Jaipur, May, 2026.

Jaipur continues to grapple with a significant tobacco burden, reflecting broader trends seen across Rajasthan. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2), Rajasthan reports one of the highest tobacco use rates in India, with over one-third of adults consuming tobacco in some form, including cigarettes, bidis, and smokeless products.[1]

The concern is not limited to adults alone. Enforcement data under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) continues to highlight gaps, particularly around the sale of tobacco near educational institutions and public places. Recent state-level enforcement drives have recorded thousands of violations annually, pointing to the continued ease of access, especially for young users.

At a national level, the scale of the problem remains stark. The World Health Organisation estimates that tobacco use is responsible for over 1.3 million deaths every year in India, making it one of the leading causes of preventable mortality. While awareness around the harms of smoking has improved, quitting remains a major challenge.

“Many smokers genuinely want to quit, but struggle because nicotine addiction is both psychological and physiological. Nicotine acts on the brain’s reward system, creating dependence over time. This is why quitting suddenly, without support, often leads to relapse,” said Dr.PriyasiSurolia, Psycho- Oncologist, (BMCHRC)Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jaipur. As this year’s World No Tobacco Day theme, “Unmasking the appeal: Countering nicotine addiction”, —shifts focus toward understanding addiction, experts are calling for more nuanced conversations around quitting.

“There is a common misconception that nicotine itself is the primary cause of cancer. “In reality, the biggest harm from smoking comes from combustion. Burning tobacco releases thousands of toxic chemicals, including tar and carbon monoxide, which damage the body.This is where Nicotine Replacement Therapy plays a critical role. NRT is specifically designed for smoking cessation, it provides controlled, pharmaceutical-grade nicotine without the harmful toxins found in cigarettes or bidis. This makes it a significantly safer alternative for individuals trying to quit.NRT helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which are the main reasons people relapse. When used correctly, especially along with counselling, it can significantly improve the chances of quitting successfully.”

Instead of viewing nicotine in isolation, we must understand how different delivery systems impact health. Moving from harmful tobacco to safer, controlled nicotine is often an important step toward complete cessation. As Jaipur strengthens its tobacco control efforts, the message is evolving, from just discouraging use to actively supporting quitting through accessible, science-backed solutions like NRT.