Bhubaneswar, Jan. 23 -- The Odisha government has imposed a complete and comprehensive ban on all tobacco- and nicotine-containing products across the state, extending the existing prohibition on gutkha to include a wide range of harmful substances.

Earlier, the sale of gutkha alone was banned, but the latest decision now brings tobacco and nicotine-based products under its ambit in the interest of public health.

In compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court and keeping in view the health and safety of the general public, the state government has prohibited the manufacture, preparation, packaging, storage, transportation, and sale of all such products.

The ban includes gutkha, zarda used with betel leaf (paan), khaini, and all...