To the credit of the State Government and district administration, Shimla and the areas falling under its jurisdiction has been declared smoke-free.
The entire district was on Friday declared smoke-free under Section 4 of COTPA 2003. Shimla Deputy commissioner Dinesh Malhotra, at a function at Bachat Bhavan, signed the declaration in this regard. The function was organised by HP Voluntary Health Association and the district administration.
Malhotra said a scientific survey was conducted by Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), that included five parametres, and the report indicated 92.17 pc compliance in Shimla district. There was 89.64 pc compliance in rural areas and 96.65 pc in urban areas.
Medical superintendent, IGMC, Shimla, Dr Ramesh said the compliance report was based on the findings on active smoking in public and work places, availability of ash trays and lighters, butts of cigarettes, smell of cigarette smoking and warning signage.
Under Section 4 of COTPA, 92.17 pc compliance with the above-mentioned indicators was reported in Shimla district. Medical officer, Health, Shimla, Dr. Mahesh Jaiswal said cigarette smoke contained 4,000 different toxic chemicals harmful to human health.
Sriniwas Joshi of HPVHA said “around 16 pc in the age group of 15 to 17 and 21 pc in the age group 18-19 were smokers in Himachal Pradesh signifying a need for more awareness amongst college and university going students.
Smoking destroys vitamin A in the body and the skin loses glow and lustre.”