Yamunanagar administration directed to enforce restrictions on manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of prohibited tobacco product
YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
The Haryana government has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of gutka, pan masala containing tobacco, flavoured and scented tobacco, khara and other similar products containing tobacco across the state, with the move aimed at protecting public health. Deputy Commissioner Preeti said the restrictions would be enforced in the district in accordance with directions issued by the state government.
Giving details of the decision, the Deputy Commissioner said the ban has been imposed under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Central Act 34 of 2006). The directions have been issued by Dr Manoj Kumar, Commissioner (Food Safety), Food and Drug Administration Department, Haryana.
The restrictions cover a range of tobacco-containing products that are manufactured, stored, distributed or sold for consumption. The district administration has directed the concerned departments to ensure strict compliance with the order and prevent the availability of prohibited products in the local market during the period of the ban.
The Deputy Commissioner said the government’s decision has been taken with public health as a priority. She urged residents to understand the serious health risks associated with tobacco and tobacco-containing products and to avoid their consumption.
District Administration Steps Up Enforcement
Appealing to the public, Preeti said tobacco products are harmful to health and can contribute to a range of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. She particularly expressed concern over the impact of tobacco consumption on children and young people, who can be adversely affected when such products are easily accessible in their surroundings.
She appealed to people not only to stay away from tobacco products themselves but also to make members of their families, neighbours and children aware of the health risks associated with tobacco consumption. Public participation, she said, would be important for ensuring that the government’s campaign to curb the use of such products achieves its intended objective.
The administration has also placed responsibility on the concerned departments to monitor compliance with the ban. Officials have been instructed to take effective steps to prevent the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of prohibited tobacco products within the district.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the departments concerned to remain vigilant and ensure that establishments dealing in food and related products do not manufacture, stock, distribute or sell items covered under the government order. Any violation of the restrictions is to be dealt with through appropriate legal action under the applicable provisions.
The order comes as part of the government’s broader public health efforts to discourage the consumption of tobacco and products containing tobacco. The administration’s emphasis is not limited to enforcement alone but also includes creating greater public awareness about the harmful consequences of tobacco use.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, awareness among families and communities can play an important role in preventing young people from becoming accustomed to tobacco products. She urged parents and other responsible members of society to speak to children about the health risks associated with tobacco and discourage them from consuming or experimenting with such products.
The administration has called upon residents to cooperate with enforcement agencies and report violations through the appropriate channels. Strict implementation of the restrictions, combined with public awareness, would help strengthen efforts to reduce the availability and consumption of prohibited tobacco products.
The ban specifically includes gutka, pan masala containing tobacco, scented or flavoured tobacco, khara and similar products in which tobacco is used. The restrictions cover all major stages of the supply chain, including manufacturing, storage, distribution and sale.
The Deputy Commissioner said officials must ensure that the government’s directions are implemented effectively at the district level. Regular vigilance and timely action against violations will be necessary to prevent banned products from continuing to circulate through retail outlets or other channels.
She also stressed the need for collective responsibility in addressing tobacco use. While government agencies have a duty to enforce the restrictions, the success of public health initiatives also depends on individuals and communities making informed choices and discouraging tobacco consumption around them.
The administration’s appeal comes against the backdrop of concerns over the health consequences of tobacco consumption and the need to protect younger sections of society from exposure to addictive products. By urging residents to spread awareness within families and neighbourhoods, the district administration is seeking to complement regulatory measures with community participation.
Preeti reiterated that residents should avoid tobacco and tobacco-containing products and encourage others to do the same. She said cooperation from the public would help the administration implement the one-year restriction effectively and strengthen the campaign aimed at safeguarding public health.
The concerned departments have been instructed to remain alert throughout the enforcement period and take strict action wherever violations of the government order are detected. The administration has made it clear that manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of products covered by the prohibition will not be permitted during the specified period.
The one-year restriction therefore places responsibility on both enforcement authorities and the public. While officials are expected to prevent prohibited products from entering or remaining in the market, residents have been encouraged to support the initiative by avoiding tobacco consumption and spreading awareness about its harmful effects.
The district administration has appealed for active public cooperation so that the state government’s health-focused campaign can be implemented successfully and the availability of tobacco-containing products can be effectively curbed.
POD/DESK
