The District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Bomdila, under the Department of Health & Family Welfare, West Kameng, observed World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) with the theme “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing the Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” A series of awareness and enforcement activities were carried out to highlight the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products.
The observance began with a mass anti-tobacco car rally and public procession across Bomdila township, flagged off by Dr. R. D. Thongchi, DMO Bomdila, and Tashi Wangchu Dirkhipa, Secretary, DMWS. Members of the Taxi Union Bomdila, public leaders, district police, shopkeepers, Health & Family Welfare staff, youth, and others actively participated in the rally.
A public meeting followed at the Urban Shopping Complex, where Dr. Thongchi addressed the gathering on the day’s significance and urged collective efforts to curb tobacco use among the youth. Several speakers contributed, followed by an open discussion on protective measures for students and the general public.
A wide-reaching IEC campaign was conducted simultaneously. The Anti-Tobacco Flying Squad also carried out an enforcement drive, seizing tobacco products being sold within 100 yards of educational institutions in violation of COTPA 2003, and penalized defaulters.
Anti-tobacco pledges were administered at the DMO Office, General Hospital, and all CHCs, PHCs, AHWCs, and HWCs across West Kameng, encouraging people to abstain from all forms of tobacco use.
