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| Smoke Free Chandigarh - A Case Study |
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| Session |
Smokefree Local Experiences
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| Date |
Wednesday, 11th March
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| Presenting Author |
Hemant Goswami
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| Author(s) |
Hemant Goswami
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| Country |
INDIA |
Abstract Body |
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| BACKGROUND: The Indian tobacco control legislation came into effect in 2004. This legislation among other things mandates smoke-free public places, hotels and requires each public place to affix appropriate warning boards. Despite the legislation, none of the states in India had enforced the law till 2006 when innovative approach resulted in complete compliance of the law and produced Chandigarh (Population 1.04 Million – Area 114 Sq. Km) as the first smoke-free State in India. OBJECTIVES: To understand how the correct mix of various ingredients and components of tobacco control activism can result in positive results. To assess how Chandigarh became the first smoke-free state of India. METHODS: The smoke-free Chandigarh process was assessed through various documents, correspondence, legal papers, pictures and media reports. It was found that innovative and new methods were tested to facilitate smoke-free campaign. Besides the regular educational activities to generate public support; Burning Brain Society used the power of independent judiciary, other legislations like Right to Information Act and liaisoning with the bureaucracy and the media to achieve success. RESULTS: Innovation in strategic war against tobacco resulted in Smoke-Free Chandigarh. The compliance with smoke-free legislation reached over 85 percent within six months of the initiative. Nearly 1800 warning boards as prescribed under the Indian tobacco law were installed within six months and hundred percent hotels and educational institutes became smoke free. CONCLUSIONS: Judicious mix of various form of activism can bring out good results. The results depend on a strategic combination of various activities. |
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