SRINAGAR: The authorities in Kashmir have called for Tobacco-free Shri Amarnath Yatra 2022 under the National Tobacco Control Program.
An order in this regard has been issued by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir in which the officer has called for awareness and enforcement of COTPA-2003 (Challaning Activity).
Tobacco use at public events has been banned under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Mt (COTPA-2003). Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is one of the largest events that is being organized every year in Kashmir with full preparation wherein the estimated number of Yatris every year is around one million, it reads.
In order 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 is hereby prohibited and banned completely to make this Yatra Tobacco Free. Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir through District Tobacco Control Cell. Ganderbal and Ananmag will provide full support to make Amarnath Ji Yatra “Tobacco-free Yatra” through the following activities, it added.
The activities include 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).
