Mumbai Chokes: Hazardous Air Quality Hits City as Celebrities Sound Alarm

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Mumbai woke up on Wednesday to a thick blanket of smog, low visibility, and discomfort for residents. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to hazardous levels, with six stations recording values above 200. Chakala in Andheri east recorded the highest AQI at 255, followed by Mazgaon at 252, and other areas like Borivali East, Colaba, Powai, and Malad West. Sports manager and wife of Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma, Ritika Sajdeh, expressed her concern over the deteriorating air quality on social media. She shared screenshots of AQI readings, which showed a severe air quality index, with an AQI of 227. Her reaction was met with disbelief, as she wondered what was happening to the city. Celebrities like Arjun Bijlani and Sumbul Touqeer weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the need for urgent action. Arjun Bijlani called for collective responsibility, suggesting that every small step, such as reducing vehicle use and increasing public transport, could make a significant difference. He also urged for stronger policies, more green cover, and cleaner construction practices. Sumbul Touqeer, who spends long hours outdoors, highlighted the impact of pollution on her day-to-day life, citing heavy breathing, irritation, and fatigue. She urged the government to take preventive measures before it's too late, citing the example of Delhi, where air quality has continued to deteriorate. The city's residents are now bracing for the consequences of poor air quality, and the celebrities' reactions serve as a wake-up call for the government to take immediate action to mitigate the situation.