SHILLONG, July 22: The East Khasi Hills police issued 1,178 challans and collected Rs 99,280 in fines during the past three months in a bid to protect public health and reduce tobacco use.
The effort in collaboration with the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) is paving the way for a healthier, tobacco-free society through enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, targeting smoking in public places and illegal tobacco sales near schools and colleges.
The Cantonment Beat House and Lumdiengjri Police Station have led the charge, booking the highest number of violators under this initiative.
Officials said that enforcement is being carried out in every police station, outpost, and beat house across the district.
This district-wide action is part of the NTCP, implemented by the Health and Family Welfare Department under the National Health Mission, Meghalaya.
“This campaign is not just about fines; it’s about changing behaviour and protecting children, elders, and non-smokers from passive smoke. Our goal is a tobacco-free Meghalaya,” a senior police official said.
The initiative has received public support. A St. Anthony’s College student remarked: “There are children and elderly who suffer due to smoke. Meghalaya Police are doing a great job.” “Tobacco causes 40% of all cancers and 90% of oral cancer. Eliminating it can save countless lives. We appreciate the police’s active role,” the NTCP’s State Nodal Officer, Nabneeta D Mawrie, said.
