Rising air pollution triggers protest at India Gate; residents demand action

By Admin

10 Nov, 2025

Over a hundred concerned citizens gathered at India Gate on Sunday, demanding urgent measures to combat Delhi’s worsening air pollution. The peaceful protest, which lasted nearly two hours despite repeated police warnings, reflected growing frustration among residents over the government’s perceived inaction on the capital’s hazardous air quality.

Citizens Take a Stand for Clean Air

Students, activists, and volunteers joined hands to raise their voices against the declining air quality. Chanting slogans such as “Saaf hawa sabka haq hai (Clean air is everyone’s right)” and “Delhi is injurious to health,” protesters carried handmade placards, wore masks, and even brought air quality monitors to highlight the crisis.

“We have been seeing the air quality worsening in the city despite the change of regimes. The governments don’t care about the people. What was the point of allowing firecrackers during Deepavali?” asked Pihu, a protester from Noida.

The protest saw participants standing in small groups across the India Gate lawns, determined to make their message heard.

Police Action and Detentions

Despite multiple warnings from the Delhi Police to disperse, protesters continued their sit-in for nearly two hours. Soon, security forces, including personnel from the Delhi Police and CRPF’s Rapid Action Force, surrounded the area. Around 55 protesters, including 15 women, were detained and taken away in police buses.

“We were pushed, our clothes were pulled, and we were dropped off in distant areas like Narela and Bawana,” said Kranti, one of the detained protesters, recounting the ordeal.

CAQM Reviews Pollution Levels

While the protests unfolded, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) met on Sunday evening to review Delhi’s pollution levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 391 in the morning, categorized as ‘very poor’, prompting speculation about stricter restrictions. However, the CAQM decided not to enforce Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), citing a “consistent declining trend” as the AQI improved slightly to 370 by 4 p.m.

Current Stage I and II measures such as bans on open burning and intensified road cleaning will remain in place. For context, an AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as ‘very poor’, while anything above 400 falls into the ‘severe’ category.

Broader Protests Against Supreme Court Order

After voicing concerns over air pollution, many demonstrators extended their protest to oppose the Supreme Court’s order on the relocation of stray dogs. Protesters criticized the decision, pointing out the lack of shelters, inadequate funding, and poor implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

A Call for Sustainable Development

Several participants used the occasion to question the government’s development priorities. “The government talks about development. Air pollution raises the question of whose development are you talking about when the air quality has been deteriorating consistently? This model of development is anti-people,” said Ilakya, a student and member of Bhagat Singh Chhatra Ekta Manch.

The protest at India Gate highlighted the urgent need for stronger policy measures, greater accountability, and public participation in addressing the air pollution crisis. As Delhi continues to gasp for cleaner air, citizens are making it clear   development cannot come at the cost of public health.