Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 7: The Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK) today ordered a complete ban on the sale and use of tobacco products at all stations of Amarnath Yatra to make the annual pilgrimage “Tobacco free”.
In this regard, the DHSK in an order issued here said that tobacco use at public events has been banned under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Mt (COTPA-2003) and that Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is one of the largest events that is being organized every year in Kashmir with full preparation wherein estimated number of Yatris every year is around one million.
“To protect the health of people and enforce the tobacco control laws, Tobacco use including the sale of Tobacco products at all stations of Yatra are hereby prohibited and banned completely to make this Yatra Tobacco Free,” DHSK said.
In this regard, the DHSK through District Tobacco Control Cell, Ganderbal and Ananmag will provide full support to make Amarnath Ji Yatra “Tobacco free Yatra” through activities such as IEC material including Posters, Banners etc at important stations of Yatra, Awareness/Counselling camps, Cessation facilities to help tobacco quitting and enforcement of COTPA-2003 (Challaning Activity).
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