'This city will be under water': Actor Meerra Chopraa on Mumbai’s alarming urban reality

Actor Meerra Chopraa, known for her work in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, recently took to social media to raise concerns about the vanishing green spaces in Mumbai.

In a tweet accompanied by a video, Chopraa highlighted the rapid urbanisation and unchecked development in the city.

“This is the reality of Mumbai. Hardly any piece of empty land is left. Green belts are sold, SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority) land is sold, commercial and residential spaces are exhausted. There is absolutely no space to breathe. This city will be under water in no time if this land corruption isn’t stopped!” she warned.



Many users echoed her concerns.

“Real estate in India has become the most corrupt sector. If it’s not regulated soon, it will damage both the economy and the social fabric. And it’s all due to collusion,” one user commented.

“India should learn from China—how to build clean, green, and noise-free cities,” said another.

Another X user sid, "A harsh truth that can’t be ignored. Mumbai’s concrete race is coming at the cost of its soul — green cover, open spaces, and safety. If unchecked, it’s not just about floods — it’s about the future we’re burying under real estate greed. Time to wake up."

However, not everyone agreed with her viewpoint.

One critic argued, “People love Dubai despite it having hardly any trees, but when something similar happens in India, the same people who own apartments in Dubai complain. You bought an apartment, not the whole neighbourhood. You can’t expect others to leave land vacant just so you can breathe. If you want space, move out of Mumbai and buy a bungalow. We’re just born to keep complaining.”

Chopraa’s remarks have reignited the ongoing debate about sustainable urban planning, green cover, and the impact of real estate development on the quality of life in India’s financial capital.

Just last month, the financial capital of India saw flooding due to early monsoon rains. Meanwhile, IMD has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai for this week anticipating heavy rains.