Blessing in Disguise or Mother Earth Healing? What is exactly when the world is self-isolated?

-Anjali Ankad 

 

 

A newly found virus has been hitting headlines across the globe since it originated in Wuhan in December. It is every country’s topmost concern now bringing disruption in everyone's life. Economy slowdown escalation, stock market meltdown, sports events postponed, movies not being screened in theatres, restrictions on stepping out of the house.. all these aspects are adversely affecting the human life. Every minute passes by and there's something new happening in various parts of the world in line. To avoid the spread of the coronavirus, self-isolation and home quarantine is the only option left. We are constantly being reminded of maintaining basic hygiene measures, social distancing, regularly washing our hands and staying home.

 

The fact of matter is that we are facing a tough time dealing with this novel virus and we have to accept this, for no one but our own sake. "We’re here and we’re in it for the long haul." It might be the first for many of us to get to know what it’s like to be truly alone and that it is an uphill battle! The situation is further more hard for many who deal with 'boredom' despite the ample luxuries they have in their lives. Nevertheless, this boredom is nothing when it comes to keeping a stock of challenges faced by the doctors, medical staff, grocers and all those frontline soldiers trying to keep the economies alive!

 

Further, every coin has two sides they say! How about seeing the other side of the coin? How about noting certain silver linings amid this crisis? Thinking of blessings like staying home, spending quality time with our loved ones and all, there are many more to place in the brighter side of the lockdown. Significantly, the 'Mother Earth Heal' and animals immune to this virus! 

 

Global warming has definitely caused disturbance in biodiversity and the human society is to throw the blame upon. The pollution in air, water, noise is out of social greed where the community manages to convince and comfort itself by the idea that the end of the world is inevitable! Well, how long was this to continue? It is only after three months of quarantine in China and other parts of the world (India undergoing), that the Mother Earth who had lost her life is able to breath. It is often said, 'Nature has its own way of reminding humankind that it needs to preserve and respect resources'.

 

China, that was flooded with indulging harmful emissions for many years to lead ahead, now has clear skies to look at, sparrows to gaze at and natural diversity to wonder at! The European Space Agency (ESA) reported that there is drastic reduction of nitrogen dioxide emissions above the Chinese cities of Beijing and Shanghai, since December. Meanwhile, Italy which is the worst-hit by corona, is also in limelight for its clear water canals that are exempted from the boat and human traffic. People there are amazed and are reconsidering if the coronavirus outbreak is indeed a blessing in disguise!

 

 

Nitrogen dioxide is a harmful emission produced by burning fuel at factories, power plants, and driving vehicles — all these activities have dramatically stopped since various countries are locked down. Another ESA posted a satellite video of the skies above Venice, which reveals decline of air pollution, specifically nitrogen dioxide emissions. Also, there is observed decrease in water traffic and pollution in Mumbai’s Marine drive area. The reduced water traffic in the Arabian Sea has further led to spotting of dolphins playfully jump in waters.

 

This is euphoric, is'nt it? I understand that this pandemic situation is slated to immensely affect our economies. It might also worsen the situation for places with inadequate medical systems and for thousands of people who have no access to even basic healthcare facilities. However, people who can understand and balance the seriousness and the panic state appropriate, should utilise this time to make improvements in every possible way, for 'that' time we have now, is never going to come back! After all, the society is learning to come together, know empathy and gratitude in one spirit for whatever God has accustomed. Humanity, without any barriers of religion, caste is coming together!

 

If we can appreciate our life, our coexisting species and help each other in our own best ways in such times of tribulations, we can churn out so much good out of this 'misfortune' that has deemed upon us. We must have faith in the system of life, panic less and believe that given a chance this will get over only for the better days to come!