By: Alex
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, India implemented a nationwide lockdown starting March 24. With the suspension of public activities and business operations, air pollution levels dropped significantly. In the Jalandhar district of Punjab, residents can now see the Himalayan mountain range over 200 kilometers away. Locals say they haven’t seen the snow-capped peaks in 30 years.
▲ In Jalandhar, India, residents can now see the Himalayas from 200 kilometers away. (photo by gull_1985 @twitter)
▲ Residents of Jalandhar say they haven’t seen the mountains in 30 years. (photo by gauravbhanu89 @twitter)
Residents of Jalandhar have taken to social media to share photos of the snow-covered peaks taken from their balconies or rooftops. Some said, “This is the first time in my life I’ve seen the Himalayas from home,” and “You don’t even need zoom to capture the view of the Himalayas.” Another commented, “We can clearly see the snow-covered mountains from our rooftop, and at night we can even see the stars. I haven’t seen anything like this in a long time.”
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
With a population of about 1.4 billion, India is ranked among the most polluted countries in the world according to IQAIR. A report by India Today Data Intelligence Unit stated: “Data shows that from March 16 to 24, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Indian cities was 115 (poor). From the first day of the lockdown, air quality began to improve. In just the first three days of the shutdown, the AQI dropped to an average of 75 (moderate).”
Mother Nature is Healing Itself... This is a picture from India they haven’t seen these mountain ranges from their homes for 30 years- this is since isolation in India ?? Let’s keep these sights happening ?????? https://t.co/QH4GpVnOiQ
— Helen Urlacher (@HelenUrlacher) April 8, 2020
Pollution levels drop in India and it’s beautiful. Seeing the snow tips of the Himalayan Mountains for the 1st time in 30 years ?? #Quarantine https://t.co/3vn2M9woo0
— taylor iman (@misstayloriman) April 8, 2020
According to World Health Organization standards, the safe limit for air quality is a particulate matter reading below 20 micrograms per cubic meter. According to SBS News, for much of the past year, India’s particulate matter levels hovered around 100 micrograms per cubic meter — five times the safe standard.
Source: Mail Online