Observing the World No Tobacco Day on May 31 last year, the administration gave a clarion call for creating a smoke-free environment in Itanagar Market areas.

Also in wake of growing tobacco consumptions among school going children, the capital administration had decided to ban all the shops within 100 meters radius educational institutions illicitly selling Tobacco products. These measures were also taken a few years back but to no effect.

Arunachal is not alone; although smoking in public places has been banned in India but this has had little impact. By merely banning smoking in public places or printing alarming pictures on cigarette packs, does little for smokers to kick the habit. An international research suggests that ban on smoking in public has not reduced the number of smokers globally.

While smokers are mostly aware of the consequences of their action, it the passive smoke which is an area of great concern and must be addressed. Currently nearly 6 million deaths due to smoking is reported each year worldwide, including 600,000 which is as the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.  This is a huge health concern as most of the victims are unaware of the ill effects of passive smoking.

Government alone cannot fight the tobacco epidemic; it needs the support of civil society for bringing noticeable changes. Every stakeholder has a responsibility to ensure that the environment is smoke-free. As adolescence is the most vulnerable period for falling into this vice—especially due to peer pressure, parents and elders must remain vigil and counsel their wards to steer clear of such addiction.

The entire issue needs to be dealt with scientifically. Right from school days, the ill-effects of smoking needs to be inculcated among children. Since smoking is an addiction, one cannot make smokers quit cigarettes merely by banning smoking in public places. This is the biggest folly by decision makers—thinking that by merely prohibiting smoking, Itanagar can be turned into a smoke-free area.

Also, tobacco use is growing among children. A strong social movement is needed address this before more succumb to this menace.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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