The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, meanwhile, had taken the lead by declaring the entire campus a smoke-free zone a day before the ministry deadline.

The guards at the campus have reportedly been given the additional responsibility of ensuring the ban.

The president of DUSU, Nupur Sharma, too welcomed the ministry’s move. “Last year, we put a ban on smoking. So the fresh ban will not make much of a difference. But now, anyone can be fined for smoking in a public place. This will make the ban more effective,” she said.

Manoj Pant, the Campus Development Committee chairman in Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the university has banned smoking in the academic complex, classrooms and libraries. The committee will now put up circulars banning smoking in common rooms and games rooms.

Restaurants yet to feel the heat
While the city was divided over the blanket ban, most pubs and restaurants have switched to the no-smoking mode. “We used to have a smoking section at our cafe earlier. But from today, we have made the entire place a no-smoking zone. Smokers are however allowed to go to the terrace,” said a spokesperson at Market Cafe in Khan Market.
Thursday being a dry day, most restaurants are yet to feel the pinch. “We have made the area a no-smoking zone, but there have been less people walking in. So we haven’t received any complaint or felt a dip in the business yet,” said a spokesperson at QBA in Connaught Place.