Welcoming the Supreme Court green signal to his anti-smoking notification, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss on Tuesday called for “self-imposition” of the ban. “From October 2, smoking in public places, which also includes private buildings, is banned. This is to encourage people to reduce smoking and eventually quit, as well as for employees to have every right to a smoke-free atmosphere. My appeal is not to wait for enforcing agencies to do it but self-impose the ban,” said the minister. Stressing on the perils of passive smoking, Ramadoss said that a “recent study” shows that the lungs of a non-smoker who has been to pubs and bars show nicotine content equal to that of a person who has been smoking for 30 years.

The Union Government will bring out print and electronic media advertisements to make people aware of the new notification and a website — www.secondhandsmokeskills.in — will go live from October 2. The media blitzkrieg will include putting up billboards at stores, hotels and private offices.

Ramadoss is confident that the move to ban smoking in public places will be a success.