Chamba launches Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0 to combat addiction
Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal has ordered a two-month ban on flavoured smokeless tobacco products to protect young people from nicotine addiction.
Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal launched the district-level Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0 in Chamba on Friday. According to The Tribune, the initiative seeks to protect young people from tobacco addiction and establish tobacco-free public spaces.
Repaswal directed all government departments to ensure their offices remain entirely tobacco-free. He also called for the strict enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act and instructed officials to issue challans to those who violate the rules.
The District Magistrate issued an order on Friday banning the storage, transport, sale, and distribution of flavoured smokeless tobacco products in the district for two months. This order, made under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita-2023, includes products with menthol or additives used to improve taste and aroma, as well as Cool-lip filter tobacco.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Jalam Bhardwaj said the campaign intends to educate youth on the dangers of tobacco and other intoxicating substances. He noted that the Health Department has created an action plan for the campaign's implementation.
The administration stated that additives like menthol make tobacco more appealing, which could increase nicotine addiction among adolescents. The Superintendent of Police and food safety officers have been directed to ensure compliance with the ban.
District Programme Officer (Health) Dr Karan Hiteshi presented the campaign's objectives and strategy during a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner's office auditorium. The two-month ban remains in effect unless the competent authority modifies, revokes, or extends it.