The world is now on a global lockdown because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Everyone is at their own homes, afraid or not allowed to come out. A minimal amount of cars are moving and because of that, the level of pollution is at an all-time low. This is proven by how the Himalayas is finally visible again after three decades of being covered up by smog.
According to SBS, Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal who has been working to raise awareness of environmental pollution for over 30 years has said:
“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.”
People living nearby the Himalayas have been sharing their photos from their balconies on Twitter thus making lots of Twitter users jealous! I mean, just look at that! It really makes us reflect and at the same time, humbles us.
On 22nd March, the Indian government started the lockdown that affects its 1.4 billion population. Mr Seechewal said that there is no more traffic and most industries are also shut down. This has helped bring the pollution level to unbelievably low levels!
A report by the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown in India shows the statistics. On the first and second day of the lockdown, it has already shown some drastic results. In Delhi alone, there was a reduction of about 44% in PM10 (fine particles in the air) March 22-23, 2020 as compared to pre-lockdown.
According to the India Today Data Intelligence Unit (DIU) from March 16-27, on average, the air quality index has improved by 33% in the country.
This is truly great news! It is also worth to mention that other countries in lockdown have been experiencing the same things. As for us, let’s all stay clean and stay safe at home!
Also read: Swans & Fishes Return To Venice Canals, Water Clears Up After Italy Goes Into Covid-19 Lockdown
