Gulmarg and Tangmarg Declared Smoke-Free Ahead of Winter Games

Gulmarg and Tangmarg Declared Smoke-Free Ahead of Winter Games

VoM News Desk | February 16, 2025 | 04:21 PM IST | Breaking News, Jammu Kashmir | Tags: Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu Kashmir news | Follow on Google News

Gulmarg and Tangmarg Declared Smoke-Free Ahead of Winter Games

The District Development Commissioner (DDC) Baramulla has officially designated Gulmarg and Tangmarg as “Smoke-Free Tourist Areas” under Order No. 76/DDC of 2025. The order bans smoking and spitting tobacco in these popular destinations, with violators subject to penalties under applicable laws.

This initiative is being implemented ahead of the “Khelo India Winter Games 2025” in Gulmarg to provide a clean and healthy environment for tourists and athletes. The move also aligns with the “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan,” a campaign aimed at reducing substance abuse in the region.

The DDC emphasized that the order builds on the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which already prohibits smoking in public places. The harmful effects of tobacco use—including its contribution to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders—necessitate stricter enforcement.

The administration also cited the health risks of spitting tobacco, which can spread diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and swine flu. Under Section 270 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), acts that cause public nuisance or common injury are punishable offenses.

The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla, the CEO of the Gulmarg Development Authority, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gulmarg, and the Chief Medical Officer have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with the order. [KNT]

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by VoM News staff and is published from the syndicated feed)

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