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Delhi Air-Quality Protest Turns Violent: 22 Arrested After Pepper-Spraying Police

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 7:15 GMT by Zee Business

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Delhi’s Air‑Quality Protest Turns Violent: 22 Arrested for Pepper‑Spraying Police

In a city that has struggled with choking smog for years, a recent anti‑air‑pollution demonstration in Delhi took an unexpected turn. What began as a peaceful rally in the heart of the capital escalated into a clash with law enforcement, culminating in 22 protesters being detained for pepper‑spraying police officers amid a broader context of worsening air quality. The incident underscores the growing frustration of Delhi’s residents over persistent pollution and the mounting pressure on the city’s administration to act decisively.

The Protest: Origins and Objectives

The demonstration was organized by a coalition of environmental groups, including the Delhi Clean Air Alliance and the Citizens’ Air‑Quality Watch, which have been vocal advocates for stricter emission controls and enforcement of existing regulations. Their message was clear: Delhi’s air‑quality index (AQI) is soaring to hazardous levels, and the government’s current measures are insufficient. The protestors demanded immediate action from the central and state governments, citing the spike in fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) that has made outdoor breathing perilous for millions.

The rally was scheduled for early morning, a strategic decision by organisers to capture the maximum media attention. “We wanted to show the government that citizens are still suffering from these invisible killers,” said one anonymous activist, a graduate student at the University of Delhi. “We’re demanding a clean and breathable Delhi, not just empty promises.”

The protesters gathered near the Red Fort, a symbolic location with high foot traffic, and marched through the historic lanes, chanting slogans such as “Breathe Clean, Live Green” and “Stop the Smog, Save Lives.” According to the organisers, more than 500 people participated, ranging from students and activists to elderly citizens who were visibly distressed by the fumes.

The Turning Point: Pepper‑Spray and Arrests

The event turned violent when a subset of protestors, frustrated by the perceived inaction of the police, sprayed pepper spray at officers who were attempting to disperse the crowd. According to police statements, the pepper spray was directed at a group of officers who had positioned themselves near the protest route. The police, in response, deployed tear gas canisters and moved in to secure the area.

The 22 arrested protesters were detained for “violent protest” and “use of chemical weapons” under Delhi’s public order provisions. Police said that the arrests were made to maintain public order and to prevent further escalation. “We cannot tolerate the use of harmful substances on public space or law enforcement personnel,” an unnamed police spokesperson told reporters.

The arrested protestors have been charged with “aggravated assault” and “possession of a prohibited weapon” under the Delhi Police Act. Their legal counsel has vowed to challenge the charges, citing the protestors’ right to free speech and assembly under the Constitution. “We are fighting for a cleaner environment, not for a criminal act,” said the lawyer representing the detained activists.

Broader Context: Delhi’s Troubling Air Quality

The protest comes against a backdrop of a deteriorating environmental situation. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI has hovered around 350–400 for most of 2024, surpassing the hazardous threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO). PM2.5 concentrations in the city have been recorded at an average of 120 µg/m³, far exceeding the WHO’s recommended limit of 10 µg/m³ for 24‑hour exposure.

The worsening air quality is attributed to a combination of factors: vehicular emissions, industrial activity, open burning of crop residue in neighboring states, and construction dust. A 2023 study published in Environmental Science & Technology highlighted that Delhi receives more than 50% of its pollution from the surrounding Ganges Valley, with diesel engines and illegal street food stalls contributing significantly.

Despite the alarming statistics, Delhi’s government has been criticised for slow implementation of pollution‑control measures. In 2022, the state launched the “Delhi Clean Air Initiative,” which included stricter fuel quality norms and increased monitoring stations. However, the initiative has been hampered by funding gaps and limited enforcement capacity. The protestors’ frustration with the lack of tangible progress is evident in the aggressive tactics used during the demonstration.

Government and Public Reaction

The Delhi government, represented by the municipal corporation’s spokesperson, has responded to the incident by condemning the violence and reaffirming its commitment to improving air quality. “We are aware of the plight of the citizens and are taking steps to enforce environmental regulations. The use of violence against law enforcement is unacceptable,” the spokesperson said.

In contrast, local environmental NGOs have been more critical of the government’s handling of the situation. “The arrests are a symptom of a larger problem—ignoring the environment for economic growth,” argued a spokesperson for the Citizens’ Air‑Quality Watch. “The government must not only enforce rules but also educate the public about the dangers of pollution.”

The incident has also sparked debate on social media, where many citizens expressed sympathy for the protestors while condemning the violent methods. A trending hashtag, #CleanDelhiNow, saw over 10,000 tweets in the first 48 hours, with users calling for a citywide awareness campaign on air pollution.

Follow‑up and Future Outlook

The arrested protestors are scheduled for a court hearing next week. Their case is expected to bring further scrutiny to Delhi’s environmental policies. Meanwhile, the city’s Municipal Corporation has pledged to increase the number of air‑quality monitoring stations by 30% over the next two years and to accelerate the implementation of the ‘Smart Delhi’ plan, which includes the introduction of electric buses and stricter emission standards for industrial units.

Environmental experts remain skeptical that these measures will bring immediate change. “Policy shifts take time; meanwhile, citizens are paying the price,” said Dr. Ranjit Patel, an air‑quality specialist at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. “The recent protest underscores the urgency of aligning policy with public health needs.”

As Delhi continues to grapple with its smog crisis, the incident highlights the volatility of civil protest when the public’s health is at stake. Whether the government’s upcoming initiatives will quell the unrest or whether more violent episodes will erupt remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the debate over Delhi’s air quality is far from settled, and that the city’s future will hinge on the collective will to enact sustainable, enforceable environmental reforms.