During his visit to Silvassa in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again addressed the growing issue of obesity in India, citing a recent report that projects 440 million Indians could be obese by 2050. He described these figures as alarming and urged people to adopt healthier lifestyles to combat the issue.
As per agency reports, Modi emphasized that obesity is the root cause of many health problems. He encouraged citizens to engage in regular physical exercise and suggested reducing cooking oil consumption by 10 percent to tackle excessive body fat. While addressing a public gathering in Silvassa, he also inaugurated and laid the foundation for infrastructure projects worth ₹2,587 crore for the union territory.
Referring to the report’s findings, Modi highlighted that by 2050, one in every three Indians could be affected by obesity, making it a major health concern. He stressed that this scenario would pose severe health risks and called for immediate action. Urging people to take a pledge, he reiterated his previous appeal to lower cooking oil usage by 10 percent and promoted cycling and exercise as effective ways to combat obesity.
This concern aligns with his recent remarks in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program, where he underlined the need for lifestyle changes to address the growing obesity crisis. He had also launched a campaign to encourage a 10 percent reduction in oil consumption and challenged notable personalities, including industrialist Anand Mahindra, Olympian Manu Bhaker, and Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to support the initiative.
Apart from discussing health concerns, Modi announced that the government plans to establish 25,000 new Jan Aushadhi Kendras nationwide to provide affordable medicines. He noted that these subsidized stores have helped middle-class and low-income families save approximately ₹30,000 crore on medicines.
In a vision for regional development, Modi drew a parallel between Singapore's transformation and the potential of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. He urged local residents to demonstrate a similar commitment, stating that with their collective determination, he would support their efforts in making the region a developed hub.
During the visit, Modi inaugurated several projects, including a 450-bed hospital in Silvassa, two circuit houses in Diu, and a toy train in Daman. He also laid the foundation stones for a new hospital in Daman, internal roads and a new bus stand in Diu, new schools, and a police station. The ₹460 crore Namo Hospital (Phase 1) is expected to significantly enhance healthcare facilities in the union territory.
Looking ahead, Modi emphasized the need to boost tourism in the region and announced upcoming attractions, including an eco-resort in Dudhni, a coastal promenade in Diu, and India’s first air ropeway in Diu, which will offer breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. He asserted that the region is fast emerging as one of India's premier tourist destinations and an education hub.
Modi's two-day visit to Gujarat and the union territory underscores the government's focus on infrastructure, health, and tourism development while addressing pressing health concerns like obesity among the Indian population.
