Delhi-NCR has advised avoiding physical sporting events amid winter air pollution

The Commission on 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 for November and December, citing air quality trends during the period.

In its announcement on September 10, the CAQM said that competitions already scheduled for two months may be rescheduled.

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

The Supreme 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 advised the NCR state governments and the Delhi government to reschedule such activities.

“The commission considers it necessary to repeat its comments made in the above letter of 19.11.2025 also for the current year 2026.

“The State Governments of NCR and Government of NCT of Delhi are therefore advised to ensure that no physical sports activities/competitions are scheduled for November-December keeping in view the air quality trends prevailing in the area where such events are planned to be held,” CAQM said in its latest advisory.

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

“Governments should explore ways to reschedule such events or provide alternative opportunities for students to engage in similar activities at appropriate times without jeopardizing their health or academic progress,” CAQM said.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

16 Sep 2026 09:18 IST