Sounding alarm over the rapidly rising cases of obesity in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged the citizens to do regular physical exercises and cut down on their cooking oil consumption to tackle the crisis.
Quoting a report by the Lancet journal, the PM said 44 crore Indians are at the risk of getting obese and called it a 'dangerous' prediction.
"A report says by 2050, 44 crore Indians will be obese, which is dangerous. ," said PM Modi.
Calling obesity the root cause of many diseases, Modi urged people to fight the chronic health condition characterised by excessive body fat.
He was addressing a gathering at Silvassa town in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, part of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu located adjoining Gujarat.
At the event, Modi inaugurated as well as performed ground-breaking ceremony for development and infrastructure projects worth Rs 2,587 crore for the Union territory.
"Diseases linked to our lifestyle are posing a huge risk to our health today," Modi emphasised.
"I have already made an appeal that people should reduce their edible oil consumption by 10 per cent. I want all of you to take a pledge that you will buy 10 per cent less oil. Regular exercises and cycling will also help you in reducing obesity," Modi told the gathering.
The PM informed the audience that his government is planning to open 25,000 new Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country as part of its endeavour to make medicines available at affordable prices.
Middle class and poor citizens have saved nearly Rs 30,000 crore so far by purchasing medicines from these government-run subsidised medicine shops, he noted.
The PM sought the cooperation of local residents to turn the Union Territory into a developed enclave on the lines of Singapore.
"There was a time when Singapore was just a small village of fishermen. But, thanks to the determination of its people, Singapore became what it is today. If people of this Union Territory are ready to show similar commitment, I am ready to stand with you in your endeavour," declared the PM.
Some of the projects launched by the PM included inauguration of a 450-bed hospital in Silvassa, two circuit houses in Diu, a toy train in Daman and inauguration of anganwadis (child care centres) and schools for the Union Territory.
The NAMO Hospital (Phase I), built at a cost of Rs 460 crore, is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare services in the Centre-administered territory.
He laid foundation stone for various projects, including a new hospital in Daman, internal roads in Diu and new bus stands, schools and a police station.
In coming years, several new attractions will be added in the Union Territory to boost tourism, said the PM.
These attractions include an eco-resort in Dudhani, a coastal promenade on the beach of Diu and a cable car in Diu.
"This cable car coming up in Diu will be India's first air ropeway which will give tourists a chance to have a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea. This Union Territory is becoming one of the best tourist destinations in the country and also an education hub," averred Modi.
The PM is on a two-day visit to Gujarat and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli on Friday and Saturday.
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