The rock salt lamps on sale at the National Small Industries Corporation pavilion of the IITF are drawing curious visitors,but few buyers. These lamps are a rage in countries like Germany and Canada,but Indians need to be made more aware of the therapeutic uses of rock salt. There are 88 elements in it that are present in the human body in the same proportion, claimed Vinod Kumar Abrol of Aastha,which operates the stall. Abrol,who procures the raw material for the lamps from Khewra on Pakistan-Afghanistan border,says that rock salt,when heated,produces negative ions,which counter positive ions that are a source of negative energy,to produce a good,neutral environment. There are 10,000 negative ions per cubic centimetre (cc) in a typical hill station,but only 100 per cc in a city, Abrol says. This is the first time Abrol is testing the waters in the Indian market. Plastic ban violators at IITF to face fineThe Delhi government has issued strict instructions to the organisers of the Trade Fair to ensure that plastic bags are not used. Those found violating the ban on plastic bags will be heavily fined,an official said. In a meeting held with officials of the International Trade Promotion Organisation,Environment Secretary Dharmendra decided to send a notice to the organisers. Those violating the ban can face a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh or imprisonment of up to five years.
