Press Release
Press Release from Chief Medical Officer, Pakyong District
Information & Public Relations Department
COTPA Enforcement Drive Conducted at Machong Ahead of “World No Tobacco Day”
Pakyong, May 26: In view of the upcoming World No Tobacco Day, the Health and Family Welfare Department, Pakyong District, in coordination with Pakyong Police Station and Machong PHC, conducted an enforcement drive under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, across Machong under Pakyong Subdivision on Tuesday.
The drive covered Machong PHC area, nearby commercial establishments, and the vicinity of Government Senior Secondary School, Machong, Parakha JHS and Govt. Secondary School Linkey
The enforcement team included Dr. Digcha Shree Rai, Programme Coordinator of District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) under NTCP Pakyong District; Dr. Bidut Rai, Medical Officer, Machong PHC; Dr. Bhawna Sharma, Dental Surgeon, Machong PHC; and Ms. Deepika Chettri from Pakyong PHC. The drive was supported by Pakyong Police personnel HC Palden Dorjee Bhutia and SA Tsering Denka Bhutia.
During the inspection, several shops and public places were checked for compliance with COTPA regulations, including the ban on sale of loose cigarettes and tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions. The team also ensured the mandatory display of “No Smoking” signage in public and commercial establishments.
Awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco use and the importance of following tobacco control laws was also spread among shopkeepers and the public.
A total fine of Rs. 600 was collected from violators through challans. Contraband tobacco products were seized from several commercial establishments, while first-time offenders were issued warnings.
The Health and Family Welfare Department thanked the Pakyong Police for their cooperation and reiterated its commitment to regular enforcement and awareness activities to promote a tobacco-free district.
Pakyong, May 26: In view of the upcoming World No Tobacco Day, the Health and Family Welfare Department, Pakyong District, in coordination with Pakyong Police Station and Machong PHC, conducted an enforcement drive under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, across Machong under Pakyong Subdivision on Tuesday.
The drive covered Machong PHC area, nearby commercial establishments, and the vicinity of Government Senior Secondary School, Machong, Parakha JHS and Govt. Secondary School Linkey
The enforcement team included Dr. Digcha Shree Rai, Programme Coordinator of District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) under NTCP Pakyong District; Dr. Bidut Rai, Medical Officer, Machong PHC; Dr. Bhawna Sharma, Dental Surgeon, Machong PHC; and Ms. Deepika Chettri from Pakyong PHC. The drive was supported by Pakyong Police personnel HC Palden Dorjee Bhutia and SA Tsering Denka Bhutia.
During the inspection, several shops and public places were checked for compliance with COTPA regulations, including the ban on sale of loose cigarettes and tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions. The team also ensured the mandatory display of “No Smoking” signage in public and commercial establishments.
Awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco use and the importance of following tobacco control laws was also spread among shopkeepers and the public.
A total fine of Rs. 600 was collected from violators through challans. Contraband tobacco products were seized from several commercial establishments, while first-time offenders were issued warnings.
The Health and Family Welfare Department thanked the Pakyong Police for their cooperation and reiterated its commitment to regular enforcement and awareness activities to promote a tobacco-free district.
