The District Administration of South Andaman has started a focused inspection campaign to stop the unlawful sale and possession of tobacco products close to schools and institutions in an effort to create a healthier learning environment for students. In accordance with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, revenue officials conducted surprise inspections in a number of high-traffic areas, such as Aberdeen Bazaar and School Line, with an emphasis on locations inside the Act’s 100-yard no-tobacco buffer zone. Several stores were discovered to be carrying illegal tobacco items during the investigation, which is blatantly against COTPA rules.
The illegal goods were quickly confiscated, and the offenders are being dealt with in accordance with the law. Similar infractions were found in the School Line area, which resulted in the official seizure of prohibited goods and the issuing of severe warnings to the violating vendors. The district administration has reaffirmed how committed it is to keeping the area surrounding educational institutions tobacco-free. Such inspection campaigns will continue to be carried out on a regular basis, officials have warned, and any further infractions will be subject to severe legal consequences. The public has been asked to report any unlawful tobacco sales near schools and institutions in order to increase community involvement.
