GHMC staff ignores no smoking zone

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) does not seem to practise what it preaches. Recently, no smoking boards were placed in the GHMC premises with a warning that a fine of Rs 200 would be imposed if anyone was found smoking.

However, people were seen smoking with gay abandon near the canteen area and at times even at the parking lot. Moreover, the canteen management has arranged a lighter at the window for smokers. This has been the cause of inconvenience to women and non-smokers.

"It has been a week now, we had set up no smoking signboards to curb smoking in the office," said Hari Chandana, GHMC Zonal Commissioner. "The rule is applicable in the whole compound of GHMC including canteen area.

We have not received a single complaint," says S Vijay Kumar, AE, GHMC building maintenance. He further said, "A special team for checking was not formed yet, but we are inspecting the entire premises periodically.

"We are not aware that it is a 'no smoking' area. As the lighter is tied to the window of canteen, everyone think that smoking is allowed here. None of the officials stopped us," said a person who was seen smoking near the canteen.