The Delhi government has banned hookah bars in the city and has asked the Delhi Police and the Municipal Corporations to immediately cancel licenses of restaurants with hookah bars.
Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on 31 October that hookah smoking is not allowed in non-smoking zones as per Section 4 of COTPA (Cigarette and other Tobacco Products Act), as well as in the smoking zones.
He said that the Centre had issued notification in May with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare completely prohibiting the use of hookahs.
Jain said that the State Tobacco Control Cell has conducted several raids in various parts of Delhi, and the chemical analysis picked "has shown presence of nicotine in significant amount in almost all the samples".
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This is despite the claim that they were using herbal products.
"However, the action is still awaited and the violations are still going on in many parts of Delhi," he said.
Hookah is a popular choice of smoking, especially with the elderly, in the rural areas. But over the last few years it has gained popularity among the urban youth.
"People consider hookah a safe alternative to smoking without realising that it is even more harmful and has an adverse impact on their health.
"According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a one hour long hookah session comprises 200 puffs compared to 30 puffs of a cigarette," Jain said.
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