Expresses concern over presence of nickel & cadmium in municipal waste
the goan I network
PANAJI
Parrikar was speaking at the inauguration of IFSO-APC Diabesity Conclave in Cavelossim alongside his Maharashtra counterpart Devendra Fadnavis and Maharashtra minister for Public Health and Family Welfare Dr Deepak Sawant.
“Obesity has to be treated as a serious disease and we need to think about it. The disease can impact not only the rich and affluent but poor and the hardworking as well”, he said.
He added that there was a need for the scientific community to conduct more research and studies regarding the disease. Parrikar also joked when organiser of the conclave Dr Jayshree Todkar said food was a major cause of obesity saying Goa was known for its food and drink with many considering local made brews as medicine.
But on a serious note added that he had noticed a dangerous trend in municipal waste. “There is a disturbing trend that I’ve seen here in the state where we are beginning to find more nickel and cadmium in municipal waste when it comes for treatment. Considering that most of the waste generated is from food, it is a cause for concern,” he said.
Highlighting the steps his own state has taken to battle the problem of obesity, Fadnavis said there was a need to take the message of healthy eating to schools.
“In a short time, we have changed our eating, communication and transportation habits thus making this condition worse. The first line of intervention should be done in schools where obesity in children is rampant. It is at that level they should be made aware what is good and bad for them,” he said.
Maharashtra is the first state in the country to have a fully functional obesity task
