In late March, India imposed a nationwide lockdown in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. The nation of 1.3 billion people saw the world’s largest shutdown of factories, markets, shops, and most public transportation and construction work.
As of 2019, India was home to 21 of the world’s 30 most polluted cities, yet today data is already showing that the main cities are recording dramatically lower levels of air pollutants. Harmful microscopic particulate matter known as PM 2.5, and nitrogen dioxide which is released by vehicles and power plants have plummeted in only the first few days of April.
The sudden fall in pollutants and the subsequent blue skies signal a dramatic shift for India.
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 residents who live in the surrounding areas are claiming that now, for the first time in many years, the tops of the Himalayan mountains are clearly visible due to the reduction in air pollution and smog.
Photographers living as far as 124 miles away from the mountain range have taken to social media, posting awe-inspiring pictures of the snow capped peaks, celebrating the majestic sight.
The same mountains from my home 😍 #Nozoom pic.twitter.com/4zHwyoMp4R
— Abbu Pandit (@abbu_pandit) April 3, 2020
This is not the first time that people are noticing cleaner air during COVID-19 shutdowns. Nations including the United States and United Kingdom are also seeing noticeable reductions in air pollution that coincide with social restrictions. Particle pollution in major UK cities have dropped by as much as one-third, and the rates are expected to fall even further if the shutdowns continue.
Warp News is actively seeking out and sharing the many positive updates and developments related to the impact of coronavirus that are happening throughout the world. Despite all of us having to endure a global pandemic which has disrupted many aspects of our daily lives, we believe there is a good chance we will see some phenomenal breakthroughs come out of this. As always, we strive to balance out the negative tone in media by providing fact-based, optimistic news from all over the world.