Port Blair, July 15: The District Magistrate, South Andaman in an order today has banned the sale manufacture, storage, distribution and sale on all forms of chewing tobacco in the district w.e.f. 15th July 2021.
The District Administration has noticed that a large section of people living in the islands are in the habit of chewing tobacco and spitting at public places which thereby cause the spread of the virus.
In order to place strict measures of control the same and to prevent any further spread of the virus in the community at large, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, District Magistrate, South Andaman, in exercise of the powers vested in me under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 has prohibited the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale on all forms of processed/flavoured/scented chewing tobacco, whether going by the name of Gukta, Pan Masala, Zarda packed and unpacked/loose etc., which contain tobacco and or nicotine as ingredient in the entire District of South Andaman for a period of one month with immediate effect in the interest of public health.
Any disobedience of the above orders shall invite penal action u/s 188 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 against the violator(s) and also fines shall also be imposed as per Order issued by this office from time to time.
This order shall come into with effect from 15th July 2021 and shall remain in force till further orders.