Pampore, March 03 KNT : In a significant step towards safeguarding public health and protecting youth from the harmful effects of tobacco, the Executive Magistrate 1st Class (Tehsildar) Pampore has issued an order imposing a strict ban on the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of all educational institutions in Tehsil Pampore.
The order has been issued in accordance with the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which prohibits smoking in public places, sale of tobacco products to persons below 18 years of age, and sale within 100 metres of educational institutions.
Considering that Tehsil Pampore houses numerous educational, professional, and health institutions along with densely populated residential areas, the administration has emphasized the need to regulate tobacco access to prevent nicotine addiction, passive smoking, and substance abuse among youth.
According to order copy issued to news agency kashmir news trust ,No person shall sell, offer for sale, or store tobacco products within a radius of 100 metres from any educational institution.All shopkeepers, vendors, and business establishments operating within the restricted zones are directed to cease the sale of tobacco products with immediate effect.
Station House Officers of Police Station Pampore and Police Station Khrew have been directed to strictly enforce the order and initiate legal action against violators under relevant provisions of COTPA, 2003.
Heads of educational institutions and local residents have been asked to cooperate in effective implementation and report any violations to the nearest police station or concerned authorities.
The order has been issued in the larger interest of public health and youth welfare, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to creating a safe and tobacco-free environment in Tehsil Pampore.(KNT)
