MARGAO: Despite strict enforcement of laws prohibiting smoking and spitting in public places, incidents of these activities continue to rise. Both government and privately-owned commercial buildings across South Goa are marred with paan and gutka stains in the stairwells, bathrooms and even in the elevators.
Salcete, in particular, has witnessed a significant number of cases booked over the past two years, and the crackdown on violators has intensified recently. Superintendent of Police for South Goa, Sunita Sawant, reported that from January 1 to July 21 this year, police stations in the district booked 4,402 cases and collected Rs 4,40,200 in fines. The Margao Town Police Station, which serves the highest population, recorded 358 cases, followed by Maina-Curtorim Police Station with 273 cases. Other notable figures include Colva Police Station with 313 cases, Cuncolim with 291, Fatorda with 171, Quepem with 81, Curchorem with 106, Sanguem with 206, Canacona with 500, Vasco Police Station with 223, Verna with 14, Mormugao with 13, Vasco Railway Station with 457, Dabolim with 147, and Ponda with the highest number at 730. Mardol and Collem Police Stations recorded 118 and 339 cases, respectively. Efforts to curb these violations are ongoing, said police sources.
Most violations occurred at hospital buildings, health institutions, amusement centres, restaurants, hotel lounges, public offices, bus stands, ferry boats, and beaches. In 2022, South Goa police stations recorded a total of 6,625 cases of smoking violations by December 10.
