Tura observes world no tobacco day 2026; SP traffic raises concern over youth drug abuse
Tura, October 15, 2026: The District Level Celebration of World No Tobacco Day 2026 was held at the District Auditorium in Tura on Wednesday, with health officials, police personnel, educators and students coming together to raise awareness about tobacco addiction and substance abuse among young people.
Organised by the Office of the District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO) and the District Health Society, in collaboration with the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), West Garo Hills, the programme was held under the theme, “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.”
Superintendent of Police (Traffic), West Garo Hills, Rupam R. Marak, MPS, attended the programme as the chief guest. State Nodal Officer for NTCP and NOHP Dr. Nabanita Mawrie, DM&HO Dr. Arpita R. Marak, and other officials were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Marak expressed concern over the growing problem of drug abuse among young people, revealing that drug users in the region had been identified at just nine or ten years of age.
He urged parents to remain vigilant and closely monitor behavioural changes in their children, stressing the importance of early intervention and awareness in preventing substance abuse. He also highlighted the need for effective enforcement of tobacco control laws and informed the gathering about rehabilitation assistance available at the Seva Inland Rehabilitation Centre in Gambalgre.
In her keynote address, Dr. Mawrie highlighted the scale of tobacco consumption in Meghalaya, stating that approximately 47 per cent of adults and 34 per cent of children in the state use tobacco. She said tobacco use contributes to an estimated 8,000 preventable deaths annually.
Emphasising the need to safeguard children and young people, she called for stronger measures to prevent tobacco marketing from influencing young consumers, stricter enforcement of tobacco control regulations near educational institutions, and wider promotion of initiatives such as Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions and Tobacco-Free Villages.
The programme also featured awareness activities by students and youth groups. Students of Kilkra Kids Secondary School presented a group song, while members of the RSBC Youth Fellowship, Tura, staged an anti-tobacco skit highlighting the harmful consequences of tobacco use and substance abuse.
As part of the programme, Dalu Police Station received the District Level Best Performing Award in recognition of its contribution to tobacco control enforcement. Awards were also presented to Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions at the district and Tura urban levels, alongside winners of slogan-writing and poster-making competitions.
The event concluded with a pledge against tobacco use and substance abuse, with participants reaffirming their commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and protecting young people from addiction.
The observance underscored the importance of coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies, health authorities, educational institutions, parents and communities in addressing tobacco consumption and the growing concern over youth substance abuse in the region.