Punjab Newsline, Shimla-
Under the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign (TFYC) 3.0, launched by the Chief Minister on 13 October 2025, the State Flying Squad conducted a coordinated multi- department enforcement drive on leading cafés and restaurants in Shimla for illegally serving Sheesha (Hukkah).
Teams from the Department of Health, Health Safety & Regulation, Food and Drug Administration,Excise &Taxation Department,and the PoliceDepartment participated in the operation.
Inspections revealed that several establishments were offering Sheesha (Hukkah) disguised as flavoured molasses or herbal/no-nicotine varieties. However, a large number of seized packets clearly listed tobacco and nicotine, but did not carry the mandatory statutory health warnings, violating Section 7 of COTPA, 2003. A case has been registered under the relevant provisions of COTPA, and all seized items have been submitted to the court for further action. Sheesha (Hukkah): A Severe and Growing Health Threat
Dr. Ravinder Kumar, State Programme Officer, National Tobacco Control Programme, highlighted key scientific findings on the dangers of Sheesha (Hukkah) use: 45 minutes of Sheesha (Hukkah) smoking canequal smoking 100. Hookah contains addictive nicotine and produces high levels of carbon monoxide, as recognised by the World Health Organization. Users typically inhale more deeply and for longer durations, increasing exposure to carcinogenic smoke. One Sheesha (Hukkah) session can deliver upto 25 times the tar of a single. Sharing Sheesha (Hukkah) pipes heightens the risk of communicable diseases such as TB, Hepatitis, and Herpes. Statewide Enforcement to Intensify.
Pradeep Kumar Thakur, IAS, Mission Director, National Health Mission Himachal Pradesh, stated that the ongoing crackdown is part of a statewide strategy to curb the rising menace of Sheesha (Hukkah) use, especially among adolescents and youth. He emphasised that products marketed as herbal, no-tobacco, or no-nicotine are misleading and equally harmful, including for those exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS). He further clarified that all provisions of COTPA apply fully to Sheesha (Hukkah), irrespective of how it is labelled or marketed. The Health Department remains firmly committed to protecting the public from tobacco-related harms. Illegal Sheesha (Hukkah) service continues to be reported in Kullu District (particularly Kasol and Manali), Shimla, Dharamshala, and Solan. Thakur reaffirmed that enforcement will be strengthened through a three-tier Flying Squad system operating at the State, District, and Block levels, ensuring continuous monitoring and strict action against all establishments violating COTPA.