Bhubaneswar: Allegations of Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag vaping inside a dressing room during an IPL match have once again brought the spotlight back on the illegal but growing use of e-cigarettes and hookah in urban pockets, particularly Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, despite a ban in force since 2019.Public health experts and anti-tobacco activists say that the controversy has helped expose a larger problem on the ground — easy availability through informal channels, poor enforcement and low awareness, especially among youths who perceive vaping as a safer alternative to smoking.State drug controller Mamina Patnaik iterated that the sale, storage, distribution and use of e-cigarettes are completely prohibited across Odisha. “There is a ban on e-cigarettes since 2019. Odisha was among the foremost states, along with Punjab, to enforce the prohibition,” she told TOI.She admitted that people do bring such items from other states or procure them online for personal use, which makes detection difficult. “Shops and bars are not allowed to sell or permit use of these products. We will examine whether usage has increased and will launch an enforcement drive if needed,” Patnaik said.Medical professionals warn that vaping and hookah use pose serious health risks, contrary to popular belief. “E-cigarettes deliver nicotine, which is highly addictive and harmful, especially for adolescents whose brains are still developing,” said Anupama Mishra, a public health expert, citing studies that link lung injuries and cardiovascular issues.Police officers, meanwhile, said action has been taken in the past but acknowledged challenges. “Cases are booked when specific information is received. In Dec 2025, such raids were carried out across bars and cafes. Detection is difficult because possession is often individual and mobile,” a senior officer said. Anti-tobacco activists argue that enforcement has failed to keep pace with changing methods of supply. “Unlike traditional tobacco, e-cigarettes are compact, discreet and often sold through social media or informal courier networks,” said Md Imran Ali, a long-time anti-tobacco activist.He said occasional raids are not enough. He also pointed to hookah lounges that allegedly operate covertly or rebrand themselves as cafes to evade any enforcement check by the authorities. “Youth-centric spaces remain vulnerable. Without strict inspections, the ban exists only on paper,” Ali added.Experts emphasised that the IPL controversy should serve as a wake-up call. “When high-profile personalities are seen vaping, it normalises the behaviour,” Mishra said, adding that there must be strong messaging from authorities, schools and parents that vaping is neither good nor legal.
