The Himalayas are visible in farther parts of India for the first time in 30 years
For the first time in 30 years, the Himalayas have become visible from further parts of India.
People are astonished by the amazing view they have now that the air is clearer. Amid the coronavirus lockdown, pollution levels across the country have declined remarkably, as reported by Mail Online. Jalandhar locals, living about 125 miles away from the Himalayas, have shared amazing images on social media showing their brand new view to the stunning mountain.
Himalaya mountains can be seen from Jalandhar since pollution has reduced in Punjab. Beautiful sight 😍#punjab #COVID19 #pollution pic.twitter.com/iZy7hwxX9R
— TjSingh (@covsinghtj) April 3, 2020
Even the former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh shared a photo of the Himalayas seen from his window. He is astonished to witness the mountain from his home for the first time ever. The cricketer notes that this is a ‘clear indication of the impact the pollution has done by us to Mother Earth’.
Never seen Dhauladar range from my home rooftop in Jalandhar..never could imagine that’s possible..clear indication of the impact the pollution has done by us to Mother Earth 🌍.. this is the view pic.twitter.com/laRzP8QsZ9
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 3, 2020
In 2019, India, with its population of nearly 1.4 billion people, topped the charts as the country with the world’s worst polluted cities, according to IQAir. However, since the country has been under lockdown, fewer cars and businesses are in operation, which means less polluted air.
A picture captured today from sialkot LOC . Kashmir mountains. This kind of clear we are seeing after around more than 30 years pic.twitter.com/67KVRNJTOr
— Khawar S Khawaja (@khawajaks) April 4, 2020
According to India’s Central Pollution Board, the nationwide quarantine has resulted in significant improvement in the quality of air in the country.
India Today Data Intelligence Unit states:
“Data shows that on average, Indian cities had an AQI of 115 between March 16 and 24. The air quality started showing improvements from the first day of the 21-day lockdown. The average AQI fell to 75 in the first three days of the lockdown.”
The AQI is good when it’s up to 50 and means air pollution poses little or no risk. An AQI between 51 and 100 is considered as moderate.
What nature really is and how we screwed it up.
This is Dhauladhar mountain range of Himachal, visible after 30 yrs, from Jalandhar (Punjab) after pollution drops to its lowest level. This is approx. 200 km away straight. #Lockdown21 #MotherNature #Global healing. pic.twitter.com/cvZqbWd6MR
— Soul of a Warrior (@Deewalia) April 3, 2020
According to the World Health Organisation, the safe limit for air quality is to have a particulate matter reading of below 20mg/m3. Unfortunately, throughout most of the year, India records a limit of 100mg/m3, as reported by SBS News.
Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, known for his anti-river pollution campaign in Punjab, told reporters:
“We can see the snow-covered mountains clearly from our roofs. And not just that, stars are visible at night. I have never seen anything like this in recent times. Not just normal traffic is off the roads, but most industry is also shut down. This has helped bring the pollution level to unbelievably low levels.”
The lockdown became official in India on March 24th. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated:
“To save India, to save its every citizen, you, your family… every street, every neighbourhood is being put under lockdown.”
The country’s government set strict measures, including forbidding nearly all public gatherings, closing schools and universities, and shutting all non-essential businesses. Medical facilities such as hospitals remain open.
By April 9th, the confirmed coronavirus cases in India are 6,615, with nearly 200 deaths.
