Hyderabad, Feb 12 (Hydnow): The Telangana Legislative Assembly witnessed a decisive move on February 12th, 2024, with the unanimous passage of a bill banning hookah parlors within the state.
This action came during the fourth day of the ongoing budget session, highlighting the government’s strong stance on protecting public health from the dangers of tobacco use.
The bill, introduced by Minister Sridhar Babu on behalf of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, faced no opposition and was swiftly approved without any debate. This swiftness underscores the growing concern surrounding the rising trend of hookah smoking, particularly among young people.
Minister Babu stressed the alarming health risks associated with hookah consumption, pointing out that it can be even more harmful than conventional cigarette smoking.
Studies have shown that hookah smoke contains significantly higher levels of carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and carcinogens, with the added danger of charcoal further amplifying the health hazards. He emphasized the vulnerability of college students targeted by hookah parlors and the potential for harm not only to direct smokers but also to passive bystanders.
The unanimous vote reflects a strong consensus within the assembly on prioritizing public health. This proactive step aims to curb the proliferation of hookah parlors and shield citizens from the detrimental effects of tobacco.
While the hookah ban represents a significant development, the assembly also tackled other crucial issues. Discussions surrounding the ongoing Krishna River projects and the potential handover to the KRMB resulted in a resolution opposing such action.
These deliberations highlight the legislature’s commitment to addressing pressing concerns impacting the state’s welfare and its citizens.
The Assembly Budget Session continues for the fourth day. The House condoled the late former MLAs Mashchendar Rao, P Narsa Reddy, and Birudu Rajamallu. (Hydnow)
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