Cigarette smoke lingers over Ernakulam

KOCHI: Ernakulam, the first smoke-free tourism destination in the country continues to have people smoking in public places. Also, the promise by the authorities, to initiate strict measures against selling tobacco products in common places, has not been fulfilled. Social activists said that such initiatives limit themselves to words and are not put in to action.Since, smoking in public places is banned, the defaulters should be fined properly but this doesn’t seem to be happening, the activists added. “If you pass through the Fort Kochi and Mattanchery, shops selling imported cigarettes and cigars are a common sight. They can be seen making good business as well.Even, authorities know about these shops,” a social activist said.“Also, the pan shops are banned from lending match boxes and lighters to people, but the rule is not being adhered. In addition to it, there are several shops that continue to sell tobacco products outside school premises. The administration should have taken necessary action against sale of tobacco products before declaring Ernakulam as the smoke-free district,” the activist added.According to environmentalist S Seetharaman, people can still be found smoking at isolated places and they do not come under authorities’ notice. Also, tobacco products continue to be sold in public places and other tourist destinations, without the knowledge of the authorities.Such activities should be banned to make Ernakulam a smoke-free district, he said.A narcotics cell official demanding anonymity said that they are taking strict measures against the smokers those who engage in such activities.“We have caught many people and have fined them for smoking in the public. However, the officials seem to miss people who smoke in the isolated areas.The legal action has been taken against the shops selling tobacco products near the educational institutions. Also, we have a shortage of staff to intensify checking. But, since, Ernakulam was declared smoke-free district, we have intensified our activities with the help of police.”