17 challans issued to vendors for violations in Amritsar

The Health Department has taken strict action under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and issued 17 challans in the city here on Thursday. Civil Surgeon Swaranjit Dhawan said that smoking in public places was a legal offence and the department was running a special drive to make the district tobacco free. The campaign is being carried out on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney.

A special team was formed under the leadership of Dr Jaganjot Kaur, District Dental Health Officer, which included District MEIO Amardeep Singh, SI Gurkiran Singh, Sandeep Singh and some other persons. The team carried out surprise checks at different locations in the city.

During the drive, eight shopkeepers at Ranjit Avenue and the market in front of MK Hotel were challaned for selling tobacco products in violation of rules. Another nine persons were fined on the spot for smoking at public places.

Dr Jaganjot Kaur, who is also the District Nodal Officer, National Tobacco Control Programme, said that COTPA rules would be strictly enforced in the district. As per the Government of India guidelines, every tobacco packet must carry a standard picture of a warning along with the message, she said.

“Tobacco causes painful death and cancer. Selling tobacco without these warnings, selling loose cigarettes or smoking at public places is a punishable offence,” she added. The department has appealed to the public to cooperate in this campaign and help in creating a healthy, tobacco-free environment.