Shillong, May 31: Along with the rest of the world “Anti-Tobacco Day” wasobserved at DRDA Hall, Tura on 31st May, 2017. The programme was organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in collaborationwith the District Administration, West Garo Hills, Tura.
Speaking on the occasion, Legal Aid Counsel, DLSA, Tura, Mr. Debajyoti Baruah highlighted the legal prohibition of consuming of Tobacco and penalties in contravention. He also emphasized on the objectives of Anti – Tobacco Campaign which ensures effective protection to non smokers, protects children and young people from being addicted to the use of tobacco, considers tobacco control strategies and plans for legislation with special attention to risk groups such as pregnant women and children and discourage the use of tobacco and impose progressive restrictions and take concerted action to eventually eliminate all direct and indirect advertisement, promotion and sponsorship.
He further informed that smoking in public place is an offence and the manager or incharge of the affairs of public place like airports, hotels having 30 rooms or a restaurant having seating capacity of 30 persons should create separate provision for smoking area. Moreover, Mr. Baruah enlightened the gathering as well as the traders of the town about the prohibition of sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to any person who is under eighteen years of age and in an area within a radius of 100 yards of educational institution.
Oncologist, Tura Civil Hospital, Dr. Jebi Asheeka Marak spoke about the ill effects of consuming tobacco and its related products and said that tobacco is one of the major cause of cancer related diseases in the region. She further mentioned about the serious consequences and health hazards of passive smoking which is four times injurious to the health of a person especially women and children.
According to the cases dealt by medical officers, it was often found that many patients have started consuming tobacco and related products from their young age and therefore, she advised especially the youth to forbid tobacco products and request those who are in the habit of using these products to stop immediately and help each other to live a healthy and longer life in future.
Earlier in the programme, a procession was also held from Deputy Commissioner’s office via Hawakhana, Ringrey, Auditorium and back to the same venue for the official function.
District Session Judge cum Chairman, DLSA, West Garo Hills, Tura Shri A M Ripnar, Distrct School Education Officer, Shri S Saha, members of Tura Traders Union, teachers and students of various schools of the town were present at the function.
