Delhi Pollution: Several Join Protest at India Gate Demanding 'Smog Se Azadi'

Dozens of locals, families, and young kids rallied near India Gate on Sunday, brandishing signs like "Smog se Azadi!" and "Breathing is killing me," as Delhi's air quality plunged to an AQI of 370, classified as "very poor."

One demonstrator declared, "This is a public health crisis, not finger-pointing. Years of trial-and-error have let down our kids. The authorities need an effective clean-air strategy immediately."

"The wealthy can afford purifiers or escape to hill stations, but what options do the rest of us have? We battle for every breath each winter," another participant said, holding a homemade sign stating "Hawa sarkari nahi, sabka hai"—air isn't owned by the government; it's for everyone.

Also Read: Meghalaya Coal Auction Flops: Just 1.67% Sold, 210,000 MT Unsold Amid Delays

Protestors told the media, "Low-income groups like street sellers and rickshaw pullers bear the brunt of vehicle pollution, with state-run buses and autos accounting for almost 80% of emissions. Cars are part of the issue, but without official steps, like targeting 50% public transport usage by 2030, as Beijing achieved, how can people adapt? This blame-shifting just masks leadership failures."

A Delhi University student at the rally shared, "I cough up blood and get chest pains every winter, but officials keep pointing at Punjab's farmers or previous administrations. Why not invest in sustainable solutions instead of excuses?"

Another attendee, Prerna Mehra, questioned, "Can we even rely on official AQI readings now? Videos show water being hosed near monitoring sites during pollution peaks. Are figures being manipulated, or is this just a pointless effort to artificially lower readings?"

A 76-year-old resident from Vasant Kunj briefly removed his mask to say, "Regimes come and go, but the public endures. I'm concerned for my grandkids. Unregulated construction persists, and green spaces are vanishing."

Joining the crowd was a physician saying, "One in three Delhi children has irreversible lung damage, shortening their lives by about a decade compared to peers in less polluted areas. Chronic exposure causes heart issues, strokes, and asthma—beginning in pregnancy with risks like low birth weights and miscarriages, and persisting into later years. The WHO notes most of this is avoidable, yet real measures are missing."

Frustration mounted over the BJP-led "double-engine" governments at the center and in nearby states. "We pinned hopes on them, but the botched cloud-seeding experiment has left us disillusioned as AQI worsens," one said.

As the gathering grew, Delhi Police and paramilitary units in anti-riot equipment arrived. Though the event remained non-violent with only slogans and posters, multiple participants—including kids—were taken into custody.

Also Read: Assam: Bodies of Three NIT Silchar Students Recovered from Waterfall in Dima Hasao

Protest leader and environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari stated, "We requested a meeting with the Chief Minister but were denied. Parents are here because their children are in pain. This is about breathable air, not partisanship."

Organisers claimed ongoing police harassment beforehand, including nearly 100 calls from the Deputy Commissioner of Police to local stations over three days, plus threats of legal action to halt the event. DCP (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla called the arrests "precautionary steps."

Activist Vimlendu Jha criticised the response and said, "Independent sensors report AQI exceeding 999 in spots. Rather than addressing the problem, officials suppress a calm demonstration. Citizens demand their basic right to clean air. For over two weeks, no restrictions or closures—just diversions like cloud seeding. It's regrettable."

Police defended the actions on the grounds of public safety. "The protest at India Gate lacked approval," a senior official noted. DCP Mahla added, "Detentions ensured order. Jantar Mantar is the sole authorized site for protests, following proper protocols." Authorities had enforced Section 163 of the BNSS, prohibiting assemblies in the vicinity.