Positive Impacts of Lock down

              Blog-Positive Impacts of Lock down

         1. It is heartening to note the positive impacts of lock down in India and across the world in recent past 2-3 weeks in Mar &Apr 2020 since imposition of lock down in our country on 25 Mar 2020.One will be surprised to know the positive impacts of lock down when everywhere corona virus is taking toll of humans of all ages. There are mainly two broad fronts where we are seeing the positive impact due to lock down.

1.    On environment    2. On Individuals –

On Environment

                      i.        Air Pollution –

The greatest positive impact of lock down in our cities and also across the world saw air pollution levels plummet. Now we breath clean and fresh air. Reduction in PM 2.5 and NO2 registered in most of the countries.

e.g 21 Indian cities come out of top 30 worst polluted cities of the world. But the air pollution dropped in all our metro/major cities even in the 2^nd week of 21 days lock down.

Delhi’s air pollution levels fell in category of good about a week back as per newspaper report. Delhi’s AQI (Air quality Index) improved since lock down from severe 200 to on a good day (anything more than 25 is considered unsafe as per WHO). Nowadays typical AQI is around 30.The general air pollution drop was around 71%.

We all know that It was because of all vehicular movement stopped, industries and construction were shut down all across the country.

All this drop in air pollution has been noticed in all countries. NASA (US) and European Space Agency satellite pictures clearly show significant drop in NO2 levels over India, China, Italy, France and other European countries.

                    ii.        Clearer water-

Water in river has become clearer. People might have seen the visuals of cleaner river Ganga at Kanpur and Varanasi. Even fishes are seen near Varanasi Ghats now.

There are reports that water of Delhi’s river Yamuna has also started to appear cleaner.

                   iii.        Clear Blue Sky-

Not only Delhi experiencing cleanest skies in years, residents of Jalandhar in Punjab woke up to an incredible sight of distant The Dhauladhar mountain range in H.P. These peaks are 120 miles away and had not been sighted on Punjab horizon since last 30 years.

                   iv.        Noise Levels-

CNN reported 30-50% reduction in noise levels. Now you can hear the voice of neighbourhood birds from balcony of your house.

                    v.        Positive effects on climate change

Environmentalists are saying that there are positive impacts on climate change also.

                   vi.        Clearer surroundings

There is vast cleanliness in our surroundings during this period. It is difficult to believe the pictures uploaded by people on social media.

2.    On Individuals

Every one is saying that Corona virus is not good but it is teaching several good things in life. The most important ones are that

                      i.        We all are getting plenty of time for self and for family.

                    ii.        Our life has become so simple whether rich or poor. Our needs have reduced and still we are happy. Other wise we are always busy with work and to earn more and more to meet our needs. But now we have realized that we can live happily without running after materialistic things in life.

                   iii.        Situations are not always as per our choice. So we have to be mentally strong so that we face the situation easily.

                   iv.        Every one is saying that it is normal to get scared due to corona virus. But on the contrary we cannot afford to be under tension and anxiety at this time as we will get influenced by the negative vibration all around us. We can save ourselves from corona virus but can be overwhelmed by negative vibrations if are not mentally strong.

4.    Lessons learnt

a.    We can work from Home. I suppose our govt. and private organizations will take a lesson out of it to avoid crowding at places.

b.    We can enjoy local vegetables, fruits and other grocery items instead going for costly imported food items.

c.    We can save lot of money which we waste by eating out and indulging in unnecessary purchases.

d.    If we want we can reduce pollution of all types.

e.    We can keep our surroundings clean if we want.

f.     We can consult doctors through tele medicine/online from home for minor ailments to avoid rush in hospitals.

A few lessons our government should also take.

1.    Our public healthcare system needs to be totally revamped and overhauled to handle such situations in our country in future.

2.    The essential supply of daily needs also needs to be overhauled to enable people to get daily needs in their neighborhood.

3.    Online supply system should be further strengthened and encouraged so that one can get even daily needs while sitting at home.

4.    On line payments and transfers should be made obligatory for all employers even in private sector. Cash flow should be reduced to bare minimum for all.

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