Kashmir’s tobacco epidemic: Lack of effective policies leaves youth vulnerable
Srinagar, Oct 05 : Tobacco use has reached epidemic proportions in Kashmir, with a surge witnessed in the consumption of tobacco products in recent years. One of the primary reasons for this increase is the easy availability of cigarettes, bidis and smokeless tobacco.
According to social activists who spoke with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the lack of comprehensive tobacco control measures in the region has allowed tobacco companies to market their products to vulnerable populations, particularly youth and low-income individuals.
Recent data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) shows a troubling rise in smoking habits among Kashmir’s population.
A government survey from 2016 reveals that monthly spending on smoking tobacco in Jammu & Kashmir is much higher than in other regions.
The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) reports that approximately 70% of adults in Jammu & Kashmir are exposed to active tobacco smoke, which makes it the highest region in India for tobacco spending.
Since the launch of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in 2016, efforts have expanded across all districts.
Data from the Directorate for Health Services Kashmir (DHS-K) shows that from 2020-2021 to August 2023, enforcement squads issued 2,967 challans, collecting a total of Rs 237,626 in fines during the 2023-24 period alone.
These figures reflect a marked increase in enforcement efforts; in 2020-21, only 271 challans resulted in fines totalling Rs 18,290. The following year, fines rose to Rs 20,250 through 324 challans. However, from August 2023 to August 2024, DHS-K reported 756 challans with a recovery of Rs 92,900.
Despite its rich tradition of holistic health practices, Kashmir has seen a sharp rise in tobacco use. A study investigating tobacco prevalence among individuals over 15 revealed that Kupwara district has the highest rate at 56.6%, while Jammu district has the lowest at 26.6%. Anantnag and Badgam districts follow closely, with 49.9% and 48.8% prevalence, respectively.
Among female tobacco users, Bandipora district leads at 9.1%, followed by Kupwara (6.8%) and Baramulla (6.5%). The lowest rates are found in Jammu (0.8%), Srinagar (1.9%), and Poonch (2.3%).
The study calls for increased awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco. It suggests that reducing tobacco use is a collective responsibility and should be addressed through public discussions about its mental, environmental, and health impacts.
According to the GATS report, smokers aged 15 and older in Jammu & Kashmir spend an average of Rs 513.60 monthly on cigarettes and Rs 134.20 on bidis, compared to Rs 399.20 and Rs 93.40, respectively, for the rest of India. The report reveals that passive smoking exposure is notably higher in Jammu & Kashmir, with 69.7% of adults exposed to tobacco smoke at home.
Historically, tobacco and hookah use have been woven into local culture and accepted as social norms during gatherings. This cultural acceptance has inadvertently facilitated the ongoing popularity of these practices.
Illiteracy regarding the health consequences of tobacco exacerbates the issue.
Experts and activists call for a multifaceted approach to combat tobacco use in the valley.
Advocate Zahoor Bhat called for raising awareness about the risks associated with tobacco, including increasing taxes on tobacco products. “There should be mass awareness campaigns led by religious leaders who can address the issue in sermons,” he said, adding, “The younger population, which is particularly vulnerable, needs to be informed about the effects of tobacco.”
Bhat advocated for targeted campaigns through various media channels, educational institutions and community organisations to disseminate critical information and debunk misconceptions.
“There is a need for accessible healthcare resources and programmes to support tobacco addiction treatment, including counselling, support groups and medical assistance,” he said—(KNO)
