“Children Are Choking!” Deepika Padukone Reacts To Mumbai’s Dangerous AQI Levels
Actor Deepika Padukone has raised concerns about rising air pollution levels in Mumbai, questioning authorities over the worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city.
Taking to Instagram Stories, the actress shared a screenshot of Mumbai’s AQI levels, which showed the city’s average air quality hovering around 150, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Expressing concern, Deepika wrote, “This city and its children are choking! How is this okay?” while tagging the city’s civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and its health department.
Her post has once again brought attention to the growing pollution problem in the financial capital, which has witnessed a noticeable deterioration in air quality over the past year.
According to recent data, several areas across Mumbai have reported “poor” to “very poor” AQI levels in recent months.
In February 2026, citywide AQI readings were recorded between 230 and 250, while neighbourhoods such as BKC, Ghatkopar and Mulund saw levels close to 290, nearing the “severe” category.
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Experts say one of the major reasons behind the worsening air quality is dust from large-scale redevelopment and infrastructure projects across the city.
Construction activities such as excavation, demolition, and the transport of debris release large amounts of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter, the primary pollutants affecting air quality.
Authorities have acknowledged that violations of dust-control norms at construction sites are a key contributor to the problem.
In response, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has issued hundreds of show-cause notices and stop-work orders to builders and contractors failing to follow pollution-control guidelines.
Reports indicate that more than 1,000 construction projects across Mumbai have received stop-work notices as part of the city’s crackdown on pollution.
The issue has also drawn attention from the judiciary. The Bombay High Court recently criticised civic authorities for inadequate enforcement of pollution-control measures and warned officials about failing to comply with air-quality regulations.
