According to a report in The Indian Express, India's tobacco control group will soon launch a GPS-based app called "StopTobacco", which allows people to report smoking in public places.
In 2003, the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) was launched to reduce smoking in public places and protect non-smokers from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke. Anyone who violates COTPA can now be reported using a new application - users just need to upload a photo of the smoker in a public place, and the state's anti-tobacco group will respond to the area and fine the violators.
We cannot simply rely on the police or municipal enforcement agencies to bear the burden alone. This application provides us with the opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of the COTPA laws and regulations in public places, enhance civic responsibility, and promote positive health outcomes. The app strikes a good balance between raising awareness and enforcing regulations," said Vishal Rao, a member of the state's tobacco control commission.
In 2019, a pilot system similar to this was launched, allowing the submission of COTPA violations via email in ten regions. However, due to the pandemic, it was unable to be implemented statewide.
After downloading the application, users can click and upload photos of public places where violations occur, such as shops, bakeries, hotels, schools/colleges, bus and train stations, and playgrounds. Then, there is an option to input the complainant's location, area, and phone number. The photos will be sent to the local tobacco control unit and forwarded to the Taluk tobacco control unit. Since the application is GPS-based, the complaint location will be highlighted on the map and a small team will be dispatched to the site. "We have established seven-person teams in various locations," says a senior official, adding that every Taluk takes action on complaints.
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