The Kalimpong district administration has enforced a ban on smoking in public places in the hill town under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in association with district police.

According to administrative sources, the ban under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) — which says smoking is banned in public places — was enforced from Saturday.

A committee headed by district magistrate R. Vimala has been constituted in the district to enforce and monitor the anti-smoking drive.

The superintendent of police, administrative officials and representatives of state departments such as transport, excise, and education are also members of the committee.

“From now on, smoking in public places like Dambar Chowk, Kalimpong Park, the bus stop, CK Chowk, and Kanchenjunga cinema hall and near the local police station, is banned. Posters to make people aware have been put up in these areas. Anybody violating the directive will be fined Rs 200,” said a source.