Delhi collects Rs.90 lakh in tobacco fines

A total of Rs.90 lakh were collected as fines for violation of tobacco rules in Delhi, state Health Minister A.K. Walia said Tuesday.

While 140,000 people were fined for smoking or using tobacco products in prohibited places, action was taken against 6,200 vendors for sale of tobacco products in places where it is not allowed.

Launching a Hindi website under Tobacco Free Delhi campaign, Walia drew attention to its harmful effects.

“Tobacco use is the major cause of lung disease, heart disease, cancer, asthma attacks, sudden infant death syndrome, childhood respiratory diseases, chronic cough, TB and impotency,” he said.

With the launch of the Hindi website, Walia expressed hope that common people will be able to understand the harmful effects of tobacco use and smoking.