Hookah, which some say started 400 years ago in India, while others point to an ancient Persian origin (that would be a considerably longer time) along with Indian origins at the same time, has been suddenly been found to be one of the prime suspects in polluting Delhi’s air. This has been found by a BJP MLA, Manjinder Singh Sirsa.
According to Sirsa’s petition with the National Green Tribunal, hookah bars, one of the biggest crowd-pullers of the national capital, might also be a reason for the dangerously high levels of pollution in the city.
Also, contrary to the normally-held belief that smoking hookah is less dangerous than cigarettes, a petition filed with NGT contends that hookah is not only dangerous for your health but also impacts the “society” and the “environment” adversely. The petition raises concerns over hookah bars “ruining” the youth of Delhi by turning them in to “drug addicts”.
The hookah bars, which were made respondents in the case, on Wednesday (November 29), submitted to the court that they are using “herbal hookah” which contains no nicotine in it. The tribunal has issued a bailable warrants of Rs 25, 000 against the respondents who failed to appear for the hearing.
Taking serious note of the petition, the green court had sought replies from the government on the issue. The bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar had issued notices to the Ministry of Environment of Forests, city government, Delhi Pollution Control Board and the police seeking their reply on the issue. The panel had also directed the Delhi government to furnish the details of all the restaurants and bars in the city which allowed smoking hookah in their premises.
Sirsa, in a previous hearing of the case, had submitted evidences before the NGT on hookah smoking having disastrous effect on health and environment. He made references to the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules 2008, his petition said that the rules were being openly flouted, as the hookah—a nicotine product was being permitted in open spaces. According to the petition, air quality tests done at seven hookah bars had found dangerously high levels of airborne particulate matter, carbon monoxide and nicotine. This also puts the other people at risk who are exposed to second-hand smoking.
The matter has been listed for final disposal on December 12.
—India Legal Bureau