Darj set to impose fines for public smoking, littering
Times of India | 13 August 2025
Darjeeling: With a pledge to make Darjeeling cleaner and greener, the Darjeeling Municipality has decided to impose instant spot fines on those caught littering in the hill town. The civic body is set to install smoking zones and has also stressed fines on public smoking. In a parallel initiative, an NGO, in collaboration with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration and the Darjeeling Municipality, has inaugurated a unique ‘plogging and jogging' campaign — jogging while collecting litter — under the banner Mero Darjeeling — Maya Ani Seva Tapai Lai.
The civic body will also impose a Rs 200 fine on anyone found smoking in public areas or near educational institutions. "Smoking outside the designated zones will attract spot fines," said Darjeeling Municipality chairman Deepen Thakuri.
| Gold Rates Today in Kolkata | Silver Rates Today in KolkataVikram Rai, founder of the NGO, said, "The movement will begin with intra-ward events under the municipality. A larger competition will follow during the tourist season to raise awareness among visitors. The first drive is scheduled to start on Aug 15 at Chowrasta.
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