PrashantNews
Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to reduce obesity, the Uttarakhand government on Sunday launched “Aaj Se Thoda Kam” (from today, little less) campaign with an aim to provide healthy and nutritious food to the pilgrims during the Chardham Yatra starting from April 30.
The State Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar said the main objective of the new initiative is to control the amount of excess salt, sugar and fat in food so that diseases like heart attacks, diabetes and high blood pressure can be reduced.
He said under the initiative, restaurants and eateries will be encouraged to prepare healthy dishes with the help of chefs and food experts and take care of nutritional balance. Under this campaign, awareness is being raised through flex banners, posters and digital mediums.
The used oil from restaurants and dhabas will be collected and recycled into biodiesel, soap and other non-food products.
The Health Secretary said that to ensure food safety, the administration has also formulated a ‘Triple E’ – (Educate, Enforce, Establish) strategy which includes educating food businessmen and citizens about the ill effects of used oil, strictly enforcing compliance with food safety standards and establishing a robust system for collection and disposal of used oil.
“Providing safe and nutritious food to the devotees on the Char Dham Yatra is the priority of the government. Initiatives like ‘Aaj se thoda kam’ will not only ensure health safety but will also help in environmental protection,” Kumar said.
Tajbar Singh Jaggi, Additional Commissioner of Uttarakhand Food Safety and Drug Administration, said that food safety standards will be effectively implemented on the Chardham Yatra route and strict action will be taken against those who do any kind of food adulteration.
This year, the Chardham Yatra will start with the opening of the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri on April 30.