Dia Mirza's Diwali pollution video removed by BMC after BJP's objection: What really happened? what went wrong

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has landed itself in a political controversy after it removed a video featuring actor Dia Mirza from its pollution awareness campaign for Diwali. The video, which urged people to avoid activities that contribute to air and noise pollution, was taken down hours after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to her participation.

Mirza has since contested the criticism leveled at the video, saying it was made at the request of the BMC and the Bombay High Court in the public interest.

What happened between BMC and BJP?

BMC roped in several public figures for its Diwali campaign and asked citizens to celebrate the festival while being mindful of air pollution and noise.

Read also | When do Indians search for pollution the most?

Mirza was among those who recorded messages for the initiative. Other campaign videos featured actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad, as well as cricketer Ajinkya Rahane.

The video featuring Mirza was posted on the civic association’s social media accounts on Sunday, November 1. In it, she appealed to people to avoid activities that contribute to pollution during the festival.

The post also contained a message referring to Bombay High Court guidelines. It stated that firing firecrackers on public roads, carriageways and footpaths is strictly prohibited.

However, the video soon drew criticism from Satam. The Mumbai BJP chief wrote on the official BMC account on X: “We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture.”

Within hours of his post, the BMC removed Mirza’s video from its social media platforms. Videos of Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and Ajinkya Rahane making similar challenges remained available.

The civic body has not issued a detailed public explanation for the removal of Mirza’s clip. However, an official told The Indian Express that the administration took the decision after a public outcry, while maintaining that its stance on restrictions on firecrackers remained unchanged.

Read also | Diwali: Delhi-NCR has 2 days to burst green crackers, but strict rules apply

This selective removal has become a major part of the debate. The question was no longer just about the message in Mirza’s video, but also why her presence in the campaign was treated differently than other public figures.

What did Dia Mirza say and what did the Supreme Court order?

Speaking to ANI on Monday, Mirza asked why the video had drawn criticism when it was made as part of an official public awareness effort.

“Why should anyone criticize a video which Hon’ble Bombay High Court and BMC have uploaded in public interest? Air pollution is an area of concern and all efforts to reduce pollution should be welcomed as it is a matter of public health,” she said.

The legal background is important to understanding the campaign. The Bombay High Court heard proceedings related to noise and air pollution during public celebrations and religious festivals.

On September 22, the court said authorities would have to prevent the use of polluting firecrackers on public streets and take measures to control noise levels.

On October 15, it extended the restrictions to all festivals throughout the year. The ordinance banned the bursting of firecrackers on public streets, roads and similar places and directed the BMC and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to issue public notices on the restrictions and health effects of pollution.

Read also | Bombay HC bans firecrackers during festivals across Maharashtra

The court also called for awareness programs and urged citizens to use green, low-emission firecrackers. His instructions did not mean a blanket ban on the manufacture or sale of firecrackers.

As of November 2, the BMC had not publicly clarified the specific reason for removing Mirza’s video. This unanswered question remains at the heart of the dispute.