The consumption of tobacco among adults in Karnataka has declined by nearly 5.4% points in seven years (from 28.2% in 2009–10 to 22.8% in 2016–17), as per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2). To continue the fight against tobacco use, the Consortium for Tobacco Free Karnataka, along with State Health and Family Welfare Department, will be observing World No Tobacco Day on May 31. A host of events have been planned to mark the day.
- A walkathon from Anand Rao Circle to Freedom Park
- Public information kiosks in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Ballari, Davanagere, and Tumakuru for three days from May 29
- One million signature campaign to demand strict regulation policy on the sale of tobacco products and removal of Smoking Zones at public places
- Launch of an app to report COPTA violations
The theme of this year’s celebration, set by the World Health Organization (WHO), is ‘Tobacco breaks hearts’ with focus on the impact of its use on the cardiovascular health of people. A walkathon from Anand Rao Circle to Freedom Park here, followed by a skit to raise awareness, public information kiosks in six cities, and one million signature campaign are some of the events that will be held. Announcing the programmes at a press conference on Friday, Selvaraj, Deputy Director, Medical, State, Health and Family Welfare Department, said, “The GATS-2 shows a significant decrease in prevalence of tobacco use. This means we are putting efforts in the right direction.”
U.S. Vishal Rao, cancer surgeon and member of the government high-powered committee on tobacco control, said, “Around 23.9% of exposure to tobacco for non-smokers is from public places and 14% of this happens at eateries, hotels, restaurants, and bars. To put an end to second-hand smoking, a complete ban on smoking in public spaces is a must.”
On the one million signature campaign, S.J. Chander, convener of the consortium, said, “The campaign aims to collect 10 lakh signatures, demanding strict regulation policy on the sale of tobacco products and demanding the removal of Smoking Zones at public places.”
An app, which can be used to report any COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) violation, will also be launched at the event. The report will be sent to the respective jurisdiction’s enforcing officers for further action. “This will help public participation for the larger cause. We have planned to launch an information kiosks at public places for three days from May 29 in six cities: Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Ballari, Davanagere, and Tumakuru. The kiosk in Bengaluru will be at Victoria Hospital,” he added.
