I was diagnosed with mild asthma when I was 8 years old. At the time, it seemed the symptoms were easier to manage and this was not that big a deal. Yes I had problems breathing comfortably sometimes but it was pretty rare that such situations were encountered. Cut to 2021 and the problem seemed to be exaggerated much more over the years. The build-up of pollutants in the air has made the whole ‘mild’ condition really serious and severe over the years.
I live in Zirakpur which is still much better than many of the metro cities in the country. But for someone with a health condition like mine, ‘much better’ does not cut it. Anytime I go out, I encounter the same issues again and the situation has only gotten worse over the years.
During one of my visits to my physician, who is from Himachal, we started talking about how the air quality is so much better in hills than in the cities down in the plains. The lack of densely coagulated population, abundance of greenery is the reason why air in hills has fewer allergens and is thus better for people with breathing issues. He told me that he goes back home every weekend just to get out of the pollution bubble of city life. He recommended that following the same habit can help me with my health issues as well. I told him he was lucky as he had Flats in Solan that he could go back to and enjoy the gifts of nature. I unfortunately, being a non-Himachali, could not have the same. Or at least that’s what I thought.
I came across a radio jingle of Chester Hills which was focussed on the fact that even non-Himachalis can own this amazing property situated in the beautiful hills of Solan. I immediately searched more about this project online and scheduled a visit on a weekend. I fell in love with this place at first glance and got a unit booked here. Ever since then, I have been visiting Solan (which is easily reachable and a short drive from Chandigarh) every weekend and I can actually feel my asthma getting better since then. The reports approve the same as well.
I never thought something that seems so meager can have such significant consequences. Chester Hills has been an unexpected boon for me and I could not be more thankful. That’s my story. What’s yours?