The Health and Family Welfare Department on Wednesday launched a special drive against the illegal sale, promotion and public consumption of tobacco products in Chamba district. Officials of the Health Department, Food Safety and Standards Department and the police conducted the joint operation in and around Chamba town. Teams inspected several shops and commercial establishments to check violations related to the Tobacco Control Act and the food safety norms. The officials said that strict action was taken against shopkeepers found selling tobacco products without mandatory registration or licences. Challans were also issued to the violators for openly displaying cigarettes and tobacco items, allowing smoking in public places and flouting regulations governing the sale of tobacco products.
They said that cases related to indirect advertisements and promotional display of tobacco products were also taken seriously during the inspection. Several shopkeepers were found violating statutory provisions related to warning boards and tobacco sale regulations.
Departmental teams collected samples of tobacco and pan masala products from various shops for laboratory testing and further investigation. Notices were issued to shops and establishments found violating norms.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Jalam Bhardwaj said that the campaign was aimed at ensuring strict implementation of tobacco control laws and restricting easy access to tobacco products, particularly among youngsters.
He said shopkeepers were instructed not to sell cigarettes, gutka or any other tobacco products to children below 18 years of age.
Dr Bhardwaj said that the district administration and the health authorities were treating violations related to indirect advertisement and open sale of cigarettes with utmost seriousness. He added that similar drives would continue in future and strict action would be taken against repeat offenders.
“The objective of the campaign is to ensure effective enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act and protect the younger generation from the harmful and addictive effects of tobacco consumption,” he said.
