Srinagar, May 29: The Governor, N N Vohra, today called for effective measures to make Jammu and Kashmir tobacco free.

 “If we can make serious efforts, we will be able to curb the menace in coming years,” Vohra said after inaugurating a one-day “State Level Advocacy Workshop for Sensitizing Stakeholders on Tobacco Control Laws and Measures”, organized by the J&K Voluntary Health Association, in collaboration with the Divisional Administration, and the Drug and Food Control Organization, at SKICC, here.

 Vohra also advocated the involvement of educational institutions in launching an anti-tobacco campaign. 

 “Such workshops should be also organized in schools, colleges and universities to involve academicians in creating awareness among the people about adverse affects of tobacco consumption,” he said. 

 Lauding the efforts of organizers, he said, “All those who are contributing need more recognition because they are saving lives of people.”

 Vohra also awarded several persons for their contribution in eradicating and enforcing ban on smoking. 

 The awardees included: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr Asgar Samoon, District Commissioner Srinagar, Me’raj Ahmad Kakroo, OSD Amir Ali, DC Budgam Muhammad Rafi, Shabir Ahmad Lone, former SHO Soura Abdul Majeed, School Teacher Aftab Ahmad, and other volunteers.

 Earlier, Member Legislative Assembly, M Y Tarigami shared his personal experience saying, “I went to jail and interrogation centre, but found ways to get cigarette there as well as I could not quit smoking. But I pledged not to smoke again once doctors advised me about its hazards. It immensely affects the human body.”

 He said the enforcement wing should strictly enforce the smoking ban at public places.

 Regional Head Tobacco control cell, Chandigarh, Dr Savita Malhotra briefed the audience through a presentation. “The consumption of tobacco is higher in rural areas. It is lowest in Goa at 9 per cent,” she said.

 J&K Voluntary Health Association of India, Executive Director Ali Muhammad Mir, senior program officer VHAI Abdul Khaliq Wani, Dr G Q Allaqaband, DIG Kashmir Abdul Gani Mir were present.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 29 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 29 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 IST