Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Positive Take Away from COVID-19 Author: Dr. K.S. Kang

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Positive Take Aways from Covid-19   
                                                                                                               Author: Dr. K.S. Kang
Though this virus has killed more than three lac people world wide and many Corona warriors have laid down their lives in service of humanity due to it like doctors, nurses, health workers, policeman, members of social organization and the like. No words can express our deep gratitude towards these people who have made supreme sacrifice in the war against this deadly virus. Many people had to face economic hardships due to lockdown that had nearly become a necessity to fight this invisible foe of humanity. Due to lockdown traffic is off road, streets are empty, parks and other public places like parks, malls and cinemas that used to bustle with crowd have been closed. It has led to a number of positive effects on nature.
            First of all due to lockdown a drastic decline in the air pollution level due to carbon emission of the vehicles and factories has been observed. That has made our environment a lot cleaner- air is purer and water cleaner. After a month of lockdown it is possible to view Himalyas clearly from Saharnapur and Jalandhar. Waters of the rivers and streams has become so crystal clear that even fishes, rocks and aquatic vegetation at the bed of the river is easily visible from its banks. Even in Delhi India Gate is easily visible from Rashtrapati Bhawan even at what used to be peak hours of traffic. But the real challenge before humanity is Can we preserve the purity of the environment even after the restrictions of lockdown are eased that appear quite imminent in the near future. If we want to continue to inhale clean fresh air human society will have to take some strong steps like using bicycles and electric vehicles as far as possible rather than fossil fuel vehicles. Not only there is a need to take these drastic steps but there is an equal urgency to implement these steps with the same strictness that is followed during a curfew or a lockdown. Mankind will have to learn to avoid unnecessary travels and crowding the place and where the journey is a must then public transport should be used as far as possible. Government should also take initiative in encouraging the use of vehicles with less polluting fuels like electric vehicles, or vehicles run by CNG, etc. Cleaner environment has led to the return of birds and beasts to the urban areas also after a long time as the surrounding have become greener.

            At the social level compulsion of remaining indoors due to lockdown has resulted in rediscovery of social relations like that of family and neighbours. Most of the people can be seen spending quality time with their family members as a result of which understanding between the members of family has increased. Some people are devoting their free time in pursuing their hobbies like gardening, carpentry, painting, music, dancing, reading and writing. Lockdown has reasserted the significance of neighbours who can be seen strolling on the roof of their houses in the evening and morning. It is essential to set up rapport with them as they are the people who will help you in  difficult times as it may take some time before your children, friends and relatives living at a distance are able to reach you, particularly in the times of Lockdown. Technology has reduced distances atleast virtually as broadband, internet, skype, google, or optical fiber connection that enables you to contact them at will through video calls. Now it is up to human society whether it wants to remain in the paradise of cleaner surroundings and purer environment or like another Satan to live in hell of dirt, pollution and smoke.      

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