Condemning the police crackdown on citizens and students who were peacefully protesting at India Gate on November 9 against the dangerous levels of pollution in Delhi, CPI(ML) said that the Delhi government and administration had once again shown their contempt for democratic voices and public health. Instead of silencing people demanding clean air, the government must act urgently to tackle the pollution crisis that is endangering millions of lives in the capital. In its statement, the CPI(ML) asserted, “Arrest the pollution, not the people! Stop targeting citizens and students — start tackling pollution!”
The CPI(ML) outlined a set of urgent measures that the government must implement to confront Delhi’s air emergency:
- Strengthen affordable public transport by increasing DTC buses and metro coaches and provide free travel during peak-pollution periods to discourage private vehicle use.
- Impose a moratorium on construction activities and guarantee compensation and job protection for affected workers.
- Strictly enforce industrial pollution norms and penalize violators without exception.
- Launch a special medical care and support drive for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.
- Ensure transparent, real-time AQI monitoring and proper functioning of all air quality stations.
CPI(ML) said that detaining those who demand clean air is an attack on citizens’ democratic rights and reflects the government’s misplaced priorities.
