A video of a woman tourist visiting Kashmir for the first time has gone viral after her remarks about the Valley’s air quality triggered both amusement and criticism among locals. In the interview with ANI, the woman claimed she was disappointed with Kashmir, saying she found the region “too polluted,” with “high AQI” and “foggy weather,” which she believed was affecting her breathing.
The tourist stated that her friend had told her Kashmir was beautiful, but upon arriving, she felt “blockages in the respiratory system” and difficulty breathing due to what she assumed was pollution. She also urged viewers to take personal responsibility for the environment and avoid bursting crackers during Diwali to prevent further pollution.
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However, her comments did not sit well with locals and social media users, who quickly pointed out the factual misinformation. Netizens slammed her “poor general knowledge,” arguing that Kashmir, particularly Srinagar, currently records an AQI between 40 and 80, which falls under the “good” air quality category. Screenshots of real-time air quality readings were widely shared online to counter her claims.
Many social media users also mocked the tourist for allegedly confusing natural morning fog with smog, suggesting that visitors from heavily polluted metro cities may be misreading Kashmir’s clean air conditions. Comments such as “Take her back, she might choke in fresh air,” and “Education is important,” flooded social platforms as the video gained traction.
Locals emphasised that Kashmir remains one of the cleanest and least polluted regions in the country, especially when compared to major urban centres. The incident has once again highlighted how unfamiliarity with natural weather patterns and overexposure to polluted city environments can lead to misconceptions among travellers.
