Warns of penalising violators

Mysore/Mysuru: Following complaints of consumption of tobacco products in public places and illegal sale of it and also conducting raids and imposing fines had decreased since seven to eight months following COVID-19 pandemic. But from Nov. 12 (today), Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Dr. B.S. Manjunatha Swamy has instructed the officials concerned to enforce the ban on consumption of tobacco products in public places strictly.

Chairing the National Tobacco Control Programme’s Quarterly Progress Review Meeting at the DC’s Office recently, the ADC instructed the officials of the Police Department, Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), Tahsildars and Municipal Councils to impose fines on those found consuming tobacco products and liquor in the premises of Government Offices and public places.

District Tobacco Advisor Shivakumar, speaking on the occasion, said that there is a Government order asking every Panchayat Officer to register 20 COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) cases every month and asked the officials to take necessary action in this regard.

Pointing out that every Police Station should book cases under Sections 5, 7, 8 and 9 of COTPA every month, he informed that the monthly report should be submitted to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner and District Tobacco Control Cell.

Stating that the Police Department should co-operate with the Health Department to make Mysuru a tobacco-free city, he urged the ADC to take stringent action against black marketers and tobacco products sold without health warnings.

District Surveillance Officer of the Health Department Dr. Shivaprasad, who too spoke, said that Chamundi Hill should be made tobacco-free and added that steps should be taken to prevent carrying of tobacco products, liquor and plastics to the Hill. He suggested officials to inspect those visiting Hill Temple through steps and also those coming by their vehicles.