The Members of Legislative Assembly on Friday expressed their serious concern in the Himachal Vidhan Sabha on the rising number of cancer cases in the state due to widespread use of fertilizers and chemicals by farmers .
This issue was raised during Question Hour by Theog MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore in Vidhan Sabha .
He said, “A large number of cancer cases have been reported in apple growing areas of Shimla and Mandi districts of the state due to extensive use of non- branded fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides by apple growers and farmers.”
Replying to the question, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “The excessive use of pesticides and urea is one of the main reasons for the rising cancer cases in Himachal; efforts will be made to ensure that there is a check on the sale of sub-standard pesticides and treatment to all such patients is being provided in all medical colleges of the state.”
The CM said, “It is a matter of concern Himachal had recorded the second highest number of cancer cases in the country and in view of the spike, renowned cancer specialists are being consulted for setting up cancer institute at Hamirpur.”
