Kashmir&#8217 S Not-So Funny Fog

A tourist recently went viral after mistaking Kashmir's thick winter fog for pollution. The mix-up triggered a wave of online jokes and memes, but for those who live in the valley, the confusion is far from funny.

Winters in Kashmir can be merciless, bringing not just biting cold but air that often feels heavy, smoky, and harsh on the lungs. The line between fog and smog blurs long before it reaches social media.

From late autumn, households begin burning wood, charcoal, and leaves to stay warm. The smoke settles in the valley, mixing with naturally stagnant winter air and slowly degrading its quality. Oxygen levels drop, green cover vanishes, and the air turns toxic enough to make breathing a struggle.

Every winter, many Kashmiris head to warmer areas to survive the harsh conditions. This seasonal challenge puts people's lives at risk and disrupts the valley's way of life.

Winter in many cold countries is celebrated for its crisp air and snowy beauty. But the very atmosphere that should allow people to enjoy the season often carries a hidden risk in Kashmir. What should be a time of festivals, outdoor gatherings, and scenic wonder becomes a period of caution and retreat.

The solution cannot rely solely on relocation or passive endurance. People and policymakers must work together to rethink heating methods, manage waste burning, and restore green cover. Public education, eco-friendly alternatives, and proactive policies could help turn the tide before the problem worsens.

Kashmir, like much of the world, faces climate change and environmental degradation on multiple fronts. The fog mistaken for smog may have sparked laughter online, but it is a moment worth reflecting on.

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