Delhi air pollution protest turns violent: 22 arrested for pepper-spraying police amid worsening AQI

New Delhi: Twenty-two people have been arrested for allegedly using pepper spray on police personnel after officers attempted to disperse a group blocking the C-Hexagon stretch near India Gate during a protest against worsening pollution in Delhi-NCR, officials confirmed on Monday.

Clash at India Gate over pollution protest

The demonstrators had gathered on Sunday evening to raise slogans over deteriorating air quality in the national Capital. The situation escalated when some protesters allegedly used pepper spray as police tried to clear the road.

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

Officials said two FIRs have been registered in the case, with multiple BNS Sections invoked. One FIR led to the arrest of 22 individuals on charges of using pepper spray on police, obstructing public servants, and blocking a public road.

FIRs filed under multiple BNS sections

At Kartavya Path Police Station, six male protesters were detained under BNS Sections 74, 79, 115(2), 132, 221, 223 and 61(2).

Another FIR was registered at Sansad Marg Police Station, where more protesters were detained under BNS Sections 223A, 132, 221, 121A, 126(2) and 3(5).

Barricade breach and traffic disruption

Officials said several protesters moved into the C-Hexagon area and attempted to cross barricades placed for traffic regulation.

Police personnel informed them that ambulances and medical teams were stuck behind the blockade, urging them to step aside for emergency movement.

However, protesters allegedly became “agitated”, broke through the barricades, and sat on the road, prompting police intervention. The group was eventually moved out to prevent further traffic disruption.

Recent history of pollution-related protests

The incident comes just days after several people were detained on November 9 at India Gate during a “clean air protest”, where citizens demanded immediate government action and stricter policies to address what they termed an “air emergency”.

Delhi's air quality dips further

Visibility has dropped across multiple parts of the city as toxic smog thickens. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), many locations recorded hazardous AQI levels like: Jahangirpuri 446, ITO 446, Wazirpur 444, Anand Vihar 432, Mundka 430, Ashok Vihar 428, Bawana 424, Chandni Chowk 424, Alipur 409, Sector-125, Noida 421 ,Sector-62, Noida 401, Ghaziabad 355, Greater Noida 342.

Most Delhi localities continue to record AQI between 300 and 400, while several pockets have crossed 400, entering the ‘severe’ category. Officials warn that conditions may worsen if wind speeds remain low.

CAQM revises GRAP measures amid severe pollution

Amid escalating pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Saturday.

Stage IV measures shifted to stage III

The CAQM stated that actions previously reserved for the ‘severe’ category (Stage IV) will now be enforced under Stage III, including: Ensuring uninterrupted power supply to curb diesel generator usage

Deploying more personnel at traffic congestion hotspots.

Issuing pollution alerts across media platforms.

Expanding CNG and electric public transport fleets with increased frequency.

Introducing differential fares to promote off-peak travel.

Work-from-home mandate for offices

Restrictions previously meant for Stage IV—such as allowing government, municipal, and private offices to function with 50 per cent staff on-site, requiring the remainder to work from home—will now apply at Stage III.

Separately, the Delhi government has directed private offices to implement the 50 per cent WFH policy as a precaution, as the Capital continues to grapple with deteriorating air quality.