Launching programme of “smoke free district headquarters campaign”-cum-district level coordination committee (DLCC) meeting of district tobacco control cell (DTCC) was held on August 27 in the conference hall of the deputy commissioner (DC), Kohima.
According to a DIPR report, addressing at the launching campaign programme, KMC administrator, Lanusenla Longkumer stated that smoke free campaign was to strengthen enforcement of section 4 of COTPA 2003 which banned smoking in public places. She suggested the members to implement more stringent enforcement to identify illegal smoking places such as restaurants, offices and other public places for a smoke free city.
She added that in order to make Kohima a tobacco-free city, it would require not only involvement of government agencies but also cooperation from villages, NGOs, police and every individual.
Meanwhile, district nodal officer (NTCP), Dr. Arenla Walling highlighted the activities of district tobacco control cell.
During the programme, joint director (dental) state nodal officer Dr. C. Tetseo declared Mezoma and Dzuleke as “tobacco free villages”.
Reviewing the last meeting minutes, Dr. C. Tetseo also suggested members to install surveillance cameras to keep checked illegal smoking at public places.
The programme was followed by discussion on various agenda on smoke-free district headquarter campaign and implementation of more activities for the campaign to sensitise on harmful effects of tobacco in the district.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by DC Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie.