District-Level Sensitization Workshop on Tobacco Control held in Bandipora

BANDIPORA : To strengthen tobacco control measures and promote a tobacco-free environment, a District-Level Sensitization Workshop for Heads of Institutions and key stakeholders under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 was held on Thursday at the Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat, Bandipora.
The workshop was organised by the Tobacco Control Cell, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, in collaboration with the Health Department Bandipora. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora, Dr. Bhajan Kour, presided over the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bhajan Kour highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco consumption on public health and stressed the importance of effective implementation of the provisions of COTPA, 2003. She called upon all stakeholders to work in close coordination to create greater awareness, ensure compliance with tobacco control laws, and protect the younger generation from the ill effects of tobacco use.
The workshop was attended by officers from the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), who delivered technical presentations on tobacco control.
On the occasion, Dr. Nabeel, District Nodal Officer, NTCP Bandipora, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the health hazards of tobacco use, while officers from DHSK made presentations on the objectives of NTCP, the provisions of COTPA, 2003, and strategies for the effective implementation and enforcement of tobacco control measures.
The workshop sensitised participants about the objectives of the National Tobacco Control Programme, the legal provisions of COTPA, 2003, and the role of various departments in enforcing tobacco control measures.
Discussions also focused on strengthening inter-departmental coordination for the effective implementation of the Act across the district.
Heads of Institutions and representatives from the Revenue, Police, Health, Drug and Food Safety, Education, Municipal Council, Municipal Committees, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and the Media participated in the workshop.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting tobacco control initiatives through sustained awareness, coordinated enforcement, and active community participation, with the aim of promoting a healthier and tobacco-free Bandipora.