November 11, 2025 | 02:34 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Hundreds of citizens marched around the India Gate monument in New Delhi on Sunday, November 9, demanding decisive action from the Indian government regarding the air pollution engulfing the capital city every year. According to Al Jazeera, the demonstration took place amidst thick smog that had returned to New Delhi ahead of the winter season.
The protesters carried banners with the demand for "clean air now", chanted slogans, and some blocked traffic. The police then detained several individuals and dispersed the crowd.
Quoted from Times of India, some women even arrived at the location with their children, carrying nebulizers and medical prescriptions as a symbol of the air crisis that has been suffocating the city.
In an official statement, the demonstrators demanded "urgent, accountable and transparent action" actions from the Delhi government to address the crisis.
They also called for the establishment of an independent air monitoring body, real-time air quality data transparency, clear health guidelines during increased pollution, and public fund usage accountability for pollution control.
Dangerous Air Quality Levels
On Monday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in New Delhi exceeded 350, categorized as very poor according to the Central Pollution Control Board of India. Some areas even recorded AQI above 400, classified as "severe". In comparison, a value below 100 is considered good or satisfactory.
Based on data from the Swiss-based air quality monitoring agency IQAir, India has 6 out of the world's top 10 most polluted cities and 13 out of the next 20. New Delhi stands as the most polluted capital city in the world.
Every year, the decrease in air quality is triggered by smoke from burning crop residues in surrounding states, which mixes with vehicle and industrial emissions. The smog causes respiratory illnesses and contributes to thousands of deaths annually.
Limited Government Response
The Delhi government has implemented a tiered emergency system including construction activity restrictions, a diesel generator ban, and vehicle restrictions when pollution reaches severe levels.
The government also offered subsidies to control crop residue burning, but the results have not been significant. Cloud seeding efforts last month failed to induce the expected artificial rain to reduce pollution levels.
Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari, who participated in the protests, said, "It is unfortunate that about a hundred citizens were detained. Ironically, many woman police personnel identified with the protesters as they, too, struggle to breathe the same toxic air. However, we saw many people without masks. That's the real tragedy."
The protesters emphasized that clean air is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, the Right to Life. They urged the Delhi and central governments to act promptly to protect public health.
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