New Delhi: A group of demonstrators demanding stronger anti-pollution measures in the National Capital Region were detained by Delhi Police on Sunday after gathering at India Gate, leading to a fresh political confrontation over the city’s deteriorating air quality.
The protesters, including environmental activists and concerned citizens, had assembled at the iconic monument urging immediate government action to tackle hazardous pollution levels. However, police officials said India Gate is not an authorised protest site.
“India Gate is a national monument and a public place where families come to visit. As per Supreme Court directions, Jantar Mantar is the designated location for demonstrations,” said New Delhi DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla. “We advised protesters to follow the rules, but some refused to disperse, so preventive detentions were made.”
Air quality in Delhi dipped into the ‘severe’ range again on Sunday morning, with the Central Pollution Control Board recording an overall AQI of 391. Several monitoring stations in areas like Anand Vihar (412), Alipur (415), and Bawana (436) showed dangerously high levels of pollutants, indicating the gravity of the situation.
The protests also sparked a political war of words. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar, who joined demonstrators at the site, accused the ruling BJP of “manipulating” pollution data by allegedly spraying water near AQI sensors to lower readings.
“The BJP government is misleading citizens instead of fixing the problem,” Kakkar told reporters. “This is not about politics — it’s about public health. While people are choking, those in power are sitting at home with air purifiers.” She further claimed that the AAP government had implemented year-round pollution control measures when it governed Delhi, accusing the current administration of “inaction and denial.”
Residents participating in the protest echoed similar frustration. Neha, a local resident, said, “We’re only asking for clean air. This isn’t political — it’s about our right to life. Breathing toxic air violates Article 21 of the Constitution. Yet peaceful protesters are being detained. That’s a violation of Article 19.”
Authorities have already implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes measures such as doubling parking fees and restricting construction dust. But with AQI readings continuing to hover in the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories across most parts of Delhi-NCR, experts warn that the city could face an extended period of hazardous air through November.
As the standoff between protesters, police, and political leaders deepens, Delhi’s toxic air continues to choke its residents — turning the demand for clean air into both a public and political battle.
