COVID-19 - A BOON FOR ENVIRONMENT??

Nationwide/Worldwide lockdown in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic has elicited significant environmental benefits including cleaner/fresher air, lower carbon emissions and a relief for wildlife. All types of industries, vehicle movement, and people's activities have been shut off for a month or more in many parts of the world, including closing of schools, malls, offices, shops , hotels, etc., and also the directives where given by governments to prevent public gatherings at temples, function halls, parties, and other places perhaps for the first time in modern history. Various literature states that the increased industrialization and anthropogenic activities in the last two decades polluted the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Significantly, there was a marked improvement in the prevailing conditions in the aforementioned spheres of environment. Over a month/two months into the nationwide lockdown, air and water pollution levels have shrunk and the wildlife is free. With only essential and emergency services running, the vehicular emissions and industrial effluents released are being drastically reduced. The air quality index (AQI) is showing green in most cities, rivers are self-cleansed, temperatures are dropping and much more is yet to come. Nature is healing and environment is recharging.