Richa Chadha Slams Government Over Rising Air Pollution: “No Development Is Possible on Dead Land”

Mumbai: Indian actress Richa Chadha has strongly criticized the government over the alarming rise in air pollution and the deteriorating air quality in Delhi.

According to Indian media reports, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi and several surrounding districts recently soared to 377, a level considered extremely hazardous for public health.

Richa Chadha, who moved from Delhi to Mumbai in 2010 but frequently visits her hometown, expressed deep concern over the worsening situation. She recalled that Delhi’s winters were once cherished by residents: “We used to sit on the terrace and enjoy gajak and peanuts. It breaks my heart to see the current state of the city.”

She emphasized that other parts of the country are also suffering, noting that Mumbai’s AQI often ranges between 200 and 300, whereas any reading above 50 or 100 is considered unsafe.

Criticizing the government, Richa questioned the cost of rapid development: “What are we really paying for this race toward progress? When ordinary people can’t even breathe, who are these big projects being built for?”

Highlighting the importance of environmental preservation, she warned that “no development is possible on dead land,” adding that economies cannot survive without a healthy environment.

Richa also stressed that films can effectively convey environmental issues—such as displacement, crop destruction, and climate change—to the public. She stated that media and cinema can play a vital role in promoting eco-friendly awareness across the country.