Pulwama's Khrew suffocates under industrial smoke, residents fear for future

The picturesque town of Khrew in Pulwama district is facing a severe environmental crisis, as industrial pollution from numerous cement factories threatens the health of residents, damages the environment, and impacts the region's renowned saffron heritage.

- JAHANGEER GANAIE

Residents, speaking to the news agency, raised concerns over deteriorating air and land quality, blaming unchecked emissions and dust from multiple cement manufacturing units operating near residential areas.

“The air is thick with dust. Breathing has become difficult, and our fields are no longer what they used to be,” said Gulzar Ahmad, a local resident. “Check the roofs of our houses; they're covered in pollution, and it enters our homes and bodies, causing health issues in our community.”

He added that the layer of cement dust has prevented saffron flowers from blooming, leading to a sharp decline in production over recent years, which he attributes directly to rising pollution levels.

Locals warned that the pollution has become so severe that migration seems inevitable, as prolonged exposure is damaging both health and livelihoods.