Sri Vijaya Puram, June 13: In a targeted enforcement drive to protect school children from exposure to tobacco, the District Administration of South Andaman has launched a crackdown on the illegal sale of tobacco products near educational institutions. Acting under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, the administration conducted inspections across high-density commercial zones, including Aberdeen Bazaar and School Line.
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA), is a central law that prohibits the advertisement of tobacco products and regulates their trade, commerce, production, supply, and distribution in India. It mandates that tobacco products must not be sold within 100 meters of any educational institution and aims to protect young populations from the harmful effects of tobacco use.
The operation was carried out by revenue officials, who raided shops situated within 100 meters of schools and colleges, zones designated as no-tobacco areas under COTPA regulations. Several shops were found selling or possessing contraband tobacco products in direct violation of the Act. The items were seized on the spot, and seizure memos were prepared to document the confiscation formally. Legal action has been initiated against the violators, according to the administration.
The enforcement activity in School Line mirrored findings from Aberdeen Bazaar, as more retailers were caught with prohibited tobacco stock. Officials noted repeat violations in some locations, and all erring shopkeepers were issued formal warnings. The administration emphasized that future violations would invite stronger legal consequences, and compliance with COTPA will be enforced strictly.
The District Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a tobacco-free environment around educational institutions. It stated that regular surprise inspections would continue across the district to monitor adherence to the law. The authorities are also encouraging community participation in the enforcement effort.
Members of the public have been urged to report instances of tobacco sales occurring within the 100-meter restricted zone of schools and colleges. Citizens can contact the District Control Room via phone (03192-240127 / 238881 / 1070) or through WhatsApp at 9531888844. The administration has assured that the identities of informants will be kept strictly confidential to promote cooperation and protect whistleblowers.
As the administration doubles down on its enforcement mechanism, stakeholders, including parents, educators, and shopkeepers, are being reminded of their roles in supporting this public health objective. The administration has reiterated that the anti-tobacco framework under COTPA is not just punitive but also preventative in its intention.
