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CAQM Advises Delhi-NCR States to Avoid Winter School Sports
Air pollution can make outdoor exercise unsafe for children.
The Commission for Air Quality Management has advised four governments to avoid planning school sports in November and December 2026.
The four areas are Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Officials should look at the air quality in the specific place where an event would happen.
Sports competitions already planned can be moved to another time.
Governments should also find other chances for students to take part.
Students should not be unfairly punished if a competition is moved.
The advice follows concerns raised by the Supreme Court about children exercising during very polluted winter days.
The Commission for Air Quality Management advised Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh not to schedule physical sports activities or competitions in November and December 2026.
The advisory says local air quality trends should be considered when deciding whether and when events are held.
Competitions already scheduled may be rescheduled, while students unable to participate should not be unduly disadvantaged.
The guidance follows concerns about children participating in outdoor sports during poor or severe air quality.
The advisory reiterates directions linked to a November 19, 2025, Supreme Court order in the MC Mehta vs Union of India case.
- Who
- The Commission for Air Quality Management advised the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh; the guidance concerns school students.
- What
- The governments were advised to avoid scheduling physical sports activities and competitions during November and December 2026, with already scheduled events eligible for rescheduling.
- Where
- Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, with decisions based on air quality trends at the event location.
- When
- The advisory was issued on September 10, 2026, for events planned in November and December 2026; it follows a Supreme Court order dated November 19, 2025.
- Why
- Because poor or severe air quality may adversely affect children participating in outdoor physical sports.
Key facts
- Issuing body
- Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- Advisory date
- September 10, 2026
- Affected period
- November and December 2026
- Jurisdictions
- Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
- Status of scheduled events
- They may be rescheduled
- Related court action
- Supreme Court order dated November 19, 2025, in MC Mehta vs Union of India
Quotes
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
India’s statutory commission responsible for managing air quality in the Delhi-NCR region and surrounding states
“Competitions, if any, already scheduled may be rescheduled.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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