Delhi-NCR air pollution: CAQM asks schools to reschedule Nov, Dec sports competitions

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has asked Delhi-NCR authorities to review school sports calendars for November and December 2026 and reschedule physical competitions during the two months because of concerns over children’s exposure to worsening air pollution.

CAQM, in an advisory dated Sept 10, directed authorities in Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to ensure that schools do not hold physical sports competitions during November and December.

The advisory follows concerns raised by the Supreme Court about children taking part in strenuous outdoor activities when air quality in Delhi-NCR can deteriorate to poor, very poor or severe levels during the winter months.

CAQM has not imposed a blanket ban on school sports. Instead, it has asked authorities to shift competitions planned for the two-month period and consider local air quality conditions while deciding when such events should be conducted.

Why CAQM wants school sports competitions rescheduled?

The matter stems from the Supreme Court’s proceedings in a case concerning air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court had raised concerns about the health risks faced by children participating in physical sports competitions when pollution levels are high.

In November 2025, the Supreme Court had asked CAQM to issue directions to schools regarding the postponement of such competitions during November and December.

For 2026, the commission has reiterated the concern and asked authorities to take appropriate action based on air quality conditions in the area where an event is scheduled.

The winter months are particularly important for Delhi-NCR because pollution levels can rise sharply during this period due to a combination of meteorological conditions and emission sources.

Outdoor physical activity can increase the amount of polluted air inhaled, making the issue particularly relevant for schoolchildren.

No blanket ban on sports activities

The CAQM advisory does not require schools to suspend sports activities altogether. Its focus is specifically on physical sports competitions scheduled during November and December 2026.

Schools and authorities can reschedule competitions planned during the period rather than canceling them. The approach allows students to continue participating in sports while reducing their exposure to potentially unhealthy outdoor air during periods of poor air quality.

CAQM has also emphasized that decisions should take into account the actual air quality prevailing at the location where a competition is scheduled.

This means authorities are expected to consider local conditions rather than treating every part of the NCR as having identical pollution levels.

Children should not face academic or sporting disadvantage

The advisory also addresses the possible impact of postponements on students. Children who are unable to participate in competitions because an event has been rescheduled should not be placed at an academic or sporting disadvantage, according to the directions.

The provision is intended to ensure that measures taken to protect students from air pollution do not result in negative consequences for their education or opportunities to participate in sports.

For schools, this means competition schedules may need to be adjusted while ensuring that students retain opportunities to participate once conditions become more suitable.

Delhi-NCR schools asked to review November-December schedules

Education departments and schools across the NCR have been asked to review physical sports competitions planned for November and December 2026 and make changes where necessary.

The commission has communicated its advisory to relevant education and sports authorities, including the Sports Authority of India and the School Games Federation of India, as well as pollution control bodies.

The direction places the emphasis on preventive action during a period when air pollution can become a serious public health concern across Delhi-NCR.

By shifting major outdoor competitions away from periods of poor air quality, authorities aim to reduce children’s exposure to polluted air without curtailing their broader participation in sports and physical activity.