As a young boy, Sheikh Ameen eagerly awaited the thick blanket of snow that would transform his hometown, Srinagar, into a pristine wonderland. Each flake held the promise of playful escapades — building snowmen with friends, engaging in spirited snowball fights, and gazing up at the endless stretch of bright blue skies. The crisp, fresh air was a daily companion as he indulged in endless winter fantasies amidst the untouched beauty of the valley.

“Back then, the snowfall was so generous that it felt like a celebration; sometimes we’d have over a foot and a half of snow. It was common to see families taking afternoon strolls against a picturesque backdrop of snow-capped trees and rooftops. The snow felt like a gift from nature,” Ameen tells The Better India.

These cherished memories now cast a bittersweet shadow. Today, Ameen’s heart is heavy as he witnesses the changes that have overtaken his beloved Kashmir. The snowfall, once a frequent visitor, has now become elusive, appearing only once or twice a year, if at all.

“The clear skies have blurred into a pall of smog, obscured by pollution and an ever-growing environmental crisis. Kashmir has become one of the top ten most polluted regions, with air quality levels that tell a story of neglect,” he mentions.

For the 27-year-old, the memories of those idyllic winters stand in stark contrast to the present reality — a poignant reminder of what has been lost to rising air pollution.

“Plush tourist spots are often clogged with vehicles, and traffic congestion has become a daily ordeal. Where journeys once took half an hour, they now stretch painfully beyond an hour. Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem is more vulnerable than ever. Emitted pollutants settle into the valley, trapped by the surrounding mountains,” Ameen points out.

As Ameen reflects on these changes, he harbours a renewed sense of urgency and responsibility.........

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