Nature Regenerates

The thick black clouds of coronavirus have enveloped every nook and corner of the globe, spreading its terror. It is true that coronavirus has slowed down the world economy and has brought the lives of humans to a standstill. With the COVID-19 pandemic in place, most countries have advised its citizens to remain indoors. Several countries have implemented complete lockdown to prevent the transmission of the deadly virus. Until we wait for the clouds to clear and the bright yellow sun rays to touch our lives we must look for the silver lining. Despite the panic and loss through COVID-19 there is a lot of positivity around us. From dolphins swimming across waters, people coming together to sing, families spending quality time together at the comfort of their homes to nature recuperating from the clutches of pollution, Mother Earth is healing. In this blog we will give you a few instances that show how mother nature is healing during the lockdown.

1. A school of Dolphins at Mumbai’s Marine Drive
   Ever since people have been on self-quarantine, mother earth and all its elements have been flourishing. There has been a substantial decrease in water traffic and pollution in Mumbai’s Marine drive, making it easier to spot dolphins. The reduced water traffic in the Arabian Sea has led to spotting of dolphins at Marine Drive. This is definitely a dose of positivity for the day. Cheer up guys!

   

2. Pollution level in national capital drops significantly
   One of the most polluted cities in India, Delhi is now witnessing a drop in its air pollution. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) has sunk to 68, a level considered ‘Moderate’ which used to shoot up till 1000, qualified as ‘Very Unhealthy. The data shows that within the first week of lockdown, the pollution level in Delhi was reduced by almost 71 percent. This is clearly a dramatic result of the reduction in vehicular traffic and closing of factories and power plants. The sudden fall of the pollutants in the air has allowed people to see clear blue skies instead of heavy grey smog.

   

3. The Yamuna gets free from foam
   All of us have seen the infamous images of devotees taking a dip in filthy water of the Yamuna during Chhath Puja. Within a month there has been a massive shift in water pollution that has transformed the Yamuna to such an extent that it’s unrecognisable. The Yamuna river now appears to be clean and transparent, not frothed. Shutting down of factories and industrial units in NCR has cut off the discharge of industrial pollutants into the river that has resulted in the pristine clear water in the Yamuna.

   

4. Ganga river water becomes potable
   Despite its sacred status, the Ganga has always been a severely polluted river. With the shutting of industries, no effluents flowing into the river and lack of activity at the ghats during the lockdown, the Ganga is now cleaner than ever. As nobody is bathing or using ghats as a public toilet the quality of the river water has improved by 40-50 percent. The water at “Har Ki Pauri” is so pure and clear that it has been declared as fit for drinking.

   

5. The Himalayas are visible from Punjab
   For the first time in 30 years, residents of Jalandhar could see the Dhauladhar range that is located approximately 200 km away in Himachal Pradesh. Obscured behind the smog due to stubble burning of fields, the residents of Jalandhar were stunned seeing the sheer beauty of the Himalayas.

   

6. With humans in, wildlife is out
   As towns and cities across the planet remain on lockdown during the coronavirus outbreak, animals are making the most of it by roaming freely on the streets like goats in Wales, ducks in Paris and flamingos in Mumbai. It is clear that the lockdown of humans is helping nature and biodiversity rediscover their natural spaces.

   

7. Ozone layer is healing
   A sudden drop in the pollution levels throughout the globe has led to a positive effect on the ozone layer. With less vehicular emissions and people vigilant about their activities, the ozone layer has finally started healing. A scientific paper published by Nature reveals that collective global action can make a difference. The study also hints that the full healing of the ozone layer might be possible in the coming time.

   

Similar climate changes have been seen in other parts of the world too. The air pollution levels in Italy have dropped significantly, the pictures of clean Venice canals revealed all the fishes living in it.

The COVID-19 pandemic is definitely uniting the globe and making us better human beings. So, find your silver lining amidst the dark clouds of coronavirus, stay at home, spend time with your family, learn a new hobby, read a book and live every moment to the fullest while you let the earth heal. This time would never come back so make the most of it. Keep reading the Trainman blog to know more such interesting pieces of content and the latest news on railway & COVID-19 virus.