Constructed at a cost of Rs 3.5 lakh, in an area of about 1.5 acres, the park has been named as the Swaran Jayanti Park to commemorate the 50th year of Independence. After planting a sapling, the legislator urged the people to plant more trees and help to reduce the pollution level. He lauded the efforts of the Municipal authorities and the police in freeing the park from illegal possession of a family who had turned it into a cowdung yard.

The MLA announced that a dispensary, library and circular road would be developed in the locality for the residents. MC executive officer S. K. Goel said the park would be developed for recreation facilities.

Punjabi writer honoured:
Noted Punjabi fiction writer Om Prakash Gaso was honoured for his contribution to literature at a function organised by the Punjabi Sahitya Kala Sangam, Delhi and the India International Centre on June 6.

He was adjudged for Nanak Singh Novelist Puraskar instituted by the Subedar Kartar Singh Dhaliwal Memorial Trust for strengthening Hindu-Sikh unity and brotherhood in the field of literature, religion and technical vocations.

Union Fertiliser Minister S. S. Barnala presented the Punjabi writer with a cash prize of Rs 21,000 and a memento. He congratulated Gaso for his achievement and said his writing depicted the life of the common man and rural ethos.

The Union Minister stressed that Gaso's novels -- Supne, Samskar, Kaparwas, Panchnaad, Mitti da mull, Lohe-lakhe, Gharkeen, Taji Hawa, Maut Dar Maut were the writer's best creations.

Problems highlighted
Members of the District Public Relations and Grievances Removal Committee today raised issues in front of the administration regarding the approaching monsoon season at the Bal Bhawan, Ambala City, on Monday. Secretary of the organisation, Shiv Dayal highlighted to the authorities about the grave danger of the bund at Tangri Nadi following haphazard construction of houses on the river bed, without seeking the MC's approval.