SRINAGAR: At least 16 people have been fined for smoking publicly in hospitals and offices in Srinagar, the summer capital of Srinagar, officials say.
A team of Food Safety Officer, Drug and Food Control Organisation, Kashmir, Anti Smoking Squad conducted an inspection of Old Secretariat, L D Hospital, Rajbagh, G B Panth Hospital, Forest Complex Lal Chowk.
Officials say during inspection 16 people were caught smoking and a fine of Rs 1750 was realised from them.
The team also inspected various markets of Koker Bazar and Rajbagh where shopkeepers voluntarily destroyed huge quantity of the guktha, which has been banned in the state.
Authorities in Srinagar continue with their drive against smoking in the public after the district was formally declared ‘smoke free’ in July last year.
Nearly 200 persons have been fined so far, observers say the drive is not as strict as it ought to be.
The decision was taken on the basis of the report of the ‘End Line Survey’ conducted by District Evaluation and Statistical Officer Srinagar.
The End Line Survey was conducted to assess the position of enforcement of provisions of Section 4 and 6 (a,b) of Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act-2003.
Law enforcement officers have been directed to ensure strict compliance of Tobacco Control Act-2003 in respect of Section 4 and 6 (a,b) in all public places in the district.
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