Chandigarh shows the smokless way

Chandigarh city administration officially banned smoking in public in July 2007, making it the first such city in the country. The administration served a warning to defaulters and instituted a fine of Rs100 on those caught smoking in public. About 1,200 people were fined in the first two months. Restaurants, clubs and bars followed suit and informed their customers about the new law.

The administration swooped down on roadside cigarette vendors. Inspectors from the health department, the municipal corporation and the police swung into action. The result—nobody was found smoking publicly within the first few weeks.
“This initiative will improve Chandigarh’s image and will help promote business and tourism,” said a senior government official.

The idea was first mooted by Burning Brain Society, an NGO which demanded implementation of a 2003 legislation banning smoking at public places. The city administration advised the public to dispose off cigarette butts responsibly. The drive, however, lost steam a couple of months later. “People should behave responsibly after they have been informed of the order,” said a senior officer. He admitted that it was difficult to keep an eye on every offender.