Delhi Chokes as AQI Hits Hazardous Level, Protests Break Out
Delhi is once again struggling with severe air pollution, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) has entered the ‘Hazardous’ category, exceeding 400 in several areas. This worsening pollution has created a public emergency and led to widespread frustration among residents. Various citizens, including activists and political leaders, gathered at India Gate to demand urgent action from the government.
A reporter on the ground described the pollution crisis as “a national emergency” that requires serious attention from politicians and policymakers. Despite the dangerous AQI levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided not to implement stricter GRAP-3 rules at this time. The agency stated that there is a “marginal improvement trend,” so additional restrictions will not be enacted immediately.
In an effort to reduce pollution, the Delhi government, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, attempted cloud seeding to create artificial rain. However, this technique failed due to low humidity. Officials noted that, although there was no rainfall, they collected useful data indicating a very slight improvement in pollution levels.
Public frustration reached a boiling point when protesters gathered at India Gate, demanding clear action plans, transparency, and accountability from the government. They argued that, despite facing this crisis every year, authorities have failed to provide permanent solutions. The protest lasted nearly 30 minutes before police intervened and began detaining demonstrators.
Police stated that, according to Supreme Court orders, Jantar Mantar—not India Gate—is the designated protest site in Delhi. New Delhi police officer Devesh Kumar Mahla mentioned that they had asked protesters to adhere to these guidelines. However, one protester claimed that they were “not being allowed to protest peacefully.”
Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan criticized the police response, asserting that peaceful protest is a fundamental right and calling it “unfortunate” that individuals demanding clean air were being detained. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the central government of “manipulating pollution data,” emphasizing a “trust deficit” as citizens and intellectuals feel unheard. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also questioned the detentions, stating that the government “doesn’t care” about the millions suffering from pollution.
With political blame being traded, failed experiments occurring, and no immediate relief in sight, Delhi residents are forced to breathe toxic air. The public is now awaiting real, long-term solutions to the capital’s annual environmental crisis.
