PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
District magistrate Savin Bansal inaugurated 12 Satellite Tobacco Elimination Centres (STCCs) in Dehradun for the first time in the State during an awareness workshop organised by the National Tobacco Control Programme as part of the Tobacco Prohibition Week on Thursday. Alongside this, a gazette was released to implement the tobacco vendor licensing system in the Rishikesh Municipal Corporation, marking a first for Uttarakhand.
During the event, Bansal emphasised the need for a detailed action plan aligned with this year’s theme of tobacco prohibition, “Unmasking the Appeal.” He highlighted the importance of conveying the truth about the strategies employed by tobacco manufacturers who present nicotine products in aromatic and attractive flavours, aiming to protect the younger generation from falling into the traps set by tobacco companies.
Chief Development Officer (CDO) Abhinav Shah said that vendor licensing is a significant step in the campaign against tobacco. He urged that the licensing system be implemented in other municipal corporations and bodies within the district to strengthen tobacco prohibition efforts.
Additionally, Dehradun Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma addressed the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, stating that it poses physical, economic and social harm. He said that tobacco should never be seen as a status symbol, as all tobacco products are detrimental to health.
Regarding the implementation of the tobacco vendor licensing system in Rishikesh during the workshop, Rishikesh Municipal Commissioner Shailendra Singh Negi said that after a year of preparation, the rules for this licensing system have now been published and the distribution of licenses will soon commence. Following this, no vendor will be allowed to sell tobacco without a license.
The programme also featured a signature campaign aimed at making the district tobacco and smoke-free, where participants actively engaged and advocated for tobacco prohibition. A street play performed by the health department further underscored the message. Additionally, participants took an oath to prohibit tobacco use and protect the environment.
