Tackling smog
The harsh winter chill has brought a new crisis for the residents of Kashmir as most of the cities and towns are witnessing a rise in air pollution levels, chocking the residents during this dry winter days.
The Valley is currently under a temperature inversion that locks pollution close to the ground. The cold air gets trapped under a layer of warm air, forming a lid over the Valley. Whatever smoke or emissions is generated stays near the ground and the people are forced to breathe it for hours every day.
Notably, the monitoring data shows that PM2.5 levels rose sharply in late November, mirroring severe winter spikes recorded in earlier years when numbers climbed above safe limits several times over. Experts say the trend this season is similar, driven mainly by household heating and traffic load.
Ironically, as we step into peak winter, a thick blanket of smog has settled over Srinagar and other towns, turning the air toxic and raising concern among health experts. The past few weeks have recorded a sharp rise in particulate pollution, fuelled by coal and wood heating, heavy traffic and stagnant winter air that refuses to disperse trapped pollutants.
The haze remains visible throughout the day. Evenings seem to be more severe with a smoky stench, while mornings begin under a dull, grey sky instead of the usual crisp winter air.
What is shocking to note is that the situation and the current pollution level is more severe than previous seasons. The data that is being collected to monitor the air quality level reflects that Srinagar’s air quality is no different from the most polluted metropolitan cities. At times it is worse and if the pattern continues unchecked, the long-term risk will be grave.
Kashmir has over the years witnessed severe winters with the months of November and December mostly observing a chilly and dry condition which has given rise to severe health crisis.
Health professionals are already witnessing the effects. Hospitals are reporting more asthma flare-ups, chronic cough cases and breathing distress with the onset of cold. The combination of low temperature and toxic air is proving to be dangerous.
However, in such a scenario people need to take extra precautions and stay connected to the inputs that are provided by the government and other agencies on AQI and accordingly people can take precautions.
Besides, people also need to keep vigorous activities short, avoid outdoor exercise between 6 am‑10 am when pollutants are highest and try to wear masks and better respiratory filters.
Experts are also advising residents to keep windows closed during peak smog hours and consume plenty of water and eating antioxidant‑rich foods.
However, apart from these options the people need to adopt practices that will ensure lesser pollution levels during winter. The people need to shift to cleaner Transport, use car‑pool options for transportation and avoid burning leaves, trash, or agricultural residue as the smoke generated during such practices adds directly to smog.
