Adhering to the COTPA Act, 2003 the Anti Smoking Squad formulated by District Collector Ashutosh A.T Pednekar issued 10 challan today to the people found violating the rule of no-smoking in public places.

According to Food Safety Officer, Anil Bhardwaj, the Anti Smoking Squad is a vigilant team that is actively issuing challan to the people who are violating the COTPA Act’s section 4 of no-smoking in public places.

In today’s drive, the team scrutinized the bus stand area and caught roadways employees, bus drivers and conductors smoking. A total of 10 challan were issued of which Rs. 950 was collected from the violators, added FSO.

The COTPA Act, 2003 prohibits smoking of tobacco in public places, except in special smoking zones in restaurants, airports and open spaces. Also under this act, advertisement of tobacco products is prohibited with which Udaipur had also joined the ‘smoke free’ club.

As told to UT, the Anti Smoking Squad team is striving to catch hold of the violators who are caught smoking in public places and will be issued challans. Special vigilance will be required from the city public as well to spread awareness about COTPA Act 2003 and all the provisions that come under it.