HP generates over 1 crore Rs after declaring Shimla smoke free

After declaring Shimla as smoke free area on October 02, 2010, Himachal Pradesh government generated revenue of over 1 crore Rs by issuing fines on smokers in public places including, offices, and restaurants and on the mall road. A survey done by a non-governmental organisation 'Voluntary Health Association of India' revealed that 97 percent of public places in the city are totally smoke-free. The study also disclosed that 90 percent people wanted a smoke free area especially offices and the workplaces of the city. While talking to mediapersons, Deputy Commissioner of Shimla district administration, Onkar Sharma, said that generating income is not the motive of the administration but wanted to spread awareness about the ill effects of tobacco on human health.