Nagaland's Gariphema is India's First Tobacco-Free Village

Gariphema village in Nagaland has been declared the country's first "tobacco-free village".

The declaration was made by Principal Secretary R Benchilo Thong on the occasion of "World No Tobacco Day" on May 31,2014 at the Gariphema Village Council hall near Kohima.

It was result of an initiative taken by the Gariphema village council, Village Vision Cell and Village Students' Union, Principal Secretary R Benchilo Thong said.

A resolution was taken at the village that whoever sells alcohol and tobacco or whoever gets drunk and disturbs peace would be imposed a fine of Rs. 1000 while those consuming alcohol, 'bidi', 'paan', betel nut or smokeless tobacco on the street and public places would be fined Rs. 500.