Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 07 July 2025
In a bid to protect the health and well-being of students and young people, the District Administration of South Andaman has intensified its efforts to enforce a tobacco-free environment around educational institutions. Acting in line with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, the Administration has issued a set of strict directives to curb tobacco use in these sensitive zones.
Revenue officials have been directed to clearly mark a yellow line at a distance of 100 yards from the boundary of every educational institution, designating the area as a no-tobacco zone as mandated under COTPA provisions. These officials will also conduct regular inspections to monitor compliance and take stringent action against violators found operating within the restricted zone.
In a decisive move, the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products has been strictly prohibited within the 100-yard radius of all schools, colleges, and other educational institutions in the district.
These actions form part of a broader awareness and enforcement campaign led by the District Administration to highlight the dangers of tobacco consumption, particularly among youth, and to ensure public health laws are effectively implemented.
The Administration has appealed to the public to actively support the initiative by reporting any violations. Residents can contact the District Control Room at 03192-240127 / 238881 / 1070 or send a WhatsApp message to 9531888844. Officials have assured that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
