Karnataka has taken a significant stride towards safeguarding public health, with Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announcing the immediate implementation of a statewide ban on hookah smoking. The decision underscores the state’s commitment to “protect public health and youth” by addressing the substantial health risks associated with hookah consumption.
The ban, executed through amendments to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), is designed to create a safer and healthier environment for future generations. Minister Rao, in emphasizing the severity of health risks tied to hookah smoking, pointed to the imperative of protecting the youth and public at large.
This move follows earlier considerations in September 2023, where Karnataka’s Health Minister contemplated banning hookah bars and increasing the legal age for tobacco consumption from 18 to 21 years. The recent decision to enforce a statewide ban aligns with a broader trend in India, as Haryana implemented a similar ban on serving hookah in commercial establishments last year, excluding traditional hookahs used in rural areas.
The proactive measures taken by Karnataka reflect a growing awareness of the health hazards associated with hookah smoking and the state’s commitment to curbing the prevalence of tobacco-related illnesses.
