Bhubaneswar, Dec. 21: Students and youths have threatened to launch an agitation if the civic authorities fail to check the sale of gutka and other tobacco products.

Leaders of two youth organisations, the Rajiv Bikas Kendra and the Bikas Student and Youth Organisation, slammed the civic administration for failing to stop the sale of tobacco products, despite Bhubaneswar having been declared a no-tobacco city in October 2010.

Youth leader Subhandu Mohanty yesterday told reporters that on June 25 this year, the state government had decided to empower assistant sub-inspectors of police to seize tobacco products in the city.

'It also asked government offices and institutes to ensure that tobacco products were not used on their premises and neither did paan chewers stained walls by spitting. But, tobacco products still continue to be sold near educational institutes,' he said.

Mohanty said tobacco products were now easily available also near bus tops and railway stations.

'At least 12 manufacturers are producing gutkas under various brand names. These are being produced on the city outskirts. The civic and police authorities should act against them. The government is also losing a huge amount of revenue because of illegal sale of these products,' he said.

Mohanty also alleged that many hoardings put up across the city advertised gutka products.

Since 2010, nearly Rs 40 lakh has been collected as fine under the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (prevention) Act, 2003. The act empowers authorities to impose monetary fine on the tobacco sellers.

'Sale of gutka and tobacco products near educational institutes should be banned completely. I have seen shops selling tobacco products near school, which is an offence under the act. It should be stopped immediately,' said Krishna Agarwal, a student.

Ritika Kumari, another student, said awareness should be created on the harmful effects of tobacco, especially gutka, as it can lead to cancer and cause other problems.

'Recent findings reveal that excessive use of the tobacco products may also have adverse effect on our reproductive systems,' she said.

Project-cum-public relations officer of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Srimanta Mishra said: 'In the past, we had taken strict action against the milk booth owners, who were selling tobacco products. We will also take the help of the police to ensure proper implementation of the act.'

On the issue of hoarding advertising tobacco products, Mishra said: 'We don't allow such advertisements. But if there are any, action will be taken immediately.'

Within seven days if the authorities do not take action against the gutka sellers, we will go for an agitation involving students and social activists
Subhendu Mohanty, social activist

Selling of gutka near educational institutes should be banned completely. The authorities have to take 
action urgently
Krishna Agarwal, student

Gutka can change the human physiology and might lead to cancer. Young boys and girls should be on alert 
not to use it
Ritika Kumari, student