Bomdila: The District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) in Bomdila marked the occasion of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) on May 31, 2023, with a series of activities aimed at spreading mass awareness against tobacco use. This year’s theme, “We Need Food, Not Tobacco,” resonated throughout the event.
The day began with a cyclathon and miking initiative in the Bomdila Township. The event was inaugurated by the Additional District Magistrate cum ADC of Bomdila, Sang Khandu, in the presence of Dr. R D Thongchi, the District Medical Officer (DMO) of Bomdila, Arvind Panggen, the EAC cum Town Magistrate of Bomdila, Kesang Wangda, the CO cum Nodal Officer of Nasha Mukt-Bharat in Bomdila, local media houses, the District Police Team, and cyclists from Rupa and Bomdila town. The cyclathon was organized as part of the ‘Tobacco Free Youth Campaign’ and witnessed enthusiastic participation from the district’s youth cyclists.
Simultaneously, miking activities were carried out in collaboration with the District Information and Public Relations Office (DIPRO) under the Bomdila Township. The miking campaign aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use on human health, promote tobacco control laws, and disseminate guidelines for tobacco-free educational institutions.
Following the events, a short District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) meeting of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) was held at the circuit house in Bomdila. Chaired by ADC Bomdila, Sang Khandu, the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Dr. R D Thongchi (DMO Bomdila), the EAC cum Town Magistrate of Bomdila, Kesang Wangda (CO Bomdila), Bomdila Police personnel, staff from the DMO Office and DIPRO Office Bomdila, among others. The meeting focused on the implementation of the NTCP in the district, covering topics such as the enforcement of tobacco control laws, adherence to guidelines for tobacco-free educational institutions, information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns, and advocacy for the Tobacco-Free Village Campaign.
To further raise awareness, flex banners, posters, stickers, pamphlets, and other materials were utilized to disseminate information related to this year’s theme.
The day concluded with an anti-tobacco pledge administered at the Circuit House Bomdila, DMO Office Bomdila, General Hospital Bomdila, as well as at all Community Health Centers (CHCs), Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Additional Health and Wellness Centers (AHWCs), and Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) across the West Kameng district. The pledge aimed to motivate individuals to quit or abstain from all forms of tobacco use.
The District Tobacco Control Cell’s efforts on World No Tobacco Day received overwhelming participation and support from various stakeholders, signaling a united commitment to promote a tobacco-free environment and prioritize the well-being of the community.
