Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Balbir Singh, announced on Thursday that the state will soon ban energy drinks in schools and colleges. The ban will also extend to a 500-meter radius around these institutions. “This move aims to promote healthy eating habits and reduce lifestyle disorders among youngsters,” Singh stated.

Eat Right Mela Highlights Risks of Energy Drinks

While inaugurating the Eat Right Mela, an initiative to promote healthy eating, Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora emphasized the harmful effects of energy drinks on young people. They pointed out that these beverages are widely available in school and college canteens, as well as in hospitals.

To enforce the ban, health teams will conduct regular inspections of canteens, ensuring compliance. Singh urged shopkeepers to stop advertising energy drinks and encouraged canteens to offer healthier alternatives such as lassi, lemon water, fresh juices, and millet-based products.

Promoting Millets for Better Health and Soil Conservation

Singh also underscored the importance of millet and organic farming in maintaining soil quality and enhancing overall well-being. He stressed the need to revive the consumption of coarse grains, including bajra, kangani, kodra, jowar, saanwan, and ragi, which are rich in nutrients and beneficial for both physical and mental health. Producing these grains not only supports a healthy diet but also conserves water.

He called for greater awareness about the benefits of millet and advocated for an environment that encourages their production. Singh also sought the support of ASHA and Anganwadi workers in tackling drug abuse in the state.

Food Safety and Public Awareness Initiatives

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora praised the Eat Right Mela, stating that such initiatives play a crucial role in improving public health. The minister also urged residents to utilize food safety vans for testing food, milk, and beverages to detect adulteration. Earlier in the day, a Walkathon was organized to raise awareness about healthy eating and the significance of millet in daily diets. Key officials present at the event included the Director of Food Lab Kharar, Ravneet Kaur, Joint Commissioner of Food Safety Amit Joshi, Civil Surgeon Ramandeep Kaur Ahluwalia, and District Health Officer Amarjeet Kaur.

Source: The Times of India