SRINAGAR, Feb 16: Ahead of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025, authorities have declared Gulmarg and Tangmarg as “Tobacco-Free Zones and Smoke-Free Tourist Areas” in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, an official said.
An order issued by Deputy Commissioner Baramulla states that the measure is being enforced “in the interest of public health and to keep Gulmarg and Tangmarg clean during the event.” The directive prohibits smoking and spitting of tobacco in both areas, making violations a punishable offence.
To ensure strict enforcement, the order directs the Senior Superintendent of Police, Chief Executive Officer of Gulmarg Development Authority, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gulmarg, and Chief Medical Officer, along with local administration, to implement the ban effectively.
The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 are scheduled to take place from January 23 to February 25, 2025, at the iconic ski resort of Gulmarg.
The order highlights the severe health hazards associated with tobacco use, stating that spitting of tobacco can contribute to the spread of diseases like swine flu, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal infections. It also warns that TB bacilli can survive in spit for an entire day, posing significant health risks to the public.
Additionally, the directive invokes Section 270 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which defines public nuisance as any act or omission that causes common injury, danger, or annoyance to the public or those residing nearby.
The decision aligns with the government’s broader efforts to promote clean, safe, and health-conscious tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly as Gulmarg prepares to host the much-anticipated winter sports event.
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