The Hindu : Kerala News : Spitting banned in public places

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Sunday, Dec 17, 2006
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Kerala

Spitting banned in public places

Special Correspondent

Enforced on the directive of High Court

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a bid to check health hazards, the State Government on Saturday issued an order banning spitting and blowing the nose in public places.

The ban was imposed on the basis of a High Court directive. The court had directed the Government to take steps to check such behaviour, which caused inconvenience and posed serious health threat to the public, and issue orders to all the heads of departments.

A pressnote issued by the Government said spitting, spitting of pan, blowing of the nose and sneezing without covering the nose were harmful to the health of the public. Diseases such as tuberculosis, influenza, pneumonia, chicken pox, diphtheria, endemic fever and whooping cough were spread by phlegm and spit. The bacteria or virus of these diseases spread infection among the people. Tourists viewed such unhealthy surroundings with revulsion, it said.

As part of the implementation of the order, the Government will provide spittoons on roads, in public places and in office compounds. It will install boards and banners asking the public to desist from such behaviour. Electronic display boards would also be installed. Notices and pamphlets will be distributed to educate the public and advertisements will be placed in the electronic and print media.

The Government asked the Information and Public Relations Department to organise a campaign among the public. It directed the corporations, municipalities and panchayats to handle the campaign and related work in public places such as offices, anganwadis, schools, parks, community halls, markets and cinema theatres.

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