Srinagar, Dec. 27 -- On most winter mornings in Srinagar, the air tells its own story even before official AQI numbers do. Eyes sting, throats feel heavy, and a grey haze settles quietly over the city. We argue over causes-vehicles, hammams, construction-but the truth is less dramatic and more uncomfortable: Srinagar's air pollution is the result of collective neglect, amplified by geography and season.

Globally and locally, vehicular pollution remains the single largest contributor to urban air pollution. Srinagar has witnessed an unchecked rise in private vehicles over the last two decades. Narrow roads, chronic traffic congestion, ageing diesel vehicles, poor emission maintenance, and long idling hours together release enormous quanti...