By 
A three-day enforcement drive aimed at strengthening tobacco control measures under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 concluded successfully in Kargil on December 7. The drive, held from December 5–7, focused on ensuring compliance with tobacco regulations across key commercial areas of the district.
The inspection operation was led by Dr. Fatima Nissa, District Nodal Officer, NTCP, along with Masood Ahmad, District Consultant, NTCP. The enforcement teams covered the Main Market, Poyen, and Megawatt areas, conducting thorough checks on shops and commercial establishments.
The multi-departmental team included representatives from the Police Department, Drug Inspector, Food Inspector, Sales Tax Inspector, Municipal Committee, and other NTCP personnel, ensuring comprehensive monitoring and enforcement.
During the inspection, officials confirmed that the recently banned nicotine product ‘Cool Leap’ was not found in the market. However, challans (penalties) were issued to several shopkeepers for violations such as:
Selling loose cigarettes Improper display of nicotine and tobacco products
Authorities reiterated strict enforcement of the Deputy Commissioner’s directives, emphasizing that the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions is strictly prohibited. Violators will face stringent action under COTPA provisions.
The NTCP has warned shopkeepers to ensure full compliance with tobacco control laws, stressing that continued violations will attract severe legal consequences.
Comments