Tobacco.org

• Tobacco tunnel 

The most-backward district of Gadchiroli is set to hit headlines, and not for something nice. The district, known as a Naxalite hotspot, has gained another dubious distinction: its people consume tobacco products worth Rs 73 crore each year. Interestingly, the amount is at least 50% more than funds spent on development, health and employment scheme put together in the district.

A study conducted by Dr Abhay and Rani Bang's Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health (SEARCH) found that almost half of the district's citizens were addicted to tobacco. The team led by Santosh Sawalkar, and including Prabhakar Kelzarkar, Kishor Pendam and male Arogyadoots (health workers) conducted a survey in 24 randomly selected villages in four talukas of Gadchiroli, with 16,780 people being interviewed. The subjects included tribal, non-tribal as well as people in urban area. The data was analysed by researcher Mahesh Deshmukh and psychiatrist Dr Dharav Shah.

It revealed that of the 16,780 people interviewed, 8462 people were tobacco addicts. This led to projection that of the estimated 10,93,016 citizens of the district, 5,72,419 residents consumed tobacco products. More disconcerting is the fact that the average age of beginning consumption, that earlier was 30-35 years is now as low as 10 years. The survey gives many alarming indications, with 51% of rural population consuming tobacco, 59% in tribal areas, and 26% in the urban areas. . . .

Dr. Abhay and Rani Bang said, "Taking into consideration the magnitude of the problem, we need to act, and quickly. The government cannot now turn a blind eye to the problem simply because it gains revenue from tobacco sale. It must realize that it has to spend much more on health and awareness schemes against tobacco. What is more important is that the children and youth going to schools and colleges should at least be made aware of the facts surrounding tobacco consumption.

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