On May 31, every year, people around the world celebrate World No Tobacco Day. This year, the theme is ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.’ This theme aims to reveal how these harmful products target the youth. In the Dang district, the health department’s District Tobacco Control Cell celebrated this day at the Primary Health Centre in Pipri, Ahwa Taluka.
During the event, a district nodal officer provided detailed information about this year’s theme. Despite significant progress in global tobacco control, tobacco and nicotine industries continue to use strategies to attract and retain customers, harming public health. This particularly affects sensitive groups, especially the youth.
Social worker Ms. Rasila C. Chaudhari from the District Tobacco Control Cell discussed various sections of the Tobacco Control Act of 2003 in India. According to this act, Section 4 prohibits smoking in public places, with a fine of ₹200 for violators. Section 5 bans advertisements for cigarettes and other tobacco products, while Section 6 prohibits sales to minors and educational institutions, also incurring a fine of ₹200. The act also states that selling cigarettes and other tobacco products without specified health warnings is illegal under Sections 7, 8, and 9.
The celebration included attendance from various health officials, including District Epidemiologist Dr. Nilketu D. Patel, Epidemiologist Dr. Ankita Chaudhari, and NCD department staff. They were joined by health officers from Pipri PHC, Ayush medical officers, and local ASHA workers. Villagers from nearby areas also participated in the event.
As part of the World No Tobacco Day celebrations, the District Enforcement Squad team, guided by the district health officer, conducted effective implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) on May 31 in the market area of Ahwa Taluka. Ms. Rasila C. Chaudhari reported that, under the health department, eight cases were filed under Section 4 and Section 6(b) with fines totaling ₹1,300. The Ahwa police department filed five cases under Section 4, collecting ₹1,000 in fines, while three cases under Section 6(b) by the education department resulted in fines of ₹500.
In total, the District Enforcement Squad team reported 16 cases and collected ₹2,800 in fines for the illegal sale of tobacco products in Dang district. The event highlighted the ongoing commitment to enforcing tobacco control laws and protecting public health, especially for young people who are highly susceptible to tobacco addiction.
Ahwa, known for its scenic beauty along the banks of the Sarpaganga River, is a prominent town in the Dang district of Gujarat. The area is primarily inhabited by tribal communities, who celebrate various festivals with deep cultural significance. As part of ongoing efforts, the government is implementing various schemes to promote tourism and encourage cultural awareness in the region. This includes educational campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and to ensure a healthier future for the youth of Ahwa.
Leave a Reply