By Manjunath K. Shresthi
November 11, 2025
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Delhi/New Delhi: India’s national capital region (NCR) is back in the news again. Yesterday, it was because of the blast in old Delhi, where nine people lost their lives. With the onset of the winter, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) plummets to new lows; and in the last few days, the toxic air continues to make headlines. On November 09 evening at India Gate, concerned citizens and youth participated in full strength to protest against the severe air pollution gripping the capital city.
Image Courtesy: Chintan Environmental Research & Action Group, New Delhi.
Delhi’s low air quality has become an annual challenge without a lasting solution in sight. Vehicular pollution; construction dust; burning of stubble in the neighbouring states overwhelms the residents and normal breathing becomes difficult. The three landfills of Bhalaswa, Ghazipur and Okhla also add to the capital city’s problems. River Yamuna, which flows through Delhi is also polluted and frothy. The fecal coliform in the water is high, and the smog is another cause for concern.
Doing a protest march and raising slogans demanding clean air hasn’t helped reduce pollution. Masks are making a comeback. Children and those with breathing problems are the most affected. There’s also a financial cost to be borne, if one gets admitted for breathlessness or any other related ailments. How many days will the sick person be treated for?
Air purifiers work indoors only if the doors are closed. And when they’re frequently opened, there’s a exponential spike seen in the AQI levels. News reports of even they getting dark and clogged are another worry. They have to be cleaned regularly for them to function properly. Delhi has become a toxic chamber, as there’s no vent or an outlet for the accumulated toxic air to move. Artificial rain didn’t yield the desired results.
The Delhi government got negative publicity for trying to fix atmospheric data by sprinkling water at the weather station. Data manipulation won’t reduce the pollutants in the air. Those going for walks in the morning/evening, should’nt expose themselves if the air quality is bad. So, how will the Delhi government and the Union Environment ministry tackle Delhi’s toxic air?
