April 14, 2020

The first phase of lock-down is over. The second phase begins tomorrow.
Things changed drastically during lock-down phase one. 'Stay home, stay safe' became the mantra.
Everything except grocery and vegetable shops is closed. 
I have been venturing out to these shops once or twice a week. Most of the roads in my town are now partially blocked with concertina wire fences manned round the clock by stern-faced cops wearing face masks. I did not wear a face mask during the first lock-down phase, but stood obediently inside one of the chalk circles marked outside grocery and vegetable shops to maintain social distance.  
During the lock-down phase one, I kept myself busy with some photography, reading, browsing social media and online newspapers and watching news on TV. 
All online newspapers and TV news channels have nothing else but Covid-19. Data and statistics, both local and global. Reports on exodus of jobless migrant workers from metros and other places to their own villages and towns in UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and elsewhere. People walking on foot in the absence of buses and trains. A grim scenario. What has lock-down phase two in store for the world? 
The upside to the lock-down is the reduction in pollution levels all over the country. With reduced vehicular movement and closure of pollution emitting industries, the air ambience has turned pure and clean, making it possible to enjoy the view of Dhauladhar mountains in Himachal Pradesh visible from Jalandhar city in Panjab.