BARELY A month after schools in Budgam district were declared tobacco-free, Srinagar district administration has embarked on a drive to make sure schools in the summer capital smoke-free as well. It started after Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Baseer Ahmed Khan directed Chief Education Officer, Srinagar to ensure installation of sign boards at all the schools of Srinagar, both government and private, so that all schools can be declared as smoke free.

According to the official press release, Khan has further directed the Police and Drug & Food Control Organisation to take action against shops selling tobacco and tobacco products within 100 yards of the educational institutions.

It may be mentioned that all public places in Budgam District have been declared tobacco free and similar action is being initiated by other districts. Earlier, Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara Mohammed Shafi took many initiatives in the district by imposing fine on offender.

Executive Director, J&K Voluntary Health Association, A.M.Mir has conveyed his support to DC Srinagar and assured that organization and volunteers would assist the district administration to ensure that all public places in Srinagar are made tobacco-free. Mir also conveyed his appreciation to Azim Tuman, Chairman House Boat Owners Association, as well, who volunteered to remove all ash trays from House boats so that all House Boats are declared tobacco free. It is pertinent to mention that tobacco not only causes cancers, which result in death but also causes fire incidents at vulnerable places such as House Boats, which are completely made of wood and can easily catch fire.