Toxic Smog Returns to New Delhi, Protests Turn Violent

New Delhi's notoriously toxic air pollution has returned once again, leading to increased sickness and breathing problems along with violent protests.

The toxic smog is primarily due to agricultural practices and certain emissions, creating a hazardous environment for Delhi locals. October to December serves as the rejuvenation season, where farmers fertilize the soil and plant new seeds for the next harvest.

However, in India, many farmers burn their existing plants to try to get rid of them, as they are no longer needed. By burning them, these farmers release thousands of tons of smoke and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, blanketing northern Pakistan and India in a layer of smog so thick it can be seen from outer space.

Now, air pollution levels have spiked once again, with some areas recording AQI index levels as high as 400– extremely hazardous to human health. This sparked several protests across the city, with the largest group swarming India Gate, a 94-year-old historical monument in the middle of Delhi.

Then, police arrived to handle the situation, attempting to restore order and peace to the area. Nevertheless, protestors burst through the barricades set up by local police, assaulting police officers with chili spray and releasing their anger over the constantly-polluted air of the city.

Local authorities were forced to use pepper spray to repel protestors– according to police, the demonstrations were blocking a path needed by emergency services, but the people refused to move out of the way. Several officers were injured by the chili spray and have been sent to the hospital for further checkups.

Many protestors were also temporarily detained, allowing authorities to move them to other locations to break up the demonstrations.

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Image credit to Bloomberg