Delhi is once again facing dangerous pollution levels, and the problem is getting worse each day. According to the latest report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 397 on Monday morning at 6am. This number falls in the “very poor” category and has raised serious health concerns for the people living in the national capital. This situation has become one of the top topics in the Latest News, Daily news highlights, and Air Quality Alert updates across India.
Pollution Levels Continue to Rise
For many days, Delhi has been struggling with bad air. In fact, the city has stayed in the “very poor” range for almost 18 continuous days since November 6. During this time, Delhi also saw three days of “severe” air quality – between November 11 and 13. Experts say this happened due to:
- Very low wind speed, which prevents pollutants from moving away
- Falling temperatures, making the pollution settle close to the ground
- Farm fires after Diwali, which increase smoke in the air
- Beginning of winter, which often traps polluted air
Pollution Data Across Delhi
Out of the 39 pollution monitoring stations, the results were worrying:
- 20 stations showed AQI above 400, which is considered “severe” air quality
- 19 stations recorded AQI between 300 and 400, which falls in the “very poor” category
The most polluted areas on Monday morning were:
- Vivek Vihar – AQI 458
- Rohini – AQI 458
- Jahangirpuri – AQI 455
- Wazirpur – AQI 448
- DTU – AQI 444
These numbers show that pollution is dangerously high in many parts of the city.
AQI Stayed High Over the Weekend
Pollution did not improve over the weekend either.
At 4pm on Sunday, the 24-hour average AQI was 391, clearly in the very poor range.
- On Saturday, it was 370
- On Friday, it was 364
This shows that Delhi’s air quality has been slowly but steadily getting worse.
Health Emergency: Doctors Warn of Serious Health Risks
Because of this toxic smog, many people in Delhi are facing:
- Breathing problems
- Burning eyes
- Cough, sore throat, and chest tightness
- Asthma attacks
- Lung infections, especially among children and elderly people
Doctors and health experts say the city is now facing a Health Emergency.
Many hospitals have reported an increase in:
- Respiratory cases
- Eye infections
- Pulmonary issues
The government has also started applying measures from Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), even though the city is officially in Stage 3, because the pollution situation is becoming extremely dangerous.
As Delhi struggled with toxic air, a group of citizens gathered at India Gate on Sunday evening to protest against the rising pollution levels. Their goal was to demand urgent action from the government. However, the peaceful protest suddenly turned chaotic.
Protesters Use Chilli Spray on Police
According to officials, when police tried to remove the protesters from the location, a few demonstrators used chilli spray on police personnel. This behavior shocked everyone because it is extremely rare in such protests.
A senior police officer told the media that:
- The group was gathered near the C-Hexagon area
- Their presence blocked ambulances and medical staff from passing through
- Police asked them to move, but they refused
- A scuffle began, during which chilli powder was used on police
Key Points From the Incident
- Police said emergency vehicles were stuck in traffic because of the protest
- At least a few officers were sprayed in the eyes and face
- The injured officers were taken to RML Hospital for treatment
- Police said such an incident was “very unusual” and “rare”
- Legal action has been started against the accused protesters
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla said this was the first time protesters used pepper spray on traffic and law-and-order officers.
Why People Are Protesting
The protest group said they took this step because:
- They believe the government is not doing enough
- Pollution is now affecting daily life and health
- People cannot breathe properly due to the toxic smog
- They want immediate solutions for safer air
One of the group’s statements said:
“When the air becomes poisonous, people must come together to survive.”
Delhi is facing one of its worst pollution phases this season, and both health experts and government officials are deeply concerned. As pollution continues to rise, the situation demands faster and stronger action. Meanwhile, protests—peaceful or chaotic—show that citizens are becoming increasingly worried about their future in the city.
