World Environment Day: TV Actors give their take on should there be a Mandatory Lockdown every year to heal the earth!

World Environment Day is observed on June 5. It is celebrated to create awareness on protecting and preserving the environment. The lockdown imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic was like a break given to Earth from us humans. The noisy cities went silent, the smoky vehicles were shut, the people who threw garbage and littered were locked inside their houses. Because of this the air quality increased, we saw birds flocking at beaches, peacocks dancing on streets and animals walking freely on the roads. 

On World Environment Day, we asked celebs if they think there should be a mandatory lockdown imposed every year so that the earth heals itself. Here's what they had to say:

Shashank Vyas: We can't think of going for a complete lockdown because then our economy will suffer. We talk about the environment, wild animals, marine life and beaches, but once we get back to our normal life, then we will forget about all this. Construction will start, trees will be cut, air pollution, water pollution, we will be back to zero. We will celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi soon, how many people do you think won't go to the beach, they will all go and will destroy it once again. We need to understand the importance of nature. 

Vijayendra Kumeria: It's true that due to the lockdown there have been good changes in the environment, however, a mandatory lockdown is not what I support, there should be other ways like strict rules for industries and individuals regarding pollution. A lot of awareness needs to be created so that people have self-realisation and they start thinking about the environment and nature. And rules should be implemented strictly.

Arun Mandola: The Indian government should take this decision and we should start something like self-quarantining on World Environment Day. My house is road facing and sometimes I feel that I can’t breathe and I am not even able to see nearby buildings. Now there is no sound pollution and vision is clear, fresh air and clearer sky. I can feel the nature, birds and greenery. We should focus on growing more trees so that the coming generation can live on earth otherwise they will not be able to see this beautiful universe. 

Harssh A Singh: I believe that humans are the worst animals on this planet. We have forgotten that the pain we have inflicted on to this planet, we have inflicted it on us as well. But in the last few months, we have breathed clean air, the city went silent for the first time. Last week, I was lying down in the balcony with my family and for the first time we saw stars in Mumbai. I think a mandatory lockdown would be wonderful. I know it's a utopian thought but it would be a healing for everyone and everything. The earth will heal, and even we will calm down. I guess one month would be enough. Let's clean it up for our kids, but is it really possible?

Aaira Dwivedi: The lockdown has led to several instances which were impossible to witness in our daily lives - from finding animals on street, to breathing fresh air, seeing clear skies. It's about time we realise that it is possible to revive nature and it can flourish if we reduce our interference. We have to come forward and take steps to heal our Earth for the wounds given by the human race. It doesn't matter if there is a lockdown or not, it's our responsibility to save the environment and earth. Start today and save tomorrow.