Intl experts laud Delhi Govt's efforts to make it smoke-free

New Delhi, Jan 4 (UNI) International experts working in the field of tobacco control today lauded efforts being made by the Delhi Government to make the capital a smoke-free city by 2009, a year before the commencement of the Commonwealth Games.

A delegation of eminent international organisations working in the field, led by chairman of John Hawkins University School of Public Health, US, Dr Jonathan M Samet, today called on Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Delhi Health Minister Yoganand Shastri.

The delegation was highly appreciative to the efforts being made by the government in making Delhi a smoke-free city by 2009.

The delegation discussed the various issues pertaining to make the city smoke-free.

It is notable that the Delhi Government has resolved to make Delhi smoke-free by 2009. The ban of smoking in public places is being imposed by eight raiding squads, which are raiding the various public places.

An awareness campaign is being launched to educate the citizens about the harmful effects of smoking.

The Chief Minister and Dr Yoganand Shastri apprised the delegation about the plan of action to make Delhi smoke-free with the partnership of civil society.

The Delhi Government agreed to the proposal from John Hawkins University School of Public Health, US, wherein the 'Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids' and International Union of Against Tuberculosis and Lungs Disease (IUATLD) are to work with the government in the Nicotine level monitoring in various public places, and imparting training to Delhi teams.

The delegation, which also comprised the president of the 'Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids', Mattew L Myers, Regional Director, IUATLD, Nevin Willison, Sr Vice-President, World Lung Foundation, Sandra Mullin, Director of the 'Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids', Patricia Lambart and Regional Director, Tobacco Control, IUATLD, P P Mandal, appreciated the fact that Delhi had been having high political and administrative commitment to make Delhi smoke-free in a planned manner.

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