NTR district steps up anti-tobacco drive, stresses COTPA enforcement

Vijayawada: NTR district administration on Sunday reiterated its commitment to stricter enforcement against tobacco sales and intensified awareness efforts, with officials calling for collective action to make the district tobacco-free.Marking World No Tobacco Day, district collector G Lakshmisha flagged off an awareness rally at the collectorate organised by AP EAGLE in coordination with health department officials, NGOs and student volunteers.Addressing participants, the collector said tobacco products such as gutka, khaini and cigarettes pose serious health risks and contribute to diseases including lung ailments, cancer, paralysis and cardiovascular complications.Lakshmisha said the administration is enforcing provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) across the district, particularly restrictions on tobacco sales near educational institutions. He urged parents to monitor behavioural changes among children and prevent them from falling prey to tobacco addiction.The collector said awareness programmes are being conducted in colleges and higher educational institutions through voluntary organisations, while counselling support is being provided through de-addiction centres at district hospitals to help users quit tobacco consumption.

AP EAGLE IGP AK Ravi Krishna said tobacco addiction among youth remains a growing concern and warned that early exposure to nicotine products could increase vulnerability to other forms of substance abuse. He said “Operation Safe Campus Zone” is being implemented to prevent illegal tobacco sales around educational institutions and strengthen enforcement under Section 6(b) of COTPA, which prohibits tobacco sales within 100 yards of schools and colleges.Medical expert and Red Cross representative Dr G Samaram highlighted the health impact of tobacco use and urged people, particularly youth, to adopt healthier lifestyles and stay away from nicotine products.Students, volunteers, health officials and representatives of several NGOs participated in the rally and awareness programme.