Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Several protesters, including women and children, were detained at India Gate on Sunday during a peaceful demonstration against Delhi’s worsening air pollution, sparking political outrage. The protesters accused both the Delhi and Central governments of failing to implement an effective plan to tackle the crisis.
Rahul Gandhi Condemns Police Action
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized the detentions, calling the government “indifferent” and “authoritarian.” Taking to social media, he wrote, “Clean air is a fundamental human right. Peaceful protest is guaranteed by our Constitution — then why treat citizens demanding clean air like criminals?”
He accused the ruling BJP government of being a “vote-thief regime” that neither cares about citizens’ suffering nor has a strategy to solve the pollution emergency. Gandhi added that air pollution is affecting millions of Indians, particularly children, and endangering the nation’s future.
Protesters Demand Urgent Action
Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari said air pollution is damaging children’s lungs, noting that “every third child in Delhi is suffering from respiratory issues.” Another protester, Abhishek, said citizens are being denied their basic right to breathe clean air.
Police Defend Detentions
Delhi Police said the protest at India Gate was unauthorized. DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla clarified that detentions were a precautionary measure and that the protesters were advised to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site.
Delhi’s AQI in Severe Category
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Sunday morning stood at 391, classified as “severe.”
