An anti-tobacco and drug abuse awareness rally was taken out here on Saturday.

District Collector R. Sukumar flagged off the rally near NCC Office at Anna Nagar in Palayamkottai and walked for about 2 kms along with other participants carrying anti-tobacco and drug abuse awareness slogans. The rally went up to the District Health Office via the District Police Office. Along with the NCC cadets, health officers of public health centres, corporation officials and others participated in the rally.

The rallyists urged the public to understand the enticing strategies of tobacco manufacturers to save themselves from a range of serious ailments, including cancer.

The Collector, who administered pledge to the participants, also flagged off the anti-tobacco and drug abuse awareness campaign vehicle, which will visit various parts of the district for 30 days.