The Nagpur city police have launched a strict enforcement drive, declaring the recently beautified footpath between VNIT Square and Bajaj Nagar Square a no-smoking zone. This decisive action comes in response to a wave of complaints from local residents about the nuisance caused by public smoking, crowding, and littering in the area.
Resident Complaints Prompt Police Action
For several months, the revamped footpath stretch had become a popular gathering spot for young people, with large groups congregating day and night. While the civic beautification project aimed to create a pleasant space for walking and relaxation, residents argued that rampant smoking and loitering were undermining its very purpose. They highlighted persistent issues like passive smoke exposure and the littering of cigarette butts.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Rushikesh Reddy explained the rationale behind the crackdown. He stated that the action is firmly rooted in existing laws governing public behavior. "Just like public drinking is prohibited, smoking in public places is also not allowed," DCP Reddy told TOI. He emphasized that the intent behind creating the beautified stretch was being defeated by unchecked smoking and the proliferation of small tea and cigarette stalls nearby.
Enforcement Under COTPA Act: On-the-Spot Fines
The police are carrying out the enforcement under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA Act). Under this law, smoking in public places can attract a fine of up to ₹200. DCP Reddy clarified that no criminal cases are being filed; instead, violators are being issued challans, or penalty tickets, on the spot.
Providing details of the drive's impact, Bajaj Nagar Police Station's Police Inspector Chetan Singh Chauhan revealed that more than 100 individuals have already been fined. "We received repeated complaints, and even during our routine patrols, we noticed the scale of the problem," PI Chauhan said. He added that several youths questioned the police about where they were permitted to smoke, to which the response was clear: smoking is allowed only in designated smoking zones or at pan shops located away from public spaces.
A Warning for Other Areas
DCP Rushikesh Reddy indicated that this is not an isolated measure. The police department plans to replicate this strict enforcement model in other parts of the city facing similar issues. The move sends a strong message that public spaces meant for community recreation will be protected from activities that cause discomfort or health hazards to other citizens.
The initiative underscores a growing effort by city authorities to ensure that urban infrastructure improvements serve their intended purpose and maintain a healthy, clean environment for all residents of Nagpur.
