World Environment Day
Take steps to check pollution: Civil Surgeon
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, June 5
The Civil Surgeon, Dr S.N. Tiwari, and other speakers emphasised on the need to take effective steps to check the rise of air and water pollution at a function organised here today to mark the 'World Environment Day'.

Speaking at a function at Atam Park, Dr Tiwari said a large number of industrial units, vehicles and open rain water drains, including Budha Nullah, were causing pollution. The prevailing situation called for an intensive campaign with the cooperation of the local people to improve the environment in and around the city. The high decibel of the noise level also needed to be brought under control to check noise pollution.

He called for an intensive sapling plantation at every space lying vacant, judicious use of water and other natural resources, a drive against plastic bags and steps to create awareness among people about detrimental effects of air and water pollution.

Dr Manorma Awasthy and Dr A.S. Chawla explained at length about the diseases of respiratory system like asthma, tuberculosis and cancer of the lungs, which were caused by polluted air. Mr R.S. Sood, Manager, Dugri branch of the State Bank of India, which had sponsored the function, said the bank had put up banners asking the people to keep the city 'clean and green'. He also gave away trophies to those who had done meritorious work in this field.

The Kudrat Manav Kendra Lok Lehar in association with the Barewal Vikas Committee observed the World Environment Day. Activists of the body and residents of the area not only took the pledge to keep a check on water, air and noise pollution but also to work for creating awareness among the masses so that the fight against pollution could become a mass movement. Those who spoke on the occasion were Mr N.S. Sodhi, Mr Shaminder Singh Longowal, Mr Hardev Singh Grewal and Mr Charanjot Singh Barewal. They stated that by disturbing the ecological balance and environment, the mankind had threatened its very existence. "There is crying need to put all out efforts to combat the alarming level of pollution at various levels and people themselves can play a big role in achieving the desired results in the drive against air, water and noise pollution."

Health Dept cracks whip against quacks
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, June 5
In its drive to curb quackery, officials of Health Department conducted surprise raids on clinics and shops of unqualified doctors or those using allopathic drugs without proper authorisation. Giving this information, the Civil Surgeon, Dr S.N. Tiwari, said in a press release that a team comprising Dr S.K. Sinha, Medical Officer and Mr Dinesh Kumar Gupta, District Drugs Inspector raided four clinics each in Hargobind Nagar and Gobindgarh, two shops in Jugiana and one in Fauji Colony and inspected the relevant documents and stocks of medicines. Those found using allopathic drugs without proper authorisation, were issued notices and further penal action, including prosecution, would be launched against them on the receipt of their replies.

In a warning to quacks, carrying out medical practice or mobile dispensaries in some cases, Dr Tiwari asked them to desist from the practice of posing a threat to the lives of human beings failing which strict legal action would be taken against them in the larger interest of the people.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Citizen Health Council has hailed the judgement of the Punjab Human Rights Commission (PHRC), directing the state government that all doctors in government hospitals and dispensaries should prescribe only generic drugs to the patients, which were relatively cheaper.

Dr Balbir Singh, president of the council urged the government to evolve a mechanism so that the direction of the PHRC should be made applicable to all private hospitals, nursing homes and private practitioners since the branded pharmaceutical products were quite expensive and virtually out of the reach of needy and poor patients.