Key Takeaways
- Delhi’s average AQI improved to 268 (‘poor’) but remains hazardous
- Several areas still recorded ‘very poor’ air quality levels
- Civil society groups announce December 3 protest at Jantar Mantar
- This marks first significant pollution dip after 24 days of bad air
Delhi’s toxic air showed slight improvement on Sunday with the average Air Quality Index dropping to 268, placing it in the ‘poor’ category according to the Central Pollution Control Board. This marks the first significant dip after 24 consecutive days of persistently hazardous air quality in the capital.
Pollution Hotspots Remain Critical
Despite the overall improvement, several areas continued to record alarming pollution levels. Shadipur logged an AQI of 331, RK Puram 303, and Jahangirpuri 323 – all firmly in the ‘very poor’ range. Nehru Nagar stood at 316 while Dilshad Garden recorded 304.
Only five of Delhi’s 38 monitoring stations fell in the ‘very poor’ category, but many others showed ‘poor’ air quality. Anand Vihar recorded 282 and Patparganj 280. In the NCR region, Faridabad showed comparatively better air at 174, while Noida reported 266 and Ghaziabad 260.
Citizen Protests Gather Momentum
As toxic air continues to blanket the city, civil society organizations have announced a protest at Jantar Mantar on December 3. The demonstration aims to demand clean, breathable air for Delhi residents.
“CALL FOR PEACEFUL PROTEST Delhi is still choking on HAZARDOUS air. Even band-aid measures like GRAP have been withdrawn. Many citizen groups of Delhi have now called for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, 3 December, 12 PM onwards! Every concerned citizen, every caring mother, youth, and elders should join!”
Several groups including My Right to Breathe and Warrior Moms will join the protest, with the Congress-backed National Students’ Union of India also extending support.
Historical Context and Previous Protests
Delhi’s air had remained above 300 for 23 consecutive days until November 29, representing the second-longest stretch of ‘very poor’ or worse air quality since 2019. Previous protests have also occurred, including a November 23 demonstration at India Gate that turned chaotic when participants allegedly used chilli spray on police personnel.
The continuing air crisis has prompted growing public anger and demands for more effective action to address and protect public health.
