Srinagar, Jan 07 (KNO): The inauguration of a “smoking zone” at the Srinagar International Airport has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with users questioning the mixed messages being sent by the authorities regarding smoking and public health.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the newly inaugurated smoking zone, located inside the Security Hold Area near Gate 07, was opened yesterday to provide travelers with a space for a quick smoke break before boarding.
The announcement was made by the Airport Director, on social media’s X platform: “Exciting News! A smoking zone has been inaugurated today (06.01.2025) inside the Security Hold Area near Gate 07 at #SrinagarAirport. Travellers can now enjoy a designated space for a smoke break,” Srinagar Airport wrote on X.
However, as the announcement has triggered a heated debate on social media platforms, with many questioning the ethical implications of such a facility being inaugurated by government officials.
“India is probably the only country where smoking zones are inaugurated by officers, while they preach about avoiding smoking,” one of the social media users commented.
“If smoking zones are inaugurated with such high esteem, then what is the point of running campaigns against drug use? It feels like a double standard,” another user wrote.
It is worth mentioning that a larger number of people on social media have pointed out the contradictory stance of authorities, who on one hand promote anti-smoking campaigns and conduct raids against drug peddlers, while on the other hand, allow smoking zones in public spaces—(KNO)