As well, the shopkeepers, who were not following the norms, were also prosecuted.
Smokers need to be extra cautious as the police are getting tough against smoking at public places. Offenders are being prosecuted as per the law in Dwarka area. Challans were issued to many people who were caught smoking at public places.
As well, the shopkeepers, who were not following the norms, were also prosecuted.
Police team and a Gurugram-based NGO ‘Sambandh Health Foundation’ are carrying this drive jointly.
Pramod Kumar, Coordinator of Sambandh Health Foundation (SHF), an organisation working towards tobacco control, said that the campaign was being carried by the Delhi Police and the NGO was working as facilitator.
“Police are actively imposing fines for violation and we are the facilitators. We have prosecuted many smokers and shopkeepers who were violating the norms. Prosecution is being done under The Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA),” he added.
He further said, “17.8 per cent people are tobacco users in Delhi. Estimated 10,000 people die every year due to tobacco related diseases. Nearly 81 children start using tobacco every day. Delhi Police is doing incredible work in this area and have contributed to saving lives. The objective of this drive is to protect non-smokers especially children.”
With the alarming number of deaths due to tobacco in the National Capital, Delhi Police have stepped up the anti-smoking campaign. According to data, since June 2017 to August 2019 in Dwarka, more than 9,500 challans have been issued to violators of The Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
Talking about the Western areas of Delhi, the total number of fines for violations under COTPA was Rs 23,380.
