Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Monday morning as low wind speed and falling temperatures pushed pollution levels higher. At 6am, the city recorded an AQI of 397, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Out of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations, 20 reported AQI above 400, placing them in the ‘severe’ zone. Meanwhile, the remaining 19 stations stayed in the ‘very poor’ bracket with AQI between 300 and 400. Delhi has now endured 18 straight days of ‘very poor’ air since November 6. Moreover, it saw three ‘severe’ air days between November 11 and 13 as winter conditions and farm fires after Diwali weakened air quality.

Vivek Vihar and Rohini logged the worst AQI at 458, followed by Jahangirpuri at 455, Wazirpur at 448, and DTU at 444.

On Sunday at 4pm, Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 391, firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. This was worse than 370 on Saturday and 364 on Friday, CPCB numbers showed.

Health Concerns Rise as Smog Lingers

The thick smog that has hung over the city for weeks has sharply increased health concerns. Residents are reporting more cases of breathing trouble, eye irritation, and lung-related problems. Doctors and health experts have raised repeated alarms, urging people to limit exposure. Because of this worsening situation, the government has moved to enforce measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Protest at India Gate Turns Disorderly

Several citizens gathered at India Gate on Sunday evening to protest Delhi’s worsening air quality. However, the demonstration quickly turned tense after some protesters allegedly used chilli spray on police personnel.

The protesting group said, "When the state makes the air itself poisonous, it becomes necessary for people to unite and raise their voices for their own survival."

According to officials, the protesters stood close to the C-Hexagon and blocked the movement of ambulances and medical staff. Police officers asked them to clear the way, but the group refused.

A senior police officer told PTI, "We tried to explain to them that emergency vehicles were stuck and needed clear access, but they refused to move. The situation then turned into a scuffle, and some protesters used chilli powder on our personnel, which is unusual and rare."

Police on duty sensed that the confrontation could escalate and advised protesters to step back.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla told PTI, "This was very unusual. For the first time, protestors used pepper spray on officers managing traffic and law and order."
He added that some officers suffered irritation in the eyes and face and were taken to RML Hospital. “Legal action is being taken in this regard,” he said. Officials confirmed that legal action would follow against those responsible.