Resubelpara, August 12 : The North Garo Hills Police have intensified their campaign against public smoking and illegal tobacco sales, issuing 1,545 challans and collecting ₹1.52 lakh in fines over the past two years under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. This achievement places the district among Meghalaya’s strongest performers in tobacco control enforcement.
The crackdown targeted smoking in public areas and sale of tobacco products near educational institutions, with several police units emerging as top performers:
- Wageasi OGC – 259 challans, ₹30,050 in fines
- Mendipathar WPS – 231 challans, ₹17,200 in fines
- Mendipathar PS – 218 challans, ₹31,600 in fines
- Rari OGC – 198 challans, ₹19,750 in fines
Superintendent of Police, North Garo Hills, commended officers for their dedication, stating:
“Our mission is not only to enforce the law but to protect lives. Every challan represents a step toward making our district safer and healthier for all.”
The initiative is supported by the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) under the Health & Family Welfare Department, NHM Meghalaya, which provides capacity-building, awareness campaigns, and school outreach.
Dr. Nabneeta D. Mawrie, State Nodal Officer for NTCP Meghalaya, praised the police efforts, saying:
“Tobacco is a leading cause of cancer and premature death. North Garo Hills’ consistent enforcement sets an example for other districts.”
Community members have also noticed the positive impact. A shopkeeper in Resubelpara noted:
“We see fewer people smoking in market areas now. It’s good for our children’s health.”
With plans to strengthen enforcement in school zones and public transport hubs, the district aims to show that small, consistent actions can drive significant public health improvements.
