More focus is needed on creating widespread awareness against the use of tobacco in Uttarakhand. The youth should be informed about the harm tobacco would cause to them. The Uttarakhand Governor Krishan Kant Paul said this while speaking at an event of the World lung Foundation at the Raj Bhawan here on Monday. The Governor also released the Uttarakhand Youth Tobacco Survey (UYTS) 2016 conducted by the World lung Foundation on the occasion.
Paul said that the message “Tobacco Kills” should be disseminated even to the remote areas of the State. Tobacco use remains a major cause of tuberculosis, cancer and many other diseases. He opined that positive impact of the tobacco-free initiative of the Uttarakhand Government and World lung Foundation could be seen. The survey showed that there had been a decrease in the use of tobacco in the State though a lot more needs to be done.
The Guv said that several laws had been made regarding tobacco use. Implementation of the laws must also be ensured. Stating that youth are the soft target for tobacco products, he stressed on the need for special measures to keep school and college students away from tobacco. The ill effects of tobacco must be printed in text books and exercise books. Parents and teachers must also play their role in keeping children and youth away from tobacco, he said. The trend of smoking hookahs among youth also needs to be checked, added Paul.
The World lung Foundation president Dr GR Khatri threw light on the conclusions of the 2016 survey. The Uttarakhand State subordinate services selection board S Raju and Director General of police Anil Kumar Raturi were also among those present on the eve.