Richa Chadha Expresses Concern Over Delhi’s Pollution Crisis

Richa Chadha, who moved from Delhi to Mumbai in 2010, has expressed her deep concern regarding the deteriorating air quality in her hometown. The alarming levels of pollution have created a hazardous environment, affecting public health throughout Delhi-NCR.

Recently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached a staggering 377, prompting various celebrities to urge the government for immediate action. Chadha, who frequently visits Delhi for both personal and professional reasons, lamented the drastic changes in her beloved city.

She reminisced about the days when winters were enjoyable, filled with outdoor gatherings and festive treats, contrasting it with the current state of the city. "Today is shocking and sad," she stated, highlighting that many parts of India face similar pollution issues. She noted that even Mumbai's AQI is currently unsafe, hovering between 200 and 300.

Richa questioned the value of urban development when it comes at the expense of clean air, asking, "What is the point of such development if ordinary people can’t breathe?" She emphasized that there can be no real progress on a dying planet, stating, "There is no economy without ecology."

As a Goodwill Champion for the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival, Richa believes that cinema plays a crucial role in raising awareness about environmental issues. She pointed out that many problems, such as displacement and climate change, are depicted in films, helping audiences connect with the ongoing climate crisis.

In conclusion, Chadha stressed the importance of storytelling in cinema to shed light on real-world issues, stating that addressing these challenges through media can inspire action and awareness.