The COVID-19 lockdown in India led to unprecedented environmental improvements, such as clearer views of the Himalayas and reduced air pollution. This period inspired a renewed optimism and eco-consciousness among individuals and communities, especially youth, who are now advocating for sustainable practices and accessible environmental education. Influential voices like Arti Kumar Rao and Ramachandra Guha highlight India's unique environmental trajectory and the need for slow, thoughtful change
During the COVID-19 lockdown, many Indian cities experienced a remarkable environmental phenomenon: the Himalayas became visible from places where they had not been seen for decades. Cities such as Jalander, Saranpur, Siliguri, and Sithamari witnessed the majestic Himalayan ranges clearly in May 2020 and May 2021. This was the first time in nearly 30 years that many Indians could see the snow-capped peaks due to a significant drop in air pollution.
Residents shared images of the breathtaking views, with one notable example from the mukia of the gram panchayat Singh Vahidi Ritu Jaswal, who posted a picture from a terrace in Sitamari showing Mount Everest visible in the distance. This rare sight was a testament to nature's ability to balance itself when human activity slows down.
The lockdown period brought about several positive environmental changes:
Despite these benefits, there were negative impacts such as increased plastic waste and disruptions in recycling due to heightened online consumption and the rollback of single-use plastic bans.
The pandemic instilled optimism and highlighted the potential for transformative change in addressing climate change. Social media discussions about nature and biodiversity increased significantly, with Twitter mentions rising from 30 million to 50 million over four years.
Consumer habits shifted as well, with a 71% increase in online searches for sustainable goods, according to research by the Economist Intelligence Unit commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund. Public concern over nature and biodiversity laws in India rose by 16% between 2016 and 2020.
Amid the pandemic's challenges, a group of committed young Indians took the opportunity to rethink environmentalism. They recognized that eco-consciousness and inclusivity were fading and decided to make environmental topics accessible and relatable to all.
Their website, IndianEnvironmentalism.com, showcases what is possible when youth take the lead in environmental advocacy. This initiative reflects a broader movement towards engaging communities in sustainable practices and environmental education.
Arti Kumar Rao, author of the book Majin Lands, advocates for slow journalism—a movement akin to slow food—that emphasizes thoughtful, immersive storytelling about the environment. She transitioned from a corporate career to a life dedicated to travel, learning, and writing about environmental issues, including the story of a water conserver in Rajasthan.
In her discussions, Arti highlights the violence of climate change and questions society's response, urging a deeper understanding of environmental challenges.
Celebrated author Amitav Ghosh, in his book The Great Derangement, provocatively explores the politics of climate change and humanity's failure to adequately address it. Harini Padmanaban, director of Udan.com, eloquently presents Ghosh's ideas, emphasizing the extreme consequences of climate change.
Gandhi, though not explicitly discussing sustainability as we know it today, expressed concerns about industrialism and economic imperialism. In 1928, he warned against India adopting Western-style industrialism, fearing it would lead to environmental and social exploitation. His views continue to inspire Indian environmentalism, which has followed a distinct path compared to Western models.
The renowned environmental historian Ramachandra Guha provides valuable insights into India's unique environmental trajectory. His work helps contextualize the country's environmental challenges and the cultural and political factors shaping its response.
The COVID-19 lockdown offered a rare glimpse into a cleaner, more balanced environment in India, revealing the profound impact of human activity on nature. It also sparked a renewed environmental consciousness among the public and inspired youth-led initiatives to promote sustainability and accessible environmental education.
Influential thinkers and writers like Arti Kumar Rao, Amitav Ghosh, and Ramachandra Guha contribute to a deeper understanding of India's environmental challenges and opportunities. Their work encourages a thoughtful, inclusive approach to environmentalism that honors India's unique history and cultural context.
As India moves forward, the lessons from the lockdown period and the voices of committed individuals and communities will be crucial in shaping a sustainable future.
