NEW DELHI: Optimistic of the new government to act and in a bid to safeguard public health and uphold the sanctity of religious places, the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Front (SBSF) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have launched a campaign urging the Delhi government to ban the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of temples, gurudwaras, and other religious sites.
In a letter addressed to chief minister Rekha Gupta and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, SBSF demanded the enforcement of regulations similar to those prohibiting the sale of tobacco and intoxicants near educational institutions. The organisations have also recommended setting up a dedicated monitoring cell to ensure implementation and curb ongoing violations.
A report submitted to the Delhi government highlights instances of tobacco sales around major religious sites, including Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place, and Jhandewalan Mandir. The investigation revealed that several illegal vendors not only sell tobacco but also deal in banned substances like ganja and cocaine, raising concerns over crime and addiction among the youth.
“The campaign does not oppose legitimate business activities, but unrestricted sale of tobacco and narcotics near religious places endangers public health and disrupts the spiritual environment. We have also called for awareness initiatives to educate vendors and the public about the health risks associated with tobacco consumption,” said Ishpreett Ranjit, president, SBSF.
Singh said that the new BJP-led government “is more sensitive to the sanctity of the religious places and we hope the government will act.”
Singh added that while SBSF is urging the Delhi govt to notify the law for ban of sale of tobacco products near temples and gurudwaras and put up signboards by the govt, “we are also requesting the management of the religious places to put up boards on their own requesting for not to sale or consume these products in the close vicinity,” said Singh.
SBSF and VHP believe that implementing a 100-meter prohibition zone, coupled with strict enforcement, will create a cleaner, safer environment around Delhi’s religious sites.
