Mangaluru: Subramanya village, home to the famed Kukke Shri Subramanya temple, is moving towards becoming a tobacco-free zone. The Subramanya Gram Panchayat has resolved to prohibit the sale and use of all tobacco products in the village. Officials and elected representatives have begun penalising shops selling cigarettes, bidi, or chewable tobacco while also focusing on cleanliness drive around the temple premises.Kukke is a famous shrine of the serpent god in South India, where people from across the nation, including celebrities from the film world, cricket, and political leaders, visit often. During festivals and special occasions, the temple witnesses a large footfalls of about 45,000 to 50,000 devotees visiting the temple.Sujatha Kallaje, president of the gram panchayat, told TOI that a campaign is being held with the aim to make the village completely free from tobacco and litter. “The gram panchayat launched a campaign from Sept 15, and it is being carried out with the support of various organisations, hospitals, educational institutions, and departments. All schools and colleges have also joined hands with the gram panchayat to make the campaign successful. It is unfortunate that littering in public spaces has become a regular thing in Subrahmanya. Hence, we have started imposing penalties with the help of police, and the health department,” she said.Making Subramanya a complete tobacco-free village is the major goal of the gram panchayat. However, it is not possible in a day or two. Hence, regular drives are being held with the support of officials, said Sujatha.“Kukke is a major temple tourism destination. Hence, it is our responsibility to keep the temple town clean and free from tobacco. We have kept waste collection booths at many places in the village. There are nearly 500 shops and establishments between Kumaradhara and the temple.
