Struggling Between Tradition and Sustainability in Kashmir’s Winter

No matter how sensitive people are about nature and the atmosphere, due to the compulsions created by the weather and the climatic conditions prevailing in Kashmir, many activities need to be carried out that harm the environment in one way or another. Considering the necessity to survive the harsh winter season, these activities become essential despite their environmental impact.

For example, one of the practices carried out before or during winter is the burning of wood to make half-burnt charcoal, which is then used to generate heat not only in chimneys but also in the traditional firepots typical to Kashmir, known as kangri. These kangris become permanent companions of people during the harsh winter days. Charcoal is an essential material to store before winter actually begins. Considering the temperature drop that occurs here and the limited facilities available in rural areas, charcoal becomes a crucial item. It helps run traditional room heaters that work on charcoal and also these conventional firepots.

During this season, the particulate matter in the atmosphere increases considerably, and burning wood for charcoal is a significant contributor. No doubt, people have come a long way and shifted to other means that are renewable and do not harm the atmosphere, but many still rely on these traditional methods due to their income constraints.

I frequently come across scenes where stable firewood and tree branches, pruned during the season, are burnt and converted into charcoal. Due to these activities, a huge amount of smoke gets added to the atmosphere. It is quite heartbreaking to see such large amounts of smoke rising into the air, and the foggy situation with low visibility becomes evident during winter days. Still, people cannot help it because they are helpless and have nothing to rely upon except this half-burnt charcoal.

No doubt, we have a huge carbon sink in the form of vast forest cover here in the valley, which absorbs a lot of carbon from the atmosphere, and maybe we achieve near-zero carbon emissions overall. But the smoke that gets added to the air can still harm nature and living organisms instantly in one way or another. I hope that with every passing year, we become developed enough not to rely on these practices, and instead find renewable and environment-friendly options to stay warm throughout the winter season. I would also love to see people shift from these traditional methods to more sustainable measures soon. After all, nature is above everything, and to preserve it, we must be ready to make sacrifices — and I am ready for it.

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