Bhubaneswar, Oct. 2: The ban on smoking in public places is rampantly violated in a city declared 'smoke free' in 2010.

The state government had prohibited smoking in public places almost two years after the Centre implemented a similar law on October 2, 2008.

The Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules, enforced by the Union ministry of health and family welfare, has fallen flat in Bhubaneswar because of lack of sincerity in imposing the ban.

When the law was enforced, there was strict vigil and those who violated the ban were fined. But seven years down the line, smoking at public places here is common occurrence.

The 2010 rules of the state government imposes ban on smoking at public places such as hospital buildings, amusement centres, canteens, offices, cinemas, bus stops, stadiums and educational institutions.

'Few years ago, smoking in the city's public places was a strict no. The police used to be on continuous vigil and violators were fined. Such efforts on part of the authorities had instilled fear and someone smoking in public was a rare sight. However, the scene has changed with the authorities doing little to check violations,' said Badagada resident Jit Mohanty.

When the law was imposed, the state's health and family welfare department had all public and private establishments to implement the smoking ban rule. However, while the majority of offices and hospitals strictly follow the guidelines, it is violated at public places such as bus stops and parks.

'We have issued instructions to ensure the ban on smoking. Authorities have been asked to keep no-smoking boards and designate officials to impose fine on the violators. Many of them are doing their job, at public places the onus to implement the ban is on police,' said health department joint secretary P.K.B. Pattanaik, who is in-charge of tobacco cell.

However, the police say staff inadequacy was hampering vigil and action on violators. A police officer told The Telegraph they did keep a check on violation and violators, but it was not possible to keep round-the-clock tab on them due to shortage of staff.

'We have collaborated with the department officials and conducted checks on shops selling tobacco products to minors and imposed fine if they violated norms. On the other hand, with our limited manpower, we also keep a check on public places such as railway station, bus stand and many such major establishments to implement the rule,' he said.

Social workers, however, said there was a need of a strict mechanism and active awareness campaigns for implementation of such rules.

'Scores of youths have been dragged into such bad habits. We need a strict mechanism and awareness campaigns to end smoking in public places,' said social worker Alok Kar.