CNN reports that people in the Northern Indian state, Punjab, are going to social media to share their excitement over the visibility of the Himalayan mountain range due to less air pollution!
The Himalayans are now visible from more than 100 miles away due to the reduction in air pollution caused by India's lockdown over Covid-19. CNN adds that other Indian cities such as Jalandhar and the surrounding area have posted photos of their new astonishing views, adding that this view hasn't been possible in nearly 30 years.
India's lockdown made this possible after industries shut down, cars vacated the roads and airlines canceled flights in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
CNN's reporting states that Delhi saw up to a 44% reduction in PM10 air pollution levels on the first day of its restrictions. The PM10 standard measures airborne particulates 10 micrometers or smaller in diameter. Additionally, the report said that, in total, 85 cities across India saw less air pollution in the first week of the nationwide lockdown.
Even more good news, the air quality in the city of Jalandhar, which sits more than 100 miles from the Himalayas, has been measured as "good" on the country's national index for 16 of the 17 days since the nationwide lockdown was announced.
The CNN reports continues that India is home to 21 of the 30 worst polluted urban areas in the world, with 6 in the top 10. India has been on lockdown for more than 2 weeks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordering "a total ban on venturing out of your homes."
Only essential services have been operational, including water, electricity, health and fire services, groceries stores and municipal services. All other shops, commercial establishments, factories, workshops, offices, markets and places of worship have been closed and interstate buses and metros were be suspended.
Check out a couple of tweets below:
PHOTOS: Twitter Account @Deewalia