Decisive action needed

As winter tightens its grip over Kashmir and temperatures continue to plummet, the Valley is confronting a growing yet often overlooked crisis, i.e. deteriorating air quality. What was once the season of crystal-clear mornings and crisp evenings is now increasingly marked by a blanket of haze that hangs low over towns and cities. In recent days, pollution monitors have repeatedly recorded PM2.5 and PM10 levels well above permissible limits, signalling a public health threat that demands urgent attention. Environmental experts point to a combination of factors behind this alarming rise. Prolonged dry weather has prevented pollutants from dispersing, allowing dust and particulate matter to linger in the air. At the same time, increased vehicular traffic, especially in urban pockets, has compounded the problem. Biomass burning, whether for warmth, waste disposal, or agricultural clearing, continues to release harmful pollutants, while emissions from small-scale industries add to the toxic mix. The result is a persistent haze that many residents say has become more noticeable with each passing winter. Doctors warn that poor air quality can severely impact health, particularly among the elderly, children and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions. The rise in asthma attacks, breathlessness, eye irritation and chronic coughs is already being felt in hospitals. Yet, the silent nature of pollution often leads to complacency, making it essential for both the administration and the public to acknowledge the gravity of the situation. This winter should serve as a wake-up call. Strengthening air-quality monitoring, regulating emissions, discouraging open burning and promoting cleaner heating alternatives must become immediate priorities. Equally important is public awareness as the citizens must recognize that the air they breathe is now at risk. Kashmir cannot afford to let pollution become a seasonal inevitability. Protecting the Valley’s fragile environment and the health of its people requires decisive action today.