Imtiyaz Memorial Government Degree College Shopian in collaboration with District Administration, Shopian today organised a Seminar cum Awareness Rally on ‘No Tobacco Day’ to commemorate ‘World No Tobacco Day’, here.The theme for this year was “Tobacco; Threat to our Environment".Dr. Syema Sidiq Coordinator, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir spoke on the different aspects of consumption of Tobacco in different forms, and also threw light on ill effects of smoking.Other speakers emphasised on the need for the role of will power, determination and counseling of the afflicted.
They also stressed upon the effects of passive smoking and suggested various ways to control it while addressing the students.The speakers highlighted the bad effects of Tobacco consumption on the human body.Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Manzoor Hussain, Principal, Government Degree College Shopian, Bashir Ahmad Dar, DIO Showkat Hussain Ganie, AD, Planning, Tawseef Ahmad Dy. SP, Tariq Ahmad, Faculty Members, Staff and students of Government Degree College participated in the seminar.Later, ADDC flagged off the students Anti Tobacco Rally from Government Degree College Shopian which passed through the Main Chowk Shopian, with the motive of addressing the twin goals of appealing the public to stop use of Tobacco in any form and secondly raising awareness on harmful impacts on the use of Tobacco.
Several functions and awareness rallies were organised throughout the district on the eve of "World No Tobacco Day" especially by the Departments of Education, Health, Youth Services and Sports to create awareness among the people.District Administration Shopian has taken several steps to control use of Tobacco by declaring No Smoking Zones in offices, banning Smoking in premises of offices and educational institutions of the district.Administration has also directed all District heads to curb use of Tobacoo in offices and public places and impose fines on violators, besides creating mass awareness throughout the district.