The departments of health, education, police and transport will soon be declared as tobacco-free zones as part of Delhi Government's initiative to make the National Capital tobacco-free.
The aim is to ban smoking and chewing of raw tobacco products like 'khaini' and 'zarda' in the premises of these departments and set an example for others to follow.
To take forward the initiative, the health department has sought support from heath centres, hospitals, medical colleges of Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Medical Council (NDMC), Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Railways to ensure there is no tobacco consumption in their premises.
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"We have appealed to all those in-charge of heath centres, hospitals, medical colleges of Delhi government, MCD, NDMC, Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Railways to follow specific tasks to ensure there is no tobacco consumption in their premises," said S K Arora, Additional Director (Health).
Consumption of tobacco products in these premises will invite a fine which may go up to to Rs 1 lakh or 6 months imprisonment.
The people visiting these departments have been made aware of the harmful effects of tobacco usage, Arora said.
As a part of the initiative, nodal officers have been appointed in police stations, hospitals, health centres, dispensaries, schools, colleges, universities, DTC depots and terminals who would warn people against tobacco usage besides issuing challans (up to Rs 500) to people who would use and carry tobacco products in the department premises.
