In accordance with the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003, Population Services International Organization and District Administration will be organizing an awareness rally in every Gram Panchayat in the city during the period of next two months.

Today, District Collector Vikas S Bhale flagged off the rally from Collectorate premises. On the occasion, Chief Health officer, Dr R N Bairwa informed that it is important for everyone to breathe smoke-free air and for the purpose of spreading awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and consuming tobacco, this rally is being organized.

He also said that aforementioned act must be followed properly because smoking is like a slow poison. Every year almost 10 Lac people die in India because of smoking.

Abhilash from Population Services International said that this rally will go to all 467 gram panchayats in the district in the month of January and February. Thereafter, in the month of March, a survey will also be conducted related to smoking and tobacco consumption. He said that this is a pilot project which is being conducted in Kota and Jodhpur districts also.