Outlook Business Desk
Hundreds of citizens gathered at India Gate on November 9 demanding urgent action on Delhi’s worsening air pollution. Parents and environmental activists joined the protest, calling on authorities to ensure clean, breathable air for all.
Several mothers joined the protest with their children, pressing authorities to take immediate action. They warned that Delhi’s young population faces the gravest impact, with increasing breathing problems and shorter, unhealthy lives ahead.
Environmentalist Bhavreen Khandari, while speaking to PTI, said citizens wished to meet elected officials but were denied an appointment with the chief minister. She cautioned that every third child in Delhi suffers lung damage and may live nearly a decade less.
Meanwhile, protester Abhishek condemned the government for denying citizens their basic right to clean air. He noted that Delhi, once known as a green capital, has now become one of the world’s most polluted cities.
A Delhi Police official informed the agency that multiple demonstrators were held for assembling at India Gate without authorisation. The officer explained that the action aimed to preserve law and order and prevent any disturbance to ongoing security arrangements.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on November 9 also decided not to activate Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The decision followed a slight improvement in Delhi’s air quality, with pollution levels easing marginally across several parts of the capital.
During its evening review, CAQM’s sub-committee observed that Delhi’s average Air Quality Index dropped from 391 in the morning to 365 by evening. Officials said the air quality trend appears positive but will continue to be closely monitored and reassessed when necessary.
Under the GRAP Stage 3, non-essential construction is banned, classes up to grade V move to hybrid mode, and BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles face restrictions in Delhi-NCR, except for those used by persons with disabilities.