The Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Choudhary Lal Singh today called for stern action against individuals/groups dealing in narcotic substances.He was speaking at a function organised by People Forum for Human Values to celebrate its 10th foundation year. The organisation works with motto of achieving ‘Pollution and Drug free society’. The Minister was chief guest at the function while MLA Samba Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal was the guest of honor.The Minister said that police has to play pivotal role in controlling drug menace and called for its proactive role in deterring drug dealers. In view of repeated complaints by locals regarding pollution caused by some factories, he asked pollution Control Board to inspect these industrial units and take action against defaulters. The Minister also remembered the founder of People Forum for human values, Late Hoshiar Singh and recalled his long term association with him.
MLA samba called for adoption of latest technology in establishing effluent treatment plants and said that Industries are vital for the economy of the region; however, it must be made sure that they are working as per pollution control norms. He called for counselling of drug users and their rehabilitation in drug de-addiction centres.On the occasion, meritorious students who had excelled across sports, education and other fields were also felicitated including international level wushu player Rajinder Singh, Shikhi Sambyal who had received award for best essay at national level by Prime Minister and Sheetal who was selected in recently declared KAS results.Additional Deputy Commissioner Samba Tilak Raj Sharma, Addl SP Raja Adil Hamid, President People’s Forum for Human Values, Karan singh, Advocate SS Sambyal, prominent citizens and school children were also present at the event.