Dimapur, July 26 (MExN): In a bid to spread awareness on ill effects of tobacco, a workshop on capacity building for stakeholders on COPTA Act 2003 was conducted today at AIDA Hall in Dimapur. It was highlighted that Nagaland ranks one of the highest in India when it comes to tobacco use - Second highest tobacco users, third highest current smokers and fourth highest current users of smokeless tobacco.
Responding to the statistics, the Deputy Commissioner of Diampur N Hushili Sema IAS who attended the programme as chief guest said: “Nagaland is top for all wrong reasons,” adding that the figures are “quite alarming and scary”.
She also said an overnight change cannot be brought but steps should be taken gradually. Anti-smoking signboards should be put up in all public places.
In regard to tobacco addiction, she said adults always come up with a “bahana” (excuse) to continue with the unhealthy habit therefore now it is time to make an imposition so that tobacco use is checked.
He also exhorted the government and NGOs’ representatives to make themselves the “chief corner stones” for the district so that Dimapur will become an example to other districts. “Healthy environment for our children is a must.”
Deputy CMO & Nodal officer of Nagaland Tobacco Control Programme, Dr Ritu Thurr enlightened the gathering on harmful effects of tobacco. He said World wide tobacco epidemic kills 5.4 million people a year from lung cancer, heart disease and other illness. And unless urgent steps are taken it will increase to 8 million deaths per year.
Additional Director (Dental) State Nodal Officer, NTCP, Dr. N. Savino explained the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act 2003 (COPTA). He stressed on Section 4 - Prohibition on smoking in public place and Section 6 – Prohibition on sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to a person below the age of 18 years and in an area within a radius of 100 yards of any educational institution.
He said in Nagaland Directorate of Information and Publicity was the first government department to put up the no smoking zone sign board. He also said if tobacco is controlled in Dimapur then it will have a positive impact on other districts.
Also, after the presentations there was discuss hour and participants expressed their opinion on how to go about in implementing the act in reality and how civil bodies and government can work together for a healthier society.
