Mumbai: Mumbaikars are facing an existential threat on account of air pollution touching alarming levels in the megapolis. Now, the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that it has started taking a toll on not just humans but livestock too in the worst hit Govandi, a Mumbai suburb. As per an RTI activist, in the five years between 2016 and 2021, over 6,757 city residents have died from respiratory ailments caused by toxic emissions.
Toxic fumes emanating from vehicles, burning of bio-medical waste, dumping of hazardous waste and others have been affecting the air quality of the city. Govandi, a Mumbai suburb, witnessed death of several livestock. A local trader has alleged that three to four chickens died due to pollution in the beginning but the number has steadily increased and over 50 chicken succumbed till now causing losses.
Istiyaque Ahmad Sheikh Abbasi, the aggrieved chicken trader, said, "Earlier, I was unable to make out why this was happening. Chickens were dying in a staggered manner. First three-four chickens died. It happened almost suddenly. Then three-four more deaths were reported. So far, fifty of them have died."
Abbasi said he had planted some saplings near his shop but soon saw thick sheets of dust settling on leaves and he began sprinkling water. "We are supposed to clean our surroundings. At least this much I can do. I had goat business also. Some goats died. At that time I was not knowing why this was happening. But chicken deaths hinted that something was wrong with the surroundings. I have suffered business losses in lakhs due to pollution," he said.