Date:02/08/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/08/02/stories/2002080204171200.htm

National

Gutka ban in place

The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Chaghan Bhujbal (extreme right), and his Cabinet colleagues making a bonfire of gutkha sachets in Mumbai on Thursday. — Photo: Vivek Bendre

MUMBAI AUG. 1. Several gutka consumers were forced to do away with their favourite brand of tobacco addictives here with the Maharashtra Government's ban on manufacture, sale and distribution of the addictives coming into effect from today. The tiny pouches of gutka and paan parag were absent at the usual ``paanwala'' shops with the State Government issuing a warning of penalty against those who dared to break the ban.

A task force comprising the health department, district collectors and police has been set up to ensure effective implementation of the ban.— PTI