Mohammad Hanief
Tobacco use has quietly become one of the most serious public health challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir. Despite awareness campaigns, government regulations, and warnings printed on every packet, tobacco consumption continues to rise across the region. From bustling city streets to quiet villages, smoking and other forms of tobacco use have become deeply embedded in daily life – cutting across class, gender, and age.
Recent national health surveys place Jammu and Kashmir among the states and union territories with the highest rates of tobacco consumption in India. The latest data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2) and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) show that 23.7 percent of adults in the region use some form of tobacco. Of these, 20.8 percent are active smokers, while 4.3 percent consume smokeless forms such as gutkha or snuff. These figures point to a worrying trend that shows little sign of slowing down.
The gender gap in tobacco use is substantial but telling. Nearly 35 percent of men in Jammu and Kashmir are smokers, compared with just 5 percent of women. While female smoking remains relatively uncommon, changing lifestyles and urban influences could shift this pattern in the future.
Equally striking are the district-level disparities. In some areas, tobacco use has reached alarming levels. Kupwara, at more than 56 percent, tops the list, followed by Shopian (52 percent), Bandipora (49 percent), and Anantnag (48 percent). In contrast, Jammu district reports significantly lower rates, suggesting that while intensity varies, tobacco use has spread across nearly every corner of the Union Territory.
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this crisis is the growing prevalence of smoking among adolescents and young adults. A recent survey conducted in Srinagar revealed that nearly one in four school-going students – about 23 percent – are active smokers. The findings expose how early experimentation with tobacco often evolves into addiction, locking young people into a habit that may last a lifetime.
Despite the ban under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), students continue to report easy access to cigarettes and other tobacco products, often sold by local vendors near schools. The sale of single cigarettes allows minors to purchase discreetly, while the increasing popularity of hookah lounges – offering flavored tobacco marketed as a social pastime – has normalized smoking among the youth.
The long-term implications are profound. Early exposure to tobacco drastically increases the likelihood of chronic addiction and related health problems. In a region already burdened by unemployment and psychosocial stress, tobacco often becomes a coping mechanism – an illusion of relief that leads to greater physical and mental harm.
Tobacco’s deep cultural roots in Kashmir further complicate the problem. For generations, the hookah has been a familiar presence in rural households, symbolizing hospitality and communal bonding. While modern cigarettes have replaced traditional hookahs, the underlying acceptance of smoking has endured. This social tolerance makes it difficult to stigmatize tobacco use or enforce restrictions, especially within close-knit communities where smoking is seen as a harmless social habit.
The health consequences are devastating. Tobacco is a leading cause of preventable deaths and a major contributor to cancers, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. Hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir are witnessing a steady increase in cases linked to tobacco use, particularly among middle-aged men. The economic cost is equally staggering. It is estimated that residents spend hundreds of crores of rupees each year on tobacco products – a sum that does not include the medical bills, lost income, and long-term care that follow.
Although officials claim a slight decline in tobacco consumption – around two to three percent over recent years – the reality is far more complex. While urban centers show some improvement due to enforcement and awareness, rural and semi-urban areas remain deeply affected. Moreover, a drop among older smokers is often offset by rising use among younger people, threatening to undo any progress made.
The government has launched several initiatives under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP). Cessation centers have been established, awareness campaigns intensified, and fines introduced for smoking in public places. Educational institutions regularly host anti-tobacco events, and advertisements warn about the health risks. Yet, enforcement remains inconsistent. Smoking in public spaces is still widespread, and sales near schools continue largely unchecked.
One major obstacle is easy availability. Cigarettes and bidis can be found in almost every neighborhood shop, often sold without regard for age or distance from schools. Their affordability also keeps demand high, particularly among lower-income groups. Many users underestimate the dangers of “occasional smoking,” while cultural acceptance discourages people from quitting.
The problem extends beyond smokers themselves. Second hand smoke exposes countless non-smokers – including children and women – to harmful toxins at home and in public. Surveys indicate that more than half of adolescents in Jammu and Kashmir are exposed to secondhand smoke in public places, increasing their vulnerability to respiratory diseases and heart conditions.
Addressing this growing crisis requires sustained, multi-dimensional action. Stricter enforcement of existing laws must become a priority. Public smoking should be penalized more consistently, and sales of tobacco near educational institutions must be completely banned. Increasing taxes on tobacco products can make them less affordable, especially for young consumers.
Equally vital are education and awareness efforts that go beyond slogans. Schools, colleges, and community organizations must play a central role in teaching young people about the dangers of tobacco. Campaigns should highlight not only health risks but also the social and economic costs of addiction.
There is also an urgent need for accessible cessation support. Many smokers express a willingness to quit but lack guidance or counselling. Expanding cessation centers, integrating tobacco control into primary healthcare, and using digital tools for follow-up support can greatly improve outcomes. Community and religious leaders, too, can help by promoting a culture that discourages smoking and emphasizes self-discipline and health.
Accurate data and regular monitoring are essential for informed policymaking. Without updated statistics and local-level studies, interventions risk being sporadic and ineffective. Coordination between government departments, educational institutions, and health professionals can ensure that tobacco control efforts remain focused and evidence-based.
Tobacco addiction is not merely a personal habit; it is a social and economic epidemic. The rising rates of tobacco use in Jammu and Kashmir threaten to undermine years of progress in public health and place an enormous strain on the region’s healthcare infrastructure. Every cigarette smoked and every hookah lit carries a cost – one paid not only in money, but in years of life and the health of future generations.
The fight against tobacco will not be won overnight, but it can be won through persistent effort and collective resolve. Jammu and Kashmir stands at a critical crossroads: either allow this silent epidemic to tighten its grip, or act decisively to protect the health and well-being of its people. The choice, and the responsibility, belong to all.