In light of the upcoming Navratri and Durga Puja festivals, the administration has shown strictness regarding the implementation of the COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act). The Health Department and district administration will ensure strict adherence to the COTPA law. Selling and consuming tobacco products in public places fall under the category of offenses according to the COTPA Act. Individuals caught consuming tobacco may face fines under the law.
Dhanbad: With the onset of Navratri and Durga Puja, the Health Department and district administration are rigorously enforcing the COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act). The consumption of any form of tobacco is strictly prohibited in these public places.
Tobacco products such as cigarettes, gutka, bidi, etc., cannot be consumed publicly. Health Department and district administration teams will be present at various public places with flying squads to monitor and enforce these regulations.
What is the COTPA Act? Under the COTPA Act, both selling and consuming tobacco products in public places are offenses. Dr. Chandrabhanu Pratap Singh, a civil surgeon, explained that the COTPA Act is applicable in Dhanbad. Selling tobacco products and consuming them in public places both come under the category of offenses.
For this, district-level teams and block-level teams have been formed. District-level teams have the authority to conduct necessary raids at any location. On the other hand, block-level teams are instructed to conduct inspections in their respective blocks.
Awareness Campaign Through Banners and Posters Dr. Singh stated that in order to raise awareness about the COTPA Act, banners and posters will be displayed at various places by the Health Department. These banners and posters will be placed around the Puja pandals.
He emphasized that tobacco consumption not only leads to a rise in cancer cases but also contributes to social issues. Dr. Singh informed that within 100 meters of any educational institution, tobacco products cannot be sold. Shopkeepers below the age of 18 are also prohibited from selling tobacco products.
It is mandatory to display a warning board in shops before selling tobacco products. The consumption of any form of tobacco in government and private offices is considered an offense. It is essential for people to be aware of these regulations.”
