Two-wheeler rally taken out in Coimbatore to commemorate World No Tobacco Day
A two-wheeler rally involving over 200 participants was held in Coimbatore on Saturday to raise awareness about the health risks of tobacco use.
The event was organised by the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, District Tobacco Control Cell, and the bikers community, with support from CSW Foundation and Akshayam Charitable Trust, as part of World No Tobacco Day observance.
The rally was flagged off by District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, City Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar, and Deputy Director of Health Services P. Balusamy. The rally began at the District Collector's bungalow and ended at the District Health Office in the city.
Participants took part in a pledge and signature campaign to endorse a tobacco-free lifestyle.
Speaking to the reporters, the Collector emphasised the importance of raising public awareness regarding the health hazards associated with tobacco use.
On illegal tobacco sales near educational institutions, the Collector said joint inspections by food safety officials, police, and local body officials had resulted in the seizure of numerous tobacco products across the district, and these efforts would be further intensified.
A State-wide Yellow Line Campaign to keep tobacco away from the vicinity of educational institutions was launched during the event. All institutions are required to mark a 100-yard (300 feet) tobacco-free zone with a thick yellow line, with the support of local bodies and Parents Teachers Associations (educational institutions concerned), within 30 days from May 31. They should ensure that there is no tobacco sale within the yellow line. The initiative supports enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
Separately, PSG Hospitals, in association with Coimbatore Cancer Foundation, Cancer Care India, and the National Cadet Corps, observed World No Tobacco Day with a programme focused on exposing industry tactics and encouraging tobacco cessation.
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