Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday inaugurated a year-long awareness campaign across the state aimed at combating the use of drugs and intoxicants. The campaign was launched during the state-level event held to mark World No Tobacco Day.

Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi emphasized the critical need for awareness as the most effective tool to curb the rising toll of tobacco-related deaths in India. He highlighted the grim statistics, revealing that approximately 1.4 million people in India lose their lives annually due to tobacco use. He further noted that tobacco consumption accounts for about 10 percent of all deaths caused by various ailments in the country each year.

The Chief Minister called upon citizens to join hands in spreading awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and other intoxicants, stressing that collective efforts are essential for safeguarding public health and building a healthier society.

The campaign will focus on educating people about the dangers of drug and tobacco use through various state-wide initiatives, aiming to reduce addiction rates and improve overall community well-being.

World No Tobacco Day, observed globally, serves as a reminder of the urgent need to combat tobacco consumption and its associated health risks, aligning with Odisha’s commitment to this crucial cause under the leadership of CM Majhi.