Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh | As part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign), the Bastar district administration and Bastar Police have intensified enforcement under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and the Bharat Mata Vahini De-addiction Campaign. During a joint enforcement drive in the Bodhghat Police Station area, authorities took action against individuals violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), imposing fines totaling ₹2,250 on 12 violators.
Officials have announced that similar awareness and enforcement campaigns will now be extended across all police station jurisdictions in Bastar district.
Joint Enforcement Against Tobacco Law Violations
According to Jagdalpur City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Sumit Kumar, police had received information regarding the sale and consumption of tobacco and other addictive substances in various parts of the district.
In response, the Bastar Police and district administration formed a joint enforcement team under the guidance of the Superintendent of Police (SP) to strengthen action against violations of tobacco control laws.
The operation involved:
- The Narcotics Cell
- The COTPA Enforcement Task Force
- Bodhghat Police Station
The joint team carried out inspections at pan shops, tobacco outlets, and public places to check compliance with the provisions of the COTPA Act.
12 Individuals Penalized
During the inspection, officials found 12 individuals violating the provisions of the COTPA Act, which regulates the use and sale of tobacco products in public places.
The violators were fined a combined amount of ₹2,250, which was collected as part of the enforcement action.
Authorities stated that the operation was intended to discourage the public use of tobacco products and ensure compliance with national tobacco control regulations.
Awareness Campaign Conducted
Alongside enforcement activities, the District Task Force and the District COTPA Enforcement Team organized a public awareness campaign to educate citizens and shopkeepers about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and the legal provisions governing its sale and use.
Officials also inspected retail establishments selling tobacco products and instructed shop owners to strictly adhere to the rules laid down under the COTPA Act, including compliance with restrictions on tobacco sales and mandatory warning displays.
District-Wide Campaign to Continue
CSP Sumit Kumar said that the anti-drug and tobacco control campaign will continue across different police station areas throughout Bastar district in the coming days.
Authorities warned that anyone found violating the provisions of the COTPA Act or other applicable laws relating to tobacco and addictive substances would face appropriate legal action.
Promoting a Drug-Free Society
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to promote a drug-free and tobacco-free society through a combination of law enforcement, public awareness, and community participation.
Officials emphasized that regular inspections and awareness drives will continue to ensure better compliance with tobacco control laws and to encourage healthier lifestyles among residents.
Conclusion
The latest enforcement drive in Bastar reflects the district administration’s commitment to strengthening the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan through strict implementation of the National Tobacco Control Programme. By combining awareness initiatives with legal action against violators, the administration aims to reduce tobacco use, promote public health, and build greater awareness about the dangers of addiction across the district.
