Mysuru: Stressing the urgent need to protect young people from the growing menace of tobacco addiction, Mysuru Superintendent of Police (SP) Mallikarjun Baladandi said the ‘Tambaku Bittaku’ (Quit Tobacco) campaign is delivering a powerful message on the dangers of tobacco consumption and promoting healthier lifestyles among the public.

Speaking at the World No Tobacco Day programme recently organised by Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology (BHIO) and Red FM, SP Baladandi flagged off a specially designed awareness vehicle that will travel to corporate offices, educational institutions and public places across Mysuru district to educate people about the harmful effects of tobacco use.

Lauding the initiative, he observed that an increasing number of youngsters are falling prey to tobacco addiction, placing their health, education and future at serious risk.

The SP emphasised that tobacco addiction not only affects physical health but also disrupts family harmony, personal well-being and financial stability.

Despite stringent enforcement under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and sustained awareness efforts by Health Department, tobacco consumption among students and young adults remains a major challenge, he rued.

Dr. Y.S. Madhavi, Chief Radiation Oncologist and Medical Superintendent of BHIO, highlighted that according to Global Adult Tobacco Survey, one in four Indians consumes tobacco in either smoking or smokeless forms.

Referring to this year’s World No Tobacco Day theme, “Unmasking the Appeal,” she expressed concern that the average age of tobacco initiation is just 15 years and warned of its devastating health consequences, including oral cancer.

Chief Medical Oncologist Dr. C.B. Avinash said passive smokers are equally vulnerable to harmful effects of tobacco smoke and urged smokers not only to quit but also to encourage others to                       give up the habit.

Dr. Chaitra Katakol, Dr. K.N. Santosh Kumar, BHIO COO Gowtham Dhamerla and the Red FM team were present.