Srinagar, once known for its clean and natural mountain air, is now making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Kashmir Valley has millions of trees, including Chinar, apple, and willow. Some are traditionally pruned in autumn and early winter, or produce leaves that fall as a thick red and amber carpet on the ground. The burning of biomass picks momentum across Kashmir with the beginning of the autumn season as people prepare for the approaching winter by preparing charcoal from leaves and twigs.
“The air quality of the Kashmir valley deteriorates significantly during autumn. The burning of fallen leaves and biomass is adding to the smog, deteriorating the air quality,” Environmental Lawyer, Nadeem Qadri said. He added that the current cold temperature in Kashmir along with the elevated level of emissions from the biomass burning is likely to cover the Valley with a blanket of smog in the next few days. ” We don’t have 24/7 electricity, we are an energy deficient state, so people are moving towards these things which are traditionally securing them, be it Kangri or Chorcoal, Qadri said, adding that the government must come up with a comprehensive action plan to mitigate such challenges in rural areas, especially in the winter months.
Kashmir has millions of fruit and other trees, including poplar, willow and chinar, an oriental plane tree. Some are traditionally pruned in autumn and early winter, or produce leaves that fall as a thick red and amber carpet on the ground. Often the pruned wood and leaves are burned, with the ash combined with charcoal for winter heating or mixed into the soil to enrich it.
Rafi Ahmad Bhat, regional director of Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee told Good Morning Kashmir that the department is taking to control air pollution, and are continuously monitoring the ambient air quality in Srinagar at different stations to assess the level of air pollutants. “The air quality of the Kashmir valley has started deteriorating from last two days due to burning of biomass, particularly the fallen chinar and apple tree leaves,” Bhat said. Adding that sensitizing the masses by conducting various outreach programmes, plantation drives are some of the other steps taken to reduce the particulate matter concentration,” Bhat said.
As air pollution is increasing day by day, Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee has directed authorities to be more serious about it. “ With reference to the subject (Control of Stubble Burning in Jammu and Kashmir), your attention is invited to the directions of Hon’nle National Green Tribunal dated 21-08-2023 in OA 681/2018 TITLED “NCAP with multiple timelines to clean air in 102 cities to be released around August 15,” for control of stubble burning wherever necessary, and in this regard, it is requested that the concerned District Magistrates/ Deputy Commissioners of your respective regions may be instructed to take necessary measures to control stubble burning wherever necessary in their respective jurisdictions,” reads the letter issued by Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir.
A recent survey showed around 10,000 people die in Jammu and Kashmir every year due to diseases attributable to air pollution, Director of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr Parvaiz Koul, had said. “Pollution is affecting every organ of our body. Srinagar city has the highest incidence of lung cancer in the country, and Jammu and Kashmir has a high prevalence of lung diseases, and air pollution is a major risk factor for the ailments,” he said.
The city, which was historically considered an ideal place for people suffering from tuberculosis and other respiratory ailments, is grappling with a severe air quality crisis. Recent data reveals that Srinagar has been consistently breaking records in the air quality index, raising concerns among residents and environmentalists alike.
Kashmir Valley endures harsh winters. Kashmiris traditionally use charcoal to keep warm in winter, burning it in Kangris which they hold against their bodies under a large cloak.
On the other side, the burning ban in both City as well as in rural areas has run into some opposition, both from residents dependent on charcoal for winter heat and from those making it. “The burning ban is not an option. Yes if the government thinks so, then they should made proper arrangements for our winter heating. How can we keep ourselves warm during winter without charcoal?” asked Mudaser Ahmad, a Dalgate resident.
Environmental experts point to rapid urbanization and increased vehicular traffic as major contributors to the deteriorating air quality. “The unchecked growth of industries and the rise in the number of vehicles on the roads have significantly impacted the air we breathe,” says an environmental scientist based in Srinagar.
Local authorities are now under pressure to address the issue promptly. The government has initiated measures to curb vehicular emissions, promote public transportation, and enforce stricter regulations on industries contributing to pollution. Additionally, afforestation drives and awareness campaigns are being launched to encourage residents to actively participate in preserving the city’s natural beauty.
As Srinagar grapples with this environmental challenge, communities, policymakers, and environmentalists are joining hands to find sustainable solutions. The hope is that with collective efforts and stringent measures, Srinagar can reclaim its status as a haven for clean, fresh air and once again become a safe haven for those suffering from respiratory ailments.
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