Alarm in the Hills: Himachal MLAs Link Rising Cancer Cases to Farm Chemicals
A wave of concern washed over the Himachal Pradesh assembly on Friday as lawmakers confronted a deeply troubling issue: the rising tide of cancer cases across the state, which many are linking to the widespread use of agricultural chemicals.
The conversation began when Theog MLA, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, raised the issue during a question period. His words painted a worrying picture for the state’s famous apple country. “In the apple-growing belts of Shimla and Mandi,” he stated, “we are seeing a large number of cancer cases, and a primary cause appears to be the extensive use of non-branded fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides by our farmers.”
The government’s response, delivered by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, was sobering and direct. He confirmed the grim connection, stating that the “excessive use of pesticides and urea is one of the main reasons” for the health crisis.
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, the CM shared a startling fact: Himachal Pradesh now has the second-highest number of cancer cases in the entire country. In response, he outlined a two-part plan: a crackdown on the sale of sub-standard pesticides and a significant expansion of medical care. The state is not only ensuring treatment is available at all its medical colleges but is also taking a major step forward by consulting specialists to establish a dedicated cancer institute in Hamirpur, offering a beacon of hope for affected communities.
