ITANAGAR, May 31: Rallies and awareness programmes on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption were organized across the state as part of World No Tobacco Day on Thursday.
In Yingkiong, members of the Donyi Polo Yelam Kebang, the staff of the district hospital, and members of the public took out an awareness rally on the hazardous effects of tobacco on health. The rally was organized by the Upper Siang District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC).
Later, during a public meeting, District Programme Officer Dr India Modi spoke about tobacco’s ill-effects, and district consultant Goyir Ada informed about the regulations implemented in the district to control the sale of tobacco and related products under the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
In Aalo, West Siang DMO Dr Nyage Geyi spoke on the harmful effects of tobacco products, and warned students to stay away from them, while district consultant Yomnya Badak made a PowerPoint presentation on the NTCP and the COTPA.
A large number of teachers, students, nursing students, NGO members and others participated in a rally from the general hospital to Nehru Chowk.
In Bomdila, staffers of the West Kameng district medical office and the DTCC took out a rally, which concluded with a meeting at the general hospital, highlighting the ill-effects of tobacco and the status of tobacco consumption in the state.
In Pasighat, the East Siang DTCC in collaboration with NGO Women Against Social Evil (WASE) observed the day at Sika-Tode.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Tatak sought the villagers’ cooperation in implementing the COTPA to make the society tobacco-free.
In Roing, Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Mitali Namchoom urged the people to play a proactive role in creating awareness on the dangers of tobacco, and appealed to SHGs and NGOs to take up the fight against tobacco consumption.
In Ziro, the Lower Subansiri DTCC organized a sensitization meeting in Hapoli on the effects of tobacco consumption. A flying squad was formed to strictly implement the COTPA.
In Changlang, the DTCC conducted a free ‘nicotine level screening and counselling programme’ at the district hospital.
Local MLA Tesam Pongte and Deputy Commissioner Wayong Khimhun urged the people to shun tobacco products, while District Programme Officer (DPO) Dr Moonlop Yongsam provided counselling, free medicines, and detox foot patches to tobacco addicts.
In Tezu, the Lohit DTCC conducted a meeting in collaboration with the District Health Society and the Brahmakumaris Rajyoga Meditation Centre. DPO Dr STowang spoke on the ill-effects of tobacco on health, and district consultant Liza Umbrey gave a presentation on the COTPA.
In Seppa, an awareness rally on bikes was organized across the township. Participating in the rally, East Kameng DC Gaurav Singh Rajawat appealed to the people to stay away from the ill effects of tobacco consumption.
DMO (in-charge) Dr SK Suman and DPO (NTCP) Dr Kopi Gyadi, also participated in the rally.
The day was also observed in Tawang and Yupia (Papum Pare). (DIPROs)
