Tobacco’s devastating toll on humanity and the planet is no secret. Claiming over 8 million lives annually worldwide, this pervasive killer doesn’t stop at human health—it scars the environment through deforestation, toxic waste, and resource depletion. Each year, tobacco cultivation wipes out nearly 494,000 acres of forests globally, fueling a deforestation crisis that threatens biodiversity and climate stability. Beyond that, tobacco waste unleashes over 7,000 highly toxic chemicals into ecosystems, with cigarette butts alone making up 30 to 40 percent of debris collected during coastal and urban clean-ups. These staggering figures paint a grim picture, but in Assam, the stakes are even higher—and the resolve to fight back is stronger than ever.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021, a staggering 51.9% of Assam’s population uses tobacco, a statistic that underscores the urgent need for action. With such widespread use, the state faces a pressing challenge to protect its people, preserve its natural beauty, and pave the way for a healthier, tobacco-free generation. To meet this challenge head-on, Assam is doubling down on innovative strategies and grassroots efforts to curb tobacco consumption and its far-reaching consequences.
A pivotal moment came on November 11, 2024, during the State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) meeting chaired by Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam. The committee made a groundbreaking decision to expand the tobacco-free village campaign to every corner of the state, ensuring that no community is left behind in this transformative movement. Alongside this ambitious expansion, the SLCC committed to bolstering enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 through regular drives and integrating progress reviews into monthly crime review meetings. This multi-pronged approach aims to enhance coordination, strengthen accountability, and deliver measurable results in the fight against tobacco.
On the ground, Assam’s efforts are already bearing fruit. The District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) in Jorhat recently conducted a village-level reassessment in Sahpuria, Assam’s first officially declared tobacco-free village, a title it earned in 2013 under the State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC), Directorate of Health Services. This reassessment, followed by an enforcement drive targeting COTPA violations in Jorhat town, reflects a renewed commitment to sustaining tobacco-free zones. Similarly, an awareness program in Sonari Gaon, Teok, engaged local residents in the mission. Leading these efforts in Jorhat are District Commissioner Mr. Jay Shivani and Joint Director of Health Services Dr. Dilip Dev Sharma, whose guidance has been instrumental in driving progress.
In a parallel initiative, the residents of Janapath in Chandan Nagar teamed up with DTCC, Jorhat, to host a powerful community meeting aimed at rallying collective action against tobacco and drug abuse. Organized by Janapath Sanskritik Vikash Kendra and presided over by Sri Satyendra Lahon, the event saw robust participation from respected local leaders like Sri Narayan Bhuyan, Sri Bipin Khongia, and Sri Suresh Gogoi. Dr. Bhaktimay Bhattacharjee, District Nodal Officer of DTCC, Jorhat, delivered a compelling keynote address, while Sri Kamaljyoti Gogoi, retired Secretary of AHSEC, highlighted the alarming rise in alcohol and substance abuse in the region. Linking this trend to increased incidents of chain snatching and other anti-social behaviors, Gogoi issued a heartfelt call to action, urging residents of all ages to unite in vigilance and protect the youth from the dangers of addiction.
Assam’s multifaceted campaign—from statewide policy decisions to village-level activism—sets a powerful example of what’s possible when communities and leaders come together with purpose. As the state pushes forward, it’s not just about reducing tobacco use; it’s about reclaiming lives, safeguarding the environment, and building a legacy of health and resilience for generations to come.
