Mr. Tulasi Prasad Sitaula, Honorable Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MPPW), Nepal addressing the participants
CSE says India must pay heed to the findings and stop state-sponsored homicide by allowing uncontrolled use of dirty diesel
A committee formed to test toxicity of heavy metals and phthalates in toys will begin their investigation soon. The 11 member committee formed by the Indian Council for Medical Research on the behest of the Ministry of Health was formed in November, 2009 after the Supreme Court ordered the testing of level of heavy metals in toys.
The BIS agrees that there is a need to regulate the use of phthalates in toys. The BIS stated this in a response to the Bombay High Court on Feb 24th 2011. The court was hearing a PIL filed by the Consumers Welfare Association in 2007, seeking action against the sale of toxic toys in India. The Bombay High Court bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice DY Chandrachud in September last year, asked the BIS to respond to central government's suggestions on the need to regulate the use of phthalates in toys.
The Bombay High Court directed the Bureau of Indian Standards on March 24,2011 to set standards on phthalates in toys within two months. The court also directed the Ministry of Commerce, once the BIS sets standards, to issue a notification mandating the phthalates standards in toys.
By H K Dua in the Rajya Sabha on March 9, 2011 Train No 339 leaves Abohar every night to reach Bikaner next morning. Over a period of time it has come to be known as “Cancer Train”. This train has acquired the dubious reputation simply because nearly 100 cancer patients travel by it from Punjab to Bikaner for diagnosis and treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Institute.
Mr. Dinesh Gunawardane, Honorable Minister for Water Supply and Drainage, Sri Lanka speaking on the closing day of the workshop