Desperate for clean air, Delhi takes to the streets to protest | 20 alarming photos

Delhi AQI: According to CPCB, the air quality stood at 344 by Monday morning, categorised as “very poor” and far exceeding the WHO’s safe limits.

Published on: Nov 10, 2025 3:10 PM IST

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On Sunday night, hundreds of residents, including parents and environmental activists, staged a rare protest at India Gate, demanding immediate government action to tackle the crisis. Many demonstrators wore masks and held placards, one of which read, “I miss breathing.” (PTI)

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According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 344 by Monday morning, categorised as “severe” and far exceeding the World Health Organization’s safe limits. (AFP)

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New Delhi was engulfed in a dense layer of smog on Monday, with an acrid smell lingering in the air as pollution levels spiked, worsening the city’s ongoing public health emergency. A detained demonstrator holds a placard from inside a police vehicle during a protest demanding the government take action to reduce air pollution.  (AFP)

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A woman wearing a mask holds a poster during a protest demanding the government take action to reduce air pollution in New Delhi on November 9, 2025.  (AFP)

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Initially, the protest took place amid high police deployment, with Delhi Police saying people had gathered without police permission. Protesters also claimed they had been threatened by the police and were told that they would register FIRs and detain them. (ANI)

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Social activists from various organizations protest against the government over rising air pollution, near India Gate, Man Singh Road, in New Delhi, India, on Sunday, November 9, 2025. (Sanjeev Verma/HT)

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Protesters hold placards in front of the India Gate during a protest against air pollution in New Delhi, India, November 9, 2025. (REUTERS)

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New Delhi, India - Nov. 9, 2025: Social activists from various organizations protest against the government over rising air pollution, near India Gate, Man Singh Road, in New Delhi, India, on Sunday, November 9, 2025. (Sanjeev Verma/ HT photo)

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Eventually, dozens of people were detained and, protesters said, moved to an unknown location.  (AFP)

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People stage a protest over recent Supreme Court order over stray dogs, at India Gate in New Delhi on Sunday. (ANI)

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A person holds a banner during citizens protest against what they called the government's lack of action to combat air pollution in the capital city New Delhi, India, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.  (AP)

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Citizens protest against what they called the government's lack of action to combat air pollution in the capital city New Delhi, India, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. (AP)

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Citizens protest against what they called the government's lack of action to combat air pollution in the capital city New Delhi, India, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. (AP)

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Citizens protest against what they called the government's lack of action to combat air pollution in the capital city New Delhi, India, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. (AP)

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A demonstrator holds a placard, saying, “Abki Baar 1000 AQI Paar”, during a protest over the deteriorating air quality in the national capital region, in New Delhi, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.  (PTI)

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"Hawa me zehar hai (there’s poison in the air)," a placard reads as demonstrators protest over the deteriorating air quality in the national capital region, in New Delhi, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.  (PTI)

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Delhi Police detain social activist who's wearing a Prime Minister Narendra Modi look-alike mask during the protest against the government over rising air pollution, near India Gate, Man Singh Road, in New Delhi, India, on Sunday, November 9, 2025. (Sanjeev Verma/HT photo)

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Police personnel detain a protester during the protest against rising air pollution at India Gate, in New Delhi on Sunday.  (ANI Video Grab)

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Police personnel detain a protester during the protest against rising air pollution at India Gate, in New Delhi on Sunday. (ANI Video Grab)

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A couple wearing face masks protest against what they called the government's lack of action to combat air pollution in the capital city New Delhi, India, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.  (AP)