KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Nov 12: As the morning chill sets in across Kashmir, the region is witnessing a spike in airborne diseases, leading to an increase in respiratory and eye-related health issues.
The drop in temperature, combined with a haze in the air in the morning hours, has raised concerns about deteriorating air quality in the valley.
The cold weather, along with a decrease in temperatures each day, has contributed to the rise in pollution levels, particularly in the morning hours.
An official from the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board asked the public to refrain from burning fallen leaves and crop stubble, which 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,” the official said.
Local doctors are reporting a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses, with flu cases on the rise as winter settles in.
Dr. Mohammad Shafi, a physician in Srinagar said that the onset of colder weather activates respiratory viruses, further deteriorating air quality.
“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 CD and SMHS Hospital, are reporting a higher number of flu-related cases, many of which involve severe pneumonia requiring oxygen.
Experts state the importance of flu vaccinations, which can offer protection against various strains of influenza, including the H1N1 virus. Annual flu shots are recommended, particularly in regions like Kashmir, where winter conditions make individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections.
Kashmir’s air quality has been deteriorating over the past few years, with increasing vehicle numbers, construction activities, brick kilns, and factory emissions contributing to the pollution.
A senior doctor at a government hospital in Srinagar said that the pollution levels peak during the winter months due to increased biofuel use in households for heating.
“The air quality is at its worst in winter due to the combined effect of vehicular emissions and domestic biofuel burning,” he said.
The long-term health impacts of this worsening air quality are significant. According to reports, nearly 10,000 people die annually in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during the winter months, due to diseases linked to air pollution.
As the region braces for colder temperatures, health officials are urging residents to take preventive measures, including vaccination and minimizing exposure to polluted air, to reduce the impact of these airborne diseases. (KINS)
