STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In a major offensive against the use of tobacco products especially Gutkha and smoking at public places, Health and Sanitation Wing of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) under the supervision of Health Officer, Dr. Saleem Khan conducted a number of derives within the jurisdiction of Jammu Municipal Corporation.
During these drives, a total of 7,500 packets i.e. five lakh pouches of unclaimed Gutka of different brands costing an amount of more than Rs 5 lakh was seized. The seized Gutkha is a banned item under COTP Act 2003 by the State Government. The stock was destroyed by a team of officers and officials of Health and Sanitation Wing at Municipal dumping ground Bhagwati Nagar Jammu in accordance with Standard Operating procedure.
In addition to this, 230 persons were booked under COTP Act 2003 for smoking at public places during different drives and were fined on spot. An amount of Rs. 26,150 as fine was also realised from the defaulters under the said Act.
The Health Officer Jammu Municipal Corporation once again impressed upon all the Jammuites not to indulge in usage of Gutkha / smoking in public places and follow the provisions of COPT Act 2003.
Meanwhile, to implement the instructions of Commissioner JMC, Kiran Wattal for improving the standards of sanitation all the shopkeepers were directed to install dustbins in their shops and throw all the garbage in the dustbins and not litter the garbage on lanes and in drains. He also advised the general public to stop the use of polythene carry bags. The health officer also requested the general public to cooperate with Jammu Municipal Corporation in making Jammu clean and green.
