Jammu & Kashmir Declares Gulmarg a Tobacco-Free Zone Ahead of Khelo India Winter Games 2025

 Jammu/Srinagar, February 17, 2025 – In a significant move to promote public health and environmental sustainability, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has officially declared Gulmarg Hill Station a Tobacco-Free Zone/Tobacco-Free Tourist Zone. The decision, aimed at ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for tourists and athletes, comes ahead of the highly anticipated Khelo India Winter Games 2025.

An official order issued by the District Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, states that smoking and tobacco consumption, including spitting tobacco, are strictly prohibited in Gulmarg. Violations of the directive will result in heavy fines and legal consequences. To ensure stringent enforcement, the Baramulla police have been directed to implement the order effectively.

Part of the ‘Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir Campaign’

This initiative is part of the ‘Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir Campaign’, which seeks to curb tobacco and substance use across the region. Gulmarg follows in the footsteps of its neighboring town Tangmarg, which was previously designated as a Tobacco-Free Zone. The government’s objective is to enhance the region’s public health standards, protect its pristine natural beauty, and provide a healthier atmosphere for tourists, athletes, and local residents.

Legal Framework & Enforcement Measures

Smoking in public places is already prohibited under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The latest directive further strengthens tobacco regulations in the region. Offenders will face penalties under Section 270 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which penalizes actions likely to spread diseases hazardous to life. Law enforcement authorities have been instructed to conduct regular inspections and ensure strict compliance with the new regulations.

Gulmarg: A Premier Destination for Winter Sports

For decades, Gulmarg has been a global hub for adventure and winter sports, attracting skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from around the world. The timing of this decision is particularly significant as the region prepares to host the fifth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, scheduled for the last week of February. With events such as ice skating, ice hockey, and skiing drawing national and international participants, the tobacco-free initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a clean, healthy, and athlete-friendly environment.

The decision to ban tobacco use in Gulmarg marks a progressive step towards safeguarding public health, preserving the region’s ecological balance, and promoting responsible tourism. As the administration continues its efforts to combat substance abuse, the move sets a precedent for other tourist destinations across the country.