Several people were detained on Sunday afternoon as part of the clean air protest at Delhi’s India Gate, demanding urgent government action and strict policies to mitigate what they called an “air emergency”. Some women even brought their children, holding nebulisers and medical prescriptions — symbolic reminders of the pollution crisis that has choked the city.

According to the police, the agitators were repeatedly advised to shift their demonstration to Jantar Mantar, the designated site for public protests. “When they did not comply and continued blocking Man Singh Road, we intervened and detained them before reopening the road for the public,” said DCP (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla, adding that only those obstructing traffic were detained. They were later released.

Source: X (Times of India)

Delhi’s Air Turns Toxic as Citizens Demand Accountability

The protest comes as the city’s air quality has spiralled into the “very poor” to “severe” range. On Sunday, Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) shot up to around 370, nearly approaching levels considered “severe”. Families with young children and older adults are increasingly vulnerable. Demonstrators wore masks and held banners reading “Breathing is killing us” and “Our right: clear air.”

They laid bare the everyday reality of the pollution paralysis: schools affected by smog, dampened visibility, thick haze over landmarks, and growing alarm among parents and workers alike. The protest underscored that for many Delhiites, the right to clean air is not an abstract idea but a daily struggle.

Air Quality Snapshot (10 November 2025)

Why the Protest Matters

Source: Instagram, India TV

• The clean air protest at Delhi’s India Gate reflects citizens’ growing frustration with the lack of tangible measures to tackle the pollution emergency.

• It underscores that pollution is not only an environmental issue but also a public health and human rights crisis.

• The event presses authorities to enforce strict controls on vehicle emissions, construction dust, industrial output, and crop burning.

• It amplifies the voices of families, mothers, and children demanding cleaner air and a livable city for future generations.

As Delhi enters one of its most polluted phases of the year, the protest at India Gate stands as a symbolic call to action — a reminder that clean air must be treated as a fundamental right, not a privilege.

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Key Highlights from the Protest

Source: Instagram, India TV

• The peaceful demonstration began around 5 PM at India Gate and saw participation from students, parents, and environmental activists.

• Protesters carried placards and banners demanding stricter anti-pollution laws and accountability from local authorities.

• Some parents arrived with children using nebulisers, symbolizing the worsening public health crisis.

• Volunteers distributed face masks and leaflets promoting awareness about the effects of air pollution.

• Police officials requested the crowd to move to Jantar Mantar, the approved site for protests, before detaining a few who blocked Man Singh Road.

• The detained protesters were later released after brief questioning once the road was cleared.

• The event gained significant attention on social media, with hashtags like #RightToCleanAir and #DelhiSmogCrisis trending across platforms.

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