Mumbai, often celebrated for its energy and unstoppable pace, woke up recently to a grim sight—dense smog blanketing the skyline and air quality levels plummeting to dangerous lows. In several parts of the city, AQI levels crossed 220 to 257, placing Mumbai firmly in the “poor” to “very poor” category. Amid this worsening crisis, Ritika Sajdeh, wife of Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, voiced what lakhs of residents have been silently worrying about.

Taking to Instagram, Ritika shared screenshots showing Mumbai’s air quality marked as “severe,” with PM2.5 levels exceeding 150—a stark indicator of the city’s escalating pollution. Her posts highlighted not only the alarming statistics but also the unsettling visuals of Mumbai wrapped in a grey, hazy layer of pollution.

A Growing Environmental Crisis in India’s Financial Capital

Mumbai’s deteriorating air quality is no longer a seasonal or occasional occurrence—it has become a recurring environmental emergency. Six monitoring stations across the city recorded AQI readings above 200, prompting widespread concern. What was once considered an issue more commonly associated with North Indian cities has now become a harsh reality for Mumbai as well.

Experts suggest a combination of factors: rising construction activity, vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, stagnant winds, and climate-related changes — all contributing to the toxic air residents are now forced to inhale. The visible smog is not just an eyesore; it is a warning sign of long-term health risks, especially for children, senior citizens, and individuals with respiratory conditions.

Public Figures Amplify What Citizens Are Feeling

Ritika Sajdeh’s reaction is a reflection of the collective anxiety among Mumbaikars. Her question — “What is happening to Mumbai’s air?” — resonates deeply with a population increasingly frustrated and worried about their everyday environment. Public expressions like hers serve an important role by drawing attention to an issue that often gets sidelined until it reaches dangerous levels.

Many residents have taken to social media to share their own experiences and concerns. From scratchy throats and burning eyes to difficulty in outdoor activities, the impact of the deteriorating air quality is being felt across all age groups.

How Long Can Mumbai Continue Like This?

The pressing question remains: How long can Mumbai endure this level of hazardous air? With air quality dipping more frequently and the city’s infrastructure struggling to keep pace with development, the need for immediate action is evident. Authorities are being urged to enforce stricter pollution control regulations, improve public transportation alternatives, and increase green cover to counteract the environmental damage.

For now, Mumbaikars continue to navigate their daily routines under a cloud of uncertainty—quite literally. Ritika’s concern has sparked conversations, but the hope is that these conversations lead to actionable changes before the situation worsens further.
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