Health Department issues challans for COTPA violations

In a crackdown on tobacco sellers, the district health authorities issued challans to 32 individuals and recovered packs of cigarettes without pictorial warnings and e-cigarettes from them. Other seized items included imported cigarettes, vape, and e-cigarettes without pictorial warnings, which were subsequently destroyed.

Civil Surgeon Dr Kirandeep Kaur said there is a need to make the district tobacco-free and strictly enforce the COTPA Act. To achieve the goal, a special campaign has been launched, under which a dedicated team has been constituted, she added.

The team, comprising District MEIO Amardeep Singh, Dr Shabnamdeep Kaur, Paramjit Singh, and others, conducted inspections in different areas of the city.

Amardeep Singh said 25 shopkeepers in areas, such as Circular Road, Majitha Road, Gopal Nagar and Batala Road, were issued challans as they were found violating provisions of COTPA. He said that additionally, seven individuals were issued challans for smoking in public places.

District Nodal Officer for National Tobacco Control Program Dr Jaganjot Kaur highlighted the government’s mandate, which requires tobacco products to display prescribed photographs and warnings. She said, “Tobacco causes cancer and painful death and the purpose of these pictorial warnings is to make users aware of the same.” She added that selling tobacco without adhering to these criteria is considered a criminal offense.