Prohibition/Ban on Sale/Possession/Consumption of
Tobacco Products and Gutka within Bhawan area of Shri Machail Mata and enroute

The District Commissioner (DC) of Kishtwar has declared the Shri Machail Mata Yatra as a “No Tobacco Zone.” This means that the sale, possession, and consumption of all tobacco products, including gutka and cigarettes, will be prohibited within the Bhawan area and along the pilgrimage route.
News reports from July 2025 indicate that the DC Kishtwar recently discussed key components of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), including the prohibition of smoking in public places and the ban on the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions. The DC explicitly stated that the Shri Machail Mata Yatra is being declared a No Tobacco Zone, and an order in this regard is expected to be notified shortly. Concerned officers have been directed to ensure extensive challaning (fining) to curb tobacco use during the yatra.
This move is in line with efforts to maintain the sanctity of pilgrimage sites and promote public health, similar to bans implemented at other holy places in Jammu and Kashmir, such as the Katra town (base camp for Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine).