KOPPAL
District Collector Dr. Suresh B. Itnal has urged officials and the public to step up efforts to control tobacco use through wider awareness about its serious health effects.
He gave the direction while chairing a district coordination committee meeting held at the District Collectorate office in collaboration with the District Health and Family Welfare Department and the District Tobacco Control Cell under the National Tobacco Control Programme.
Itnal said tobacco is a major cause of cancer, heart disease and lung disease worldwide. He stressed that people should be informed about these dangers and other health problems linked to tobacco consumption. Officials were told to follow rules while issuing tobacco vendor licences to grocery shops, pawn shops and hotels under local bodies.
He also ordered departments to mark public places as no-smoking areas and spread messages through sanitation workers. Direct and indirect tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship must be stopped under COTPA-2003. Officials must also prevent tobacco sales to minors and by minors, and enforce the ban around educational institutions.
The Transport, Urban Local Bodies, Labour, Women and Child Development, Tourism and Excise departments were asked to act against violations, impose fines and report action to the District Tobacco Control Cell. The Education Department was told to watch for tobacco sales within 100 yards of schools. District Tobacco Control Officer Dr. Nandakumar explained the law at the meeting, which was attended by health officials, doctors and representatives of several departments. Officials said sustained public awareness and strict enforcement would be important to protect communities and encourage healthier choices.
