Deepika Padukone (File Photo)

MUMBAI: A social media post by actor Deepika Padukone flagging Mumbai’s deteriorating air quality sparked a public discussion and prompted mayor Ritu Tawde to respond.Posting a screenshot of the city’s air quality index (AQI) on her Instagram story on Thursday and tagging BMC, Padukone wrote: “The city (& its children) are choking. How is this okay?” As the post quickly gained traction, Tawde said the civic body is aware of citizens’ concerns over worsening air quality. “It is not just Padukone—we are taking cognisance of concerns raised by all Mumbaikars,” she said. She acknowledged that AQI levels in the city have risen, adding that BMC is continuously reviewing the situation. According to Tawde, the civic body has already issued standard operating procedures to builders and contractors, mandating measures to curb dust and pollution at construction sites. “We have also asked developers to install digital display boards showing air quality readings. If the prescribed norms are not followed, BMC is issuing stop-work notices, not just to private developers but also to govt projects,” she said. On Central Pollution Control Board’s app, Sameer, Mumbai’s AQI on Friday was at 95—falling within the ‘satisfactory’ band—while private air quality monitoring platform aqi.in recorded 150 (moderately polluted). Experts said the low visibility Mumbai had been facing for the past few days was owing to smog. “Low visibility during the morning hours is likely due to rising moisture levels, which lead to mist formation. If pollutants get trapped within this mist, it can result in such conditions,” said a weather official.