Actor Bhumi Pednekar has raised concerns over worsening air quality and firecracker waste in Mumbai following Diwali celebrations, saying people continued bursting crackers until 3am.
As stated by Hindustan Times, nine of Mumbai’s 25 air quality monitoring stations recorded poor air quality on Monday morning. The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 171, placing it in the moderate category.
Taking to Instagram Stories, Bhumi described the aftermath of the celebrations and tagged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Police.
“Houses have caught fire, the AQI is hazardous, roads are full of waste, its 3 am and all I can hear are loud crackers,” she wrote.
She added that people had been bursting crackers on public roads despite restrictions, calling the situation heartbreaking.
In another post on Monday morning, the actor urged people to celebrate Diwali in ways that do not harm others.
She noted that the festival represents light, love, family and new beginnings, but celebrations often leave behind polluted air, firecracker waste and noise. She also highlighted the impact on frightened animals.
Bhumi warned that firecrackers release fine particulate matter and other pollutants, worsening air quality. She stressed that children, older people, those with respiratory conditions and animals face particular risks.
She called on people to make choices that allow everyone, including those unable to speak for themselves, to enjoy the festival.
