Srinagar, Jul 03: To ensure a smoke free yatra, the Health Department Kashmir has initiated inspections of yatra routes promoting smoke-free environment from Baltal in Ganderbal and Pahalgam in Anantnag base camps.
The team will submit observations and recommendations within three days. The department has assigned inspection tasks to two doctors: Dr Mir Mushtaq, Nodal Officer (NTCP), DHSK and Dr Mohammad Nasir, State Program Coordinator, Vital Strategies India. They have been directed to submit their observations and recommendations to the DHSK within three days.
Spokesperson DHSK said the proactive measure aims to protect pilgrims and the natural surroundings from the harmful effects of smoking.
“By ensuring smoke-free routes, the department seeks to enhance the overall health and well-being of the participants, minimizing respiratory risks and environmental pollution. Regular checks and strict enforcement of no-smoking policies will be implemented,” he said.
Dr Mir Mushtaq, State Nodal Officer (Kashmir Division), National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) said the department plans to raise awareness among pilgrims about the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy atmosphere during the yatra, contributing to a more pleasant and safer pilgrimage experience for all.
Last year also, the Health Dept. had declared Amarnath Yatra tobacco-free and banned tobacco at public events under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA-2003).
“To protect the health of people and enforce the tobacco control laws, tobacco use including sale of tobacco products at all stations of Yatra are prohibited and banned completely,” he said.
The pilgrimage is one of the largest events held each year in Kashmir with full preparation. The directorate Tobacco Control Cell will provide full support to make the Tobacco Free Yatra through many activities.
The activities include IEC material including posters, banners etc. at important stations of Yatra, awareness/counselling camps, cessation facilities to help tobacco quitting and enforcement of COTPA-2003.
The Health Department Kashmir has put in place state-of-the-art healthcare to handle emergencies for the annual Amarnath Yatra which will commence next month.
Notably, last year, 4.5 lakh pilgrims visited the holy shrine and the Amarnath shrine board officials are expecting numbers to go up this year as the yatra commenced on June 29.
The UT’s two senior most IAS officers were appointed as nodal officers. Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary is the nodal officer for Baltal route, while Bhupinder Kumar is for Pahalgam axis. The 52-day pilgrimage began from June 29 from Baltal in Ganderbal and Pahalgam in Anantnag base camps.
