Varanasi: As air pollution spikes, idols in temple get masks

As the national capital gasps for clean air, various cities across India have been experiencing fluctuations in their air qualities. The PM level of Varanasi rose to 2.5 post-Diwali celebrations and the quality of air dipped hazardously. In an unusual incident, photos from a temple in Varanasi are going viral and the reason will put you in thinking spot.

The photos show deities in temple adorning masks. The images are from the Shiv-Parvati temple in the Sigra area of Varanasi and show idols faces covered with white masks. The masks were put on idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Goddess Kali, and Sai Baba. As the level of pollutants increased in the air post-Diwali, the priest decided to mask the idols to raise awareness. 

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According to reports, the priest of the temple said, "If the idols of the gods can be adorned with blankets during winter then it’s only normal to protect them from the rising air pollution by using masks". As per the priest, people visiting temples have started wearing masks after seeing the idols. 

Air Quality deteriorates

Meanwhile, in Delhi, the pollution levels recorded on Wednesday, November 6, witnessed some improvement compared to the previous day but still remain in the 'very poor' category. At around 5:30 am on Wednesday, Delhi recorded an overall AQI of 356. As per the data from the Central Pollution Control Board of India, the Loni area of Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh showcases a very poor Air Quality Index (AQI) at around 340.

On the other hand, the PM10 (or the particulate matter with the diameter of 10 micrometres or less) in this region hovers around 329 units. Similarly, the overall AQI in Patna, Bihar has been around 323 units on Wednesday. The poor air quality in Patna and other parts of Bihar has been attributed to the result of bursting firecrackers on the occasion of the popular festival celebrated in the state, ‘Chhath Puja’. The air quality in Muzaffarpur, Bihar is also poor with the AQI being at around 288 units in the region.  

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