Dozens detained at India Gate protest on Delhi air pollution

Dozens of citizens were detained on Sunday after they gathered at India Gate demanding urgent action on Delhi’s toxic air, triggering a political war of words.

The protest, attended by mothers, environmental activists, students and working professionals, saw a heavy police presence. protestors alleged they were threatened with FIRs and forcibly taken away in buses to the outskirts of the city.

Environmental activist Vimlendu Jha, writing on X, said protestors were taken towards Bawana. “It’s really a shame and disgrace that people asking for clean air are punished,” he posted, later adding that he was released after signing a notice to appear before a magistrate.

A protester claimed private monitors showed AQI levels “crossing 999 at several locations”, adding authorities were shutting down a peaceful protest instead of taking concrete steps. “People are only asking for their right to breathe,” he said.

Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index stood at 391 on Sunday morning, in the ‘very poor’ category, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board. Morning visuals from India Gate and Lodhi Road showed thick haze over the city.

AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj told reporters the protest was organised by civil society. He accused major agencies, including DPCC, CPCB, CAQM and IMD, of manipulating data and said this had led to a trust deficit with the public.

AAP national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said, “People are angry because the government is in denial. They are not accepting there is pollution. The BJP should have been on the ground with the people and not manipulating data.”

Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari said parents are deeply anxious. “Every third child in Delhi has damaged lungs. We asked for an appointment with the Chief Minister, but it was refused. There is no advisory, marathons are happening, sports days are happening. GRAP measures are not being implemented,” she said.

Many protestors held inhalers, nebulizers and medical prescriptions as a symbolic representation of the health crisis.

Hours later, several detainees were released.

Activists have called on the Chief Justice of India to take suo motu cognisance of what they term “police aggression” against peaceful citizens demanding clean air.