Environment2 min
Dia Mirza responds after BMC pulls pollution-free Diwali video over BJP objection
The actress says air pollution is a public health issue, a day after the civic body took down its awareness clip following criticism from Mumbai's BJP chief.
Actress Dia Mirza has spoken out after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deleted a Diwali awareness video that featured her. The civic body pulled the clip from its social media accounts after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) objected to its message.
The video was part of a BMC campaign urging Mumbaikars to enjoy Diwali with an eye on air quality. Dia, Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane recorded short messages for the drive, all promoting a greener, quieter festival.
Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to Dia's presence in the campaign. In a post on X, he argued that outsiders should not be telling residents how to celebrate Diwali, and that the festival's traditions are rooted deep in Indian culture. The BMC removed the video shortly afterward.
Speaking to IANS, Dia pushed back gently but firmly. She said Diwali marks the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, and that the video was meant only to nudge people toward more mindful celebrations. For her, cutting pollution is a public health matter and a shared responsibility, not a partisan one.
The row also drew political comment. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said the debate should not be framed around religion, noting that the Constitution guarantees every community the right to observe its festivals. He added that cutting down on firecrackers would not diminish Diwali, and that excessive pollution still deserves attention.
Why it matters: Delhi and Mumbai have long battled winter smog, and Diwali firecracker smoke often pushes air quality into the 'severe' range for days. A civic campaign aimed at that problem has now become a flashpoint, raising the question of who gets to speak on festival habits and how cities can talk about health without triggering a culture fight. For residents, the practical takeaway is simple: fewer crackers mean cleaner air for kids, older adults and anyone with asthma.
Read the full statement and coverage at The Hans India.
