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In a bid to combat the proliferation of new-age gateway devices like e-cigarettes and vapes, Mothers Against Vaping, a coalition of proactive and concerned mothers, has commended the government’s recent efforts to restrict their spread. Following a successful seizure of hundreds of Chinese-made e-cigarettes bound for New Delhi, the organization has stressed the critical need for sustained vigilance to counter this growing threat.
Recent developments, including the arrest of smugglers and the seizure of a substantial quantity of e-cigarettes sourced from Nepal, highlight the gravity of the situation. The intercepted consignment, valued at nearly Rs 50 lakh, was intended for sale in Rohini, Delhi, and surrounding areas, targeting a younger customer base in bars and restaurants. This incident underscores the alarming ease of access and glamorization of these devices, which pose a significant risk of addiction and harm to health.
Dr. Rajesh Gupta, Additional Director of Pulmonology & Critical Care at Fortis Healthcare, Noida, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the detrimental health effects of vaping. While applauding law enforcement’s actions, Dr. Gupta stressed the need for a multi-faceted approach that includes public awareness campaigns targeting youth. He suggested involving youth icons, celebrities, and influencers to spearhead an anti-vaping movement, echoing similar initiatives undertaken by the Australian government.
The Australian government’s crackdown on vaping, launched on January 1, 2024, includes enlisting local influencers to create and share anti-vaping content on social media platforms. This initiative, termed the ‘influencer-led youth vaping campaign,’ aims to counter the influence of ‘vapefluencers’ backed by big tobacco companies.
Dr. Bhavna Barmi, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Happiness Studio, emphasized the importance of addressing both the demand and supply sides of the issue. While seizures target the supply side, Dr. Barmi advocated for penalties for the usage of these devices under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act (PECA) 2019. Implementing penalties can instill fear among users and their parents, contributing to a reduction in usage.
The Indian government’s proactive stance on banning e-cigarettes through PECA 2019 demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding public health and combating the growing threat of vaping-related harm. As efforts to curb the usage of these harmful devices continue, initiatives to raise awareness and enforce penalties are crucial steps towards protecting the well-being of Indian youth.
