SRINAGAR: As temperatures fall across Kashmir, the region is grappling with a surge in airborne diseases, sparking concerns about respiratory and eye-related health issues among residents. The morning chill, coupled with a hazy air quality, has raised alarm over the valley’s deteriorating environmental conditions, particularly in the early hours of the day.
This seasonal drop in temperature is fuelling pollution, with the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board urging the public to stop burning fallen leaves and crop stubble, a common practice that significantly worsens air quality. “Burning of leaves and stubble during the harvest season adds to air pollution, creating a toxic haze that exacerbates the health risks,” an official warned.
Doctors across the valley are reporting a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses, with flu cases rising sharply as the winter season begins. Dr Mohammad Shafi, a physician in Srinagar, explained that the cold weather activates respiratory viruses, which is worsening the situation. “There has been a noticeable surge in flu cases. Winter months tend to activate respiratory viruses, and with the worsening air quality, the situation is becoming more concerning,” Dr Shafi said.
Hospitals, including Srinagar’s CD and SMHS facilities, are noting an uptick in severe flu-related cases, many requiring oxygen due to serious respiratory complications. Medical experts are stressing the importance of flu vaccinations, especially in vulnerable areas like Kashmir, to guard against severe influenza strains, including the H1N1 virus. Annual flu shots are highly recommended for the region’s residents, who are more prone to respiratory infections due to harsh winter conditions.
The valley’s air quality has deteriorated over recent years, with rising vehicle numbers, ongoing construction, brick kilns, and factory emissions adding to pollution levels. A senior doctor at a government hospital in Srinagar noted that biofuel use in households for heating during winter further aggravates pollution. “The air quality is at its worst in winter due to the combined effect of vehicular emissions and domestic biofuel burning,” he remarked.
Health experts are also highlighting the long-term consequences of worsening air quality. Reports suggest that around 10,000 people in Jammu and Kashmir lose their lives each year due to air pollution-related diseases, especially in winter.
As the region prepares for the colder months ahead, health officials are advising residents to take preventive measures, including flu vaccinations and reducing exposure to polluted air, to lessen the impact of airborne diseases. (With KINS inputs)
