‘Children Are Choking’: Deepika Padukone Calls Out BMC Over Mumbai’s Poor Air Quality!

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone recently raised concerns about the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai and questioned the civic authorities over the city’s rising pollution levels. The actress took to social media to highlight the issue and urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to take immediate action as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) continued to remain in the unhealthy category.

On Thursday, Deepika shared a screenshot of an AQI map on her Instagram Stories that showed Mumbai marked in red, indicating poor air quality. The post reflected the alarming pollution levels across the city. Reacting to the situation, she wrote, “This city (and it's children) are choking.” She further questioned the authorities, adding, “How is this okay!?” while tagging the BMC and its health department and urging them to intervene.

Reports suggest that Mumbai’s AQI was recorded around 150, which falls under the unhealthy category. Several parts of the city also experienced a dense layer of smog in the early hours, reducing visibility in many areas. Pollution levels reportedly spiked in neighbourhoods such as Kanjurmarg East, Vikhroli, Sion, Ghatkopar and Powai, where AQI readings reached extremely high levels. The worsening air quality has been a growing concern for residents across the city.

deepika padukone

Deepika’s concern also comes in the context of her personal life, as the actress recently embraced motherhood. She and her husband Ranveer Singh welcomed their first child, a daughter named Dua Padukone Singh, on September 8, 2024. The couple later revealed their daughter’s name in November that year and shared that “Dua” means a prayer. Living in Mumbai with their daughter, the actress highlighted the impact of pollution on children and residents alike.

Over the past year, Mumbai has witnessed a steady deterioration in air quality, with several areas reporting AQI levels ranging from “poor” to “very poor.” Construction dust from large-scale redevelopment and infrastructure projects is believed to be one of the major contributors to the city’s pollution problem.

Deepika’s post has since drawn attention online, with many residents echoing her concerns about the city’s worsening air quality and the urgent need for stronger measures to control pollution.

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