The District Development Commissioner (DDC) of Baramulla has announced that Gulmarg and Tangmarg will now be “Smoke-Free Tourist Areas.” This new rule, under Order No. 76/DDC of 2025, bans smoking and spitting of tobacco in these areas, and anyone who breaks this rule could face penalties.
This decision comes just before the “Khelo India Winter Games 2025,” which will be held in Gulmarg. The goal is to provide a clean and healthy environment for visitors and participants, and it supports the “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan,” a campaign aimed at reducing substance abuse in the region.
The order points out the serious health risks of tobacco use, which can lead to diseases like cancer, heart problems, and lung issues. While there are already laws against smoking in public places, this new order will enforce these rules more strictly in Gulmarg and Tangmarg.
The administration also expressed concerns about the dangers of spitting tobacco, which can spread diseases like tuberculosis and pneumonia. Under Section 270 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), causing public nuisance is a punishable offense.
To make sure the new rules are followed, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla, the Chief Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gulmarg, and the Chief Medical Officer have been asked to take strong action against anyone who violates the order.
This initiative aims to protect public health and improve the experience for tourists visiting these beautiful areas.
