A day ago, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone questioned the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai. She also tagged Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation authorities and asked what measures were being taken to improve the situation. Now, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has responded to the question during a press conference on Friday.
Mumbai mayor responds to Deepika Padukone
The newly appointed mayor was asked about the air-quality concerns raised by Deepika Padukone. Responding to the question, Tawde said, “We are listening to all Mumbaikars and not just Deepika Padukone.”
She further said that the city’s air quality has worsened over the recent months and added that authorities are already discussing measures to address the issue. She mentioned that meetings were held with departments responsible for infrastructure projects across Mumbai.
The mayor said several major projects are underway in the city and that they have contributed to rising dust levels. Infrastructure work related to the Mumbai Metro, railway projects, public works departments and other developments across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region has accelerated since 2020.
She pointed out that while residents expect improved infrastructure and quicker development, large-scale construction often comes with environmental challenges.
Tawde added that the civic body has issued standard operating procedures to agencies and contractors working on these projects and has directed them to strictly implement dust-control measures.
Officials have also instructed construction agencies to properly cover materials, transport debris in a controlled manner and ensure regular cleaning of roads near construction sites. Contractors involved in metro and infrastructure projects, along with private builders, have also been asked to keep roads clean and ensure that construction activities do not worsen air pollution.
Deepika Padukone questions BMC over air quality
Deepika Padukone, who was last seen in Singham Again, recently questioned authorities over rising air pollution in the city. On Thursday, the actress took to Instagram Stories and shared AQI data for Mumbai, which showed the average air quality index hovering around 150.
Expressing concern, Deepika wrote that citizens—especially children—are struggling to breathe due to worsening air quality. Her post read, “The citizens of this city and its children are choking! How is this okay!? my_bmc | mybmchealth please help!”
Her concern also comes from being a mother to Dua, her daughter with Ranveer Singh, who was born on September 8, 2024.
