INDIA: Jammu And Kashmir Tourism Players Roped In For Anti-Tobacco Drive

Various tourism players in Jammu and Kashmir have been roped in by Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) for a 10-day drive aimed at creating awareness about the ill effects of tobacco use.

"The anti-tobacco drive initiated from December 31, 2015 will continue till the end of this week with various tourism players and tourist police playing a vital part in the initiative," a VHAI spokesman said today.

He said various tourism players including, the Kashmir House Boat Owners Association (KHBOA)-consisting of house boat owners from Dal, Nigeen, Chinarbagh, Chaunth Kul and Jehlum River -- with a reach of around 960 houseboats were roped in to be part of this campaign.

"Kashmir Shikara and Taxi owners Association based around Dal lake with a reach of around 1,900 Shikaras and Kashmir Hotel and Restaurants Association (KHARA) with around 1,200-strong outlets across Kashmir valley are also playing a key role to make this drive a success," he said.

The spokesman said the participating associations provided 'No Smoking stickers' to their members to be displayed at prominent places in their premises.

Booklets on Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 produced by the VHAI were also shared with Unit Managers.