Mandleshwar (Madhya Pradesh): In a significant move on World No-Tobacco Day this Saturday, Divisional Commissioner Deepak Singh directed the Khargone district administration to declare the entire temple areas of Maheshwar and Mandleshwar as tobacco-free zones. This includes the temple premises, fort complexes, ghats, parking areas, prasad counters, ticket counters, and food distribution zones.

The Commissioner has instructed the District Collector and the CEO of the District Panchayat to ensure strict implementation of the order. Violations will attract punitive action under applicable laws.

A local enforcement team will be formed, and signboards of ‘Tobacco-Free Zone’ will be prominently displayed throughout the designated areas. A nodal officer will also be appointed to oversee tobacco control measures.

Singh said Maheshwar and Mandleshwar are not only sacred pilgrimage sites but also prominent tourist destinations frequently visited by families.

Tobacco use poses serious health risks such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, and contributes to environmental pollution and passive smoking hazards in public places.

He said this initiative would protect people from tobacco exposure, maintain cleanliness by discouraging public spitting, and strengthen the state’s ‘Drug-Free and Cleanliness Campaign’. It will also significantly contribute to enhancing public health standards.

Notably, the World Health Organization aims to reduce global tobacco consumption by 30% by 2030. In India alone, tobacco-related diseases cause nearly 1.3 to 1.4 million deaths annually. National laws such as COTPA-2003 and provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita are in place to support tobacco control efforts.