In a recent district-level coordination committee meeting of the National Tobacco Control Program, held at the Collector's Office, Thane, a critical decision was made to prioritise public awareness efforts. The primary goal is to transform schools and government offices in the district into tobacco-free zones.

The meeting, which was conducted under the auspices of the National Health Mission and the guidance of Kailash Pawar, saw the active participation of notable officials, including Collector Ashok Shingare, Additional Collector Manisha Jaibhaye-Dhule, District Surgeon Dr. Gangadhar Parge, and various other department heads.

One of the central initiatives discussed during the meeting was the "Tobacco-Free School" project, which is being implemented in the district through the charitable organization "Salam Mumbai." This organization has launched a dedicated app, aligning with the criteria set by the central government, for schools to participate in the initiative. Since April 2023, 932 schools in the district have joined hands in striving to meet the criteria for a tobacco-free environment.

Furthermore, to raise awareness and ensure tobacco-free premises, the National Tobacco Control Program has been actively spreading public awareness campaigns targeting government institutions within the district. So far, 15 tobacco-free centres have been established in primary health centres, rural health centres, and other government health facilities. Counsellors are available at these centres to provide guidance and support to those seeking to quit smoking.

To enforce the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA Act 2006), authorities in the district have taken action against 412 individuals since April, collecting fines totalling Rs. 71,410 from offenders.

During the meeting, District Dentist Dr. Archana Pawar emphasised the need for cooperation among all agencies involved to effectively implement the National Tobacco Control Act in the near future.