The world has noticed some recent changes with our environment, and one of the more incredible transformations has taken place in the Himalayas.
Multiple reports of nature restoring to normalcy during the lockdown period have been doing rounds across the world. People quarantined at home due the coronavirus outbreak have been sharing images of clearer skies and even animals and birds from their homes – all because of reduced pollution.
As the lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus in India continues, pollution levels across much of the country have dropped sharply.
Now some residents in northern India say they can see the snow-capped Himalayas 200 kilometres away for the first time in 30 years.
The residents of Jalandhar were left “amazed” by the sight of the Dhauladhar mountain range, a part of the Himalayan range in Himachal Pradesh. Sharing the pictures of the “first-ever view” from Jalandhar, its residents thanked the ongoing lockdown for cleaning the air to make it possible.
India is in lockdown until April 15 and the city of Punjab saw the most drastic effect of air pollution reduction. The picturesque snow-clad mountain range was visible for the first time in Jalandhar on Friday, over a week since the lockdown was imposed on the midnight of March 24.
“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,” says Mr Seechewal, who has been working to raise awareness of environmental pollution for over 30 years.
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
Many of the Jalandhar residents didn’t miss the chance to capture the beauty from their rooftops. Soon, social media was flooded with the majestic views of Dhauladhar range. Have a look at some of the posts:
Entire Himalayan range is now visible from Jalandhar, Punjab. Nature at it’s best 🙂 pic.twitter.com/MA3x0isc4k
— SainRajat (@SainRajat) April 3, 2020
Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh also shared the picture of Dhauladhar range from his home rooftop. “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 Earth globe europe-africa.. this is the view,” he captioned the picture on Twitter.
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
Dhauladhar Range translates to the ‘white range’ and they form a part of the Lesser Himalayan ranges. They lie at least 200 km from Jalandhar, where decrease in industrial activities and fewer vehicles on road, lead to this drastic yet beautiful change.
Though the lockdown has brought the country to a standstill with underprivileged being hit the most, the environment has got a chance to cleanse itself. The outcomes of which are clearly visible. One of the major reasons for clean air is a drastic fall in pollution level as there are fewer vehicles on roads and no industrial work.