In what is seen as a major achievement, the South Goa district has achieved the status as a smoke-free district. It is now just a matter of time and a mere formality before the government declares South Goa a smoke free district. In a communiqué, the Union, South East Asia Office of International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease has said that South Goa district has achieved parameters, including no active smoking observed (94 per cent), smoking signage displayed (63 per cent), absence of smoking aids (93 per cent), no cigarette butts/bidi end (83 per cent) and no smoking smell (90 per cent). The findings of the survey indicated that active smoking was not observed at 94 per cent of the public places in South Goa district, while 63 per cent of public places had displayed prominent no smoking signage, warning against smoking in a public place and informing public of their rights to enjoy a smoke free environment. Around 93 per cent of public places had no smoking aids such as ashtrays, match boxes and lighters etc, while 90 per cent of public places were observed to be free from tobacco smoking smell. The report said that public places in South Goa has shown more than 80 per cent of overall compliance to the core indicators. However, continuous monitoring and corrective actions through public awareness, education and strategic enforcement and periodic surveys has been recommended to maintain its smoke free status. The survey was conducted by the District Administration and District Tobacco Control cell. The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases provided technical support for the conduction of the survey. Expressing satisfaction over the news, District Collector N D Agrawal complimented the various stakeholders and the public at large for the achievement. “This is the second major achievement for South Goa. Last year, South Goa district was declared as the best district for its initiatives for the disabled,” he said.