As Delhi chokes, GenZ, student groups protest outside CM’s residence, say ‘democracy suffocates’

As Delhi’s air quality plunges to “hazardous” levels with AQI readings crossing 800, GenZ students and young citizens took to the streets on Monday, demanding accountability and immediate action from the government.

Gathered outside the Delhi chief minister’s residence at Civil Lines today, protesters held placards that read “Clean Air is our basic right” and “I miss breathing”. Students held the Delhi government responsible for the failure and lack of vision in addressing the air quality emergency .

Speaking outside CM House, NSUI National President Shri Varun Choudhary said: “Delhi NCR has turned into a gas chamber and our generation is paying the price of political failure. The Chief Minister has no vision, no emergency plan, and no accountability. People are dying, children can’t breathe, and yet the government has no answers. This is a betrayal of Delhi’s people.”

He further added: “This is about our Right to Breathe and Life. GenZ and India’s youth will no longer stay silent when our basic right to clean air is being denied. We demand a transparent action plan, accountability from both Delhi and Union Governments, and urgent measures to protect people's life.”

Democracy ‘suffocates’ in Rekha Gupta’s Delhi

Meanwhile, All India Students’ Association (AISA) condemned the “shameful crackdown by Delhi police, instead of acknowledging the problem”.

Hundreds of protestors including AISA Delhi secretary Abhigyan and JNUSU office bearers were detained from India Gate on Sunday evening. “Women and even the elderly were manhandled and taken miles away to locations such as Bawan and Narela and are yet to be released despite sundown!” AISA shared a video and wrote in an Instagram post.

Tagging Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, DUSU presidential candidate from SFI-AISA, Anjali, said: “Women illegally detained after sunset! no safety, no explanation! @officialrekhagupta SHAME! It is past 8 PM and 15 of us are being driven towards Narela, the far edge of Delhi.”

“Why are women being taken miles away from the city, this late at night, for asking for clean air? This is not law. This is punishment for speaking. For demanding the right to breathe,” she said.

She also asked if the Delhi police will take responsibility for the safety or “is illegally detaining women after sunset now your idea of ‘law and order’?”

“Democracy suffocates in Rekha Gupta’s Delhi!, AISA Delhi said.

Also read ‘Bitter experience’: DU’s 4th-year students face sudden rule changes, limited options, teacher shortage

DU professor recommends air purifying plants

According to Professor Anand Sonkar, Department of Botany, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, “Plants like the spider plant, peace lily, and areca palm are excellent natural air purifiers that help mitigate pollution by absorbing harmful gases and releasing oxygen.”

Explaining their role in curbing pollution he said that they absorb pollutants such as carbon dioxide , nitrogen oxides , sulfur dioxide, and ozone through their leaves and stomata, while their leaf surfaces trap dust, smoke, and other airborne particles, reducing particulate matter in the air.

“Through photosynthesis, they release oxygen, support respiratory health, and help regulate temperature, which in turn reduces the formation of ground-level ozone, a major pollutant,” he told PTI.

Professor Solanki further shared that different plants serve specific functions indoors. “Spider plants are known to absorb carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene, making them suitable for offices and enclosed spaces,” he said.

“Areca palms help remove toxins and humidify the air, ideal for living rooms. Peace lilies, which thrive in low light, filter benzene and trichloroethylene effectively. Aloe vera absorbs carbon dioxide even at night and purifies the air when placed near sunny windows,” he claimed.

Speaking about Tulsi, or Holy Basil, he said that the plant neutralizes harmful gases and possesses antimicrobial properties, making it perfect for balconies and courtyards.

“The commonly bought Money plants help reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are easy to maintain indoors or in hanging pots. The snake plant is especially useful as it continues converting carbon dioxide to oxygen even at night and is drought-tolerant, making it ideal for bedrooms,” he added.