‘Violation of COTPA, action must follow’
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Feb 10: Several SRTC buses are plying on Srinagar roads, carrying surrogate advertisements for a tobacco product in a brazen violation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
While the Act prohibits the promotion of tobacco products, a number of buses from SRTC’s green electric fleet display these advertisements daily, promoting the tobacco product across the city
As the concerned authorities have failed to take any action so far, the health officials told Excelsior that such advertisements violate COTPA and are considered indirect or surrogate advertisements, which are prohibited under the law.
They further stated that, as per Section 5 of the act, both direct and indirect advertisements of cigarettes and other tobacco products are banned, noting that the one on the SRTC buses is disguised as advertisements for ‘elaichi’
Officials from the Health Department, when informed of the issue, said they have repeatedly written to the concerned authorities regarding the matter. However, they noted that there has been no response.
“It is a surrogate advertisement and we have taken up the matter with them, but we have not received any response from them; the ball is in their court; we can do is send another reminder to them for action,” Nodal Officer, NTCP for Kashmir Division, Dr Jahanzeb said.
“No person shall directly or indirectly advertise cigarettes or any other tobacco products through any medium and no person shall take part in any advertisement that directly or indirectly promotes the use or consumption of cigarettes or any other tobacco products,” reads the Section 5 of the Act.
The locals also expressed anguish over the alleged violation of the law, questioning why authorities take action against smoking in public places and the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products near educational institutions but not against such advertisements.
Notably, a similar instance was reported at Srinagar International Airport, where a tobacco product was advertised. However, prompt action was taken, and the advertisement was removed.
Also, along with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), the Health Department, as a part of its action, and compliance under the rules, another such hoarding, promoting tobacco products was taken down near the Tourist Reception Centre.
When contacted, SRTC officials said they had already removed these advertisements from their buses. However, they noted that they would check if any still remain.
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