AALO, 31 May: World No Tobacco Day was observed throughout the state on Tuesday.
In West Siang district, the day was observed in the office complex of the deputy commissioner.
DC Penga Tato declared the DC office complex and the SP office complex as ‘no tobacco zone’, and directed all the HoDs to “issue ‘no tobacco zone’ in their office premises.”
Action will be initiated against anyone who is found violating the prohibitory order.
DMO Dr Dubom Bagra presented a brief on the ill-effects of tobacco consumption, and announced that “no shopkeeper will sell tobacco products near school campuses.”
In Papum Pare, the District Tobacco Control Cell observed the day with the theme ‘Threat to our environment’ at the DMO’s conference hall in Yupia.
District consultant Tamchi Yabi said that the day is observed to “create awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco products to the general public, especially to the youths,” and spoke about the “deadly effects of tobacco use and second hand smoke exposure.”
She urged the participants to create awareness about the availability of services like nicotine transdermal patches and free consultation and counselling for smokers at the tobacco cessation centre of the Doimukh CHC.
Social work mobiliser Amak Tayem made a presentation on the theme of the day, and said that “throughout its lifecycle, tobacco polluted the planet and damages the health of all people.”
She also apprised the participants of the environmental impact of tobacco cultivation, production, distribution and waste.
Dr RR Ronya spoke about the use of tobacco by schoolchildren and encouraged teachers to “conduct a surprise checking at the schools.”
The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya in Sagalee, the GHSS in Sagalee, the government upper primary school in Tigdo, the GSS in Kokila, the GSS in Jote and the GSS in Doimukh were felicitated for “achieving tobacco-free zone within their school premises,” by the district programme officer.
The day was also observed at the Lenka PHC, the Mengio PHC, and the Hostallam AHWC.
In Kamle district, DC Adong Pertin advised the people, including panchayat leaders, to abstain from consuming tobacco and tobacco products, and to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use.
The day was also observed at the DMO office in Raga. It saw the participation of Raga SVO Dr Dari Tallang, DRCHO Dr Kapu Sopin, DANO Dr Yader Kabak, hospital staff, and members of NGO Karuna Trust.
The West Kameng DTCC marked the day by organising an awareness campaign involving speeches, postering, distribution of pamphlets, etc, about the harmful effects of tobacco use and the impact of tobacco on the environment.
DMO Dr RD Thongchi appealed to all to quit using tobacco in any form.
The Kra Daadi DTCC also organised a similar anti-tobacco awareness campaign in Palin to mark the day. (With inputs from DIPROs)
