In New Delhi, smog season is unmistakable. The air thickens, making it hard for the 34 million residents to breathe. It’s a reality they face every year.
The pollution problem has become so severe that even historical sites like the Red Fort are turning black. This is not just an environmental issue; it’s a health crisis that has pushed many residents to protest. “I just want to be able to breathe again,” said Sofie, 33, during a recent protest at India Gate, emphasizing the frustration felt by many.
Delhi’s air quality has been a concern for decades. Plans to tackle pollution date back to 1996, but little progress has been made. This is especially problematic during colder months when smoke from fires and traffic traps harmful pollutants in the air.
Unlike Delhi, China has seen significant improvements after investing billions in cleaning its air. In Delhi, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claims to be taking action, yet initiatives like cloud seeding have not yielded results. Recent data from IQAir indicates that pollution levels in Delhi remain “hazardous,” making it one of the cities with the worst air quality globally.
Dr. Vandana Prasad, a pediatrician, expressed her concerns during the protests: “Imagine the impact on a baby’s lungs.” Many children are forced to go to school in these conditions, where even face masks are deemed unsafe for kids under 12. “We are literally killing our kids,” she added, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
Last month, the government attempted cloud seeding to combat pollution. Planes launched flares into the sky, trying to induce rain. However, experts pointed out that this method is not always effective, especially if there isn’t enough moisture in the air. “Effective cloud seeding requires specific conditions, which are generally absent during Delhi’s dry winter,” said environment experts.
Moreover, former Ministry of Earth Sciences secretary M. Rajeevan criticized these efforts, saying even a successful cloud seeding would provide only a short-term solution. “Temporary measures do little to address the root causes of pollution,” he noted.
Conditions in New Delhi have become dire enough that a petition was filed to declare air pollution a “National Public Health Emergency.” It calls for a focused strategy to tackle industrial pollution and vehicular emissions. This reflects the growing frustration among citizens who feel let down by their government.
According to the 2025 State of Global Air report, India accounted for nearly 30% of global air pollution-related deaths in 2023. Dr. Prasad noted that life expectancy in Delhi could be reduced by up to ten years due to pollution. Meanwhile, she sees young children in her clinic struggling with chronic coughs, a daily reminder of the environmental crisis.
Protests continue across the city, with citizens increasingly vocal about their grievances. “We’re here to speak up because it’s our responsibility,” Dr. Prasad asserted. The situation in New Delhi underscores the urgent need for effective and sustainable measures to combat air pollution.
For further reading, you can check the [State of Global Air report](https://www.stateofglobalair.org) for more insights on the impact of air pollution worldwide.
