West Garo Hills District police has said it is committed to take strict action against public smoking and tobacco sales within 100 yards of schools.
In line with the Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), officers and personnel of the district have received comprehensive training from the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) in collaboration with Sambandh Health Foundation (SHF) and pledged to fight tobacco.
Expressing concern about the state’s 8,000 tobacco-related deaths yearly, Superintendent of Police, Abraham T Sangma has called for effective COTPA enforcement. The officers in charge have also been are directed to impose fines for violations, highlighting the 100-yard restriction around schools to protect children, he said in a press release.
He ensured that ‘No Smoking’ signs will be henceforth installed in all conspicuous places and outside each police stations in compliance to COTPA Section 4.
Dr. Siddharth K. Sangma, a Tura Christian Hospital surgeon and Voice of Tobacco Victims (VoTV) patron stated that tobacco is attributable to 40 per cent of all types of cancers and 90 per cent of oral and lung cancers. Preventive measures such as effective implementation of COTPA, the Tobacco Free Educational Institutes program could save more lives than all Meghalaya doctors’ efforts.
Dr. Lana L Nongbri, State Nodal Officer of NTCP, NHM cited the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), revealing 34 per cent of 13-15 year old in the state use tobacco. She further urged that urgent action is needed as 5500 Indian children start using tobacco daily.
Additional Superintendent of Police, OCs of all police stations and personnel, District Nodal Officer, NTCP along with the team from Sambandh Health Foundation were present at the programme.
