Delhi government official seeks ban on tobacco ads in cricket matches

When it comes to tobacco use, Delhi is one of the better performing states, with 17.8% people using some form of tobacco, compared to the national average is 28.6%, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey – 2 (2016-17).

Advertisements of tobacco products under the guise of ‘pan masala’ should not be allowed during the March 13 match, in Delhi, of the ongoing One Day International cricket series between India and Australia, an official of Delhi government’s department of health has written to the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) and the government of India.

When it comes to tobacco use, Delhi is one of the better performing states, with 17.8% people using some form of tobacco, compared to the national average is 28.6%, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey – 2 (2016-17). (Diwakar Prasad/HT File Photo)

The letter was written in a personal capacity.

“During the previous matches, we saw the pan masala advertisements and have information that they will be used during the matches in Delhi too. This is a violation of Section 5 of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) that prohibits surrogate advertising,” said Dr SK Arora, additional director of health services, Delhi government.

This is not the first time that such a violation was noticed during a cricket match, Arora said.

“Earlier, when I was heading the tobacco control cell, I had issued a show-cause notice to the DDCA in 2017 for displaying such advertisements during a test match in Delhi. Cricket is followed by millions in India and has the power to influence youngsters. We need to protect them from tobacco,” he said.

Arora had served show-cause notices for advertisements of tobacco products to various Bollywood celebrities, newspapers, and even Bond actor Pierce Brosnan. “Several times, the advertisements have been withdrawn from national media,” he said.

He has been working with the tobacco control cell since 2012 and last year, received the World Health Organisation’s World No Tobacco Day award for his efforts.

When it comes to tobacco use, Delhi is one of the better performing states, with 17.8% people using some form of tobacco, compared to the national average is 28.6%, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey – 2 (2016-17).

However, more efforts need to be taken, says Arora. “Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of 40% of all cancers and 90% of oral cancers in India. Among tuberculosis patients, 40% are tobacco smokers and 20 to 30% among people with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke,” said Arora, a chest physician by training.