Bhandara youths drawn to kharra, tobacco and cigarettes; over 1 lakh screened for oral cancer

Concern is being voiced over young men in rural Bhandara district falling prey to kharra, tobacco, cigarettes and liquor. Peer pressure, unemployment and easy availability are cited as the reasons. What begins as a hobby or a fashion turns into a habit. In some places, sons are seen eating kharra alongside their fathers.

The damage is not limited to health. The habit can also hurt a family's finances. District-wise figures on how much addiction has affected household spending or pushed families into debt are not available, but the issue needs to be studied.

Friends' insistence, curiosity, unemployment and worry about the future push some youths towards addiction. Easy availability of tobacco products is another reason. It is therefore being said that paan stalls and small shops should be inspected regularly to check whether tobacco products are being sold to minors, and whether rules around school premises are being followed.

Government-level efforts for de-addiction are under way in the district, but they need to reach rural youths effectively. Gram panchayats, schools, youth groups and the health department should together focus on awareness, screening and counselling. Those addicted also need treatment and the support of their families.

A meeting of the district-level Narco Coordination Committee was held under the chairmanship of District Collector Sawan Kumar. It reviewed action against narcotics and tobacco. Special squads are to be formed to inspect the areas around schools and colleges, and a regular drive is planned.

The health department keeps up continuous awareness among citizens about the harmful effects of tobacco, kharra and other addictions. Students in schools and colleges are told how addictions affect the body. Through health camps, counselling and various awareness activities, people are urged to stay away from addictions. To build an addiction-free society, schools, gram panchayats, parents and citizens, along with the health department, have been asked to take active part.

The figures for the anti-tobacco drive are as follows: 50,900 entries and 802 challans. Guidance on quitting tobacco was given to 175 people, and 7,649 citizens were counselled. At the Bhandara centre, 37,240 entries and 526 challans were recorded. In the district, 1,02,554 people were screened for oral cancer.

Eating tobacco and kharra can cause oral cancer, gum disease and other problems of the mouth. It is therefore important to avoid tobacco and to consult a doctor if any symptoms appear. Awareness, enforcement, counselling and screening can be more effective if schools, gram panchayats, parents and the health department work together.