By TC News Desk
Agartala, 22nd October 2024: As part of the ongoing Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0 (TFYC 2.0), four COTPA Act 2003 drives were conducted on Tuesday at Ramraibari, Jolaibari, Pilak Bazar, Debdaru Bazar and surrounding school areas of Santirbazar sub-division. The drives were supervised by the South Tripura District Tobacco Control Cell.
The joint operation involved the Department of Health and the Jolaibari and Debdaru police outposts focused on enforcing Section 4 of the Tobacco Act, which prohibits smoking in public places, Section 6(a), which bans the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to anyone under eighteen, and Section 6(b), which bans the sale of tobacco within 100 yards of educational establishments.
“The main objective of the campaign was to increase public awareness about tobacco laws and inform the public about the harmful aspects of tobacco,” said Dr. Alak Das, District Nodal Officer.
During the operation, 20 shopkeepers were fined a total of Rs 2,900 for violations. The campaign also included educational initiatives to foster greater awareness and compliance with tobacco regulations.
“The public needs to understand the serious health risks associated with tobacco use,” added Aditya Prakash Chakma, Inspecting Officer of Drugs. “We are committed to continuing these operations to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.”
District Consultant Arijit Das and police personnel from the Julaibari and Debdaru outposts participated in the operation, which will be sustained in the coming days to reinforce the campaign’s message and goals.
The concerted efforts underline the commitment to a healthier future for the youth of Tripura, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the tobacco control laws.
