Commuters exposed to passive smoking at over 2,800 bus stops across the city; can't do anything about the torture as there are no sign boards installed to back them up
Commuters exposed to passive smoking at over 2,800 bus stops across the city; can't do anything about the torture as there are no sign boards installed to back them up
The absence of warning boards at public places is making the ban on smoking in public places a complete flop and people continue to be forcibly subjected to passive smoking.
The much-debated ban on smoking is left flaccid and ineffective, as most efforts to impose it are only on paper, and not in practice at public places like BMTC bus stops.
None of the over 2,800 bus stops across the city have 'No Smoking' boards displayed, nor are there any messages visibly stating that smoking in public places is an offence, despite this being mandatory as part of the rule under Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
In fact, public places, as per rule, should have boards installed to inform the public about the area being a no-smoking zone.
In addition to this, boards displaying contact details of the authority to be informed in case the rules are broken, should be made available.
Ironically, less than half the bus stops have bus shelters. It may be recalled that only recently, educational institutions in the city had put up the display boards after MiD DAY reported and a PIL came before the HC.
It's fine
Tomorrow is World No Tobacco Day and it will be 19 months since the government imposed a ban on smoking at public places.
According to Dr S Prakash, member-secretary, state anti-tobacco cell, "If one is caught smoking in a public place, he/she will have to pay a fine of Rs 200.
u00a0
Also, if any organisation or head of the institution, be it government, non-government or otherwise, is found violating the law by not displaying a board, the same fine can be imposed."
He added, "In Bangalore urban district there is a anti-tobacco cell under the supervision of the deputy commissioner and the DHO is the member-secretary.
Apart from them, police officials, gazetted officers of state, medical superintendent or hospital, postmasters etc can complain and impose a fine on erring person/organisation."
Since the law came into force in October 2009, the cell has collected about Rs 5 lakh in fines from across the state.
"Smoking at bus stops is common. If signboards are installed, at least smokers will either stay away or refrain from smoking, said B S Ananthram, secretary of S T Bed Residents' Welfare Association.
It's killer
Exposure to second hand smoke irritates the airways and has immediate harmful effects on a person's heart. It damages blood vessels, interferes with circulation and increases the risk of blood clots. It may increase the risk of heart disease by an estimated 25 to 30 per cent.
ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
