Delhi Police detained several students and residents on Sunday evening during a protest against the city’s escalating air pollution. The demonstration took place at India Gate and was organized by the All India Students’ Association (AISA).
Participants included members of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) and AISA Delhi University (DU). AISA reported that detentions occurred shortly after the 5 PM protest began. The detainees, including the JNUSU President, Joint Secretary, and the AISA DU President and Secretary, were reportedly taken to an undisclosed location. Delhi Police has not yet provided an official statement on the incident.
Protest Demands Accountability for Air Quality
The protest aimed to demand accountability from Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Protesters cited the Delhi government’s handling of the pollution issue. AISA stated that Delhi was transforming into a significant health hazard due to continuously rising Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
In a prior statement, AISA called for collective action against what it described as government negligence. The student organization claimed the Delhi government attempted to conceal or alter the issue instead of implementing effective solutions.
Delhi Records ‘Severe’ Pollution Levels
Delhi experienced ‘severe’ pollution levels on Saturday. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 361 at 4 PM, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This placed Delhi in the ‘red zone,’ identifying it as the country’s second most polluted city. Several areas across the capital recorded AQI levels exceeding 400, falling into the ‘severe’ category, PTI reported.
Unsuccessful Cloud Seeding Attempts
The Delhi government, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur researchers, conducted two cloud-seeding trails. Both attempts failed. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously issued a warning in October, indicating insufficient cloud cover for artificial rain to be successful, The Hindu reported.