Mumbai's Hidden Air Pollution Crisis: Vir Das' Stark Warning and the City's Dire Need for Action
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Standup comedian and actor Vir Das has shed light on the alarming air pollution situation in Mumbai, using a satirical video to drive home the point. As he quipped, 'Morning from Mumbai, everyone! Hope everybody's doing well. I'm not going to cough at this point. Our lungs have adapted. It's fine. Oh, you think this is the outside? No, this is what's happening inside you.' This comes as the Bombay High Court recently dismissed the argument that volcanic ash from the recent Ethiopian eruption was responsible for the city's poor air quality. The court emphasized that the issue predates the eruption, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently categorizing the city as 'poor' or worse this month. The AQI categories range from 'Good' (0-50) to 'Severe' (above 400). Mumbai's AQI has been above 300, prompting authorities to advise against outdoor physical activity and recommending the use of certified N95 masks. In a stark contrast, Delhi has been experiencing even worse levels of air pollution this winter season. The Bombay High Court has now posted the matter for hearing on Friday, with the bench referring to the situation in Delhi and asking for effective measures to be implemented. Other celebrities, including Shark Tank judge Vineeta Singh, have also voiced their concerns about the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai. Singh, who cited an ICMR study, warned that if measures to control pollution are not introduced, 'one in nine Indians are likely to develop cancer' in their lifetime. She emphasized the need for strict dust and pollution control measures, suggesting that cloud-seeding could be an option given Mumbai's humidity. The city's residents, including school kids, old people, and fitness enthusiasts, are exposed to hazardous air quality every day. As Vir Das' video highlights, the situation is dire, and immediate action is required to mitigate the effects of air pollution in Mumbai.
