World No Tobacco Day: Health experts call for strict COTPA implementation in J&K

Srinagar, May 31: On World No-Tobacco Day, doctors and health experts in Jammu and Kashmir called for collective efforts to combat the region’s tobacco burden and emphasized the strict implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) organized a walkathon from LalitGhat to Nehru Park, witnessing enthusiastic participation from various stakeholders. Numerous events in schools and hospitals highlighted the hazards of tobacco products and the grave effects of passive smoking on children.
The State Tobacco Control Cell and DHSK marked World No-Tobacco Day at Tagore Hall under the theme “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference.” Mission Director of the National Health Mission, NazimZai Khan, stressed the importance of public awareness about the health risks of tobacco use, noting its link to cancer and other diseases.
“Our responsibility is to highlight that tobacco can cause severe health hazards, including death. Citizens must decide for themselves, but even if one out of ten people quits tobacco, it is an achievement for us,” Khan stated.
Director of Health Services, Kashmir, Dr.Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, noted that World No-Tobacco Day functions were organized across all districts to spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco and passive smoking. He emphasized the need to protect children from passive smoking, which is more dangerous than active smoking. “We are ensuring COTPA implementation, focusing on curbing smoking in public places and imposing fines on violators,” he said.
For the first time, all schools in Kashmir observed ‘No Bag Day’ on World No-Tobacco Day to discourage tobacco use. J&K faces a significant tobacco burden, being the 6th highest consumer of tobacco in the country. Dr. Mir Mushtaq, State Nodal Officer (Kashmir Division) for the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), proposed making ‘No Bag Day’ an annual observance on May 31 to educate young minds about the harmful effects of tobacco.
In recent weeks, the Health Department of Kashmir has been installing signage to implement Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines in schools. J&K is experiencing a silent epidemic of tobacco use, with over 20 percent of the population consuming tobacco.
According to DHSK official figures, during 2023-24, a total of 3,500 people were fined, resulting in the collection of Rs 300,000 from offenders.
“Efforts to curb tobacco use and promote public health in J&K continue to be a priority, with hopes for significant progress in reducing the region’s tobacco burden.”