Every spell of monsoon rain is doing far more than replenishing rivers, lakes and forests—it is acting as nature's own air purification system. The haze that usually blankets Srinagar during dry spells disappears, sunlight becomes brighter, colours appear more vibrant and distant mountain ranges emerge with remarkable clarity. Rainfall provides immediate relief by washing these pollutants from the atmosphere, often resulting in a sharp improvement in visibility and overall air quality. "Once rainfall ceases and roads begin to dry, dust particles become airborne again because of traffic movement, construction activity, wind erosion and other human disturbances. Nature periodically cleans the atmosphere, but sustainable air quality can only be achieved by preventing pollutants from entering the atmosphere in the first place," Dr Khan said.