Think Twice Before You Smoke in Public Places in Delhi!

New Delhi: Next time you wish to light a cigarette in a public place in the national capital, think twice!

You could well be issued challan by Delhi Police which has launched an anti-smoking campaign under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).

The Delhi Police is issuing challans directly for the first time under the COTPA which prohibits smoking in public places, the sale of tobacco products to minors, and sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions.

Earlier, the Delhi Police was using the 'kalandra' system wherein a slip used to be issued to the offender who would then go to a magistrate to pay the fine.

"The 'kalandra' system was proving to be less effective as people often did not give their IDs and did not turn up to pay the fine. Under the COTPA, on-the-spot fine can be levied for violations which are making it more effective," said Heena Shaikh of Sambandh Health Foundation which has been working on tobacco control.

"We have so far caught over 200 violators and challaned them. Every day, 5-7 persons are being caught and challaned by policemen in areas under east Delhi," said Omvir Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East).

The north district police has issued over 263 challans under the COTPA so far, said Jatin Narwal, DCP (North).

Enforcing the COTPA will go a long way in reducing the prevalence of tobacco usage. The police force is being trained to take action under the COTPA and the campaign will continue, Narwal said.