'Help Us Breathe': Hundreds gather at India Gate over toxic air in Delhi

Hundreds of Delhiites gathered at India Gate and staged a protest against the worsening air quality in the national capital on November 9. The protesters, many of them mothers accompanied by children, said they had gathered to demand urgent government action to ensure clean air. Meanwhile, police detained the protesters as they gathered without permission. According to an officer, the action was taken "to maintain law and order and ensure there is no obstruction in security arrangements." DCP (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla confirmed the detentions were "preventive in nature".

Protest against poor air quality at India Gate in Delhi.

Credit: PTI

Credit: PTI

Hundreds of people stage a protest against the severe air quality at the India Gate in New Delhi.

Credit: PTI

Animal lovers also joined the protest, expressing their anger over the deteriorating air quality.

Credit: PTI

People hold placards as they protest against the worsening air quality in the national capital at the India Gate in New Delhi.

Credit: PTI

An anti-smog gun sprays water droplets to curb air pollution as people gather to protest over the deteriorating air quality in New Delhi.

Credit: PTI

A demonstrator holds a placard during a protest over the deteriorating air quality in New Delhi.

Credit: PTI

A demonstrator holds an Air Quality Index (AQI) monitor showing the present reading of 341 during a protest over the deteriorating air quality at India Gate in New Delhi.

Credit: PTI

A demonstrator holds a placard during a protest over the deteriorating air quality in New Delhi.

Credit: PTI

People hold placards as they protest against the poor air quality in New Delhi.