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Hans India
2 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
CM launches year-long campaign against drugs
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday launched a year-long State-wide campaign against drugs and intoxicants and asserted that awareness is the only solution to prevent tobacco-related deaths in the country. Majhi launched the campaign at the State-level programme held on the occasion of 'World No Tobacco Day'. 'About 1.4 million people lose their lives in India every year due to tobacco use. Among the deaths reported in the country every year due to various causes, about 10 per cent are due to tobacco use alone,' he said. Stating that it was time for the public, especially the youth, to take this issue seriously, Majhi appealed to all to join the awareness campaign against intoxicants and drugs. 'I call upon all to take a resolution to adopt a life free from addiction. Say no to tobacco, say yes to life,' he said. The awareness campaign will continue for about a year across the State from May 31 to June 26 in the first phase, June 26 to August 15 in the second phase, October 2 (third phase) and December 25 to January 15, 2026 in the fourth phase. The Chief Minister said the door-to-door awareness campaign will create awareness about the ill effects and health hazards of tobacco use. He said people should be made aware that 100 per cent of oral cavity cancer or lung cancer is caused by tobacco and cigarette use. 'If the only truth in the world is death, then why should it be painful? Therefore, everyone should adopt a healthy lifestyle,' he said, adding that advertisements of tobacco, cigarettes and drugs are also affecting the youth. He advised people to be careful about these deceptive advertisements. The Chief Minister also stressed on enforcement to check the prevalence of drug abuse and adulterated liquor. He said joint efforts should be made by Excise, Home Department and Narcotics Control Bureau to take strict action against the culprits. 'Efforts are being made to completely stop the sale of tobacco and drugs by empowering the STF. A new excise policy will be formulated soon to crack down on all types of intoxicants,' the Chief Minister said. At the event, Majhi launched the logo, theme song and handbook of the State-wide awareness campaign. Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said the government has, for the first time, launched a comprehensive awareness programme against the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. 'We will spread this message to the last person of the society. Apart from excise, the participation of other departments and civil society is also needed. The punishment for the offenders under the new Excise Act will be stricter,' he said. Odisha's brand ambassador of Nishamukti Abhiyan and sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik said it is the responsibility and duty of all to take this campaign to every home. The district collectors and excise officers of all the districts attended the programme virtually. In another event organised by the Health and Family Welfare department, stress was laid on interdepartmental coordination and public engagement. On this occasion, a signature campaign was launched to involve citizens in pledging their support to a tobacco-free Odisha. The department also released newly developed IEC (information-education campaign) materials to educate the public, particularly youth and vulnerable communities, on the risks associated with tobacco use. The event also witnessed the digital launch of the ToFEI (Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions) web application, which will assist schools and colleges in self-assessing and reporting their compliance with national tobacco-free guidelines.


Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business Recorder
Section 144 imposed across Punjab
LAHORE: To ensure the necessary arrangements before the arrival of Eid-ul-Azha, the Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 on specific activities across the province. According to the notification, Section 144 will be enforced on five types of activities. According to the details, sale and purchase of sacrificial animals has been banned across Punjab except in notified cattle markets. Section 144 has also been enforced across Punjab on burning head and trotters of sacrificial animals in public places and bathing and boating in rivers, streams, canals and dams. Similarly, Section 144 has also been imposed for throwing animal waste in manholes, drains or canals. The display of firearms and ammunition has also been strictly prohibited across Punjab. According to the orders issued by the Home Department, Section 144 has been enforced across the province from 5th June until Wednesday 11th June. The notification stated that Section 144 was imposed to establish law and order and to protect the environment and human lives. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


The Print
3 days ago
- Health
- The Print
Odisha CM launches year-long awareness campaign against drugs, intoxicants
'About 1.4 million people lose their lives in India every year due to tobacco use. Among the deaths reported in the country every year due to various causes, about 10 per cent are due to tobacco use alone,' he said. Majhi launched the campaign at the state-level programme held on the occasion of the 'World No Tobacco Day'. Bhubaneswar, May 31 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday launched a year-long state-wide campaign against drugs and intoxicants and asserted that awareness is the only solution to prevent tobacco-related deaths in the country. Stating that it was time for the public, especially the youth, to take this issue seriously, Majhi appealed to all to join the awareness campaign against intoxicants and drugs. 'I call upon all to take a resolution to adopt a life free from addiction. Say no to tobacco, say yes to life,' he said. The awareness campaign will continue for about a year across the state from May 31 to June 26 in the first phase, June 26 to August 15 in the second phase, October 2 (third phase) and December 25 to January 15, 2026 in the fourth phase. The chief minister said the door-to-door awareness campaign will create awareness about the ill effects and health hazards of tobacco use. He said people should be made aware that 100 per cent of oral cavity cancer or lung cancer is caused by tobacco and cigarette use. 'If the only truth in the world is death, then why should it be painful? Therefore, everyone should adopt a healthy lifestyle,' he said, adding that advertisements of tobacco, cigarettes and drugs are also affecting the youth. He advised people to be careful about these deceptive advertisements. The chief minister also stressed on enforcement to check the prevalence of drug abuse and adulterated liquor. He said joint efforts should be made by Excise, Home Department and Narcotics Control Bureau to take strict action against the culprits. 'Efforts are being made to completely stop the sale of tobacco and drugs by empowering the STF. A new excise policy will be formulated soon to crack down on all types of intoxicants,' the chief minister said. At the event, Majhi launched the logo, theme song and handbook of the state-wide awareness campaign. Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said the government has, for the first time, launched a comprehensive awareness programme against the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. 'We will spread this message to the last person of the society. Apart from excise, the participation of other departments and civil society is also needed. The punishment for the offenders under the new Excise Act will be stricter,' he said. Odisha's brand ambassador of the Nishamukti Abhiyan and sand artist Sudarsan Patnaik said it is the responsibility and duty of all to take this campaign to every home. The district collectors and excise officers of all the districts attended the programme virtually. In another event organised by the Health and Family Welfare Department, stress was laid on interdepartmental coordination and public engagement. On this occasion, a signature campaign was launched to involve citizens in pledging their support to a tobacco-free Odisha. The department also released newly developed IEC (information-education campaign) materials to educate the public, particularly youth and vulnerable communities, on the risks associated with tobacco use. The event also witnessed the digital launch of the ToFEI (Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions) web application, which will assist schools and colleges in self-assessing and reporting their compliance with national tobacco-free guidelines. PTI AAM AAM ACD This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.


Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Night traffic patrolling plan rolled out for Eid
In a bid to ensure public safety and manage rising traffic during Eidul Azha, Lahore's Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Dr Athar Waheed has announced round-the-clock patrolling across all 44 sectors of the city. Special focus will be placed on areas near major cattle markets, where dedicated traffic police camps have been established. These camps are equipped with public address systems and water facilities to assist commuters and buyers. "E-Challan defaulters will face immediate action. All violators will be dealt with strictly," said Dr Waheed. "We aim to ensure a smooth and secure experience for citizens during Eid." The announcement comes as part of a broader province-wide security and traffic plan rolled out by the Punjab Home Department. Amid increased public movement and security concerns during the festive season, authorities are implementing strict protocols at Eidgahs, mosques, markets, and other public venues. Only organisations registered with the Punjab Charity Commission will be permitted to collect sacrificial animal hides. The Home Department reiterated that banned outfits will face a zero-tolerance policy. "All districts have been directed to formulate special security plans, including surveillance and screening measures," said a spokesperson for the Home Department. The deputy commissioners have been empowered to impose Section 144 wherever necessary to maintain peace and order. Entry and exit points across the province will be closely monitored, with divisional and district intelligence committees instructed to finalize security arrangements immediately. Cattle markets are to be established strictly at designated locations outside city limits, with a ban on animal sales elsewhere. Security around sensitive locations will be reinforced through coordinated, intelligence-based search operations. Major Eid congregations will feature walk-through gates, CCTV cameras, and on-ground screening teams. The Punjab Sound Systems (Regulations) Act 2015 will be strictly enforced to prevent sectarian or inflammatory speech, with violators facing swift legal action. Hospitals have been placed on high alert and instructed to ensure adequate medical supplies and full staff availability.


Indian Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Haryana to conduct statewide mock drill Operation Shield tomorrow
On Thursday, Haryana will conduct 'Operation Shield', a state-wide civil defence exercise to further strengthen emergency preparedness and response capabilities in war-like situations. The comprehensive drill, slated to begin at 5 pm, is being organised under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and will simulate critical incidents such as air raids, drone attacks, and other wartime scenarios in the wake of national security concerns. Additionally, a controlled blackout of 15 minutes will be observed from 8 pm to 8.15 pm near vital installations, with the exception of essential emergency services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations. Mock drills will also be held in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Gujarat on Thursday evening, authorities said. Dr Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Haryana said, 'The exercise aims to test existing emergency mechanisms, improve coordination between the civil administration, defence forces, and local communities, and identify areas that need to be strengthened, thus ensuring swift and effective response during any crisis.' 'The drill will involve large-scale mobilisation of civil defence wardens, registered volunteers, and youth organisations, including the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and Bharat Scouts & Guides, to assist in simulated emergency scenarios. Key components include drills responding to aerial threats such as air raids and swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), activation of air raid sirens, and testing of control room communication hotlines established with the Indian Air Force,' Misra said. The additional chief secretary highlighted that the exercise aligns with the Incident Response System (IRS) which Haryana officially notified on January 28, 2025, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, providing a structured framework for effective emergency response. On Wednesday, Misra directed all deputy commissioners, who also chair the district disaster management authorities, as well as commissioners and superintendents of police, to ensure meticulous planning and execution of the mock drill in their jurisdictions. 'They have been instructed to submit detailed Action Taken Reports to the Commandant General, Home Guards, and Director, Civil Defence, Haryana, which will be compiled for state-level review and forwarded to the MHA. The above mock exercises are scheduled for May 29 between 5 pm and 9 pm and should not be a cause of alarm for citizens,' Misra added. Earlier, a statewide mock drill, Operation Abhyaas, was conducted on May 7 shortly after Operation Sindoor, India's military operation which targeted terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).