Lauding vaccine feat, PM now gives call for chemical-free Himachal

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today attributed Himachal’s feat of administering first dose of Covid vaccine to its entire eligible population to strong belief in deities and high level of education and technology despite the state having geographical constraints. Modi virtually addressed from Delhi the healthcare workers and beneficiaries across Himachal. The state has been ranked number one nationally in vaccine coverage with 55.28 lakh people having been administered the first dose and 17.92 lakh both the jabs with zero wastage.

Use tech to tackle calamities

We need to look for scientific solutions for developing early warning signals to counter recurring natural calamities. — Narendra Modi, PM

The PM said the state should move forward with the mission of “chemical-free Himachal” in the next 25 years so that it could become an organic state. “I have complete faith in the people of Himachal. They will protect our soil against chemicals,” he said.

Modi said Himachal could reap the benefits of digital technology, especially in the field of education and health, as eminent doctors and teachers could virtually provide their services to the state people. “It’s with this objective that the Centre has simplified the rules for using drone technology. It can help in delivering medicines, undertaking land survey and protecting forests,” he remarked.

Himachal had become the favourite “work from home” destination for professionals from across the country, which was giving a boost to tourism, he said. BJP president JP Nadda and Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur also joined the programme.