Ernakulam is now a No Smoking zone

KOCHI: The District Administration has declared Ernakulam district as the first smoking-free tourist destination in the country. Excise Minister K Babu, inaugurated the function on behalf of the State Government. The minister said, “Law alone cannot bring about a total ban on smoking. The awareness can only be effective when people realise the need for this (ban).”He also said that the awareness on this issue should begin right from the students. Statistically, about 2500 people die around the world each day due to smoking. “If the use of tobacco is declining at one end, the use of Ganja and liquor is exceeding at the other end. This must be stopped,” he added.The declaration came in the wake of the success of the anti-tobacco measures taken by the Ernakulam District  Administration, Kochi Corporation and the District Panchayat.MLA Hibi Eden presided over the function. Mayor Tony Chammani, District Panchayat President Eldose Kunnappalli and District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth were also present.