Environmentalists Are Perceived As Obstructionists, Which is Disappointing Says Dia Mirza

Actress Dia Mirza, known for her social and environmental releated work, says that environmentalists are perceived as obstructionists, which is a disappointing narrative, on the sidelines of "Beat Air Pollution" initiative press junket in Mumbai.

In accordance with the environmental theme, 'Beat Air Pollution', of the United Nations this year, the Bhamla Foundation launched an environmental initiative in presence of actor and UN Ambassador for Environment Dia Mirza and lyricist Swanand Kirkire on Thursday at Bandra (West).

While environmentalists are making huge strides in making society a better place, they are still lone crusaders in India. Talking about it, Dia Mirza said, "I must admit while there has been great work by environmentalists in our country, they have been lone crusaders, they have also been perceived as obstructionists, people against progress and I think that is again a very disappointing narrative because the fact is no one cares for our progress more than environmentalists"

"True progress is only possible when there is health. And if don't have good health, I fail to understand how can we be strong productive work force" added Dia.

The new initiative is aimed at encouraging youngsters to get involved in fighting air pollution and introduce minor but effective changes in daily routine to beat air pollution. The foundation will also release a song called Hawa aaney de on June 5, marked the world over as World Environment Day.

Highlighting that 13 Indian cities were among the world's most polluted, Dia said, "There is a very unfortunate global statistics, which is not only causing harm to the environment; it is adversely affecting everyone's health, which includes our children's, our parents, and us. Nine to ten people are inhaling polluted air, we are breathing polluted air. The polluted air causes degeneration in children. It adversely affects their mental and physical health. We're breathing polluted air, the organs in our system gets handicapped, especially those of children's"

Meanwhile on work front, Dia Mirza is busy with web-series titled Kaafir, which also stars URI famed actor Mohit Raina in the lead role.