The Himalayas are now visible from certain parts of India for the first time in “decades” courtesy of the coronavirus lockdown.

The unexpected side effect of reduced air pollution has meant that locals in the northern Indian state of Punjab, along with other surrounding areas, can now enjoy views of the famous mountain range, which is some 160km away.

Locals in the city of Jalandhar and the surrounding areas have posted photographs online, showing the views from their homes, with some noting the peaks haven’t been visible “for decades” because of poor air quality.

What nature really is and how we screwed it up.

This is Dhauladhar mountain range of Himachal, visible after 30 yrs, from Jalandhar (Punjab) after pollution drops to its lowest level. This is approx. 200 km away straight. #Lockdown21 #MotherNature #Global healing. pic.twitter.com/cvZqbWd6MR

— Diksha Walia (@Deewalia) April 3, 2020

The clearer views are thought to be courtesy of a dramatic improvement in air quality, made possible by the COVID-19 lockdowns across India. 

According to India’s pollution authority, Delhi saw a 44% reduction in PM10 air pollution levels on just the first day of restrictions. Another 84 other cities across India are reporting similar reductions in pollution levels.

Locals in Pakistan have also posted similar photographs of the Kashmir mountains, commenting views had not been clearer in some 30 years.  

A picture captured today from sialkot LOC . Kashmir mountains. This kind of clear we are seeing after around more than 30 years pic.twitter.com/67KVRNJTOr

— Khawar S Khawaja (@khawajaks) April 4, 2020

This good news comes just in time for Earth Day 2020 this week, and is a nice way to follow up the earlier good news, which came just two weeks ago, that Venice’s canals were running clear for the first time in years.