News

Sonia Gandhi urges Centre to act on Delhi air pollution as Opposition MPs protest in Parliament

NEW DELHI: Leaders of various Opposition parties on Thursday staged a protest in Parliament complex over the issue of air pollution in the national capital, with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi asking the government to take action. Carrying placards, leaders of various parties raised slogans outside the Makar Dwar of Parliament asking the prime minister to stop making statements and take action. Some of the MPs also wore masks at the protest to highlight the problem of air pollution. It is the government's responsibility to do something as children are dying. Old people like me are also finding it difficult, Sonia Gandhi told reporters after the protest. VIDEO | On Delhi air pollution, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi says, It's the government's responsibility to do something. Children are dying, and elderly people like me are severely impacted by this. They can't breathe... I have also written an article as pic.twitter.com/dVoH2Z2WFP Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 4, 2025 Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was among the opposition leaders present at the protest. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she has been demanding a discussion and concrete action on the issue which was not political. Air pollution is not a political issue. The government should take concrete action, we are all with it, Priyanka said, adding that people are suffering. Delhi has been battling poor air quality post Diwali. The air quality in the national capital improved slightly on Thursday morning, settling in the 'poor' category with an AQI reading of 299, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). On Wednesday morning, the AQI stood at 335 in the 'very poor' range. There was a brief respite from the toxic air on Sunday (November 30) and Monday (December 1); however, the air quality slipped back to 'very poor' on Tuesday. As per the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'.