLATES, WINE & ROMANCE AT HOTEL LALIT Dr Kuldeep Singh, author and scholar, delivered a lecture on Punjab river waters dispute in South Asia. P2 The Sufi Festival and Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela kicked off at Government College in Malerkotla. P3 Couples can celebrate love with elegant, curated dining experiences at The LaLiT Chandigarh P4 » » MAX 23°C | MIN 9°C YESTERDAY MAX 23°C | MIN 9°C SUNSET SATURDAY 6.15 PM SUNRISE SUNDAY 7.12 AM » SATURDAY | 14 FEBRUARY 2026 | AMRITSAR AICC appoints Pathankot’s Amit Vij as observer for UP Pathankot, February 13 Pathankot ex-MLA Amit Vij has been appointed by the AllIndia Congress Committee (AICC) to oversee the selection of District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents in Uttar Pradesh. In a letter received by Vij from KC Venugopal, general secretary (Organisation), AICC, Vij has been asked to report in UP on February 20. The selection process is a part of the AICC’s Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan. As many as 75 observers have been appointed in UP and each observer will be incharge of one district. He will work with the Pradesh Congress Committee observer to complete the process. Earlier, Vij was assigned a similar responsibility in Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Haryana. In Haryana, he had supervised the selection of DCC chief in Jind district. In Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, he had worked in Hanumangarh and Kallakurichi districts, respectively. — TNS World Bank team reviews progress of bulk water supply scheme Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 13 A team from the World Bank on Friday reviewed the progress of the Amritsar Bulk Water Supply Scheme (ABWSS) during a visit to various project sites across the city. The project has been launched to ensure an uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water to residents. The Amritsar Municipal Corporation is implementing the project with financial and technical support from the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Under the scheme, water will be sourced from the Upper Bari Doab Canal (UBDC), treated at a modern facility in Vallah and supplied to households across the city. As part of the project, a water treatment plant with a capacity of 440 million litres per day is being constructed near Vallah. In addition, 45 overhead water tanks are being built at different locations, while 112 km of pipeline is being laid to strengthen the distribution network. Officials said that 95 km of the pipeline has already been completed. Calls grow louder for revival of direct flight to Nanded Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service World Bank team officials inspect the water supply project at Vallah in Amritsar on Friday. The World Bank delegation, comprising Rosana Nitti and Srinivasa Rao Podipireddy, inspected under-construction water tanks at Saufutti Road, Golbagh, Old Sabzi Mandi and near the SSP Office. The team also visited the upcoming water treatment plant site at Vallah to assess construction progress and quality standards. Later, the delegation held a detailed review meeting with MC Commissioner Bikramjit Singh Shergill and other officials to evaluate timelines and implementation challenges. During the meeting, the World Bank representatives appreciated the pace and quality of the work and expressed satisfaction with the construction standards being maintained. The MC Commissioner stated that Larsen & Toubro, the executing agency, has been regularly instructed to address labour shortages. He added that the workforce at the project sites has now been increased to expedite execution. Project manager Kuldeep Singh Saini, SE Project Jitin Vasudeva, Narinder Pal Singh, Ashwani Kumar and other officials were also present. Amritsar, February 13 The direct flight between Amritsar and Nanded, connecting two important Sikh religious centres, has remained suspended since April 2022. Political, religious and social organisations have repeatedly urged the Central Government and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to restart the service, but no progress has been made so far. Travelling from Amritsar to Nanded in Maharashtra by train takes nearly 36 hours, while the journey by air lasts only about two-and-a-half hours. The suspension of the flight has caused major inconvenience to pilgrims, especially senior citizens. The Amritsar-Nanded biweekly flight was launched by Air India on December 23, 2017, from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. The service continued until April 2022, when it was suspended by the airline and has not been resumed since. Senior BJP leader Gurvinder A view of Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar. Singh Mamanke said devotees have been facing great hardship due to the closure of the direct flight. On July 3, 2024, MP from Amritsar Gurjeet Singh Aujla met the Union Aviation Minister and requested that direct flights between Amritsar and Nanded be restarted. Meanwhile, several organisations, including FlyAmritsar Initiative (FAI), the Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM), Guru Ram Das Foundation (USA) and SEVA Trust UK, have jointly written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention. In their letter, they referred to the assur- ance given by the Prime Minister during a Maharashtra election rally in November 2024, where he had said that direct connectivity between Nanded and Amritsar would be started soon. Manmohan Singh Brar, patron of the AVM, said the proposed flight holds deep spiritual importance as it connects Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded. Sameep Singh Gumtala, convener of the FAI, said the demand has become more significant during the nationwide observance of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib. Many devotees from the diaspora visiting Punjab this year wish to travel onward to Nanded to pay their respects. The organisations have also sent copies of their representation to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India and the National Commission for Minorities, seeking broader support for restarting the long-pending route. Protest over mandatory TET norms Centuries-old trees at Ram Bagh face severe decline Our Correspondent Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Tarn Taran, February 13 Members of various teachers’ unions under the banner of the Joint Teachers Front staged a protest here on Thursday, burning copies of a letter issued by the Education Department mandating teachers appointed before 2011 to pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). The protesters demanded immediate withdrawal of the February 7, 2026 letter, which cancels an exemption granted on September 14, 2017. Addressing the gathering, union leaders Sarabjit Singh Warhian, Partap Singh Thathgarh, Kuljit Kaur Mand, Gurpreet Singh Marimegha and Prabhjot Singh Gohalwar said the decision posed a serious threat to teachers. They claimed it would hinder promotions and jeopardise job security. The speakers further alleged