Bollywood actress Saiyami Kher has shared her concerns about rising pollution levels in Mumbai. In her social media post, Kher shared that she started running almost 10 years ago.
She often jogged along Carter Road, enjoying the fresh ocean breeze. Thanks to that wind, she fell in love with the city and with running.
But now he senses that the air has become dangerous. When jogging, she wears a mask that reminds her of the pandemic days. This time, he says, there’s no virus, but the polluted air itself feels dangerous.
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“I want to feel it again. And as dystopian as it is, I put on my mask before tying my shoes. It took me back to the pandemic. Except there’s no virus in the air to threaten our lives. The air itself could kill us,” wrote Saiyami Kher.
Saiyami mentions that his windows and doors are closed at home. She uses an air purifier and has moved running to the treadmill indoors. Even so, he feels that it is not enough.
“I never imagined the day when the very thing we breathe to survive would become a luxury,” added the Bollywood actress.
Running is very important for her mental and physical health, but pollution has a bad effect on it. He believes the issue is no longer seasonal or political.
“Pollution destroys what years of discipline, sweat and dedication have built, one breath at a time,” wrote Saiyami Kher.
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“This is no longer seasonal. It shouldn’t be political. But somewhere between the data and the denial, there are people like me out there wearing masks, grieving on our morning run, grieving for the city we loved,” she added.
Then she asked, “Is basic responsibility really too much?”
From February 22nd to February 23rd, there is a lot of interest in “AQI” on Google India:
Interest in ‘AQI’ is high on Google India from 22nd February to 23rd February(Google India)
Reaction on social networks
Social media shared mixed reactions.
“Dear Mumbaikars, you have been silent when trees and forests were cut down in the name of development…” one user wrote.
Another user wrote: “It’s really sad that we have to beg for something as basic as clean air to breathe. Who would have thought this would happen? Maybe it’s costing the $10 trillion economy.”
“No, don’t wear a mask while running, it could be fatal, ask a doctor first,” wrote one user.
“Until 2024, when BJP came to power in BMC, you were silent and suddenly you found your voice. Raising questions, asking for accountability is an absolute right, but being a hypocrite, well, that’s a choice. You made a choice. Good to know!!! See you at the next ‘Save Aarey’ protest,” wrote another user.
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Another user wrote: “Behen, if Mumbai Air is doing this to you, imagine what people from Delhi and Gurgaon/Noida have to deal with. It’s a lung hole to hell.”
“Pollution in Mumbai is real, but it is not caused by one decision or one person. Construction, traffic, pressure on infrastructure and regional factors play a role. Accountability is important, yes, but so are compromises and collective responsibility,” came another.
Mumbai AQI
According to AQI.in, Mumbai’s air quality remains a concern. Current data places the city in the “Unhealthy” category.
According to the latest live data, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is 160. An AQI value between 151 and 200 is considered unhealthy. They can have health consequences for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems. Long-term outdoor exposure is not recommended.
Real-time pollution data shows PM2.5 levels at 73 and PM10 at 83. These fine particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of breathing problems and heart disease.
Over the past 30 days, Mumbai’s AQI ranged from 121 to 221. Mumbai’s air quality often remained in the “poor” to “unhealthy” range. The highest recent increase exceeded 220 and entered the “Very Unhealthy” group.
