Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Feb 9: The district administration, Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat, district health and family welfare department in association with district working journalist union and information department on Tuesday February 9, conducted a national tobacco control programme, here, at the Press Club.

The head of the department of public health NITTE, Dr Jagannath said, "We need to create awareness about the ill effects of tobacco and the need for effective implementation of COTPA Act. There are several death cases due to tobacco-related disease, nearly 10 lac deaths pertaining to tobacco-related disease compared to other diseases. Tobacco is the gateway for alcohol, drugs. One cigarette consists of over 400 chemicals which are in vehicle smoke, pesticides.

"The addiction to tobacco is more dangerous than charas, ganja, as the tobacco is easily available in the market. We have a wrong assumption that tobacco leads to cancer, first it affects the heart. Smokeless tobacco is more dangerous than smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco is equal to smoking four cigarettes.

"Tobacco also leads to minor problems such as hair loss, quick changes in skin texture, weak teeth and breathlessness. There are 33 laws under COTPA Act such as smoking in public places has been restricted, advertising of tobacco is banned and many more. Many a time in a restaurant if someone smokes we don’t question them, instead we move away. This has to be changed, where we should question them its totally wrong and start this as a social movement."

Zilla panchayat CEO, Dr Selvamani said, "We should sensitize the society about tobacco control. Compared to the last 15 years there have been changes such as no advertisement boards of tobacco in bus stands, petty shops. Under COTPA Act, several cases have been filed and fines were imposed against those who violate the COTPA Act.

Enforcement of COTPA Act details from April 2016 to January 2021

April 2016 to March 2017 – 91 cases Rs 11,530 fine collected

April 2017 to March 2017 – 24 cases, Rs 4550 fine collected

April 2018 to March 2019 – 319 cases Rs 63875 fine collected

April 2019 to March 2020 – 615 cases Rs 79800 fine collected

April 2020 to January 2021 – 169 cases Rs 23500 fine collected

So from April 2016 to January 2021, 1218 cases and Rs 1,83,255 fine collected.