BBMP launches anti-tobacco awareness campaign

BBMP and Partnership for Health Cities launch campaign to educate public on tobacco dangers in Bengaluru.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), in collaboration with the Partnership for Health Cities, launched an awareness campaign on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, to educate the public about the harmful effects of tobacco use, public smoking, and the ban on the hookah use in public places. 

 Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization, and Vital Strategies, the initiative will feature 16 autorickshaws travelling through Bengaluru’s busiest areas. These autorickshaws will broadcast messages to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco, smoking in public, and the illegal use of hookah.

 The week-long campaign aims to reinforce tobacco control laws and promote smoke-free public spaces for a healthier city. 

Suralkar Vikas Kishore, Special Commissioner (Health) at BBMP, along with Karigowda, Zonal Commissioner of Yelahanka, and Thriveni B.S., Project Director at Partnership for Health Cities, launched the campaign. 

Suralkar emphasised the importance of protecting citizens, especially children, from tobacco-related harm, stressing the responsibility of the community in promoting a tobacco-free future.