Mangalore: Beware Smokers - DC Finally Moves for Strict Enforcement of Ban

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (RD/CN)

Mangalore, Dec 4: The nationwide ban on smoking in public places that was issued on October 2 was not strictly imposed and instead remained only on paper. However, now Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner M Maheshwar Rao has taken the initiative to strictly enforce the ban on smoking in public places after discussing the issue with his officers. 

Accordingly, hotels, restaurants, airport, bus terminus, railway stations, film theaters, government and private hospitals, school and college campuses, public libraries, post offices, and administrative offices, throughout the district will be expected to comply with the ban.  Those who violate these instructions would be brought to the book as per the order issued by union health ministry, said deputy commissioner.

Restaurateurs and hoteliers have been advised to put up 'No Smoking' sign boards on their premises. They have also been urged to inform the nearest police station in case they come across violators. Now, it remains to be seen whether these steps will have any real effect on curbing smoking in public places.

Finally, DK has woken up from slumber. Despite the union government's order, nothing had changed in the district with regard to smoking in public. People were seen smoking in bus stands, railway stations, hotels and even outside the shops everywhere. Now that the DC has decided to impose the ban strictly, one should wait and see how things will change. General opinion is that public themselves should be keen on implementing this and should take lead successful implementation of this much-needed ban.