New Delhi, 15 September (H.S.): In view of rising air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued an advisory directing all NCR states — Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan — not to schedule any physical sports activities or competitions in November and December.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission said the decision had been taken following an order of the Supreme Court. During the hearing of the C. Mehta versus Union of India case, the Supreme Court had expressed concern that children playing outdoors in polluted air could suffer serious health consequences. On November 19, 2025, the court had directed the Commission to ensure that school sports events were shifted to other months. In view of this, the Commission has reiterated the same advisory for 2026.

The Commission’s advisory states that any sports competition already scheduled for November or December should be rescheduled. It has also directed that students who are unable to participate because of the rescheduling should not suffer any disadvantage. The governments concerned have been asked to explore alternative opportunities for children at a later date so that neither their health nor education is compromised.

The Commission said sports competitions scheduled during November and December should be held on alternative dates. It should also be ensured that no student loses the opportunity to participate in a competition because of the change in schedule.

The Commission has further urged the concerned governments to provide alternative sporting opportunities for children at a later stage. The objective is to protect children from the health hazards of air pollution while ensuring that their education and participation in sports are not adversely affected.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar