NSUI protests in Delhi, demands public health emergency over toxic air

The National Students Union of India (NSUI) on Monday staged a protest in New Delhi, urging the government to declare a Public Health Emergency amid worsening air pollution in the Capital.

The demonstration was led by the NSUI national president, Varun Choudhary, who accused the authorities of failing to respond adequately to what he described as a serious public health crisis caused by toxic air.

Raising slogans and holding placards, NSUI members highlighted the hazardous air quality and its impact on students and the general public. The organisation said prolonged exposure to polluted air was harming the physical and mental wellbeing of young people, while decisive government action continued to be delayed.

The protest saw the deployment of police personnel, which NSUI claimed was intended to prevent the peaceful demonstration. The student body criticised the administration for prioritising the curbing of protests instead of implementing effective measures to control pollution levels in the capital.

Addressing the protesters, Choudhary said air pollution had evolved into a national health crisis. “Students are being forced to breathe toxic air every day while the government remains inactive. Instead of stopping peaceful protests, the BJP government must declare a Public Health Emergency immediately and take concrete steps to protect citizens,” he said.

NSUI reiterated that air pollution was no longer merely an environmental concern but a serious public health emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action. The organisation warned that it would continue its democratic protests until the government takes immediate and effective steps to combat air pollution and ensure the safety and health of citizens, particularly students.