Still smokin’ them out of DU

A recent survey by WLF in collaboration with DU administration has revealed that about 8 per cent of students at DU’s North Campus are smokers, reports Neha Sharma.

The smoking ban and CCTV cameras on Delhi University’s campus seem to have paid off. A recent survey by the World Lung Foundation (WLF) in collaboration with the Delhi University administration has revealed that about eight per cent of students at DU’s North Campus are smokers, with 18.4 per cent males and 3.3 per cent of them females.

HT Image

The drop in numbers is evident when compared to a similar survey conducted by the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute in 2003. The figures then stood at 23.5 per cent and 3.9 per cent for men and women, respectively.

However, the battle is not yet won. Despite the ban and repeated reminders, D. N Gupta officiating principal Hindu college says, “I do see students smoking in the canteen. There are unauthorised cigarette vendors around campus, in places
like Mukherjee Nagar. Students access cigarettes from such places even though we try our best to stop them from smoking.”

Another finding states that “only 14 per cent had a clear understanding of which organs and body systems are affected” by smoking. However, students disagree. “If a person is educated enough to reach DU they are smart enough to know that smoking kills,” said Ankita Chawla of IP college.