By IANS
Chandigarh : Chandigarh will become the first Indian city July 15 to be officially declared smoke-free.
Smoking at public places and public conveyances, other than designated smoking areas, will be banned from that date.
Making a formal announcement here Friday, Chandigarh's Home Secretary Krishna Mohan sought support of the public in creating awareness for the smoke-free campaign.
"Smoking causes severe health problems, including cancer. It is harmful not only for those smoking but also for the passive smokers," Mohan said.
The city administration has empowered all police officers above the rank of sub-inspectors, food and drug inspectors and other notified officials to impose penalty on people found smoking at public areas in violation of the new rules.
Smokers will, however, be allowed to smoke at designated areas, private homes and lawns, road kerbs away from markets and open spaces away from public areas.
Even throwing cigarette butts irresponsibly will entail a penalty under the new rules.
Boards warning of "no-smoking area" will be put up at all public places and buildings and offices.