Chandigarh, May 28, 2023 –We aim to make Chandigarh Tobacco Free city in collaboration with virtual Resource Centre for Tobacco Control (e-RCTC) and other stakeholders, said Mr Yash Pal Garg, Secretary Health UT Chandigarh and Chief Guest of the occasion while speaking at culmination of 6 km walkathon cum cyclothon from PGIMER to Sukhna Lake in commemoration of World No Tobacco Day. While praising the dedicated efforts of RCTC in raising awareness of common man on tobacco use and quitting, Mr Garg emphasized that collective efforts of every stakeholder is important to get rid of this dreadful menace from the society. The event was being organised by virtual Resource Centre for Tobacco Control established in Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER Chandigarh in collaboration with Indian Red Cross-Punjab, Indian Dental Association, Indian Medical Association- Chandigarh, Punjab University, SIPHER, and various clinical departments of PGIMER, Chandigarh. Nearly 600 individuals either cycled or walked in the event showcasing the spirit of unity and determination and giving message to tobacco users to quit tobacco use.

Dr Sonu Goel, Director of e-RCTC and Professor of DCM and SPH said that Chandigarh was declared as first smoke-free city of India in the year 2007 but has lost its status over-time. We will collaborate with Chandigarh administration and share best practices in tobacco control from other states of India to re-gain the lost status, Dr Goel said.

The Cyclothon and Walkathon event was flagged off at 6:10 AM by the esteemed guests, including Prof. R K Ratho, Sub-Dean Research, PGIMER; Dr. Adarshpal Kaur, Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare Punjab, Prof. Sonu Goel, Director of e-RCTC and Professor of DCM and SPH along with representatives from Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, New Chandigarh, Mohali, Director Health Services cum MD NHM Chandigarh and SIPHER.