Una, October 10 – Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal has issued specific guidelines to all department heads in the district to ensure the success of Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0. He stated that tobacco consumption remains a major cause of premature death and disease in India.
Approximately 1.35 million people lose their lives to tobacco-related diseases every year. The most serious aspect is that these diseases often begin at a very young age, making youth awareness and prevention efforts even more crucial.
He stated that this nationwide campaign, launched by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on October 9, will continue until December 8. As part of this campaign, Una district will vigorously implement extensive public awareness programs and enforcement activities during this period.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the departments of Education, Health, Police, Food and Drug Control, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Municipal Bodies, Public Relations Department, NGOs, and youth organizations to ensure active participation in this campaign.
He further directed that enforcement under the provisions of COTPA-2003 and PECA-2019 be strengthened and that the Tobacco-Free Institutions Guidelines be strictly followed in schools and colleges. He emphasized the need for effective efforts towards a tobacco-free village in the district.
He directed that strict action be taken against any instance of hookah being served to youth in any bar or restaurant in the district to ensure effective prevention. He also directed the effective implementation of the Himachal Pradesh Tobacco Products Control Act, 2016 in the district.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to strictly enforce the Himachal Pradesh Prohibition of Sale of Loose Cigarettes and Beedis and Regulation of Retail Trade of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2016, to effectively control the sale and distribution of tobacco products in the district.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that this is not just the mission of the Health Department, but of the entire society. He called on all departments, institutions, and social organizations to join forces and pledge to make Una a tobacco-free district. He said that with the active participation and positive attitude of all departments, this campaign will be comprehensive and effective.