Smoking with a water pipe to inhale smoke from specially prepared tobacco is known as hookah, also known as shisha or water pipe. In recent years, hookah has gained appeal, especially among young people. However, there are questions regarding the legality of hookah in some Indian cities, such as Thane and Mumbai.
According to the 2006 Maharashtra Prohibition of Smoking and Non-Smokers Health Protection Act, hookah smoking is prohibited in public areas in Thane. Smoking is not permitted in public areas, including bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. In addition, selling hookah is prohibited within 100 meters of educational facilities. The penalties for breaking these laws include fines and jail time.
In a similar vein, Mumbai’s Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) forbade the use of hookah in public settings as of 2018. Both smoking and non-smoking hookahs, like those made with herbs or fruits, are prohibited. Additionally, selling hookah is forbidden 100 meters or less from educational facilities. Many hookah bars and cafés continue to operate in Thane and Mumbai despite these limitations, frequently breaking the rules. In these places, using hookah is frequently considered as a means to draw in young consumers and boost revenue. However, smoking a hookah poses serious health concerns that must be disregarded.
Numerous health issues, including as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses have been associated to hookah smoking. Injurious substances and poisons, such as carbon monoxide and heavy metals, are present in hookah smoke. Additionally, smoking a hookah in a group might raise the risk of contracting infectious diseases including hepatitis and tuberculosis.
In conclusion, the Maharashtra Prohibition of Smoking and Non-Smokers Health Protection Act, 2006 and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act make hookah illegal in Thane and Mumbai. Despite this, there are still a lot of hookah bars and cafes open there, flouting laws governing health and safety. Significant health issues have also been associated with the use of hookah, underscoring the need for increased enforcement of anti-smoking laws.