News of Delhi’s poisonous air often remains in the headlines, but now Mumbai also seems to be going on the same path. In the last few days, the air quality of Mumbai has been continuously falling and the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 142 on March 2. Along with the general public, Bollywood stars are also worried about the increasing air pollution. Recently, comedian and actor Vir Das and Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor have expressed their concern about the falling air quality of Mumbai on social media.
Sonam Kapoor expressed concern
Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor has expressed deep concern over the increasing pollution in Mumbai. Sharing a post on her Instagram, she wrote, “I probably smoke cigarettes like this for 15 days a year. The rest of the days I breathe in Mumbai’s poisonous air. Today Mumbai has become a Malboro Light (name of cigarette).”
Sonam Kapoor made it clear through this post that the air of Mumbai has now become so poisonous that it can be considered equivalent to smoking a cigarette. This is not the first time that Sonam has expressed her opinion about Mumbai’s air pollution. Earlier also, in 2023, she had made a post
“Driving in Mumbai is excruciating. It took me an hour to get from Juhu to Bandstand. Too much construction and digging everywhere. Pollution is through the roof. What the hell is going on?”
And
Stand- “I’ll smoke socially maybe fifteen days a year. The rest of the days I’m a breather Mumbaikar. Same taste. Today Mumbaikar was a Marlboro Light.”
Veer Das wrote in his post
1. Construction work and road digging
New projects are constantly being carried out in Mumbai, which include the construction of metro, flyovers and new buildings. The dust and smoke emanating from these has made the air of the city poisonous.
2. Increase in the number of vehicles
The increasing traffic in the city and the abundance of vehicles running on petrol and diesel are also a major cause of air pollution. Vehicles stuck in traffic jams throughout the day are increasing pollution even more.
3. Smoke from factories and industries
Smoke and chemicals emitted from industrial areas located in Mumbai are also affecting the air quality.
4. Ignoring environmental policies
Some steps have been taken by the government to stop pollution, but they are not followed strictly.
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Impact of Mumbai’s air pollution on health
Due to increasing pollution, people of Mumbai are facing many health problems, which mainly include:
- Respiratory diseases: Asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory problems are on the rise.
- Heart disease: Toxic particles present in polluted air are increasing the risk of heart-related diseases.
- Eye irritation: Due to air pollution, problems like eye irritation, watering and itching are increasing.
- Skin problems: Due to toxic air, the skin is becoming dry and cases of allergies are increasing.
Government and administration should take these steps
To control the increasing pollution in Mumbai, the government and administration need to take some important steps, such as:
- Strict control on construction activities: Adequate measures should be taken to control dust at construction sites and green covers should be installed.
- Transport reforms: Promote public transport and encourage electric vehicles.
- Pollution Monitoring: Pollution levels in different parts of the city should be monitored and immediate action should be taken.
- Increasing the number of trees and plants: To increase the green area, more trees should be planted.
- Strict environmental laws: Industries and construction companies should be given strict instructions to follow environmental rules.
Why does the reaction of Bollywood stars matter?
When Bollywood stars raise their voice on a social issue, their message reaches more people. The concern expressed by stars like Sonam Kapoor and Vir Das about the air of Mumbai is also a warning to the common citizens that now the time has come for us to pay attention to this serious problem.
Air pollution in Mumbai is constantly increasing and due to this people’s lives are getting affected. Bollywood stars have also expressed their concern about this. The government, administration and the general public will have to find a solution to this problem together, so that the coming generations can get clean and pure air. Now the time has come to take concrete steps to make Mumbai’s air clean again.
