Charcoal-burning tradition leaves COPD patients gasping in smoke

Srinagar, Nov 16: Every November, as Kashmir’s orchards smolder to make winter charcoal, the Valley’s air thickens, and the most fragile lungs of people begin to falter.

A centuries-old practice meant to keep homes warm is now choking Kashmir’s cold-season air, leaving Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients gasping and doctors warning of a preventable winter health crisis.

In south Kashmir’s fruit-growing belt, hundreds of patients suffering from COPD are struggling to breathe as farmers begin their annual practice of burning pruned leaves and twigs to produce charcoal for winter.

Thick plumes of smoke rise from the orchards across Shopian, Pulwama, and Kulgam districts, enveloping towns and villages in a grey haze.

The seasonal practice, intended to prepare charcoal to