Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 16: Ahead of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025, set to commence on February 22, authorities have declared the ski resort Gulmarg and Tangmarg as ‘Tobacco-Free Zones.’
In this regard, the Baramulla district administration has issued an order to maintain cleanliness during the national-level event, making smoking and spitting tobacco punishable offences in both areas.
“In the interest of public health, Khelo India at Gulmarg 2025 and with a view to keep entire Gulmarg and Tangmarg clean during the event, thus contributing towards Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, the entire Gulmarg and Tangmarg area is declared as Tobacco Free Zone/ Smoke Free Tourist Areas,” the order read.
The authorities stated that the harmful effects of tobacco use are well established and accepted globally and that the use of tobacco is a prominent risk factor for 6 to 8 leading causes of death and almost 40% of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) including cancers, cardio-vascular diseases and lung disorders are attributable to tobacco use.
“The Central Government has enacted the Cigarettes and other Tobacco products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulations of Trade and Commerce Production, Supply and Distribution) Act (COTPA) in 2003, to protect the youth and the masses from adverse harmful effects of tobacco use and Second-Hand Smoking,” the order read.
COTPA, authorities stated, envisages protection of non-user from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke, which specifically finds mention in Section 4 of the Act that prohibits smoking in public place which includes all public offices, Public Places workplaces, canteen etc.
“Spitting of tobacco etc., leads to spread of swine flu, tuberculosis, and pneumonia and gastro-intestinal diseases. TB Bacilli can survive in spit for an entire day which causes health problems to the public or nuisance to the people in general.”
It also made a mention of Section 270 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that stipulates that a person is guilty of a public nuisance who does any act or is guilty of an illegal omission which causes any common injury, danger or annoyance to the public or to the people in general who dwell or occupy property in the vicinity, or which must necessarily cause injury, obstruction, danger or annoyance to persons who may have occasion to use any public right.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, Chief Executive Officer, GDA Gulmarg, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Gulmarg, and Chief Medical Officer, along with the local administration have been directed to ensure strict implementation.
Notably, the second phase of the National Winter Games (KIWG) will commence at Gulmarg’s Winter Wonderland on February 22 and conclude on February 25. Over 1,000 athletes, coaches, and officials are expected to participate, with many foreign athletes already camping there.
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