'I miss breathing': Protestors detained during Delhi anti-pollution march

As Delhi-NCR continues to face hazardous smog and deteriorating air quality, residents took to the streets on Sunday evening to call for immediate government action to improve air conditions. Groups of students, parents, and environmental activists assembled at India Gate, displaying placards that read “I miss breathing”, “Right to live, not just survive”, and “Delhi is injurious to health”.

Nevertheless, several protesters were taken into custody by Delhi police for holding the assembly without official permission. These detentions sparked significant controversy and public outcry, drawing criticism from citizens and political opposition.

Statements from the protesters

Social media videos captured citizens being led onto police buses. One detainee exclaimed, “Delhi Police is detaining us for demanding clean air in our city.”

Environmental activist Bhavreen Khandari informed PTI that the group had requested a meeting with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta but was denied.

“Every third child already suffers lung damage; they are expected to live nearly 10 years less than those raised in cleaner air,” she stated.

Another protester commented, “During (former chief minister) Sheila Dikshit’s tenure, Delhi was known as a green capital. Today, it is among the most polluted cities worldwide. Politicians keep blaming each other instead of taking responsibility.”

A recent Reuters report placed Delhi among the world’s most polluted cities, with air quality reaching the ‘severe’ level following Diwali.

Police perspective

The Delhi Police justified their actions by saying protesters gathered without prior approval.

A police official told PTI, “No permission was granted for a protest at India Gate. To maintain law and order and ensure security, some individuals were detained.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla added that the detentions were preventive.

He reiterated that Jantar Mantar remains the sole authorized protest venue in the city, accessible through formal permission procedures.

Rahul Gandhi criticizes government

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shared a video of the police detaining protesters and condemned the government’s response. “The right to clean air is a basic human right. The right to peaceful protest is guaranteed by our Constitution. Why are citizens who have been peacefully demanding clean air being treated like criminals?” he questioned.

“Air pollution affects millions of Indians, harming our children and the country's future. Yet the government, which rose to power through dubious means, shows no concern or effort to address this crisis. Immediate action on air pollution is essential instead of targeting citizens calling for clean air,” he added.

Delhi air quality remains ‘very poor’

On Monday morning, the national capital was once again covered by thick smog, with pollution levels dangerously high across the city. At 8 am, the Anand Vihar air monitoring station recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 379, classified as ‘very poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Visibility was low in numerous areas, and residents reported symptoms such as eye irritation, sore throats, headaches, and breathing difficulties. On Sunday at 4 pm, Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI was 370, also in the ‘very poor’ range.

The CPCB categorizes AQI levels as follows: 0–50 is ‘good,’ 51–100 ‘satisfactory,’ 101–200 ‘moderate,’ 201–300 ‘poor,’ 301–400 ‘very poor,’ and 401–500 ‘severe.’