Srinagar, Feb 15: The District Administration Baramulla on Saturday declared Gulmarg and Tangmarg as ‘Smoke-Free Tourist Areas’ ahead of the Khelo India Winter Games, scheduled to be held from February 22 to 25, 2025.
The initiative aims to promote public health, ensure a clean environment for Khelo India-2025 at the famous ski resort and contribute to Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan.
“Gulmarg and Tangmarg have been declared as “Tobacco-Free Zones/Smoke-Free Tourist Areas.” Smoking and spitting of tobacco in these areas are strictly prohibited and will be treated as a punishable offense,” the District Administration said in an order issued today.
It mentions that the Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), GDA, Gulmarg, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Gulmarg and Chief Medical Officer along with local administration is directed to ensure its strict implementation.
“Harmful effects of tobacco use are well established and recognized globally. Tobacco consumption is a significant risk factor for six to eight leading causes of death. Nearly 40% of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and lung disorders, are attributed to tobacco use,” the order said.
It said the Central Government enacted the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act (COTPA) in 2003.
This legislation aims to protect youth and the general public from the harmful effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke.
“COTPA mandates the protection of non-smokers from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke. Section 4 of the Act explicitly prohibits smoking in public places, including government offices, public spaces, workplaces, and canteens,” it said.
“Spitting tobacco spreads diseases like swine flu, tuberculosis, pneumonia and gastrointestinal infections. TB bacilli can survive in spit for a day, posing serious health risks to the public.”
It also said that Section 270 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) states that anyone causing injury, danger, or annoyance to the public or nearby residents through an act or omission is guilty of public nuisance.
The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG), one of India’s most anticipated sports events, is set to be held in Gulmarg and will feature ice skating, ice hockey, skiing, and snowboarding to attract participants and audiences nationwide.
