Bollywood actress and environmentalist Juhi Chawla recently took to Twitter and complained about the stench in Mumbai’s air. Chawla on Saturday tweeted about stench in south Mumbai, especially Malabar Hill where she resides.
She wrote, “Has anyone noticed … there is a STENCH in the air in Mumbai …??? Earlier one could smell this while driving past the khaadis ( almost stagnant polluted water bodies near Worli and Bandra, Mithi river ) now it’s all across south Mumbai … that & a strange chemical polluted air. Day and night… it’s like we’re living in a sewer.”
While many agreed with the actor, other residents close to where she lives said they had not encountered a similar smell.
“For the whole of the last week, there has been a pollution smell which I experienced during morning hours between 6 to 7am. But it was not a sewage kind of smell. However, during the day or in the evenings that smell is not there,” said Sunil Pillai, resident of Raj Niketan on BG Kher Marg opposite Sahyadri state guest house.
When The Free Press Journal contacted Chawla, she said the smell is definitely there in the Malabar Hill area. On WhatsApp, she replied, “It’s there very late at night... and early mornings.”
The actor said the smell dissipates with sunlight as the smells of traffic and other activities take over.
“It’s been there for a few days now. During the rains, the air would get fresh, but now – early morning 6am...7am, take a deep breath, and you will definitely feel it," she added.
On Twitter, many agreed with her. While one follower posted that “the smell is so strong that it doesn’t leave the car for a few minutes”, another said, “…drive past Mulund East early morning… the stench gets worse…”
This isn’t the first time Juhi has shared her thoughts about things harming the environment on Twitter.
In June 2021, Juhi filed a lawsuit challenging the rollout of 5G wireless network technology. claiming that it will harm public health, as the radiation that it emits will be 'extremely harmful and injurious to the health and safety of the people.'
The Delhi High Court dismissed her plea and also imposed a fine of Rs 20 lakh for claiming that she abused and misused the power of law.
In January 2022, the court reduced the cost from 20 lakh to Rs 2 lakh and also expunged observations made by a Single Judge during the dismissal of the lawsuit.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Juhi made her digital debut with the crime drama, 'Hush Hush'.
The series gives a glimpse into the life of four friends who find themselves hurtling down a rabbit hole of lies, deceit, and secrets after their privileged world turn dark and dangerous.
Directed and co-produced by Tanuja Chandra, 'Hush Hush' also stars Soha Ali Khan, Kritika Kamra, Shahana Goswami, Karishma Tanna, and Ayesha Jhulka. It was released on September 22.
