A large chunk of Nepali population including women and children are found to be smokers and regrettably this number is on a rapid rise. This is largely owing to the fact that they are hard pressed economically and can ill-afford to send their wards to schools to enable them to make the right choices. Hence, the widespread poverty and illiteracy, because of which most of the people are not aware of the harmful effects of tobacco consumption on their health. Even those who are educated are unable to quit their addiction due primarily to a weak will power. Then arises the vital question of passive smoking. Not all educated people are aware of the harmful effects of passive smoking, which is why people smoking in public places like the offices, hospitals, markets, public transports and even on roads is a common sight. Most people refuse to realise that smoking causes fatal diseases such as cancer, asthma, and heart ailments, among others. Statistics reveal that more than 15,000 Nepalis die every year, thanks to smoking and other forms of tobacco intake.

To let people kick out this unhealthy habit, the government firstly needs to clamp a ban on smoking in all public places. For this, suitable policies and laws will have to be framed. Levying a heavy tax, for instance, on every single butt alone can make a difference. In this context, the Supreme Court’s order on Tuesday to the government to legislate appropriate laws to prohibit smoking in public places should be taken positively. As cigarette advertisements send wrong messages to kids and can influence their behaviour, steps should be taken to discourage publicity materials that tend to lead people to the bad habit. Meanwhile, those into this habit should be provided access to detoxification facilities. Lastly, the smokers would do infinitely well if they took a leaf from the book of PM Koirala who kissed the awful habit a good bye on the World Anti-tobacco Day, just recently.