Air Pollution Levels Surge Across India’s Capital, Spark Rare Public Protests
New Delhi: A thick blanket of smog engulfed India’s capital on Monday, turning the air acrid and pushing pollution levels into the “severe” category, further aggravating a long-running public health emergency.
By Monday morning, New Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 344, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s safe limits. The deteriorating air quality prompted hundreds of residents, including parents and environmental activists, to stage a rare protest at India Gate late Sunday, demanding urgent government action.
Many protesters wore masks and carried placards reading messages such as “I miss breathing.” “I am here as a citizen who cares and is worried about the lack of clean air to breathe,” said one participant, Meghna. Police later dispersed the demonstrators, citing lack of permission for the gathering.
New Delhi, home to over 30 million people, routinely ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. Each winter, air quality worsens as farmers burn crop residue, while vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, and stagnant weather conditions trap toxic pollutants over the city.
Authorities have banned construction work, restricted diesel generator use, and experimented with cloud seeding to induce rain. However, experts argue that only long-term structural reforms to reduce emissions can offer lasting relief to residents battling this annual air pollution crisis.
By RSS/AP
