'AQI Is Hazardous': Bhumi Pednekar Raises Alarm Over Post-Diwali Pollution
Actor Bhumi Pednekar has raised concerns over worsening air quality following Diwali celebrations, highlighting the health risks posed by firecracker pollution. As several cities report deteriorating air quality, she urged people to consider the impact of celebrations on children, older people, those with respiratory conditions and animals.
Delhi has been among the worst-affected areas, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching the 'severe' category in several locations. Mumbai has also recorded poor air quality in multiple neighbourhoods, while parts of Lucknow woke up to hazy conditions under a thick layer of smog.
Bhumi Pednekar Talks About Health Risks Of Firecracker Pollution
On Monday morning, November 9, Bhumi shared an Instagram post reflecting on the environmental impact of Diwali celebrations. She noted that the festival is associated with light, love, family and fresh beginnings, but is often followed by polluted air, firecracker waste, noise and frightened animals.
Her post read, "Diwali is a festival of light, love, family and new beginnings. But every year, along with the celebrations, comes a familiar aftermath: polluted air, firecracker waste, noise and frightened animals. Firecrackers release fine particulate matter and other pollutants that add to an already challenging air-quality situation. And the impact isn’t experienced equally. Children, older people, those with respiratory conditions and animals are particularly vulnerable.This year, let’s make a choice that allows everyone including the ones who cannot speak for themselves to enjoy the festival."
The actor also expressed disappointment over people continuing to burst firecrackers late into the night. Around 3 am, she shared another Instagram story, calling attention to reports of fires, hazardous air quality and waste on roads.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Bhumi Satish Pednekkar (@bhumisatishpednekkar)
"Houses have caught fire, The AQI is hazardous, Roads are full of waste, Its 3 am and all I can hear are loud crackers. Our roads were full of people bursting crackers on them, Out in the open, even when it's not allowed. This is heartbreaking. @my bmc ®mumbaipolice,' Bhumi posted."
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Mumbai Records Poor AQI In Several Areas
Monitoring data showed elevated pollution levels across several parts of Mumbai. Kherwadi-Bandra East recorded an AQI of 264, followed by Sewri at 226, Ghatkopar at 221 and Chembur at 216.
Byculla registered an AQI of 193, while Mindspace-Malad West recorded 191 and Kandivali West 187. Worli stood at 148, whereas Kurla recorded a comparatively lower AQI of 96.
In Uttar Pradesh, a thick layer of smog covered Lucknow, with several areas waking up to hazy conditions.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI readings are classified as follows:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–500: Severe
GRAP Stage III Measures Remain In Force
Meanwhile, Stage III measures remain in force following the Commission for Air Quality Management's (CAQM) decision. Existing restrictions will continue, along with additional pollution-control measures, stricter enforcement and directions to concerned agencies to prevent further deterioration in air quality.
The emergency action plan covers Delhi and adjoining districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Authorities invoke these measures as a precaution based on weather and pollution forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). This allows restrictions to be implemented before citywide AQI levels reach the 'severe' category.
(With inputs from ANI)
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