Delhi air pollution protest turned chaotic as demonstrators allegedly used pepper spray on police, resulting in several arrests and injuries —

New Delhi, Nov.24,2025:Delhi air pollution protest turned into a heated and chaotic confrontation on Sunday, as demonstrators near India Gate allegedly used pepper spray on police personnel. The clash has ignited a fierce debate over both public health and civil rights, spotlighting the urgent demand for long-term solutions to Delhi’s toxic air.

Why the Demonstrators Took to India Gate

Protesters—including students, environmental activists, and concerned citizens—gathered at India Gate to draw attention to Delhi’s worsening air quality. According to the Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air, the situation is not just a seasonal problem: it’s a public health emergency.

Many protesters argued that the government is relying on superficial, temporary measures—like water sprinkling, cloud seeding, and localized spraying near AQI (Air Quality Index) monitoring stations—rather than implementing systemic, long-term reforms.

The Use of Pepper Spray and Police Response

Tensions escalated on Sunday when protesters allegedly sprayed chilli (pepper) spray at the police. According to Delhi Police, a scuffle broke out during the removal process, after demonstrators broke through barricades and sat down in the C-Hexagon area, blocking the road.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahla described the use of pepper spray as “very unusual” for a protest, noting that some officers suffered irritation in their eyes and face, and were treated at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital.

Police also said that ambulances and medical personnel were stuck behind the barricade, which added to the urgency of clearing the site.

Injuries, Arrests, and Legal Fallout

• Around 15 people were arrested in connection with the protest, charged with obstructing public servants, acting in common intention, and creating public danger.
• An FIR (First Information Report) has been registered under multiple sections of the law: sections 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant), 221 (obstructing public servant), 3(5) (common intention), and 285 (danger or obstruction in public way).
• According to the police, 3–4 personnel sustained injuries from the spray.
• Legal action is ongoing as authorities promise a thorough investigation.

Protesters’ Message- Demanding Clean Data, Clean Air

The demonstrators weren’t just angry about pollution; they were raising serious concerns about transparency in air quality data. Many called for

• Real-time, reliable AQI (Air Quality Index) data
• An independent air regulator to hold the government accountable
• Clear health advisories during pollution spikes
• Accountability for environmental funds and long-term investment in cleaner infrastructure

One protester told the media, “We need clean air, not fake numbers. We’re living in hell.”

Another youth said, “The government must stop hiding the data. Unless they acknowledge the severity, how can change even begin?”

Political Reactions- Accusations and Counter-Accusations

The protest did not remain apolitical. Several political fault lines emerged

• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised strong objections over some protesters allegedly carrying posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, who was recently killed in a police encounter.
• BJP’s IT cell head, Amit Malviya, accused the demonstrators of staging a “show of concern” while glorifying a wanted insurgent.
• AAP (Aam Aadmi Party), on the other hand, called it a national health emergency. AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar demanded a joint meeting of all NCR chief ministers and environment ministers, accusing the central government of “manipulating data” and putting citizens’ health at risk.

Delhi’s Pollution Crisis

This protest didn’t emerge in a vacuum. Delhi’s air pollution has long been a seasonal yet deeply entrenched crisis. Key drivers include

• Crop burning in neighbouring states
• Vehicular emissions
• Dust from construction
• Industrial and construction activities
• Weather conditions (low wind, temperature inversion) during winter

Despite recurring calls for reform, critics argue that many government interventions are short-term fixes. For instance,

• Cloud seeding: expensive, but questioned on efficacy
• Water sprinkling around AQI stations: seen by activists as superficial and potentially misleading
• Suspension or turn-off of AQI monitors during peaks: activists have alleged manipulation.

What This Protest Means for Delhi’s Future

 A Turning Point in Civic Engagement

The Delhi air pollution protest signals a fresh wave of civic activism. What began as localized indignation over toxic air is now escalating into political confrontation, as citizens demand not just cleaner air but accountability.

 Rising Frustration With Symbolic Measures

Protesters’ frustration reveals a deeper distrust. They argue that government actions—like sprinklers, cloud seeding, or temporary bans—are symbolic gestures, not structural solutions. This distrust risks fueling further unrest unless authorities respond with concrete policy measures.

 The Risk of Polarization

The presence of controversial symbols—like posters of Madvi Hidma—has polarized the debate. For the BJP, it’s being used to question the protest’s legitimacy. For others, it amplifies the protest’s urgency: that air pollution is deeply interwoven with systemic neglect and political exploitation.

Institutional Reform vs Protests

Protesting is one thing; reform is another. For long-term change, experts argue that Delhi needs

• A strong, independent regulator for air quality
• Transparent real-time AQI data accessible to all
• Enforceable emissions norms for vehicles and construction
• Cross-border cooperation with neighbouring states to limit crop burning

If the movement sustains, it could force institutional reforms—or risk being dismissed as yet another flashpoint in India’s urban activism playbook.

Breathing Life Into the Debate

The Delhi air pollution protest at India Gate last Sunday was more than a march—it was a declaration. Citizens are demanding more than token measures; they want sustainable, structural change.

By turning the streets into a platform for their voices, protesters have reignited a national conversation: Can Delhi become more than just a capital city cloaked in smog? Will political leaders deliver beyond photo ops and sprinklers-