Amidst anticipations for relaxation in lockdown and looking forward to a life before we were asked to abide the mandate, how many of us thought about not returning to normal lifestyle? How many, for instance, wished that it’s high time we shouldn’t treat nature and its resources as a means to our own end? That, we have got a break to reformulate our carelessly devised methods of exploiting resources and a practice of not replenishing them?
The significant question here is not how would this idea be implemented rather whether this idea struck any of our minds? If, yes, how strongly? It’s a test we are facing. How far our sensitivities realize that rivers’ (Ganga and Yamuna specifically) water quality has improved, peacocks/dolphins/deers can be easily watched than searched(spotted in Mumbai), overall air quality improving and a pleasant weather etc.; all by not being around nature for a while, falling in state of nothingness.
Of all multifarious activities expanded by a human mind, not all are essential and relevant. The expansion of production/ manufacture of goods and services and resultant multiplication of the scale of production over hundreds of years has caused more harm. The development can’t be seen only in a negative light (imagine a lockdown without internet connectivity!), however a balance of interests of those who are part of nature, drive nature and seek a co-existence must be sought after as a measure to contain the ill effects of our ‘normal’ existence.
We are subjected to an evaluation wherein we won’t be given many opportunities to normalize the abnormal. Rather, it’s a flash of near future; we might be either penning down our commitments in treaties and international instruments or act and start from ourselves, first and foremost. Be more cautious of how we are existing and asking, every now and then, are we co-existing with nature?