Delhi observes World No Tobacco Day

Around 100 tobacco vendors on Thursday closed their shops to give their constructive support to anti-smoking day in the city. A state-level function was organised to mark 'World No Tobacco Day,' where Parliamentary Secretary to Chief Minister Anil Bharadwaj was also present.

Delhi Health Minister, Dr AK Walia also flagged of a motorcycle rally to disseminate message of anti-smoking in the locality.

On the occasion, Walia said, 'Raiding squads of city government have been asked to strictly enforce provisions to make Delhi tobacco-free, as per provisions of Delhi Prohibition of Smoking and Non Smokers Health Protection Act, 1996 and cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act, 2003. The government has been among the top-most states in enforcing Acts on regular basis by eight raiding squads by making inspections and acting swift on receipt of complaints.' Sources in the Ministry said, during 2010 to 2012 raiding squads visited 2,30,414 places and inspected public service vehicles. Around 31,000 persons including 41 females were fined for violations.

Further, around 3,800 tobacco vendors were fined and an amount of around of Rs 27 lakh was collected as fine.

In Delhi smoking is banned within 100 meters of educational institutions, in enclosed and covered public places.

Walia further stated that consumption of tobacco in India causes around nine lakh deaths per year and major health problems. He underlined the need of creating awareness against use of tobacco and tobacco products like gutka and kheni. Walia administered oath to large number of persons present in the function to stop habit of tobacco use.

Meanwhile, every day around 3,000 persons die due to tobacco habit in India.