Himachal Assembly puts cancer surge in focus, Govt to act on pesticide regulation
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Aug 22,
The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on Friday voiced deep concern over the rising incidence of cancer in the state, especially in apple-producing regions, with legislators attributing the surge to excessive use of unregulated pesticides and fertilizers.
Raising the issue during Question Hour, Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore said that the apple-rich belts of Shimla and Mandi are witnessing an “alarming spike” in new cancer patients. He alleged that widespread use of non-branded chemical inputs has intensified health risks for farmers and residents alike.
Responding to the matter, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh has emerged among the states with the highest cancer burden after the North-East, a fact confirmed in a recent meeting with health officials. He announced that the government would form a committee headed by the Agriculture Minister to empanel safe pesticides and fertilizers, with MLAs also part of the process.
On the medical front, the Chief Minister said cancer detection facilities are functional at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Medical College Tanda, and would soon be expanded to all medical colleges and district hospitals. He also assured relief from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for a 12-year-old bone marrow cancer patient from Una, currently under treatment at PGIMER Chandigarh, after Congress MLA Rakesh Kalia raised the issue.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed the House that the Jal Shakti Department has awarded 92,619 works to over 11,000 contractors in two and a half years, with 74,336 completed and nearly 18,000 still ongoing.
The session also saw heated exchanges over DPRs and forest clearances for development schemes. Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur accused the government of ignoring projects in opposition constituencies, a charge CM Sukhu refuted by citing approvals in Seraj.
Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania clarified that queries related to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) fall outside the state government’s purview, directing that NHAI officers must be present in the House to answer such questions in the future.
Transport issues also came up, with the Deputy CM admitting that HRTC services are inadequate on three routes. While new buses will be deployed where necessary, he ruled out shifting vehicles from Solan to Nerwa citing low revenue, though he promised to revisit the matter.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
