It is observed that at many places in the coastal villages of South Goa, many paan and gutka stands are sprouting up, they have become as ubiquitous as the matka bookies stand. Many department stores and restaurants with heavy footfall rent them space outside their premises. Despite knowing that display / consumption of these tobacco based toxins are illegal, the police is not able to control the menace or conveniently look the other way for a 'consideration'. These are mostly consumed by migrants but Goan youth too are getting addicted to such substances in a big way despite knowing the hazards. I request that the state government impose a blanket ban on sale and distribution of gutka, as it is the state is already awash with drugs ; why add to our miseries.
