Udupi: Deputy commissioner Swaroopa TK on Friday emphasised the need to expand the ‘Tobacco-Free Village’ initiative in the district, directing officials to increase public engagement and awareness campaigns. Currently, only five gram panchayats have been selected under the programme, while Udupi district has a total of 155.

Tobacco-free model gains ground

Speaking at a review meeting on the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA-2003) under the District Tobacco Control Programme at Rajathadri, the DC noted that Heskatturu and Korgi gram panchayats have already been declared tobacco-free. She urged officials to highlight the positive impact in these villages to inspire neighbouring communities to follow suit.

Raids and penalties

The DC revealed that from April onwards, 23 raids had been conducted across the district, resulting in 324 cases booked and fines totalling ₹52,900. Even within the district hospital premises, 60 COTPA violations were recorded, leading to fines of ₹6,750. She called for increasing the frequency of such enforcement drives to strengthen compliance.

Schools lagging in compliance

The DC also reviewed progress on tobacco-free educational institutions. While the state government has created a dedicated website for schools and colleges to update their compliance status, only 504 of 1,069 schools in Udupi district have uploaded details so far. She directed the Department of Public Instruction and the Pre-University Education Department to complete updates within a week.

Surveillance and vigilance measures

Highlighting the need for stronger monitoring, the DC instructed officials to ensure all medical stores are equipped with CCTV cameras. Postal officials were asked to closely track international parcels and alert police in case of suspicious consignments.

Presiding over the district coordination committee meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), she further pointed out that 80,669 labourers are registered in the district. She called for awareness meetings for this workforce in cooperation with the health and police departments.

Migrant labourers under focus

The DC noted that a large number of migrant workers arrive in Udupi by train from northern India. She directed railway police to remain vigilant and check individuals suspected of transporting narcotics, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to curb illegal activities.

Conclusion

By linking the tobacco-free village drive with strict enforcement of COTPA and narcotics monitoring, Udupi district authorities aim to create a healthier and safer environment. The DC underlined that success depends on collaboration between officials, educational institutions, and communities in achieving tobacco-free and drug-free goals.