The Hindu : Front Page : Tamil Nadu to become smoke-free by 2012

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Monday, Nov 26, 2007
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Tamil Nadu to become smoke-free by 2012

Special Correspondent

— Photo: R. Ragu

CREATING AWARENESS: Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss (right), presenting a compact disc on ‘smoke-free world’ to Chennai Mayor M. Subramanian in Chennai on Sunday.

CHENNAI: Chennai will become a smoke-free city by 2010 and Tamil Nadu a smoke-free State by 2012.

As a first step in this direction, Health and Family Welfare Minister Anbumani Ramadoss launched the Tamil Nadu Tobacco Control Coalition (TTCC) here on Sunday in the presence of Chennai Mayor M. Subramanian and released an audio CD on ‘Smoke-Free World.’

Delivering the special address at the ‘Consultation on Tobacco Control in Tamil Nadu,’ organised by the TTCC and Pasumai Thaayagam, Dr. Ramadoss said that he would urge the State Chief Minister to make Tamil Nadu the first smoke-free State in the country. He has been urging the Chief Ministers of Delhi and Maharashtra to make Delhi and Mumbai ‘smoke-free’ cities.

In the next 3-4 months, the Centre would form the Central Tobacco Regulatory Authority to monitor and implement tobacco control laws. It would be a law-implementing agency entrusted with full powers. The Centre would also launch a national programme to bring down the use of tobacco products in public places.

The programme would empower police, headmasters, bus drivers and conductors and law enforcers to penalise offenders. “The fine is Rs 200 per offence, whereas we want it raised to Rs 2,000,” he added. He urged people to take to the streets to oppose the use of tobacco products in public places.

Most people were not aware of the Tobacco Control Act that prohibited smoking in public places. Changes would be made in rules to make workplaces smoke-free zones. “Wherever there are employees, be it hotel, bar, restaurant or office, it should be made into a smoke-free place to save them,” he said.

Dr. Ramadoss said that around 40 per cent of health problems in India were caused by tobacco products. “When tobacco consumption is coming down in developed countries, why should it go up in developing countries? If Bangladesh can bring down tobacco consumption, why can’t we? If Chandigarh can become a smoke-free city, why can’t Chennai,” he asked.

Mr. Subramanian said that over 2,500 people lost their lives every day owing to the tobacco epidemic.

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