In the Kashmir Valley, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar inaugurated one day ‘Media Sensitization workshop on Tobacco control efforts of Government of Jammu and Kashmir’ in Srinagar yesterday.

The workshop, organised by Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, was held with an aim to raise awareness and engage media in support of Tobacco control efforts of Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the participants in the workshop, Advisor Bhatnagar advocated that better enforcement and coordination among various stakeholders is vital for combating the effects of Tobacco in the society. He said Tobacco use is gateway to usage of other drugs as well as alcohol and we need to employ strict measures to reduce its impact. 

The Advisor further highlighted that media has a vital role to play in tackling this menace in society and their ability as watchdogs of society at large makes them an important stakeholder in mitigating its impact. He called upon the mediapersons to make aware young ones about the ill effects of tobacco on one’s health as well as highlight violations as much as possible so that the required corrective action is taken.

Mr Bhatnagar, on the occasion, called upon the health authorities to coordinate with education department so that the aspect of ill effects of Tobacco use can be included into school curriculum from middle level.