Jammu and Kashmir Administration Bans Tobacco in Holy Town of Katra

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has banned the sale, possession, and consumption of tobacco in Katra, home to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. This initiative, launched on World No-Tobacco Day, aims to preserve the sanctity of the religious site, which attracts millions of pilgrims annually.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has implemented a ban on the sale, possession, and consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products in Katra, home to the revered cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. The ban was announced by Reasi District Magistrate Vishesh Mahajan on World No-Tobacco Day.

According to Mahajan, the initiative is aimed at maintaining the sanctity of the holy site, which sees lakhs of pilgrims every year. The existing bans on meat and liquor in Katra and surrounding areas have been extended to include tobacco products.

Authorities have enforced the prohibition under Section 144, covering the entire area from Numaee and Panthal check posts via Tara Court track up to Bhavan. The move aims to keep the Katra base camp and surrounding track tobacco-free, enhancing the pilgrim experience.