BANGALORE: The Bruhat Bangalore MahanagaraPalike (BBMP), the nodal agency for implementing the ban on consumption of tobacco products in public spaces in the city, is struggling to enforce it on its own premises.
Cigarettes are being sold at its headquarters near NR Square even though it's illegal according to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. There are also boards about the ban on sale and consumption of tobacco products across the campus.
What worse, a woman officer's efforts to end this sale of cigarettes ended in some members of the BBMP workers' union abusing and threatening her.
Cigarettes are sold in smaller quantities (apart from packets) at two places in the headquarters: near the canteen close to Dr Rajkumar Glass House and near the council hall. The first shop caters to Palike employees, while drivers of vehicles which come to the Palike throng the second vendor.
Pragathi K, an activist with Tobacco Free Karnataka, said selling loose cigarettes is not allowed as users are not exposed to danger warnings as they do when they buy packets.
Dr Savita S K, deputy health officer, BBMP and nodal officer for the Anti-tobacco Cell, Bangalore district, said it was important to keep the Palike premises tobacco-free as it would send a strong message to officers implementing the ban in other public places.
"During my enforcement drive on the BBMP premises, I've been repeatedly telling canteen staff and vendors about the violations. We've even levied a fine of Rs 200- Rs 300 on a couple of occasios. But it was of little use," she said.
Two days ago, she went to file a written complaint at the Ulsoor Gate police station. "The constable there didn't register the FIR. It's the second time I got such a response," she added.
Dr Savita and her team said members of the BBMP workers' union hurled abuses at them and misbehaved with them after they came to know that the tobacco control team had gone to the police about the illegal sale of tobacco products on its premises.
When asked about the threats to Dr Savita, a senior BBMP official said they have taken note of the issue and necessary action would be initiated soon.
Información publicada originalmente en: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Bruhat-Bangalore-Mahanagara-Palike-official-threatened-for-enforcing-tobacco-ban/articleshow/21028709.cms
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