New Delhi: Dozens of parents, children, and environmental activists were detained by Delhi Police on Sunday after gathering at India Gate to protest against the city’s worsening air pollution. The peaceful demonstration, held under the slogan “Help us breathe,” called for urgent government action to tackle the toxic air that has made Delhi one of the most polluted cities in the world.
The protesters, many of whom were mothers accompanied by their young children, carried placards reading “Smog is killing us” and “We want clean air, not excuses.” They said that the health of their children was suffering and demanded that both central and state authorities take immediate steps to improve air quality.
Police officers intervened shortly after the group assembled, detaining several participants on the grounds that India Gate is not a designated protest site.
Officials stated that the demonstrators did not have permission to gather at the location and were causing traffic disruptions near the popular landmark.
According to reports, around 80 people were taken into custody for a short time and later released. The police explained that their action was preventive and aimed at maintaining order in the area.
The protest drew widespread attention as it highlighted the growing frustration among residents over prolonged exposure to poor air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remained in the “severe” category through much of the past week, prompting health warnings for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.
During the protest, participants appealed to the government to treat the situation as a public health emergency rather than a seasonal problem. They urged the authorities to strengthen pollution control measures, curb industrial and vehicular emissions, and provide transparency about air quality data.
Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said that although pollution levels were high, there had been slight improvement, and therefore Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan would not be implemented for now. The decision has been criticized by environmental groups who argue that the government response remains too slow and inconsistent.
Political tensions also surfaced after some opposition leaders accused the authorities of trying to suppress citizens’ voices. The Aam Aadmi Party alleged that efforts to reduce pollution were being undermined by poor coordination between agencies and insufficient enforcement.
Despite the detentions, protesters vowed to continue raising their voices until meaningful action is taken. Many parents said they were not engaging in politics but simply demanding the right to breathe clean air.
The incident has renewed public debate about the government’s preparedness to handle the annual pollution crisis that grips the capital every winter. As smog continues to blanket Delhi, the city’s residents remain desperate for lasting solutions to a problem that has become an inescapable part of daily life.