Delhi Chokes at AQI 397 as Toxic Smog Thickens; Protest Turns Chaotic with Chilli-Spray Attack on Cops

Delhi woke up on Monday to another suffocating layer of smog as the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 397 at 6 am, firmly lodging the Capital in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Of the 39 monitoring stations, 20 reported AQI levels above 400, placing them in the ‘severe’ zone. The remaining stations recorded AQIs between 300 and 400, continuing an 18-day streak of hazardous air since November 6. The city has already witnessed three ‘severe’ air days between November 11 and 13.

The worst-hit locations included Vivek Vihar (458), Rohini (458), Jahangirpuri (455), Wazirpur (448) and Delhi Technological University (444) — all recording alarming pollution levels.

Experts attribute the persistent smog to a deadly combination of low wind speeds, falling temperatures, winter onset and post-Diwali farm fires, which collectively trap pollutants close to the ground.

On Sunday, the city’s 24-hour AQI average stood at 391, marginally higher than Saturday’s 370 and Friday’s 364 — all within the ‘very poor’ bracket.

Health Concerns Spike Across the City

Hospitals across Delhi have reported a spike in respiratory distress, eye irritation, asthma flare-ups and chronic lung issues, prompting doctors to issue renewed warnings.

Authorities have already triggered Stage 3 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), with Stage 4 measures under consideration if conditions worsen further.

A peaceful protest at India Gate on Sunday evening — organised by citizens alarmed at the city’s worsening pollution — spiraled into chaos after some demonstrators allegedly used chilli spray on police personnel.

According to officials, protesters had gathered near the C-Hexagon and were asked to vacate the area as their demonstration was blocking ambulances and emergency medical vehicles.

“We tried explaining that emergency vehicles needed immediate passage, but they refused to move,” a senior police officer told PTI. “A scuffle broke out, and some protesters used chilli powder on our personnel — something extremely unusual.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla confirmed that several officers suffered eye and facial irritation and were admitted to RML Hospital for treatment. Legal action is now underway against those involved.

The protesting group defended its presence with the message:
“When the state makes the air poisonous, people must unite for their survival.”

The Road Ahead

With pollution showing no signs of easing and winter settling in, environmentalists warn that Delhi may be heading for one of its toughest smog seasons yet. More restrictions may be imminent if the air quality dips further into the ‘severe’ zone — a threshold the Capital is dangerously close to breaching.