Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Amit Mehra has instructed Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) officials to take stringent measures to prevent the sale and consumption of tobacco products within bus stand premises. He said under the existing rules, if cigarette or bidi butts were found during inspections, the bus stand in-charge could be penalised at the rate of Rs 200 per butt.
Mehra was presiding over a meeting of the District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) held on Wednesday to review tobacco control activities, implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and measures aimed at creating a tobacco-free environment across the district.
The ADC directed officials to ensure effective implementation of rules governing the distribution and sale of tobacco products, including compliance with guidelines related to vendor registration and licensing. He also called for increased inspections and enforcement activities to curb violations.
Mehra urged members of the trade community to strictly enforce the ban on the sale of tobacco products to individuals below 18 years of age. He further directed the Police Department to strengthen surveillance around educational institutions and prevent the sale of tobacco products in their vicinity.
Reiterating the state’s stand on tobacco products, he said the sale and distribution of loose tobacco items such as khaini and gutka were completely prohibited. Any shopkeeper found violating the ban would face strict legal action in accordance with the law, he added.
Highlighting the district’s achievements under the tobacco control programme, Mehra said 55 villages in Chamba had already been declared tobacco-free.
“Efforts are underway to increase this number through coordinated action by various departments and active public participation,” he said.
Calling for a collective approach, the ADC stressed that the goal of a tobacco-free society could only be achieved through stronger enforcement and greater community involvement.
Earlier, District Programme Officer (Tobacco Control) Dr Karan Hiteshi presented a progress report on the district’s tobacco control programme. He briefed the committee on various provisions of COTPA, 2003, and outlined the awareness campaigns and enforcement activities being carried out across the district.
