by Rakhi Hemani
Whenever I tell anyone that I am from NCR, there is an understanding nod of the head. Immediately the next question is, “Oh, no. We mean to ask where are you from? Tumhara gaon
kahan hai?” Now, it becomes my turn to nod heads; I say, “NCR hi mera gaon hai. My paternal ancestors were from Old Delhi. My parents migrated to Noida soon after my birth.” Sometimes this answer settles conversations, and sometimes people continue to nod heads, clearly not comprehending.
Some years back NCR was in the news. It was one of the most polluted places on planet Earth. I felt quite anguished. Whenever I would travel to the clean cities within the country and abroad, I would always sigh, and try to reason – if it was nature who chose to abandon our region, or, was it that the pollution was a natural consequence of several factors, especially population explosion. The population of NCR is comparable to the whole population of Australia or State of California. In my mind this still is a solid justification for the pollution our region has had to endure.
But I and, I am sure, many others were gladly surprised during the lockdown. The skies cleared magically, and it was proved that nature never abandoned our region. Instead our region was very beautiful. So many groups were full of photos of beautiful sunrises, sunsets and rainbows. At some times these photos would find spots along with likes of those taken in the middle of the Pacific Ocean!
Fortunately, the trend continues. Efforts from everywhere have started to show results. We are still able to see clear blue skies and white grey clouds (photographs of clouds above my ATS 2 society). The leaves on trees are now shiny and one can see the different shades of green, as opposed to layers of grey dust. I thank all authorities and individuals from the bottom of my heart – All those who have been responsible for this positive change.
