Chandigarh becomes a smoke-free city

CHANDIGARH: Chandigarh on Sunday was officially declared a smoke-free city, claimed to be India's first, with a ban on having a puff in public places.

Smoking in public places has been banned with the implementation of the provisions of the Central Tobacco Control Act in all parts of the city with effect from Sunday, officials said.

Restaurants, hotels, colleges, schools, government offices and markets are some of the places where smoking will not be permitted unless special provision has been made in places like restaurants and hotels.

Smoking is permitted outside such areas, in private homes and lawns and road berms, but disposal of cigarette butts has to be done properly, they said.

A special drive has also been launched to fine defaulters in public places. Sale of tobacco near schools and colleges has been banned, the officials said.

Police Sub-Inspectors and Municipal Corporation officials have been empowered to impose penalty on people found smoking in public places in violation of the new rules.

An awareness campaign has been carried out in this regard and sign boards have been put up at appropriate places, the officials said.