The Creator and the Destroyer
April 26, 1986 a terrible tragedy unfolded
far away in USSR. It was a nuclear disaster at Chernobyl. Huge explosion took place in the nuclear power plant. Still remember the news that was published but not
details. Many died, environment suffered unprecedented destruction, the area
was closed, human entry prohibited that’s all. Occasionally the news related to
Chernobyl flashed more often in articles discussing dangers of nuclear power,
how it is a potent natural disaster. Obviously the reference was always a red
flag to nuclear power plant. Our energy needs, cost paid in terms of pollution,
possible nuclear alternative, dangerous radiations, effect on ecology and what
if Chernobyl is repeated, these all remained part of the narrative. Chernobyl
never vanished from articles I came across but was referred in the same context
until recently when read one article published on The Wire portal. It was
written by German Orizaola.
A wonderful article changes the
narrative we are used to and opens a new window to look at Chernobyl. When
accident took place the radiation reached the level 400 times radiations
released after nuclear bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Many human casualties,
evacuation of thousands and creation of exclusion zone and ultimately Chernobyl
was left alone to convert into a barren land not suitable for habitation not
just for humans but for animals and plants as well. It almost began along
expected lines. The pine leaves turned red due to radiation, the death came
instantly to pine trees. Most animals were forced to embrace death. The extreme
radiation played havoc. Deserted by humans Chernobyl became a land left to
decay and die slow death in an environment expected to keep deadly radiations
for many years. But for some researchers Chernobyl settled to the bottom of
memory of most surfacing occasionally as a symbol of human misadventure with
nuclear energy.
33 years after the disaster it is a
home for wild life, lush green forest, beautiful landscapes. It is flourishing
with biodiversity. Big mammals like brown bear, bison, wolves and amphibians,
over 200 species of birds have made it their home. It’s simply amazing. What
was expected to be an arid land has become a fountain of life. What is
surprising is the absence of harmful impact of radiation on animals and plants.
It is confirmed by researchers. There are some changes in colour shades leading
researchers to explore how animals and plants have foiled adverse impact of
radiation. Research projects have been taken up, some part of it is declared as
radiological and environmental biosphere. And yes it has become tourist
destination.
Though it has become a laboratory
for scientists to study evolution in extreme conditions for me it is embodiment
of triumph of creativity of nature over the forces of destruction unleashed by
humans. It is sending a message loud and clear, leave me alone. Homo sapiens go
away I can take care of my family. You are a destroyer, I am the creator. It is
depicting our true place in the nature’s picture, in fact it is beautiful when
we are not in the frame. Our presence means toxic, polluted environment, heaps
of garbage. Remember garbage, waste is a human concept. There is no waste in
nature, everything from fallen leaves to dead bodies to excreta all contribute
to life chain. Waste is our creation. From plastic to pollution we owe this
waste. We are leaving nothing, land, water and air all are at the receiving
end. Even the tranquility and serene darkness are missed in shrill sounds and
bright lights of cities. We are relentless in our efforts at destroying. It is
unlikely that we will mend our ways.
Our growth, comfort and
prosperity are at the cost of nature. These are human concepts. Their origin is
not in nature, we have invented them. Human greed only aggravates this. We have
forgotten how to be at peace with nature. Rather we want to control nature.
Semblance of our success in controlling nature vanishes in thin air during
earthquakes, floods making it amply clear who is the boss. On numerous
occasions nature has sent a clear message that you cannot play trick with it,
it will have disastrous consequences. All such attempts to play with nature have
resulted in man-made disasters. It still is unlikely that we will start
respecting our boss. So needless to say we are inviting trouble which
ironically can be called as natural justice.
What we have at Chernobyl
today is a miracle. It showcases the brilliance of nature in evolving in
extreme conditions. We just could not imagine that life will thrive there. It
only points to nature’s extraordinary resilience. But unfortunately it comes
with a rider, the absence of humans. The life flourished in our absence. For me
it is a disturbing reminder of the position we have attained in nature’s design.
In plain words we are unwanted, no longer required. Where we are, the natural
life is decaying but it is thriving in our absence. Nature is telling leave me
alone. We say we want to protect nature? Save environment. Our call is for our
survival, if we are brutally honest. Come on we have become redundant in life
and survival, but undoubtedly a sole destroyer. Our presence better called
interference, indulgence is a destroyer and absence is a life saver. Nature is
at its creative best in our absence. It is ridiculous to talk about being
savior. Chernobyl is a message that beyond human absence followed by
destruction, the life sustains. To sustain life we are not required, our
absence is. We are the destroyer, nature is a creator.
And
destroyer can never stay relevant forever in life’s design.
Link of the article
