COTPA: Special Health Dept team issues 32 challans for violations

A special team constituted by the district Health Department to check violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COTPA) Act has issued challans to 32 tobacco vendors and individuals for flouting the guidelines.

Civil Surgeon Dr Kirandeep Kaur said the COTPA Act prohibits the sale of tobacco products to minors and within 100 yards of educational institutions. It also mandates that tobacco product packaging must display warning labels and photographs depicting the harmful effects of its consumption, she said.

The official said those issued challans included some of the sellers who were not abiding by any of the guidelines and those who were found smoking in public places. She said COTPA prohibits smoking in public places, sale of tobacco products to minors, sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions and demands mandatory display of warning labels and photographs on tobacco product packaging.

The team led by Dr Jaganjot Kaur visited various areas of the city, including Queen’s Road, Hall Bazaar, Katra Jaimal Singh, Katra Sher Singh, and Hathi Gate. She emphasised the importance of strictly implementing the COTPA Act to make the district tobacco-free. She highlighted that selling tobacco products without following the prescribed criteria, such as displaying warning labels and photographs, is a criminal offence. Additionally, selling loose cigarettes and smoking tobacco in public places are also a punishable offence, she added.

The Civil Surgeon stressed that the Health Department is committed to enforcing the COTPA Act and creating awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco. The department is committed to protecting the public, especially youth, from the dangers of tobacco consumption, she added.