I was in Mumbai recently and although there are good positives like convenient, cheaper transportation, easy accessibility to services, great shopping malls, entertainment centers and good opportunities for jobs, businesses, I was really appalled at excessive pollution which makes it difficult to breathe in good air. Despite economic growth and the availability of good health facilities, Mumbaikars on average live to the age of 56.8 years, it may go up a few years for the non-slum dwellers; but this also is significantly less than Goa which is about 73.3 years. In 2023, Mumbai was ranked the 2nd most polluted city in the world. For Mumbai in particular the ongoing infrastructure projects in Mumbai are causing severe air pollution. Goans must seriously think as to whether they want to give up on clean air and lower life expectancy rates by allowing the mistakes of Mumbai to be replicated in Goa. If the answer is no then each of us has to pitch it at panchayats, municipalities, local MLAs, ministers and use the various avenues available to put a stop to Goa moving towards becoming another Mumbai in terms of rising air pollution and reducing life expectancy.
