Udupi: In a stringent drive to enforce the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, a special squad led by the Udupi Taluk Health Officer conducted widespread raids across Kaup taluk and booked dozens of violators.
The enforcement operation targeted tobacco-selling shops, hotels, bars and restaurants in Padubidri town and the surrounding bus stand areas. During the raids, officials registered a total of 44 cases and collected fines amounting to ₹17,000 from those found violating the provisions of the Act.
Raids aimed at curbing tobacco violations
The special drive was undertaken as part of ongoing efforts by the district administration and health department to strengthen the implementation of anti-tobacco laws and discourage the sale and use of tobacco products in public places.
Officials inspected several establishments in Padubidri and neighbouring areas to check compliance with various provisions of the COTPA Act, including restrictions on smoking in public places, display of mandatory warning boards and the sale of tobacco products.
During the inspection, several shopkeepers and business establishments were found violating the provisions of the law, leading to the registration of cases and imposition of penalties.
Health officials stated that such enforcement drives are being carried out regularly to raise awareness among traders and the public about the harmful effects of tobacco use and the legal consequences of violating tobacco control regulations.
Multi-department team participates in operation
The anti-tobacco raids were carried out by a team comprising officials from various departments, reflecting a coordinated effort to strengthen tobacco control measures in the district.
The raiding squad was led by Udupi Taluk Health Officer Dr Vasudeva Upadhya and included Senior Health Inspecting Officers Basavaraj Jadar and Jagadish Rao, Zonal Health Education Officer Chandrakala, Taluk Physical Inspection Officer Ravindra Naik, Padubidri Police Station officer Sridhar R, Labour Inspector N.P.L. Sanjay, District Tobacco Control Cell Coordinator Manjula and social worker Mahesh D. Bhandary.
The officials visited multiple commercial establishments and verified compliance with the provisions of the anti-tobacco legislation.
Authorities stress strict enforcement
Health department officials reiterated that strict action would continue against individuals and establishments violating the provisions of the COTPA Act.
They also appealed to shop owners and the public to cooperate with the authorities and ensure adherence to tobacco control regulations. Officials emphasised that preventing tobacco use and restricting public access to tobacco products are crucial steps towards safeguarding public health.
The district administration has been conducting periodic inspections and awareness campaigns to reduce tobacco consumption and create a healthier environment, particularly for young people and vulnerable sections of society.
The latest enforcement drive in Kaup taluk serves as a reminder that authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure strict implementation of tobacco control laws across Udupi district.