Rejuvenating impact of COVID-19 lockdown on major environmental parameters: an Indian perspective

Abstract

The recent coronavirus outbreak caused severe impact on the life of people. Despite of several health and economic losses, COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown proved to be a boon for the environment. This review highlights the positive impact of COVID-19 induced lockdown on the environment; enumerating its effect on air quality indices, water quality indices, wildlife and noise pollution, therefore, focussing on the brighter side of the effects of lockdown. Notably, in India, rivers like Ganga and Yamuna showed a drastic reduction in water pollutant levels. For the first time in a generation, the Himalayas were visible from various parts of India. The amount of waste generated also showed a decline during the lockdown, and wildlife was seen blooming. During the lockdown period temperature levels were also recorded low as compared to 2019 between March to June. Hence, this review emphasizes the beneficial impacts of lockdown on different pollution parameters as well as wildlife in India.

The Two Sides of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…A reduction in smoke and particulate matter during the pandemic lockdown improved visibility with clear skies. Significant noise level reductions were also observed, especially in big cities [92,94]. A clean environment with fewer human activities also allowed wildlife to flourish [95].…”

“…Within just a few months of the lockdown, the water bodies (rivers, lakes, and beaches) looked much cleaner [90]. In many instances, improved water quality improved aquatic life [91,92]. Besides dramatically reducing water pollution, the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic also improved air quality.…”