Ernakulam was today declared as the first smoke free tourism destination in the country. The achievement was made following the continued efforts of the district administration, Health department, Kochi corporation and district panchayat, Ernakulam Collector, P I Sheikh Pareed said making the declaration.

Launched 18 months ago under the innovative 'Smoke Free' Ernakulam project, the initiative's first phase targetted controlling smoking in public places and effective implementation of the Indian Tobacco Control Act.

PTI