Jammu: In a major decision, the Jammu administration has banned tobacco in the holy town of Katra, where the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is located.
Reasi District Magistrate Vishesh Mahajan said that the sale, possession and consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products will not be allowed henceforth in Katra.
Reasi District Magistrate Vishesh Mahajan said the initiative, launched on World No-Tobacco Day (May 31), aims to maintain sanctity of the religious place which is visited by lakhs of pilgrims every year, reported PTI.
“Under Section 144, we have imposed a ban on the stocking, sale and consumption of cigarettes, gutkha and other forms of tobacco in the area starting from Numaee and Panthal check posts via Tara Court track up to Bhavan,” Mahajan told reporters on Saturday.
The administration earlier banned sale, possession and consumption of meat and liquor in Katra and adjoining areas.
“The tobacco ban is an extension of the existing prohibition on sale and consumption of liquor and meat,” Mahajan stated.
Katra has been witnessing a daily footfall of 30,000-40,000 pilgrims.
Though Vaishno Devi is open for pilgrims throughout the year, March to October is considered to be the best time to pay a pilgrimage.
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