Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s recent ban on the manufacture and sale of pan masala, gutkha, khaini and other food items containing tobacco or nicotine was projected as a strong public health intervention. However, ground realities suggest that the move has exposed a major loophole, allowing other equally harmful smokeless and traditional tobacco products to flourish unchecked, particularly in rural regions.
Despite the official prohibition, the production and sale of gundi, bidi and gudakhu continue unabated. Gundi is a locally prepared tobacco mix often blended with coriander seeds, bidi consists of tobacco rolled in kendu leaves, and gudakhu is a paste made from jaggery and tobacco leaves. These products remain widely available in local markets, undermining the state government’s stated objective of reducing cancer and other tobacco-related diseases.
Ironically, the ban has reportedly made the informal tobacco trade even more lucrative. Traders and producers claim profit margins have risen sharply, in some cases up to six times the cost of production. Insiders allege that affluent individuals have entered the trade, with some enjoying political patronage in return for election-related funding.
Producers of gundi say that an investment of as little as ₹100 can yield returns of up to ₹600. Most production units operate without registration, making it easier to evade health inspections and enforcement action. Manufacturing centres often remain unlisted, while product ingredients are rarely disclosed—clear violations of public health norms.
Health experts have raised serious concerns over the unchecked spread of these products. “Low-grade tobacco leaves contain very high levels of nicotine. Consumption of gundi and gudakhu made from such tobacco leads to severe addiction and serious health complications,” said Rajakishore Das of Bari in Jajpur district.
Medical professionals echo these warnings. Dr. Ashok Acharya, Director of Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital, Bhubaneswar, noted that nicotine is a highly addictive alkaloid that alters brain chemistry. “While nicotine sustains addiction, thousands of other chemicals present in tobacco are responsible for cancer, cardiovascular diseases and chronic lung disorders,” he said.
Unregulated tobacco production is reported to have spread across several parts of Jajpur district, including Haripur, Jajpur Sadar, Sujanpur, Baruhan, Nischanta, Narasinghpur, Brahmabarada, Panikoili and Madhuban. Large quantities of these products are sold in local markets and transported to neighbouring districts. Similar illegal operations have also been reported from Ganjam and Malkangiri districts.
Distribution networks largely depend on weekly rural markets (haats) and roadside betel shops. To avoid detection, many vendors reportedly keep their stock hidden and sell only to familiar or trusted customers.
Public health advocates warn that unless enforcement is strengthened and all forms of tobacco are brought under a comprehensive regulatory framework, Odisha’s anti-tobacco drive risks losing its effectiveness while exposing rural populations to continued health hazards.
-OdishaAge
