Extensive drive undertaken to enforce COTPA, 2003 in Lakhimpur

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: The Lakhimpur District Tobacco Control Cell has appealed to the people of the district to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA, 2003) for the greater interest of the public and individual health. COTPA, 2003 is an Act that prohibits advertisement and regulates trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products in India.

In this connection, Dr. Jagadish Goswami, the Nodal Officer, on behalf of the Lakhimpur District Tobacco Control Cell, stated in a press release that smoking leads to disease and disability and harms nearly every organ of the body.

"Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis. Similarly, chewing tobacco, which is also known as smokeless tobacco or spitting tobacco, that includes khaini, pan masala, gutkha causes oral cancer, such as cancer of the mouth, throat, cheek, gums, lips or tongue esophagus cancer and pancreas cancer. It can increase risks for early delivery and stillbirth when used during pregnancy. It also increases the risk for death from heart disease and stroke," stated the press release.

The same press release said that almost 80 lakh people across the globe die of various diseases caused by tobacco use. Out of them, 12 lakh people die of secondhand smoke exposure. Almost 13,50,000 people die in India due to tobacco addiction.

In this backdrop, the COTPA, 2003 being incorporated with 33 Sections, has been enforced in order to secure public health. Section 4 of the Act prohibits smoking in public places while Section 6 (A) prohibits the sale of cigarette or other tobacco products to a person below the age of 18 years.

On the other hand, Section 6(B) prohibits the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products in an area within a radius of 100 yards of any educational institution.

Under such circumstances, the Lakhimpur District Tobacco Control Cell has undertaken extensive steps to enforce the rules and regulations of the COTPA, 2003 across the district in association with the general administration and Police Department, the press release added. The Nodal Officer of the District Tobacco Control Cell has appealed to the people of the district and all concerned to extend their cooperation in this venture to create a tobacco-free society in Lakhimpur district.

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