Prominent roads in B'luru turn into open smoking zones; officials remain negligent

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Streets in Bengaluru, like MG Road, Indira Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Corporation, Kasturba Road, and Cubbon Road, are witnessing an alarming surge in smokers congregating on footpaths during the afternoon and evening hours.

This unprecedented rise has made these prestigious roads into open smoking zones, causing inconvenience to pedestrians, despite a ban on smoking in public places, including footpaths.

Individuals are frequently seen smoking near bus stops, footpaths, trees, and buildings in the Central Business District (CBD) of the city. Office goers are often seen stepping out for a “smoke break,” without any apparent fear of legal repercussions.

The existing rules impose a fine of Rs 200 on individuals caught smoking in public places, with the possibility of further legal action. However, the enforcement of the same, especially in these roads, is negligent.

The Public health department of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Bengaluru City Police (BCP) seem to be turning a blind eye to the rise in smoking activities, allowing smokers to operate with impunity.

Designated smoking areas are mandated in restaurants with a seating capacity of 30 or more, aiming to protect the interests of non-smokers.

However, reports suggest many establishments in Bangalore, including hotels, cafes, and restaurants, fail to provide these smoking zones, contributing to the surge in individuals smoking on the streets after leaving the office.

Officials from the Palike’s health department claim that fines are being imposed in various places to address the issue.

Nonetheless, the persistence of smoking in public spaces raises concerns about second-hand smoke exposure.

Second-hand smoke, containing over 7,000 chemicals, at least 25% of which are known to be harmful and linked to at least 69 types of cancer, poses health risks to non-smokers who inhale the smoke.

Need for stricter enforcement of regulations and the establishment of designated smoking zones, is need of the hour.