Preparations on in the city to be declared as a highest COTPA compliant city  

Mangaluru: Preparations are on to declare the city to be a highest COTPA compliant city. Currently, 60% of COTPA has been implemented in the city and it needs to be increased to 85% only after which the city can be declared as a highest COTPA compliant city.

On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day on May 31^st, the District Tobacco Control Cell and The District Survey Unit are continuously conducting operations to achieve 85% implementation of COTPA in Mangaluru city. In order to achieve this, DK District Tobacco Control Cell with assistance from the city police is conducting big level operations.

A strict eye maintained around college areas

Strict action is taken in accordance to COTPA implemented in 2003 for use and sale of tobacco products. But, tobacco is being nonetheless sold without any hindrance around colleges and other areas. Hence the team is resorting to strict action to curtail this.

Action for the proper implementation of the law

According to the law, no smoking caution board must be compulsorily installed at all public areas including hotels, bar and restaurant, movie theatres, petty shops and other public places. There is ban on sale of tobacco products to a person beneath the age of 18 years and within 100 meter radius from the outer boundary of an educational institution.

The main aim of the District Tobacco Control Cell and The District Survey Unit is to effectively implement the provisions of the law. Therefore during an operation, along with fining for violating the rule, the team also spreads awareness regarding the work. The team is also freely distributing warning boards wherever it has not been installed.

Public must cooperate

“Attempts are being made to declare the city as a highest COTPA compliant city operations are being conducted for this. The public must also cooperate by strictly following the rule,” said Dr Preeta, Advisor, DK District Tobacco Control Cell

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