Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Jan 1: Despite sustained awareness campaigns by the health department and other agencies, tobacco consumption continues unabated across the state. In just one month, as many as 16,031 cases were registered under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, with fines amounting to Rs 17,51,250 collected.

The Act was implemented to curb deaths and health hazards caused by tobacco addiction. However, enforcement on the ground remains weak. In Udupi district alone, 437 cases were booked and Rs 53,500 collected as fine during the period. In Mangaluru city, 275 cases led to the collection of Rs 11,300, while Dakshina Kannada district recorded 361 cases with fines totalling Rs 20,720.

Smoking is prohibited in public places such as schools and colleges, bus and railway stations, theatres, hotels, bars, restaurants, pubs, clubs, community halls and government offices. However, the ban is being widely flouted across the state, with violations reported from almost all such locations.

The long-standing order prohibiting smoking and the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions continues to be in force. Yet, easy access to cigarettes, widespread use of two-wheelers by students, and continued sale of tobacco products near campuses have rendered the restriction ineffective. Even bars and other establishments continue to allow cigarette consumption in violation of norms, while several shops continue to sell tobacco products despite the ban.

With the exception of select locations such as Mangaluru airport and a few major restaurants in coastal districts, designated smoking zones are largely absent. As a result, people are seen smoking indiscriminately in public places, especially at bus stands, causing discomfort to the general public. Women and minors are often forced to cover their noses while passing through such areas due to excessive exposure to smoke.

The state government has increased the fine for smoking in public places from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000 this year. In cases where tobacco products are sold without statutory health warnings on packaging, manufacturers can face fines of up to Rs 10,000 and imprisonment of up to five years. However, enforcement is largely limited to imposing nominal fines, with inspections often ending with warnings and photographs rather than strict action.

To ensure effective implementation of COTPA provisions, district-level coordination committees under the leadership of deputy commissioners and taluk-level committees headed by tahsildars are functioning across the state. Joint enforcement drives are being carried out by the health department, district surveillance units and the police. Sudden raids, installation of warning boards at schools, colleges and public places, and coordinated inter-departmental action are being continued in an effort to bring tobacco consumption under control.