JAMMU: The administration of Jammu’s Reasi district has banned sale, possession and consumption of all tobacco products, including gutka and cigarette, in Katra town, the base camp of Vaishno Devi cave shrine.
An order issued by Reasi deputy commission Vishesh Paul Mahajan, in his capacity as the district magistrate, on Friday said the holy town is visited by more than 10 million devotees en route the cave shrine, and hence the ban on tobacco and related products has become necessary to “uphold the religious sentiments of the pilgrims and holiness of the pilgrimage.
Underlining that consumption of tobacco (chewable and non-chewable) products pose significant risks to public health, contributing to various serious diseases, including cancer, respiratory illness, and cardiovascular diseases, the order stated that “it is the duty of this governing body to protect the health and well-being of citizens”.
The ban will be effective in the Katra subdivision. “The prohibition is from Nomain checkpost, from Panthal Naka, and from the starting point of Tarakote track to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, including the track itself, with immediate effect,” the order said.
The DM said any violation of the order will invite strict action IPC under section 188. He instructed the Resai SSP to implement the order rigorously.