"The Punjab Government has launched 'Mission Tandarust Punjab' in order to improve upon the quality of food besides emphsising cleaner air and water to ensure better living conditions for the people." These views were expressed by the Higher Education and Water Supply and Sanitation Minister, Punjab, Mrs. Razia Sultana here today on the occasion of inaugurating 'Mission Tandarust Punjab'.The minister, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, further said that the mission is a dream project of the Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh and it is being unveiled across the entire length and breadth of the state today. Under the mission, the people of the state would be sensitized about clean air, watedr and healthy food besides generating awareness regarding health. The mission would be run jointly by the various departments of the state government namely Health, Water Supply & Sanitation, Local Government, Transport, Environment, Agriculture, Cooperation, Forest, Sports, Water Resources, Public Health and Rural Development & Panchayats.Emphsizing the preservation of innumerable bounties bestowed by the nature, Mrs. Razia Sultana said that Great Guru Sahiban had also underlined the significance of the elements of nature such as air, water, earth and environment. Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji called Air as Guru (Teacher), Water as Pita (Father) and Earth as Mata (Mother). The minister also said that every resident of the state must consider it a holy duty to plant more and more saplings so as to make the earth a cleaner and a better place to live in.
The minister elaborated that quality food plays an important role in the intellectual as well as the physical development but sub-standard food products in today's era have posed a threat to the humanity. Continuing further, she said that the Punjab Government under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh is taking concrete measures to eradicate the menace of adulteration from the state. The minister also expressed concern at the depleting water level in the state which is taking its toll on peasantry.Adding more, the minister said that the hazardous smoke being emitted from the industrial units as well as from the vehicles coupled with the stubble burning are wreaking havoc with the lives of the people. Expressing grave concern at the state lagging behind in the sporting arena, Mrs. Razia Sultana said that robust health was once the hallmark of the Punjabi culture. She exhorted all to join forces and work in tandem to ensure the super success of the mission.Divulging more, the minister said that the Punjab Government is taking severe action against those indulging in polluting of water resources of the state and directions have been issued to the industrial units in the state to maintain the qualitativeness of the canals, rivers and other sources of natural water.Earlier, Mrs. Razia Sultana was given a warm welcome by the District Administration and Guard Of Honour was accorded to her.
Mrs. Razia Sultana also inaugurated the blood donation camp organised by the District Red Cross Society and the free health check up camp held by the Health Department, Rupnagar. The minister also witnessed the exhibition put up by the Health & Forest Departments besides releasing the 2 separate booklets prepared by the District Administration Rupnagar with regard to the Mission Tandarust Punjab enumerating the steps taken under the mission. In a stall on the occasion by the Forest Department, saplings of various types were also distributed free of cost. On the occasion, 40 people donated blood.The District Administration also made a presdentation regarding the projects to be undertaken under the mission. The eminent research scholar from IIT, Rupnagar Dr. Saagar, who is carrying out research pertaining to the pollution in the Rupnagar District, also spoke on the occasion. The District Vaccination Officer Dr. P.S. Bhatti aired his views on 'Nutrition & Health' illustrating the steps being taken by the Health Department.Among others present on the occasion included MLA Rupnasgar Mr. Amarjit Singh Sandoa, Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Gurneet Tej, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mr. Lakhmir Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Mr. Amardeep Singh Gujral, OSD to the Higher Education & Water Supply and Sanitation Minister-Mr. Daljit Singh, Assistant Commissioner (General) Mr. Harbans Singh, Assistant Commissioner (Greivances) Mr. Paramjit Singh, SDM Mrs. Harjot Kaur, DRO Major Gurjinder Singh Benipal, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Member Mr. Rajeshwar Singh Lali, Civil Surgeon Dr. Harinder Kaur, Assistant Director Youth Services Mr. Mantej Singh Cheema, and DEO Secondary Mr. Himmat Singh Hundal.