HYDERABAD: The ban on smoking in public places came into effect a month ago, but it seems to have hardly made a difference.

The rule has been under implementation since October 2, but till date only 39 people have been booked under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COTP) Act, 2003. Hundreds of offenders have been warned and let off.

While the `No Smoking Zone' signs have been religiously posted at all government offices, employees are seen openly flouting the norm at the Secretariat and at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) headquarters.

The situation is no different on the street. Smokers can be spotted at hotels, restaurants, bus stands, railway station, pan shops and other public places.

Though the authorities promised rigorous measures to spread awareness about the `rule' in the first month, not much has been done.

"With 44 lakh population in Hyderabad and 70 lakh under the GHMC limits, it is nearly impossible for the health department to implement the ban effectively. If all departments pitch in, our efforts can bear fruits," district medical and health officer (DH&HO;) Dr Ch Jayakumari told TOI.

Seven teams, including representatives from NGOs, worked in creating awareness during the month. Ironically for a population of over 70 lakh, the department published 10,000 pamphlets, 5,000 posters and put up five display boards. They made efforts in creating awareness at cinema halls, railway stations, hotels, parks and shopping complexes.

Gazetted officers in various departments, heads of institutions, headmasters or teacher of a school, college and librarians have been authorised to impose and collect fines from violators. However, with no challan books in their hands, everybody seems to be waiting.

The DM&HO; said that in coordination with GHMC special commissioner Praveen Prakash an intensive drive to challan violators would begin next week.