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

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

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

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

Air Quality deteriorates

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

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

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