Australia will help Punjab in cancer fight
CHANDIGARH: Australia has agreed to provide its expertise to help the Punjab government in its efforts to eradicate cancer by identifying the root cause of the water problem in southern Punjab, and in promoting modern practices in agriculture and allied industries in the state.
This was conveyed to chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh here on Thursday by Australian high commissioner Harinder Sidhu, who also extended her government’s cooperation to the state in the fields of education, sports, skill training, agriculture and animal husbandry.
The CM sought Australia’s help in identifying the reasons for the poor quality of underground water, especially in southern Punjab, which was the major cause of the devastating spread of cancer in the districts of Muktsar, Bathinda, Sangrur, Moga, Faridkot, Fazilka and Ferozepur. The Australian high commissioner, who has Punjabi roots as her ancestors hailed from Dharamkot village in Moga district, expressed concern over the situation and offered all possible help on behalf of her government to wipe out the cancer menace from the state. Sidhu said her government was keen to tie up with the educational institutions and universities in the field of higher and technical education in Punjab.
Earlier, Sidhu had also called on the local government, tourism and cultural affairs minister Navjot Singh Sidhu here. The two held talks primarily centered on mutual co-operation in Smart City projects, education and sports.