Teachers burn copies of the TET pass letter in Tarn Taran on Friday. PHOTO: GURBAXPURI that the Aam Aadmi Party government, citing Supreme Court orders, was attempting to reduce the number of teachers in the department in the name of reforms. The unions announced a state-level protest on February 22 at Shri Anandpur Sahib, the constituency of the Education Minister. Several other leaders, including Gurdeep Singh, Ravinder Singh and Gurbhej Singh, also addressed the gathering and reiterated the demand for immediate withdrawal of the order. Amritsar, February 13 The historic Ram Bagh, popularly known as Company Bagh, established by the legendary Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh and spread over 84 acres in the heart of Amritsar, is facing a silent ecological crisis as several of its centuriesold trees continue to wither. Environmental observers warn that the decline threatens not only the city’s green balance but also a significant part of Punjab’s living historical heritage. A huge population of pests has hollowed out the roots of these precious trees, which are withering due to infestation and disease and require urgent intervention. Unfortunately, the authorities concerned and even the government remain oblivious to the problem, or it is not on their priority list. Ironically, many political leaders and former MLAs regularly visit Over a century-old ‘simbal’ tree dying in the absence of care at the historic Ram Bagh garden in Amritsar. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR the sprawling garden for morning and evening walks. Though the historic structures, including the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and related buildings, are now under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the garden area falls under the municipal corporation, which has failed to maintain it properly. Concerned over the deteriorating condition of the garden, Akal Seva Foundation president Harpal Singh Randhawa and social activist Sarbjit Singh Sonu Jandiala met MC Commissioner Vikramjit Singh Shergill and submitted a memorandum urging immediate, sciencebased intervention. Randhawa emphasised that the trees are living symbols of the region’s shared past and must be preserved through coordinated efforts. He called for collaboration with Punjab Agricultural University, Guru Nanak Dev University and environmental experts to implement proven revival techniques. Jandiala cautioned that without timely action, future generations may know the majestic trees only through photographs and records. Drawing parallels with the successful preservation of the sacred Beri trees around Harmandir Sahib, he said a similar science-driven approach could restore Ram Bagh. He described the garden as the city’s “green lungs”, playing a vital role in oxygen supply and pollution control. PS Bhatti, a noted environmentalist and conservationist, called for a holistic and comprehensive plan to save the green wealth of the garden. He has been involved in treating trees in Ram Bagh for years by utilising his own resources. “If the administration provides the material needed for the treatment of trees, I can treat them using my own resources,” he said, adding that he also has a solution to the rat problem, provided there is cooperation from the administration. He noted that many of the trees were planted by the British, who had their offices in the summer palace during the colonial era. As Amritsar confronts this heritage concern, conservationists say safeguarding Ram Bagh’s ageing trees is crucial to preserving both the city’s environment and its historical legacy. Valentine’s Day celebrations remain low key City airport gets makeover on outer walls Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 13 Moral policing, strict checks by college and university campuses and active radicals outfits have kept Valentine’s Day celebrations sombre ahead of the occasion. While large parts of Punjab signalled upbeat celebrations among the youth and business classes, the decor and mood in Amritsar remained a bit subdued and downplayed. The shops have abstained from grand decorations. These have been limited to malls and confined indoors, keeping in view the protests from certain outfits that have now become a norm. The quieter, less expressive environment has meant young people choosing to celebrate privately or avoid public display to avoid conflict or running into trouble. The classics like flowers or chocolates see a different packaging as online deliveries and Amritsar, February 13 Aesthetics appear to be outshining amenities at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport as authorities have undertaken an extensive beautification campaign along the airport’s outer periphery. Launching the campaign, Airport Director Bhupendra Singh said the outer compound walls and parks around the parking area and boundary would receive an aesthetic makeover. The previously plain outer walls have been transformed into a vibrant canvas, with a 475-ft stretch now displaying Punjabi folk motifs, visuals of bhangra and giddha, and symbols representing Punjab’s rich traditions. Another section of the wall will feature artwork inspired by Punjabi heritage. The creative design has been executed by Amrit- On the eve of Valentine’s Day, a vendor prepares bouquets in Amritsar on Friday. VISHAL KUMAR orders line up. The local flower vendors stated that the orders are slow and home delivery is preferred. “This year, the business is slow, unlike in previous years. But the orders are coming, especially for home deliveries. Single roses are selling more than bouquets and elaborate arrangements,” said Sunil Yadav, a flower vendor from Kabir Park market. Heart-shaped balloons, roses, exotic flowers like orchids along with custom-made chocolates and aroma candles are on offer. The prices may be a concern, starting at Rs 800 onward, but then someone did say that love is priceless! If a cosy candlelight dinner is on the cards, then all leading fine dining restaurants are ready to make it happen. From special aphrodisiac dinner for two, where you will be treated to luxuriously delicious food to candlelight, live music dinners, several hotel chains have dinners for giveaway. c m y b PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR Tribune News Service An outer compound wall carries mosaic art with drawings of symbols of Punjabi heritage at Amritsar airport. sar-based artist Sumeet Dua. “The artwork will offer arriving passengers their first glimpse of Punjabi culture. It has been created keeping in mind the spirit, heritage and vibrancy of Punjab,” said Bhupendra Singh. The airport authorities have also tied up with volunteers of Sant Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuriwale to maintain and upkeep the outer park area near the parking zone. The authorities had installed a Khanda Sahib installation inside the park a few years ago, and the volunteers will now take over its maintenance. According to the Airport Director, the facility handles an average of 10,000 passengers daily, both domestic and continued on page 2