ANKIT KESSAR
EARLY TIMES REPORT
RAJOURI, Mar 2: Despite blanket ban on smoking in public places, the violation is being done openly in Rajouri district but concerned authorities seem to be least bothered to take note of it.
The menace of smoking in public places in Rajouri has been going on unabated, where smokers can be seen puffing cigarette without caring about the inconvenience they are causing for general public and particularly the children.
“The ever busy chowks including Gujjar Mandi, Panja Chowk, Salani Bridge, Salani New Bus Stand, Old Bus Stand Rajouri where such people can easily be seen violating ban on smoking in public. Students, patients waiting for their buses have to face huge problem with this menace. The concerned authorities including Municipal Committee Rajouri and Police never took this issue seriously. Earlier, there used to be a fine on smoking in public places but later agencies stopped the practice,” locals alleged further adding that not only this, even police personnel can be seen smoking in public places.
“I had carried my child and was waiting for bus but some people nearby were smoking despite the fact that it would adversely affect the health of children more, even hospitals are not free from this menace, people can be seen smoking in the hospital premises,” said a commuter. The locals appealed to the SSP Rajouri and DDC Rajouri to take note of this evil.
SSP Rajouri Chandan Kohli, when contacted said that he would pass directions to the concerned police stations to take action against the violators. |
