HT Correspondent
JORHAT, June 22: In a recent crackdown on individuals violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) of 2003, the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) in Jorhat successfully collected fines amounting to Rs 2,820. The drive, led by joint director of Health Services Dr Shashidhar Phukan and DTCC nodal officer Dr Bhaktimay Bhattacharyya, was conducted in collaboration with local police personnel.
Spanning from Baruah Chariali to the Tarajan locality, the initiative aimed to curb the usage of tobacco and its products in public spaces. Since 2008, the DTCC has carried out numerous drives against tobacco violators, resulting in a cumulative fine collection of Rs 195,000 across the district.
Under the ‘Moromor Jorhat’ initiative led by the Jorhat deputy commissioner, several awareness meetings have been organised throughout the year in tea garden areas to educate residents about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. The ultimate goal is to establish tobacco-free zones within the tea estates. The awareness campaign will continue to foster positive change in this regard.
In a separate event, Jorhat MLA Hitendra Nath Goswami and deputy commissioner Pulak Mahanta, alongside health department and JMCH authorities, distributed food packets to 20 tuberculosis (TB) patients. This initiative, known as the Nikshay Mitra Food Basket, was organised by the District Health Society as part of the National TB Elimination Programme. Five TB champions, survivors of TB who actively contribute to the fight against the disease, participated in the distribution ceremony.
