NTR District Launches War on Tobacco And Drugs
Dr Samaram warned that tobacco consumption significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and kidney ailments
VIJAYAWADA: A massive awareness rally, walkathon and signature campaign were organised in Vijayawada on Sunday to mark World No Tobacco Day, with officials, students, volunteers and members of the public joining hands to spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco, gutka, cigarettes and other addictive substances.
The rally, organised from the NTR district collectorate to the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium, was conducted jointly by the National Tobacco Control Programme, National Health Mission (NHM), Andhra Pradesh Voluntary Health Association and AP Eagle. AP EAGLE chief IGP A. Ravi Krishna commended NHM officials Dr Geetha Padmaja and Soujanya Lakshmi for coordinating the programme with various government departments and stakeholders.
The event was flagged off by Ravi Krishna, NTR district collector and district magistrate Dr G. Lakshmisha and noted medical expert Dr G. Samaram.
Addressing the gathering, Ravi Krishna described tobacco addiction as a major social and health challenge. Referring to the “Gateway Drug Theory", he said that tobacco use at a young age could lead to addiction to other harmful substances. He urged youth to stay away from tobacco and drugs and contribute towards building a healthier society.
The IGP said AP EAGLE is implementing “Operation Safe Campus Zone” across the state by establishing Eagle Clubs in nearly 40,000 educational institutions, covering around 70 lakh students. He reminded the public that the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions is prohibited under the COTPA Act of 2003 and urged citizens to report violations through the AP Eagle toll-free helpline 1972.
Collector Dr Lakshmisha said curiosity often draws young people towards tobacco and drugs, but the same energy could be channelled into education, skill development, sports, yoga and creative activities. He called for making NTR district a model "tobacco-free" and "drug-free" district through collective efforts.
Dr Samaram warned that tobacco consumption significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and kidney ailments. He noted that nicotine adversely affects nearly every organ in the body and urged youth to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Participants took an anti-tobacco pledge and distributed awareness pamphlets. Several AP Eagle officers, police personnel, NSS and Youth Red Cross volunteers, NGOs and students participated in the programme.