Shopian – November 14, 2026: In a robust public health offensive designed to shield adolescents and students from nicotine dependence, the District Health Society Shopian officially inaugurated the 60-day ‘Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0’ across all educational zones and commercial centers of the apple-rich district.
The multi-pronged campaign, synchronized with guidelines from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, focuses on strictly enforcing COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) regulations. District flying squads have been mandated to penalize vendors operating within 100 yards of schools, colleges, and sports complexes, with repeat violators facing license cancellations.
Alongside regulatory enforcement, the health department is setting up dedicated tobacco cessation counseling pods at sub-district hospitals and community health centers. Medical officers and trained behavioral psychologists will conduct interactive wellness workshops, educating youth on the severe cardiovascular and pulmonary damage caused by smoking and smokeless chewable products.
Civil administrators appealed to village Panchayats, trade unions, and youth clubs to join the enforcement drive, creating clean community spaces that deter substance abuse among rising generations.
Published by True Roots Media