Published Nov 12, 2026 | 7:13 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 12, 2026 | 7:13 PM
Protestors demanded accountability from the Delhi and Union governments.
Synopsis: The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) staged a protest at Delhi University’s Arts Faculty on Thursday against worsening air quality in the national capital, demanding accountability from the Delhi and Union governments. It demanded immediate and sustained action, transparent pollution monitoring, strict enforcement of environmental regulations and a comprehensive public health response.
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) staged a protest at the Delhi University Arts Faculty on Thursday, 12 November against the worsening air quality in the national capital, demanding accountability from the Delhi and Union governments for their failure to address the pollution crisis.
The SFI cited news reports showing the Air Quality Index (AQI) having crossed 3,000 on Diwali night. It also cited reports of pollution-monitoring data going missing during peak pollution hours.
“Every winter, Delhi is turned into a gas chamber, and every winter, governments offer the same excuses, advisories and temporary restrictions,” the SFI said in a statement.
“Air pollution was not merely a seasonal or meteorological problem but the consequence of unregulated urbanisation, rampant construction, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution and the systematic neglect of public transport and environmental safeguards.”
The SFI demanded immediate and sustained action, transparent pollution monitoring, strict enforcement of environmental regulations and a comprehensive public health response.
“While the privileged could afford air purifiers and escape the worst of the pollution, students, children, workers, street vendors and millions dependent on outdoor livelihoods were forced to breathe toxic air,” it said.
“The right to breathe clean air cannot remain a privilege determined by one’s purchasing power. The governments must stop evading responsibility. Delhi deserves clean air, not another season of hollow assurances.”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
