Reduction in environmental pollution due to lockdown in the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of Delhi-NCR

ABSTRACT

The Indian government imposed a countrywide lockdown on 25 March 2020 to contain the COVID-19 virus. The lockdown has led to a tremendous economic loss because of the closing of all industries and other activities. However, it has brought a brighter side to environmental quality improvement. This study assesses the influence of lockdown on Delhi-NCR's air and water quality. The earth system rejuvenated during the lockdown. An effort is made to understand the water quality of the Yamuna River in Delhi and the air quality of the Delhi-National Capital Region (Delhi NCR) during the lockdown. In the Yamuna River surrounding Delhi, a reduction of 1-10%, 33-66%, 51%, 45-90%, and 33-82%, respectively, in pH, EC, DO, BOD, and COD has been observed compared to the pre-lockdown. Similarly, the particulate matter concentration reduced by 31-53% in PM10 and 22-48% in PM2.5 during the lockdown of2020 in comparison to the earlier years (2018 and 2019). Hence, the periodic lockdown has positively impacted the air and water quality in Delhi NCR. © 2021, IGI Global.