The Himalayan mountain range, a breathtaking natural wonder, forms a significant boundary between several nations. While its northern slopes generally belong to China, and the southern to India and Nepal, recent lockdowns have led to an unexpected, albeit temporary, revelation for residents of Jalandhar, India. The reduced air pollution and lessened urban congestion have allowed them to see the Himalayas, a 200-kilometer vista previously obscured. This article explores the geographical division of the Himalayas and the impact of lockdown on the Indian perspective of this iconic mountain range.
The Himalayas, a colossal mountain system straddling several countries, are a cornerstone of the Asian landscape. The precise boundary lines, particularly along the Sino-Indian border, are often defined by the peaks of the mountains themselves. The northern slopes generally fall within Chinese territory, while the southern sections are primarily shared by India and Nepal. This intricate division, based on the summit of each peak, forms a natural geopolitical boundary.
However, the recent global lockdown has presented an unexpected and poignant experience for residents of Jalandhar, a city in India's northwestern state of Punjab. Located approximately 200 kilometers from the Himalayas, the city's inhabitants had previously only seen the muted gray of the urban skyline and the rooftops of their immediate surroundings. The lockdown, with its associated restrictions on industrial activity and vehicular traffic, has significantly reduced air pollution. This decreased pollution, combined with the reduced human activity, has gifted a clearer view of the Himalayas, a sight that had been obscured for decades.
This unexpected visibility, while a temporary phenomenon, highlights the delicate balance between human activity and the environment. The clear view of the Himalayas in Jalandhar serves as a stark reminder of the impact of pollution and industrialization on our surroundings. It also underscores the sheer scale of the Himalayan range, its presence felt even from hundreds of kilometers away.
The temporary glimpse of the Himalayas in Jalandhar, brought about by the global lockdown, is more than just an aesthetic experience. It is a poignant reminder of the profound impact of human activity on our environment and the beauty that can emerge when we reduce our environmental footprint, even temporarily. While the pollution may return with the easing of restrictions, the memory of this unique sight will undoubtedly linger, prompting reflection on the delicate balance between human progress and the preservation of our natural world.
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