Mumbai's worsening air quality has found a new voice in stand-up comedian and actor Vir Das, who recently released a satirical song titled "AQI" addressing the city's toxic air. The track has quickly gone viral, resonating with Mumbaikars who are all too familiar with the challenges of living amidst increasing pollution levels.
Das's song uses humor to highlight the everyday realities faced by Mumbai residents, from dry throats and constant construction to children being forced to stay indoors and the declining health of senior citizens. Lines like "AQI, AQI, let me die" blend dark humor with the serious issue of the city's pollution woes, striking a chord with listeners.
The comedian himself has commented on the situation with his signature wit, joking that his lungs have "adjusted" to the pollution to the point where coughing is no longer necessary. This satirical take reflects the alarming state of Mumbai's air, where a dense layer of smog has become increasingly common. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has often reached severe levels, making it difficult for people to breathe and carry out their daily lives.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering emergency measures, including targeted construction bans, as Mumbai's AQI nears critical levels. The BMC has a threshold for drastic action which includes construction bans if the AQI goes above 300 in a particular area for three consecutive days. The High Court has also intervened, directing the BMC and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to address sources of air pollution, such as bakeries using coal and wood. The court has set deadlines for these bakeries to switch to greener fuels.
Actress Soni Razdan has also voiced her concerns, emphasizing the need for urgent seasonal measures to combat Mumbai's worsening winter smog. She stressed that winter conditions require a different approach to effectively manage the city's air quality.
Vir Das's "AQI" track serves as both a commentary and a wake-up call, using satire to draw attention to a pressing environmental issue. By blending humor with the grim realities of Mumbai's pollution, the song has sparked conversations and amplified the calls for action to improve the city's air quality. The song has resonated with many, becoming viral due to its relatable and "too real" depiction of life in a smog-filled Mumbai.
