India's capital, Delhi, is currently grappling with a severe respiratory emergency, as its air is heavily laden with toxic pollutants. In response to this critical situation, public anger spilled onto the streets today. Hundreds of people converged at the iconic India Gate, staging a protest and directly criticizing the Delhi government. The demonstration saw significant participation from women and children, all demanding immediate action to ensure clean air.
Security Measures and Police Action
The demonstrators stated that they had gathered at India Gate to demand urgent government action to ensure clean air. They leveled serious accusations against the Delhi government, alleging that it was concealing crucial Air Quality Index (AQI) data. Protesters claimed that the official figures presented were Importantly lower than the actual pollution levels, thereby downplaying the severity of the crisis. On top of that, they accused the government of failing to formulate concrete policies to combat pollution, which they argued was endangering the lives of the capital's residents.
During the protest, the Delhi Police, prioritizing security, cordoned off the entire India Gate and Kartavya Path area. To maintain law and order, police intervention became necessary, leading to the detention of several demonstrators, while police officials clarified that there was no permission granted for a protest at India Gate, and the action was taken to ensure public safety and prevent any disruption to security arrangements.
Women and Children Join the Protest
The active involvement of women and children in the demonstration underscored the gravity of the situation. They expressed deep concern for their children's future and demanded immediate and effective measures from the government, while the primary objective of these protesters was to ensure that Delhi's citizens could breathe clean air, a right they consider fundamental.
Environmentalist's Concerns Highlighted
Bhavreen Kandhari, an environmentalist, was among the protesters. Speaking to the media, she stated, “We want to meet our elected officials. We had sought an appointment with the Chief Minister, but we were denied. ” Kandhari highlighted the devastating impact of air pollution on children's health. She noted that many parents were present because their children were suffering, adding, “Every third child’s lungs have been damaged; they. Will live approximately 10 years less than children who grew up in clean air,” a stark warning about the long-term consequences.
The Fundamental Right to Clean Air
Another protester, Abhishek, voiced his disappointment over the government's failure. He asserted that the government had failed to provide the basic right to breathe clean air. Abhishek drew a comparison with the tenure of former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, recalling that Delhi was then known as a green capital, while today, he lamented, it has become one of the most polluted cities in the world. He accused leaders of blaming each other instead of taking responsibility, thereby hindering any real solution to the problem.
Permission for Protests: Police Stance
According to the police, several protesters were detained for gathering without permission. A police officer clarified, “There was no permission for a protest at India Gate. To maintain law and order and ensure that there is no hindrance to security arrangements, some people were detained as a precautionary measure, while ” DCP (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla also confirmed that some individuals were preventively detained. He stated that only Jantar Mantar is designated as a protest site, where permission can be obtained by following the proper procedure, while this incident highlights the growing public awareness regarding air pollution in Delhi and the persistent demand for immediate government action.
