A positive side-effect of the pandemic has been environmental recovery. As industrial activity jolted to a stop during lockdowns, emissions of greenhouse gases dropped, creating a breather for the environment. Clean roads and clear skies were a delightful sight amidst grim news of the rising number of infections.

In India, scientists opined that lockdowns had benefitted the environment. Drastic improvements in air and water quality, pollution levels and biodiversity were observed. A recent study on the impact of Covid-19 on the environment revealed superior air quality across states in India and significant reduction in pollution levels as compared to the pre-lockdown period. The study also shows how stoppage of chemical waste flowing into river water and forbidding people from performing holy rituals in it had led to the river Ganga becoming visibly clear, showing signs of aquatic life moving around. The self-cleansing property of the river improved, enhancing the water quality by 40–50%. Other major rivers and tributaries too witnessed developments owing to a dip in pollution levels.

Based on these observations, scientists further suggested retaining some of the lifestyle changes in the post-lockdown phase to maintain these improvements.

However, reports also hint at global emissions now reaching pre-covid levels. Countries are suggesting upscaling commercial activity, to limit the massive economic fallout of the recession. This not only elevates concerns pertaining to environment degradation, but also makes the recently achieved progress redundant.

The Indian lockdown brought 1.3 billion people to a standstill, as empty streets and clean rivers were rejoiced in the backdrop of rising unemployment and growing number of infections. But even in these challenging times, there are citizens who have succeeded in implementing eco-friendly solutions in their daily lives and adopted sustainable lifestyles. Their efforts are not just positively impacting their own lives, but also of all those around them.

Eco India, a joint venture between Scroll.in and DW, talks about initiatives undertaken by environmental activists, eco-preneurs and citizens, such as waste management, solar energy, ethical clothing and zero-emission innovations. With four previous seasons based on eco-friendly innovations, the show has returned with a fifth season covering stories that inspire to build a cleaner and better tomorrow.

Take a look at some of the stories covered in season five:

1) In 2015, increased energy consumption and high electricity bills began raising concerns for the Sharma family. Realizing the benefits of harnessing solar energy, they made the switch to the cleaner energy source by installing a rooftop solar system.

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2) This is the story Gurgaon’s Nirvana Birch Court, whose residents practice efficient waste management. Over the past four years, they have managed to successfully process the maximum amount of waste in Gurgaon, and put it to good use.

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3) Beejom nurtures 13 pure breeds of indigenous cattle from various parts of India and protects them from the malpractices of the dairy industry. As foreign breeds are known to yield more milk, the dairy economy relies heavily on importing and cross breeding, diminishing the number of indigenous breeds. Aparna Raja Gopalan, the founder, talks about how Beejom is making a difference.

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4) Getting people to see the other side of the maximum city inspired Aslam Saiyad and fellow Mumbaikar Gopal S, to start Go Hallu Hallu, a walking tour project encouraging a reconnection with the city, its landscape and people. Covering various parts of the city, this tour aims to educate and sensitize people on Mumbai’s natural and cultural diversity and heritage.

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These stories show a ray of hope amidst the harsh realities of today’s looming ecological crisis. Eco India’s season 5 will put the spotlight on many more such endeavours, creating a repository of solutions for safeguarding the environment and enabling the move towards a sustainable and safe future.

Click here to watch all the upcoming episodes of the season.

This article was produced by the Scroll marketing team for the show Eco India, a joint editorial property of Scroll.in and DW.