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.