Coronavirus: Himalayas visible as air pollution decreases across India

Two weeks into a national lockdown in India and layers of air pollution have lifted allowing some residents to see the Himalayas from their city for the first time.

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More than 85 cities across India have seen a drop in air pollution since the country started its nationwide lockdown, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.

Air quality in Jalandhar, about 100 miles from the Himalayas, has been rated good 16 of 17 days during the lockdown, allowing some residents a view of the expansive mountain range for the first time. The same 17 days last year had no good pollution ratings.

“This was the view from our rooftop at home in Punjab India. For the first time in almost 30 years could clearly see the Himalayas due to India’s lockdown clearing air pollution,” Manjit Kang wrote on social media. “Just amazing.”

Pollution levels across the globe are dramatically decreasing as populations across the world isolate themselves amid the spread of the coronavirus.

>> Satellite images show pollution levels drop amid coronavirus isolation

During the lockdown only essential services, including water, electricity, health services, police, fire and grocery stores are open.

The country has 21 of the 30 worst polluted areas in the world, according to an IQAir world air quality report.

There are more than 6,000 confirmed cases and 178 deaths from the coronavirus in India, according to Johns Hopkins’ tracking information.