Despite ban, tobacco & single-use plastics continue to thrive in Kangra

Despite a ban imposed in 2012 by the state government under Prem Kumar Dhumal on the import, transportation, stocking and sale of chewable tobacco and similar products, such items continue to be sold clandestinely in the lower Kangra region bordering Punjab. Although gutka, kheni and other chewable tobacco products have largely disappeared from shop shelves, consumers report easy access to them on the black market—albeit at inflated prices.

Addicted users have established contact with specific vendors who supply the banned products covertly. These sellers are known to smuggle the tobacco from neighbouring Pathankot in Punjab and discreetly distribute it among regular buyers. Labourers and migrant workers remain the primary consumers of these products. Vendors in areas such as Nurpur, Jawali, Fatehpur and Indora subdivisions continue selling the banned substances with impunity, as government authorities have failed to enforce the ban effectively.

Interestingly, the prohibition has inadvertently created a thriving underground market. Vendors now charge double or more the original price, with Rs 10 packets selling for up to Rs 20 and Rs 5 packets for Rs 10. Consumers rarely object to overcharging, fully aware that the product is banned and accessible only through illicit channels.

A similar fate seems to have befallen the Centre’s ban on single-use plastic, which came into effect on July 1, 2022. Despite a clear nationwide prohibition on the manufacturing, transportation, storage, sale and use of such items, single-use plastic carry bags and packaging materials continue to be used freely in the region. Vegetable vendors, grocers and halwais openly flout the rules, facing little to no scrutiny from enforcement officials.

Designated officers from various departments have largely turned a blind eye to these violations. Piles of single-use plastic bags are a common sight on roadsides, in drains and at public spaces, despite strict bans in place. Even the state’s policy to promote the use of plastic waste in road construction has failed to gain traction on the ground.

Adding to the irony, vendors using plastic packaging materials have demanded that instead of targeting end-users, the government should impose a complete ban on the manufacturing of plastic carry bags—arguing that as long as production continues, enforcement on usage will remain ineffective.

Himachal Tribune