Haryana bans gutka, pan masala from Aug 15

The Haryana government Friday announced a ban from Aug 15 on the manufacturing, storage, distribution or sale of gutka, pan masala, zarda and other chewable products containing tobacco and nicotine.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting here headed by Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

Hooda said the decision to ban these items had been taken because tobacco was a leading cause of death and preventable diseases.