Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a notable decline in both tobacco and alcohol consumption among men and women.
According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) 2023-24, a significant reduction in tobacco use has been recorded among men aged 15 and older from 38.5 percent in 2019-21 to 30.1 percent in 2023-2024.
As per the figures, 31.7 percent of men were addicted to tobacco in rural Jammu and Kashmir compared to 24.8 percent in urban Jammu and Kashmir.
Among women, tobacco usage remains relatively low, dropping slightly from 3.6 percent in 2019-21 to 3.1 percent overall in 2023-24.
Alcohol consumption among the region’s male population has also registered a downward trajectory. The overall percentage of men (aged 15+) who consume alcohol fell from 8.7 percent in NFHS-5 to 7.3 percent in NFHS-6.
Interestingly, unlike tobacco, alcohol consumption among men is slightly more prominent in urban pockets (7.6 percent) than in rural landscapes (7.2 percent).
Alcohol consumption among women in the Union Territory remains negligibly low and statistically unchanged at a steady 0.2 percent.
Health experts view the overall decline as an encouraging indicator of improved awareness and behavioural change, though they caution that persistent rural-urban disparities in tobacco use continue to remain a concern for public health policy.
“The government is succeeding in combating drug addiction in the union territory. Tobacco and alcohol are also a concern as people suffer health-wise due to their consumption. We have seen an increase in the number of patients who suffer from dreaded diseases due to smoking or alcohol consumption. Mass awareness is required to limit the consumption of alcohol and tobacco in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Dr Arsalan Ahmed, a physician.
Pertinently, earlier in the Legislative Assembly in March, a total of 72 private members’ bills were listed, including proposing restriction of alcohol tobacco.
Last month, the Jammu and Kashmir government called for a comprehensive roadmap and an institutionalised awareness mechanism across all educational institutions and coaching centres in the Union Territory to identify and prevent drug abuse at an early stage.
Authorities in Bandipora have warned of strict action against those selling tobacco products to minors or near schools, with penalties including imprisonment of up to seven years and fines reaching Rs 1 lakh.