Dehradun: The iodized salt distribution scheme, which was started keeping in mind the health of lakhs of families living in the hilly and plain areas of Uttarakhand, is in big controversy these days. The whole matter has come under doubt after more sand and pebbles were found than iodine in the salt available at government grocery shops. This is the same salt which is considered very important for brain development and prevention of thyroid disease, but the salt being received by poor families itself became a threat to their health.
After complaints, salt samples were sent to Rudrapur Lab where 10 out of 12 samples were found failed. After this, as soon as the order was received from the government, the District Supply Department immediately banned the distribution of salt at government shops.
ban on distribution
District Supply Officer K. Of. According to Aggarwal, an investigation was conducted into the complaints of sand in the salt available in cheap government packets. The Food Safety Department confirmed the presence of insoluble substances in salt. After which the supply of salt has been completely stopped. He said that distribution of salt will start only after new instructions come from the government.
Shardul, a resident of Dehradun, said that after the video of salt adulteration went viral, many people had stopped taking salt. The salt lying with the dealers started spoiling because people no longer trusted this salt. He said that due to lack of information, some people were still taking this salt considering it cheap, but this salt could prove to be dangerous for people’s health.
But even after the ban, many serious questions remain in the minds of people.
Major questions arising in people’s minds
1. Where did the adulteration happen?
Did the sand and pebbles get mixed up in the packaging plant, during transportation or due to the negligence or connivance of some distributing dealers?
2. Will a ban solve the problem?
Merely stopping the scheme does not result in strict action against the accused. Identification and action against the real culprits is necessary.
Common people are also concerned that when salt can be adulterated then what other things are safe.
4. Health of 14 lakh consumers in danger
About 14 lakh families in Uttarakhand are dependent on things provided by the government. In such a situation, any adulteration directly affects the health of the poor.
Shardul says that people no longer have confidence that the goods available on government shelves are safe. He says that this salt was not beneficial for the people but proved harmful for health.
