Delhi's Air Pollution Crisis Sparks Rare Protest Amid Growing Health Concerns
Published 10 November 2025
Highlights
- Hundreds protested in Delhi against worsening air pollution, demanding government action as air quality reached hazardous levels.
- Protesters, including children and environmental activists, gathered at India Gate, leading to around 80 detentions by police.
- Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has been between 300 and 400, with some sources reporting even higher levels, classifying the air as hazardous.
- The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is in place, but activists argue it is insufficient to tackle the pollution crisis.
- The protest reflects growing frustration over government inaction, with pollution now a leading cause of death in Delhi.
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Rewritten Article
Delhi's Air Pollution Crisis Sparks Rare Protest Amid Growing Health Concerns
Hundreds of Delhi residents took to the streets on Sunday in a rare protest against the city's escalating air pollution crisis. The demonstration, held near the iconic India Gate, saw participants from all walks of life, including children, students, and environmental activists, demanding urgent government intervention as air quality levels reached hazardous thresholds.
Protest Highlights Growing Frustration
The protest, which drew close to 400 participants, was a response to the severe air pollution that has plagued Delhi for years, particularly during the winter months. Protesters carried banners with slogans like "Right to live, not just survive" and "Life in Delhi: Take birth, breathe, die," highlighting the dire situation. "Delhi is not a liveable city anymore, it’s a death trap," said Radhika Aggarwal, an engineer and protester. "We see nothing but a failure by the government to do anything to stop this and clean up the pollution."
Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, police detained around 80 individuals, citing the lack of permission to gather at the high-security India Gate. Senior Delhi Police officer Devesh Mahla stated that all detained individuals were later released.
Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently hovered between 300 and 400, with some private monitors reporting figures as high as 507, classifying the air as hazardous. The World Health Organization's acceptable limit is significantly lower, making the current levels alarming. The pollution is exacerbated by vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and crop stubble burning in neighboring states.
Government Measures Under Scrutiny
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is currently in its second phase, imposing restrictions on diesel generators and the burning of coal and firewood. However, environmental activists argue that these measures are insufficient. "We have reached severe and hazardous levels of pollution, but the GRAP measures have not been implemented effectively," said Bhavreen Kandhari, a Delhi-based environmental activist.
Hundreds of Delhi residents took to the streets on Sunday in a rare protest against the city's escalating air pollution crisis. The demonstration, held near the iconic India Gate, saw participants from all walks of life, including children, students, and environmental activists, demanding urgent government intervention as air quality levels reached hazardous thresholds.
Protest Highlights Growing Frustration
The protest, which drew close to 400 participants, was a response to the severe air pollution that has plagued Delhi for years, particularly during the winter months. Protesters carried banners with slogans like "Right to live, not just survive" and "Life in Delhi: Take birth, breathe, die," highlighting the dire situation. "Delhi is not a liveable city anymore, it’s a death trap," said Radhika Aggarwal, an engineer and protester. "We see nothing but a failure by the government to do anything to stop this and clean up the pollution."
Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, police detained around 80 individuals, citing the lack of permission to gather at the high-security India Gate. Senior Delhi Police officer Devesh Mahla stated that all detained individuals were later released.
Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently hovered between 300 and 400, with some private monitors reporting figures as high as 507, classifying the air as hazardous. The World Health Organization's acceptable limit is significantly lower, making the current levels alarming. The pollution is exacerbated by vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and crop stubble burning in neighboring states.
Government Measures Under Scrutiny
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is currently in its second phase, imposing restrictions on diesel generators and the burning of coal and firewood. However, environmental activists argue that these measures are insufficient. "We have reached severe and hazardous levels of pollution, but the GRAP measures have not been implemented effectively," said Bhavreen Kandhari, a Delhi-based environmental activist.
What this might mean
The protest underscores a growing public demand for more robust government action to address Delhi's pollution crisis. If the current measures under the Graded Response Action Plan prove inadequate, the government may face increased pressure to implement stricter regulations and explore alternative solutions. Experts warn that without significant intervention, the health implications could worsen, with pollution already a leading cause of death in the city. As public awareness and activism grow, the government may need to prioritize environmental policies to avert further health emergencies.
