Life Under the Fog of a Kashmiri Winter

Winter comes with a lot of challenges. Not only does it bring a sharp drop in temperature, but several other difficulties also arise that affect our lives to a considerable extent. As the sun moves away from our part of the earth, the little sunlight that reaches us has to pass through a dense layer of fog and smoke, making it even dimmer. This reduced visibility makes life difficult, and any negligence can prove costly, so great caution is required.

Commutation becomes a major concern, as vehicles need to move slowly to avoid collisions, and air transport also gets affected. The fog thickens with the addition of smoke from fires, which become essential for survival during the winter. Unless the winter remains dry, the fog keeps getting worse with each passing day and only clears when some form of precipitation occurs. These days, we are eagerly waiting for either snow or rain, not only to ease the dryness but also to improve the visibility that has made life so difficult.

Although this low visibility is often seen as part of the winter vibe, it causes harm in many ways. A recent incident in our village reflects this harsh reality: 45 sheep were attacked by a leopard on the outskirts of the village, as the animal took advantage of the foggy atmosphere without the shepherd noticing. By the time the shepherd went to bring them back, several had been brutally killed, turning the day into a nightmare for him.

The rural population, and in fact the entire valley, faces numerous challenges during the winter season. These five to six months feel like an idle phase of our lives, where we depend mostly on the stock of materials gathered during the rest of the year. Illness also becomes common, adding to people’s hardships as many fall sick during the cold months.

Some people move to the warmer parts of India, like the Jammu Division, which does not receive snowfall. However, this option is mostly available to those who are economically sound. The majority, with limited resources, stay back and endure the harsh winter days. Winter may appear beautiful from the outside, but it brings countless challenges for the local population, and here in the valley of Kashmir, it demands facilities that must be considered necessities rather than luxuries.

Thank you for going through my post. Have a great time ahead.