Say No to Tobacco, Say Yes to a Healthy Life

May 2026 ” In today’s modern era, while science and medical fields are advancing rapidly, the increasing addiction to tobacco on the other hand is creating a serious public health crisis. Consumption of gutkha, pan masala, kharra, cigarettes, bidis, and other tobacco products is rising at an alarming rate among both youth and adults. In this backdrop, May 31 is observed every year as “World No Tobacco Day.” This year, under the central theme “Expose the False Appeal – A Strong Response to Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” the focus is not only on awareness but also on building a wider social movement against tobacco use.

Tobacco is not merely a source of temporary pleasure; it is a major cause of life-threatening diseases such as oral cancer, throat cancer, lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

To address this serious challenge, the National Tobacco Control Programme in Kolhapur district has undertaken extensive efforts over the past year, including awareness drives, counselling, de-addiction services, and strict enforcement of laws. Through 17 tobacco cessation counselling centres in the district, a total of 5,763 patients were registered between April 2025 and March 2026. Out of these, 984 individuals successfully quit tobacco consumption completely. While this is seen as a positive step towards de-addiction, a parallel screening campaign revealed a concerning development—out of 713 suspected patients, 42 were diagnosed with cancer, sounding a serious warning for society.

To protect the youth from this deadly trap, special initiatives have been implemented in educational and health institutions, resulting in 117 tobacco-free schools and 536 tobacco-free health institutions in the district. Along with banning the sale of tobacco products near school premises, awareness activities such as lectures, collective pledges, and poster campaigns are bringing positive behavioural changes among students.

Beyond awareness, a large-scale enforcement drive under the COTPA Act (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003) has been jointly carried out by the police, health department, and Food and Drug Administration. Action has been taken against 561 individuals for smoking in public places and violating regulations. A total fine of ₹4,67,000 was collected by the health department, ₹1,92,000 by the police department, and ₹34,000 by the Food and Drug Administration, demonstrating strict enforcement of the law.

Considering the danger of passive smoking—which affects children, women, and the elderly around smokers—this fight has now become a collective social responsibility rather than just an administrative effort. The involvement of parents, teachers, gram panchayats, and social organizations is essential to guide the younger generation in the right direction.

A free counselling helpline (1800-11-2356) has been made available to help individuals quit tobacco addiction, and citizens are encouraged to use this service.

By rejecting tobacco and embracing a healthy life, every citizen is urged to actively participate in this de-addiction movement. Under the guidance of the District Collector, strict implementation of tobacco control laws continues in the district, with coordinated enforcement drives by the health, police, and food and drug administration departments against violators.