Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) was enforced more strictly by South Goan police, who booked 5,224 instances in 2024 a significant increase from the 3,924 cases they had in 2023.
According to data, South Goa police stations booked 1,938 cases by May 2023, a considerable increase from 1,206 instances in the same period in 2022. A total of 3,401 cases has been reported by December 2022.
Dabolim Police (516 cases), Margao (388), Vasco Railway Police (382), and Colva (240) were among the top enforcers in 2022. Maina-Curtorim (176), Cuncolim (251), Fatorda (164), Quepem (88), Curchorem (169), Sanguem (203), Canacona (182), and Verna (133) were among the other police stations that recorded infractions.
According to COTPA (2003), smoking is not permitted in public areas like theaters, hospitals, transportation hubs, dining establishments, bars, offices, marketplaces, and educational institutions. Only certain areas are permitted for smoking.
Activists claim there are still infractions of Section 6(b), which prohibits the selling of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational facilities. Social workers have called for more stringent implementation, especially making sure that schools and sales locations have the necessary display boards.