Every year, April 7th is observed globally as World Health Day, a moment to reflect on the progress made in the field of health and to evaluate challenges ahead. In India, this day assumes greater relevance due to the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases plaguing our population. In Kashmir, the landscape is changing rapidly not just socially and politically but medically. Once shielded by its serene environment and active lifestyle, Kashmir is now witnessing an alarming rise in lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac arrests, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and women’s cancers like breast and ovarian cancer.
This National Health Day, it’s time to assess the health status of the Valley and understand how we can harness our environment, traditions and resources to fight back against this modern health crisis. Kashmir’s population was once considered immune to many modern health ailments due to its natural diet, physically active rural life and pollution-free atmosphere. However, rapid urbanization, stress, sedentary lifestyles, changing food habits and deteriorating mental health are driving a surge in non-communicable diseases.
Once a rarity in Kashmir, Type 2 diabetes is now increasingly common, even among young adults. According to health reports from hospitals in Srinagar and Anantnag, there has been a 40% increase in diabetes-related consultations over the last five years. The growing consumption of refined sugars, processed foods and reduced physical activity are contributing factors. The stress of modern living, combined with poor diet and lack of exercise, is making hypertension and cardiovascular diseases commonplace. Doctors from SKIMS Soura report that more than 1 in every 4 patients admitted in the emergency ward for non-traumatic issues is a cardiac patient, many of them under 50 years of age.
While previously confined to smokers, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cases are now emerging in non-smokers as well, particularly in areas where traditional wood-burning chulhas and poor ventilation are still in use. The burning of trash, vehicle pollution, and seasonal smog also contribute to deteriorating air quality in urban centers like Srinagar, leading to respiratory illnesses even among children. Gynecologists in Kashmir are increasingly reporting cases of Polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Factors include late marriages, hormonal imbalances, poor reproductive health education, and lack of timely screenings. In rural areas, the stigma around breast health and limited access to female healthcare providers makes detection and treatment more difficult.
A deeper dive into the causes of these diseases reveals a pattern — a shift from traditional to modern living without adequate health literacy. Modern conveniences have reduced our physical activity. From school-going children to elderly citizens, everyone is now spending more time indoors — with gadgets and screens replacing gardens and play grounds. The traditional Kashmiri diet included hand-pounded rice, fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits, pulses and occasional meat all home-cooked. Today, diets are dominated by fried snacks, bakery items, cold drinks, packaged chips and meat-heavy fast foods, all rich in fats, sugars and low in fiber. The turbulent past decades, marked by conflict and uncertainty, have had a profound impact on mental health. Anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and chronic stress contribute significantly to physical ailments like hypertension and cardiac issues.
Most Kashmiris visit doctors only when illnesses become severe. Regular check-ups, preventive screenings, and health awareness are not culturally ingrained, especially among rural women and elderly citizens. Pollution from vehicle emissions, industrial waste and even the burning of fallen Chinar leaves in autumn has contributed to declining air quality in the Valley, once known for its pristine air. The good news is that lifestyle diseases are largely preventable. Through awareness, education and small lifestyle modifications, Kashmiris can reclaim their health. People of all ages must be encouraged to indulge in daily physical activity walking, jogging, yoga, cycling or even traditional activities like gardening and farming. Local authorities can also promote morning parks, youth fitness centers and outdoor gyms
A return to home-cooked, seasonal, plant-based foods is critical. Schools and NGOs should educate families about the benefits of traditional foods like haakh, turnips, lotus stem and locally grown pulses, over packed junk foods. Even traditional dishes like Harissa, when consumed in moderation and prepared healthily, can be part of a nutritious diet. There must be a focus on preventive screenings for diabetes, BP and cancers, especially among women. Mobile health vans and free health check-up camps in rural and far-flung areas can make a significant impact. Monthly breast self-examination tutorials, menstrual hygiene education and gynecology camps are the need of the hour.
Mental health remains a taboo, but it’s vital for holistic health. Kashmir needs more psychologists, counselors and mental wellness programs in schools, colleges and mohallas. Simple techniques like prayer, meditation, group therapy, journaling and community interaction can help ease the emotional burden. Switching from chulhas to LPG or electric cooking, installing chimneys and educating about ventilation and cleanliness can reduce respiratory issues. Smokers should be encouraged to quit through de-addiction programs. Ironically, the answer to Kashmir’s growing health issues lies in Kashmir itself.
Kashmir still boasts some of the cleanest water sources, especially in upper reaches like Pahalgam, Gurez and Doodhpathri. Moving away from polluted cities into greener spaces can help reduce respiratory and cardiac issues. Local farmers still grow pesticide-free vegetables, apples, walnuts, almonds and herbs like Saunf, Zeera and Lavang all of which have medicinal value. Promoting organic farming and local consumption can transform public health.
The terrain itself with hills, gardens, stairs and forests offers natural opportunities for walking and trekking, if people are willing to embrace it. Instead of crowding markets, people can make early morning walks in gardens and orchards a part of their routine. Kashmir has a rich tradition of Unani and herbal medicine. Many elders still use herbal teas for digestion, oil massages for joint pain and dry fruits for immunity. These need to be researched, validated and reintroduced in modern preventive care. The Government must establish well-equipped primary health centers, encourage family doctors and launch district-wide health drives. Schools and Colleges should introduce health education, yoga, nutrition classes and regular fitness challenges. Religious Leaders can use platforms to talk about mental health, hygiene and self-care. Media houses and social media influencers must normalize conversations about women’s health, mental wellness and routine health check-ups
The youth of Kashmir, once known for their resilience, are now falling prey to the sedentary digital lifestyle. With mobile addiction, online gaming and fast food, children as young as 12 are showing early signs of obesity, anxiety and back pain. Schools must make sports mandatory, parents must restrict screen time and society must collectively push for holistic well-being. On this National Health Day, as we look at the mountains, gardens, springs and orchards of Kashmir, we must ask Are we doing justice to this paradise by making it a hub of disease? The answer lies in each household, each kitchen, each morning routine and each meal. A healthy Kashmir is a happy Kashmir. The Valley doesn’t just need peace politically it needs peace inside every mind and body. Let us revive the legacy of strength, immunity and mental balance that once defined us. Let’s ensure that future generations don’t just inherit the beauty of the Himalayas but also the health to enjoy it.
