Srinagar, Dec 28 (KNS): In order to review the implementation and enforcement of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act (COPTA) in the District, the Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Syed Hanief Balkhi today on the directions of Deputy Commissoner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad chaired a meeting of concerned Officers here at DC Office.

The meeting also discussed in threadbare the measures being taken to curb the menace of smoking.

During the meeting, the Additional Deputy Commissioner laid stress on the need of awareness generation among the masses regrading the harmful effects of using Tobacco products. 

The ADC asked the Officers to work in close coordination so that Tobacco Control laws are implement effectively on ground across Srinagar. 

The ADC directed for launching special drives for strict enforcement of Tobacco Control Laws particularly around Hospitals and Educational institutions. 

ADC directed the concerned authorities to initiate appropriate “penal action” against the defaulters under rules. He further said that Enforcement Squads will also monitor the unlawful sale of cigarettes in Srinagar and curb the menace.

Pertenient to mention that government orders to strictly enforce the provisions of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 and Rules, government have issued instructions from time to time to all the concerned to take penal action against defaulters.

The ADC also appealed the people of the Srinagar particularly the shopkeepers to desist from the sale of cigarettes and other Tobacco products and save the young generation from the ill effects of the tobacco products.

Among others, the meeting was attended by the Officers of Revenue, Police, Education, FCS&CA, Health and Education Departments. (KNS)