Breathing Isn’t Easy Anymore

I’m born and raised in Cochin. I’ve always loved this city : the backwaters, the sea breeze, the greenery. But over the past decade, something has changed. The air doesn’t feel as fresh anymore. With the increase in vehicles, new buildings, and waste burning, I’ve developed constant breathing issues. I never had asthma as a child, but now I find myself wheezing on humid days and coughing through the night when the air is thick with smoke or dust. Even the weather has become unpredictable. The rains used to bring relief, but now they come with flooding and mold in the air, which only worsens my symptoms. I avoid walking outside during the early morning or late evening when the air seems to hang heavy. I worry for the children growing up in this air and for the elderly who have no choice but to breathe it in. I hope we can bring back the clean Cochin for a better health and future.