Army to cut down alcohol, tobacco consumption at high altitude

Leh, Jun 5 (PTI) The Indian Army is grappling with a
new enemy.
High consumption of tobacco and alcohol by soldiers
deployed at high altitudes has set alarm bells ringing and
concerned over it, the force has decided to curtail the
consumption of these products among its men in areas like
Karu, Leh, Siachen and western Ladakh.
"It has been decided to ban guthka sale inside the
Army cantonment in higher altitudes and troops here will be
advised to cut down on alcohol consumption when at any social
gathering," Major General K M Balsara, General Officer
Commanding - Trishul, 3rd Infantry Division, said.
This was decided in a two-day seminar titled 'Highland
Panacea on lifestyle diseases' held for the first time in
cloudburst-hit Karu region in Ladakh last month.
"Guthka and alcohol consumption is high among our
troops located in higher altitude, thus becoming a cause of
many diseases. For their disease-free-future, we need to
sensitise them about how to lead a healthy lifestyle,
especially when in higher altitudes. That is why it has been
decided upon to curtail the consumption of these items among
our men," he said.
Colonel I V S Gahlot, Colonel Medical - Three Infantry
Division in Karoo region, said, "We have found that those
residing in altitudes as high as 11,000 to 18,000 feet too are
being diagnosed with lifestyle diseases. Obesity, heart
disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and chronic
obstructive lung diseases among Army and civil population are
becoming quiet common here now."

"Alcohol and guthka consumption is high among our
troops over the years. This has happened because consumption
of alcohol is a culture in the Army and most of our troops are
from rural background where guthka consumption is rampant," he
said.
The Three Infantry Division had carried out relief and
rescue operations in this area after a cloudburst had caused
flash flood and mudslide that resulted in devastation.
"The higher altitude air is too cold. Rare oxygen
presence and decreased physical activity is adding to the
unhealthy lifestyle. It is affecting the oral hygiene and
also discourages exercise among troops. As such we have
decided to increase the consumption of fruits rich in fibre,"
Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Abraham, Director Health, said.