Srinagar: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have declared the popular ski resort of Gulmarg and the tourist destination of Tangmarg as tobacco-free zones ahead of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Gulmarg. The move aims to promote public health and maintain a clean environment during the event.

An order issued by the District Magistrate of Baramulla highlighted the severe health risks associated with tobacco use. According to the directive, tobacco consumption is a leading risk factor for six to eight causes of death and is responsible for nearly 40% of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular issues and lung disorders.

"The use of tobacco is a prominent risk factor for six to eight causes leading to death, and almost 40 per cent of the non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and lung disorders, are attributable to tobacco use," the order stated.

The decision aligns with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA), which prohibits smoking in public places, including workplaces, public offices and canteens. The law is designed to protect the public, particularly non-smokers, from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. "The COTPA envisages the protection of non-users from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke, which specifically finds mention in section 4 of the act that prohibits smoking in public places including all public offices, public workplaces, canteens, etc.," the order said.

Additionally, the order cites health concerns related to spitting tobacco, which can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases such as swine flu, tuberculosis and pneumonia. "Spitting of tobacco etc. leads to swine flu, tuberculosis, pneumonia, gastrointestinal disease. TB bacilli can survive in spit for an entire day, which causes health problems to the public or nuisance to people in general," the directive warned.

It also references Section 270 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which categorises acts that cause public injury, danger or annoyance as punishable offences. "Section 270 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 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," the order added.

"In view of the above and the interest of public health/Khelo India at Gulmarg 2025 and to keep the entire Gulmarg and Tangmarg clean during the events, the entire Gulmarg and Tangmarg area is declared as tobacco-free zone/smoke-free tourist areas," it said.

Authorities have made it clear that "smoking and spitting of tobacco in the entire Gulmarg and Tangmarg areas are prohibited and is a punishable offence."

The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring a smoke-free experience for tourists and athletes visiting the region.

(With input from IANS)