In a determined effort to strengthen tobacco control measures and safeguard public health, the District Flying Squad on Tobacco Control, in collaboration with the Special Task Force (STF) on Addiction, conducted the second phase of a special enforcement drive across key locations in Dharamshala. The operation resulted in 16 violators being challaned for breaches of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Loose Cigarette Retail Regulation Act, 2016.
The enforcement teams carried out intensive inspections in Dharamkot, McLeodganj, areas near the Bus Stand, and Sudher, targeting public places and commercial establishments to ensure compliance with tobacco control regulations. During the drive, officials identified multiple violations, including smoking in public places, non-display of mandatory signboards prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors, display of hookah, and sale of loose cigarettes.
The drive was conducted under the leadership of District Nodal Officer Dr. Anuradha, with active participation from ASP-STF Smt. Renu Sharma, DSP Smt. Nisha, ASTEO (Excise) Smt. Rishika Thakur, Drug Inspector Smt. Meenakshi, SI-STF Sh. Sunil Patial, HC-STF Sh. Vipin, LC-STF Smt. Kanakmala, Constable-STF Sh. Ashwini, and Sh. Suresh from the Health Department.
Officials reiterated that tobacco consumption continues to be one of the leading preventable causes of disease, disability, and premature mortality worldwide. Beyond causing cancers, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, chronic respiratory illnesses, and tuberculosis, tobacco use often serves as a gateway to substance abuse, increasing vulnerability to addiction and the use of dangerous synthetic drugs such as chitta.
The District Administration remains committed to creating a healthier and addiction-free society through a comprehensive strategy encompassing strict enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and robust inter-departmental coordination. Special emphasis is being placed on protecting children and youth from the harmful influence of tobacco and other addictive substances.
Speaking on the occasion, officials stated that such enforcement drives will continue across the district to ensure strict adherence to tobacco control laws and to reinforce the message that violations affecting public health will not be tolerated. Citizens, cational institutions, business establishments, and community organizations have been urged to actively support tobacco-free initiatives and contribute to building a safer and healthier environment for future generations.
Key Legal Provisions
• Section 4, COTPA: Prohibits smoking, including hookah smoking, in public places.
• Section 6(a), COTPA: Mandates display of signage prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors.
• Section 6(b), COTPA: Prohibits sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions.
• Section 5, COTPA: Prohibits direct and indirect advertisement of tobacco products.
• Section 3, Himachal Pradesh Loose Cigarette Retail Regulation Act, 2016: Prohibits the sale of loose cigarettes.
The District Administration has appealed to all stakeholders to comply with tobacco control laws and join the collective effort to make Dharamshala a healthier, safer, and addiction-free district.