Karnataka Bans Sale, Consumption Of Hookah Citing Public Health
The Karnataka government has banned the use and sale of both tobacco and non-tobacco hookah in public places across the state.
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Wednesday said that the move was to protect public health and the youth of the state, considering the serious health risks associated with hookah smoking.
Hookah banned across Karnataka
"In light of this concern, we are implementing a ban on hookah smoking in Karnataka by amending the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Our government is working to build a safer and healthier environment for our future generations," he said.
"The prohibition of hookah use, sale, and service in hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, lounges, cafes, clubs, and other establishments is seen as a crucial step in protecting the youth from substance abuse and the harmful effects of tobacco," an official release said.
Tobacco use in Karnataka
According to the WHO Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2016-17 (GATS-2), 22.8 per cent of adults in Karnataka use tobacco, with 8.8 per cent being smokers.
The report further reveals that 23.9 per cent of adults are exposed to secondhand smoke in public places, demonstrating the pervasive risk of tobacco consumption in the state.
The WHO Global Youth Tobacco Survey of 2019 underscored the growing engagement of youth with tobacco products, with nearly one-fifth of students aged 13-15 having consumed tobacco in some form. Moreover, research has shown that both tobacco-based shisha and "herbal" shisha emit smoke laden with toxic agents, heightening the risk of cancers, heart disease, and lung disease, he explained.
Cost of tobacco consumption in Karnataka
The minister stated that the economic burden of tobacco is equally concerning, with Karnataka incurring a cost of Rs 983 crores in 2011 due to tobacco-related illnesses among individuals aged 35-69, highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures.
The dangers of Hookah smoking are further amplified by studies comparing it with cigarette smoking, revealing that Hookah smoke contains many of the same harmful substances, including nicotine, tar, and heavy metals. Hookah smokers are also at risk for a range of serious diseases, including various types of cancers and heart disease.
Hookah ban in other states
It should be noted that other Indian states including Haryana and Delhi have also tried to ban or restrict the use of hookahs in the past. But a lack of clarity in the rules and enforcement measures has meant that they have not been materialised.
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