Dehradun: In a major public health initiative, the Uttarakhand government has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of gutkha, pan masala, and all food products containing tobacco and nicotine across the state. The stringent measure, aimed at safeguarding public health, has been implemented with immediate effect.
The official directive was issued by Vinay Shankar Pandey, the Commissioner of the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA). According to the order dated October 13, 2026, the comprehensive restriction on these harmful products will remain in force for a period of one year.
Officials stated that the decision was taken considering the severe health risks associated with the consumption of tobacco and nicotine. The state government’s primary objective is to protect its citizens from the hazardous effects of these substances. To ensure the success of this initiative, the administration is also running extensive public awareness campaigns across the state.
The state government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to enforce the new regulation. The official order explicitly warns that the manufacturing, storing, or selling of tobacco-infused products within the state’s borders is now entirely illegal. “Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating these rules. There will be no leniency in enforcing this mandate,” the government warned.
To ensure strict compliance, the FSDA Commissioner has sent copies of the directive to all District Magistrates (DMs) in Uttarakhand, instructing them to implement the ban with immediate effect. A copy of the order has also been forwarded to the Chief Secretary and the Medical Health and Family Welfare Department.
The administration has emphasised that making Uttarakhand a tobacco-free state is a priority and has urged the public to cooperate with this health-driven initiative.