Daijiworld Media Network - Anjuna

Anjuna, Aug 5: In a drive against the open sale and display of tobacco products, the Anjuna village panchayat conducted a surprise inspection across the village and seized tobacco products from shops and roadside stalls found violating tobacco control regulations.

The inspection was led by Anjuna Sarpanch Surendra Govekar, along with the panchayat secretary and staff. The team inspected several commercial establishments to check whether tobacco products were being displayed openly in violation of the law.

During the enforcement drive, panchayat authorities seized tobacco products that were allegedly kept on open display. Officials said the action was aimed at reducing the visibility and accessibility of tobacco products, particularly among children and adolescents.

"The open display of tobacco products can influence young minds and encourage the initiation of tobacco use at an early age. Such practices are not in the interest of public health and will not be tolerated," Govekar said.

The panchayat clarified that the seized tobacco products would be released only after the concerned shopkeepers paid the prescribed penalty and produced the required documents under the relevant regulations.

Govekar said the panchayat was committed to creating a healthier environment in the village and would continue conducting surprise inspections to ensure compliance with tobacco control norms.

The panchayat also appealed to shopkeepers to strictly follow tobacco control regulations and refrain from openly displaying tobacco products. It urged parents and guardians to educate children about the harmful effects of tobacco use and support efforts to make Anjuna a tobacco-free village.

Officials warned that similar enforcement drives would continue and strict action would be taken against establishments found violating the rules.