Airport authorities wake up to ban

Chandigarh: Smoking ban at airport will get more stringent in just a week’s time. Thanks to Ajay Devgan. He just didn’t draw flak for puffing at
a public place, but also jolted the sleeping airport authorities awake.
Though the October 2008 notification of smoking ban at public places authorized the airport managers/in-charges to penalize those violating the ban in their area, the authorities seemed to be unaware of the fact. A fortnight ago, when the cine star was spotted lighting up a cigarette, it was UT police which booked him rather than the airport authorities. Now, a few officers of the airport would be identified and authorized to book those violating the smoking ban on the premises. The challan book is being printed for the purpose.
With a view to provide relief to smokers in future, the authorities, have decided to have a smoking zone in the new building of airport complex, which is likely to become operational by July this year.
“There are a lot of things that need to be done before a blanket ban is implemented. List of officials, agencies to be authorized to book the violators is under final review and we will soon put the system in place,” Sunil Dutt, the manager of Chandigarh Airport, said.
“We do not have any provision for smoking zone in the existing system. But, it would certainly be there in the new building. We are studying the specifications and guidelines for providing smoking zone and accordingly alterations will be made,” he added.
17/01/09 Manveer Saini/Times of India

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Categories: Airports Jan 2009