Responding to our question on ‘unofficial smoking zones' in workplaces (despite a ban), readers acknowledge that while smoking is harmful, given the law that denies ‘official' smoking zones, such unofficial areas are stress busters for habitual smokers. There are some readers like Pradeep Ghorpade from Mumbai who question the absence of official smoking zones too. Edited excerpts:

Let smokers be

As an international traveller, I was impressed by the smoking areas provided in international airports, restaurants and public places. Should we also provide similar smoking areas in our workplaces, and in public places such as airports, railway stations, bus stands and shopping malls?

Most co-workers ignore it when one of their colleagues smokes in unofficial smoke areas such as toilets, basements or parking areas. This ensures that the employee does not leave the campus and returns quickly to his work desk or factory shed.

— Mathew Abraham, RBI, Thiruvananthapuram

Smoking is a habit that dies hard. Any policy/action of the state or business organisation to stop it entirely would be an exercise in futility. Creating unofficial smoking areas on office campuses would not only keep the smoker-employees in good humour, but also prevent them from smoking on the sly and creating embarrassing scenes. Having said that, it is imperative that employers do everything in their control to protect non-smokers from being inconvenienced and ensure their physical and mental well-being.

— S. Ramakrishnasayee, DAV-BHEL School, Ranipet

Give them the space

Smoking has become a stress buster for the workforce and is a habit that a lot of workers in Indian organisations have despite the associated health risks. While it is essential to prohibit smoking at the workplace, creation of unofficial smoking areas will not disturb the work environment. It is better to allot some area in the organisation for ‘unofficial' smoking.

— Srinivas Vissapragada, K L University B-School, Guntur

Related Topics