Ganderbal: In observance of World No Tobacco Day 2026, the District Legal Services Authority Ganderbal conducted a series of door-to-door awareness campaigns across various parts of the district through Adhikar Mitras under the directions of the Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal.
The campaigns were aimed at promoting public health awareness, legal literacy and tobacco-free lifestyles while educating citizens about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and the legal provisions regulating its sale and use.
As part of the initiative, Ghulam Jeelani Raina and Amreena Naaz conducted an awareness drive from Ganiwan to Dardwooder, informing residents about the serious health consequences of smoking and other forms of tobacco use, including cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses. They also emphasized the role of youth in spreading awareness and discouraging tobacco consumption.
Aasiya Mohi-ud-Din carried out a door-to-door campaign in the Kangan area, sensitising residents about the adverse effects of tobacco use, the importance of quitting addiction and protecting young people from tobacco dependence. Participants were also informed about free legal aid services available through DLSA Ganderbal and encouraged to report violations involving the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions.
In the Prang area of Manigam, Yasir Nissar Bhat interacted with local residents and shopkeepers regarding the dangers of tobacco, smoking and drug addiction. Shopkeepers were urged not to sell tobacco products to minors and to comply with laws governing tobacco sales.
Similarly, Nawaz Sharif Khatana conducted an awareness programme at Urpash Shajinagh and adjoining areas, focusing on the harmful effects of smoking, chewing tobacco and emerging nicotine products such as vapes and nicotine pouches. Participants were informed about the 2026 World No Tobacco Day theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” and educated about legal restrictions on the sale of tobacco products to minors and near educational institutions.
Awareness programmes were also organised in Wakura, Dab, Batwina and adjoining areas by Bilal Ahmad Kumar and Gh Nabi Tali. These programmes focused on the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 and sensitised the public and shopkeepers about restrictions on the sale of tobacco products to minors and near schools.
Further campaigns were conducted by Heaba Mushtaq in Ganderbal town, Mukhtar Ahmad Raina in Gund, Hanan and adjoining areas, and Bisma Bashir in Kondbal and Potermulla. These programmes focused on health risks associated with tobacco consumption, legal protections under anti-tobacco laws and the need to protect youth from nicotine addiction.
During all campaigns, special emphasis was laid on preventing tobacco use among young people, raising awareness about tobacco-related diseases, ensuring compliance with anti-tobacco laws and promoting healthy lifestyles. Residents were encouraged to actively support efforts aimed at building a healthier and tobacco-free society.
The awareness drives received an encouraging response from local communities, who appreciated the efforts of DLSA Ganderbal in spreading awareness on public health, legal rights and social responsibility at the grassroots level.
