In A First, Karnataka Bans All Tobacco Ads On Buses And At Bus Stands 

Advertising tobacco and tobacco-related products in public spaces has long been debated. The harmful impact of tobacco on the youth is a grave cause of concern. Cracking down on tobacco advertisements in public, the Karnataka government has issued a new mandate. Ads for tobacco and tobacco-related products will be banned in bus stands and on buses. Here’s more to it.

Karnataka Bus Stands & Buses Say NO To Tobacco Ads

A report by India Today reveals how Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy instructed officials to prevent direct and indirect ads that promoted tobacco products in specific areas. This includes tobacco ads pasted on buses and placed at bus stands of Karnataka’s four transport corporations. The transport minister ordered the directive to be effective immediately.

It was sent out to Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC). Reddy stated to India Today that this directive is issued in the interest of the public. He hereby announced that, with immediate effect, no advertisements directly or indirectly promoting the use of tobacco products should be installed on bus stands and on buses of transport corporations.

Also Read: To Improve Work-Life Balance, Karnataka Police Can Now Take Leaves On Birthdays & Anniversaries

Activists Tore Down Ads On Buses

Moreover, he stated that if such advertisements were already displayed on bus stops or on buses, then they must be removed within a fixed interval. Strict directions have been used to ensure compliance within this stipulated period. The major public health rule cracks down on tobacco ads. Earlier, a few activists headed to the Majestic and KR Puram bus stands. They tore down harmful tobacco consumption advertisements on buses.

Also Read: Why Is Karnataka Exporting GI-Tagged Food Like Bananas & Betel Leaves To Maldives?

Also, this news comes days after Odisha’s state-wide ban on all tobacco and nicotine products in compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and directions from the Supreme Court of India. Can India witness more similar bans on tobacco advertising, sale and its consumption?

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikipedia/Rsrikanth05 and  Canva Pro/Oksana Latysheva