Protests Erupt Over Delhi’s Pollution as police detained 15 students near Parliament Street in New Delhi during demonstrations against rising pollution levels. Officers acted after the group ignored several warnings to disperse. They brought the students to the Parliament Street Police Station, and the situation grew tense when some protesters refused to cooperate.
The protest began at the C-hexagon area on Sunday. Police said the students tried to move past safety barricades placed to keep ambulance routes clear. When officers attempted to calm them, the group became angry and sat on the road. Because the area sees heavy traffic, police removed them to prevent congestion.
Officials confirmed that they detained 15 individuals. Some officers picked up students from India Gate, while others detained a few outside the police station. Authorities also reported that a few protesters used pepper spray, which caused irritation to three or four policemen. Doctors treated these officers at a nearby hospital.
This event followed a November 9 protest in which many people demanded urgent action during what they called an “air emergency.” Pollution levels continue rising across Delhi-NCR, and residents remain deeply concerned.
Right now, several parts of Delhi report Air Quality Index readings between 300 and 400. Some pockets even crossed 400, which marks severe pollution. NCR cities also face similar conditions. Faridabad recorded 358, Gurugram 370, Ghaziabad 355, Greater Noida 342, and Noida a severe 372.
Experts warn that low wind speeds could worsen air quality further. Because of this, the Commission for Air Quality Management changed the Graded Response Action Plan. The CAQM moved stricter measures forward. Steps that belonged to Stage IV now apply at Stage III.
Major actions include keeping power supply stable to reduce diesel generator use, placing more staff at traffic-heavy areas, sending pollution alerts across media, increasing CNG and electric bus services, and offering flexible ticket rates to reduce peak-hour crowds.
The CAQM also shifted actions from Stage III to Stage II. These steps include staggered office hours for government departments in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar. The central government may change timings for its offices as well to cut traffic and emissions.
Government offices under Stage III now operate with only half their staff present, while the remaining employees work from home. The Delhi government also told private companies to allow 50% of their teams to work remotely. These moves aim to reduce vehicle movement and improve air quality.
In conclusion, Protests Erupt Over Delhi’s Pollution as worsening air pushes citizens and officials to act quickly. With low visibility and growing health risks, Delhi residents hope stronger action and long-term measures will finally deliver cleaner and safer air.
