The use of tobacco is a prominent risk factor for six to eight causes leading to death. Almost 40 per cent of the non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and lung disorders, are attributable to tobacco use. The order comes ahead of the ‘Khelo India Winter Games 2025’ in Gulmarg. The entire Gulmarg and Tangmarg area is declared as tobacco-free zone/smoke-free tourist areas. The Central government has enacted the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 or COTPA, 2003 which prohibits the advertisement and regulations of trade and commerce production, supply and distribution to protect the youth and the masses from adverse harmful effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoking, the order said. \”Spitting of tobacco etc leads to swine flu, tuberculosis, pneumonia, gastrointestinal disease. Smoking and spitting of tobacco in the entire Gul Marg andTangmarg areas are prohibited and is a punishable office,\” it said. The decision was taken in view of the interest of public health/Khela India at Gulmarg 2025 and to keep the whole area clean during the events.
