Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken a significant step to preserve the sanctity of the holy town of Katra, home to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. On World No-Tobacco Day, the administration announced a comprehensive ban on the sale, possession, and consumption of all tobacco products in Katra.
Background and Rationale
- Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine: Katra, nestled in the Trikuta hills of Jammu’s Reasi district, is the base camp for pilgrims visiting the sacred Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine. This spiritual site attracts lakhs of devotees annually, making it a place of immense reverence and devotion.
- Existing Bans: Prior to this tobacco ban, the administration had already prohibited the sale, possession, and consumption of meat and liquor in Katra and its surrounding areas. These measures were implemented to maintain the purity and spiritual ambiance of the town.
Details of the Ban
- Scope: The ban covers all tobacco products, including cigarettes, gutkha, and other forms of tobacco. It extends from the Numaee and Panthal check posts via the Tara Court track up to Bhavan, encompassing the entire Katra area.
- Legal Basis: Reasi District Magistrate Vishesh Mahajan invoked Section 144 to enforce the ban. This move builds upon the existing prohibition on alcohol and meat consumption in the region.
- Objective: The primary goal is to keep Katra tobacco-free, ensuring that pilgrims can experience the spiritual journey without exposure to harmful substances.
Pilgrim Footfall and Sentiments
- Daily Visitors: Katra witnesses a daily influx of 30,000 to 40,000 pilgrims. During Navratri, this number soars into the millions, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to safeguard their sentiments.
- Record Footfall: In 2023, the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine welcomed over 93.50 lakh pilgrims—the highest footfall in a decade, surpassing the 2013 figure of 93.24 lakh.
Similar Bans Elsewhere
- Uttar Pradesh (UP): The UP government recently banned the sale of pan masala and tobacco at the same shop, effective from June 1.
- Telangana: The Telangana government prohibited the manufacture and sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine. This ban came into effect on May 24, 2024.
The administration’s proactive stance aims to create a tobacco-free environment, allowing devotees to connect with their faith without the influence of harmful substances. As pilgrims continue to flock to Katra, this ban reinforces the town’s spiritual significance and commitment to their well-being.
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