The initiative is taken by the State Tobacco Control Cell. It is also planning to create awareness among the slum dwellers on the effects of tobacco use.
Many studies have found that tobacco consumption is high among slum dwellers.
It has also been found that the most affected fall under the age between 13 and 25. Hence the government would be making the educational institutions in the slum areas smoke free.
The Cell has decided to make the slums of Korrukupet, Old Washermanpet, Vyasarpadi, Aynavaram, Aminjikarai, Marina, Egmore, Vadapalani, Saidapet and Santhome smoke free by May 31.
Once the programme is successfully implemented in these following slums, the government is also planning to extend it to the slums in the other parts of the state.
