CAQM Advises Against School Sports in Delhi-NCR During November and December

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued an advisory to the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to ensure that physical sports activities and competitions are not scheduled in November and December. The commission cited concerns over the impact of adverse air quality on children participating in such events. The advisory suggests that events already scheduled should be rescheduled and that students who are unable to participate due to these changes should not be unduly disadvantaged.

This action follows a Supreme Court order from November 19, 2025, in the case of MC Mehta vs Union of India. The court expressed concern regarding children participating in physical sports during periods of poor or severe air quality and directed the CAQM to issue appropriate guidelines for postponing such events. The current advisory, dated September 10, reiterates these observations for the 2026 winter season.

The CAQM noted that scheduling decisions should be made based on the air quality trends prevailing in the specific area where the events are to be organized. State governments are encouraged to explore alternative opportunities for students to engage in similar activities at an appropriate time without compromising their health or academic progress.

Environmental factors contributing to the seasonal pollution include the harvesting of crops in the northern plains, which often coincides with Diwali. Meteorological conditions typically become unfavorable starting in October as wind speeds drop and temperatures fall, leading to the stagnation of pollutants over the capital.