Dimapur, August 20: Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO), in collaboration with the District Tobacco Control Cell, Kohima, had organised a workshop-cum-training for its volunteers on harmful effects of tobacco and COTPA 2003 on August 19 at Panchayat Hall, Kohima village.
Observing that Naga people are in the habit of consuming tobacco and its products which are harmful for the society, Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Rovilatuo Mor, urged upon every individual to maintain self control on the issue and sensitized the harmful effect of tobacco in respective areas for the benefit and betterment of the society.
He said the recent declaration of Kohima city as Smokeless City was to enforce prohibition of smoking in public places. He urged all the stakeholders to join hands in such tobacco control activities for better health and environment of the society.He further sought the assistance and support of KVYO while implementing the COTPA Act 2003 with the Enforcement Officer in the district. He also stressed on the requirement of appropriate approaches and dealings to implement the Act while enforcing the COTPA Act 2003. The DC was optimistic that the Act would be implemented successfully in the district with the combined effort of all the responsible stakeholders.
Resource person and Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary of Kohima District (KDLSA), Mezivolu T Therieh, speaking on “The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 2003 (COTPA)” highlighted on the roles and responsibilities of the authorised officers to collect fines. Therieh also stressed that State government should lay down detail guidelines for ensuring accountability for the amount collected as fine and channelising of funds collected through fine. She further highlighted on the roles and responsibilities of KVYO Volunteers and other stakeholders while carrying out the Act in the district.
Another resource person and Additional Director & State Nodal Officer (NOHP), Department of H&FW, Dr. Nisietsolie Savino, spoke on “Harmful Effects of Tobacco” wherein he said that tobacco is now the world’s leading single cause of death as per the World Health Statistics 2008 report. He also highlighted on the effects of tobacco on health, economy and environment.
Chairperson and KVYO general secretary, Kezhalelie Keretsu, stressed on the need to create awareness on harmful effect of tobbaco to students comprising 20 schools and colleges located in Kohima village. KVYO further assured support to DTCC in its activities in the days to come.
Nodal Officer DTCC, Kohima, Dr. Arenla Walling, proposed the vote of thanks.
