Health Dept issues 14 challans for COTPA violations

The Health Department today issued 14 challans during a special enforcement drive against violations of the COTPA Act, targeting illegal tobacco sales and public smoking across Amritsar.

The operation was led by Deputy Director (Dental) Dr Jagan Jyot Kaur. She said the campaign aims to make the district tobacco-free by strictly enforcing anti-tobacco laws. A special team comprising District MEIO Amardeep Singh and Dr Shabnamdeep Kaur and supporting staff conducted inspections at Dab Khatikaan, Hathi Gate and Hasal Gate areas. Eight shopkeepers were fined for illegal sale of tobacco products, while six individuals were penalised for smoking in public places. Dr Kaur said all tobacco product packets must display mandatory pictorial warnings on both sides, highlighting that tobacco causes painful death and cancer.