A Review of the Coronavirus Outbreak and its Effects on India's Natural Environment

Abstract

The phrase “coronavirus” was, without a question, the most googled and uttered phrase in the past three years. As the spread of the coronavirus (COVID 19) has increased, various countries had imposed a lockdown that restricted human mobility, and a ban on all types of social activities. This also influences various economic activities. With all the financial and health concerns, the influence of the pandemic lockout on the natural environment was something that the scientific community should be concerned about. The influence of many significant good and evil effects on the environment in several areas of India is reviewed and discussed in this paper. Different regions in India showed an improvement in air quality, a decrease in noise pollution, and wildlife more pleasant and relax than before. Aquatic ecosystems revealed indications of restoration. On the other hand, the rise in plastic waste like personal protective kits (gloves and masks), biomedical waste, disinfectants, and their mismanagement have long-term terrible impacts on the environment. However, as India gradually returned to pre-pandemic conditions, the positive environmental effects will fade as festivals, public transport, growing production, and agricultural activities may raise pollution to critical levels. Hence, Pollution Control Boards and National Health Programmes should integrate the approaches acquired during the pandemic to help foster social cognitive lifestyles, policy interventions, and the development of advanced smart cities that will safeguard individuals from pollution.