Delhi-NCR advised to avoid physical sports events amid winter air pollution

The CAQM has advised Delhi and NCR governments not to schedule physical sports events in November and December. The move follows Supreme Court concern over children's exposure to poor air during peak winter pollution.

In Short

• The advisory was issued on September 10 citing seasonal air quality trends
• Supreme Court flagged risks to children playing school competitions in polluted air
• The direction came during hearings in the MC Mehta pollution case

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has advised the Delhi government and state governments in the National Capital Region (NCR) not to schedule physical sports activities or competitions in November and December, citing air quality trends during the period.

In its advisory dated September 10, the CAQM said competitions already scheduled already for the two months may be rescheduled.

The commission noted that while hearing the MC Mehta vs Union of India & Ors case, the Supreme Court had expressed concern over the impact of poor and severe air quality on children participating in physical sports competitions held by schools.

The apex court then asked the CAQM to issue appropriate directions to schools in Delhi-NCR to postpone sports and games competitions scheduled for November and December.

In a letter issued in November 2025, the commission had advised the NCR state governments and the Delhi government to reschedule such activities.

"The Commission deems it necessary to reiterate its observations made vide letter dated 19.11.2025 referred above for the current year 2026 as well.

"NCR State Governments and the Government of NCT of Delhi are, therefore, advised to ensure that no physical sport activities/competitions are scheduled during November-December keeping in view the Air Quality trends prevailing in the area where such events are scheduled to be organised," said the CAQM in its latest advisory.

It added that competitions already scheduled may be rescheduled and steps should be taken to ensure that students who are unable to participate due to the rescheduling are not unduly disadvantaged.

"The governments should explore ways to reschedule such events or provide alternative opportunities for students to engage in similar activities at appropriate time, without compromising their health or academic progress," the CAQM said.

- Ends