<p>From being a centre-point of village gatherings to gracing plush joints in metros, the hookah has made a comeback in social space. <br /><br /></p>.<p>But its return has sparked concern among cancer experts who say Indian youth are getting addicted to the hubble-bubble in the mistaken belief that it is a healthy alternative to cigarettes. <br /><br />According to the Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2009-10, India accounts for over seven million hookah users among a total of 274.9 million tobacco users. <br /><br />While tobacco is the leading cause of cancer deaths in India, experts say hookah smokers are prone to lung cancer, oral cancer, heart diseases and respiratory disorders.<br /><br />“Over the last two years, hookahs have penetrated urban space and gained enormous popularity among youngsters. <br /><br />“Without knowing the harmful effects, youth are addicted to the hookah because of a fashion quotient associated with it,” said Dhirendra N. Sinha, regional advisor, Surveillance (Tobacco Control) at the World Health Organisation (WHO), Southeast Asia.<br /><br />Experts attribute the impressive return of the hookah to hookah parlours that have been positioned as ‘hangout zones of the elite’. <br /><br />The Arab-lounge like ambience at such bars — dimly lit corners, reclining couch, soothing music and exotic flavours — have helped the hookah grip metropolitan residents.<br /><br />While Bangalore, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana have banned hookah parlours under the relevant law, Delhi is yet to take any action to curb hookah smoking or mushrooming hookah parlours.</p>
<p>From being a centre-point of village gatherings to gracing plush joints in metros, the hookah has made a comeback in social space. <br /><br /></p>.<p>But its return has sparked concern among cancer experts who say Indian youth are getting addicted to the hubble-bubble in the mistaken belief that it is a healthy alternative to cigarettes. <br /><br />According to the Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2009-10, India accounts for over seven million hookah users among a total of 274.9 million tobacco users. <br /><br />While tobacco is the leading cause of cancer deaths in India, experts say hookah smokers are prone to lung cancer, oral cancer, heart diseases and respiratory disorders.<br /><br />“Over the last two years, hookahs have penetrated urban space and gained enormous popularity among youngsters. <br /><br />“Without knowing the harmful effects, youth are addicted to the hookah because of a fashion quotient associated with it,” said Dhirendra N. Sinha, regional advisor, Surveillance (Tobacco Control) at the World Health Organisation (WHO), Southeast Asia.<br /><br />Experts attribute the impressive return of the hookah to hookah parlours that have been positioned as ‘hangout zones of the elite’. <br /><br />The Arab-lounge like ambience at such bars — dimly lit corners, reclining couch, soothing music and exotic flavours — have helped the hookah grip metropolitan residents.<br /><br />While Bangalore, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana have banned hookah parlours under the relevant law, Delhi is yet to take any action to curb hookah smoking or mushrooming hookah parlours.</p>