Unaffected by Mohan Majhi’s gutkha ban move; Gundi (Tobacco) productions rampant in Jajpur .

Bhubaneswar ,02/07(PPT):The Mohan Majhi government has banned the production and sale of pan masala, gutkha and khaini in the State. However, the move is unlikely to significantly curb cancer and other diseases linked to tobacco consumption unless the unchecked production of other harmful tobacco products is also addressed. The large-scale manufacture of gundi-a local tobacco variant made with coriander seeds-bidi (tobacco wrapped in kendu leaf), khaini and gudakhu, a paste prepared from jaggery and tobacco leaf, continues unabated, posing serious health risks, particularly to rural populations. The business has become increasingly attractive as it offers exceptionally high returnssometimes more than six times the cost of production. Sources said several moneyed individuals are entering the trade because of its hefty profits, often enjoying political patronage in return for election funding. According to some gundi producers, an investment of Rs 100 in production fetches returns of up to Rs 600. Most of these producers operate without registration, allowing them to evade scrutiny by health authorities. They avoid mentioning the location of their production units and do not disclose the ingredients used in the manufacture of gundi and gudakhu. “Low-grade tobacco leaves usually contain a high concentration of nicotine. People consuming gundi and gudakhu made from such tobacco suffer serious health consequences,” said Rajakishore Das of Bari in Jajpur district. Social Worker Biswabhusna Jena , said tobacco naturally contains nicotine, a highly addictive stimulant alkaloid that alters brain chemistry and drives addiction. “Present in all tobacco products-including cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacconicotine keeps users dependent, while thousands of other chemicals in tobacco cause severe diseases such as cancer, heart disease and lung disorders,” he said. Rajakishore Das expressed concern that unscrupulous operators are actively producing tobacco products in Haripur, Jajpur Sadar, Sujanpur, Baruhan, Nischanta, Narasinghpur, Brahmabarada, Panikoili and Madhuban. Tonnes of these toxic products are being sold in local markets and exported to other parts of the state.Social activist Sabyasachi Sahu said Operation Prahar is a massive, statewide anti-narcotics and anti-crime campaign launched by the Odisha Government in September 2025 to create a ‘Drug-Free Odisha’. Spearheaded by the Odisha Police, Crime Branch, and the Special Task Force (STF), it targets drug trafficking, illegal intoxicant sales, and organized criminal networks But the local tobacco, which is known as Gundi, is native to Haripur region. The district administration knowingly and openly promoting it is now questionable.