New Delhi, Nov 19, 2025 – As Delhi struggles with severe air pollution, the Supreme Court has called on the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider directing schools in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) to postpone sports activities and competitions planned for November and December until air quality improves.

The issue was raised before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran by advocate Aparajita Singh. Singh highlighted that numerous schools across Delhi-NCR are scheduled to hold sports meets during a period when the air quality is at its worst. She warned that holding outdoor activities in such conditions would be extremely harmful to children’s health, equating it to “putting them in gas chambers.”

Air Quality in Delhi Hits Dangerous Levels

On Wednesday morning, Delhi woke up under a dense blanket of smog, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 392, placing it in the “very poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This followed readings of 341 at 7 am and 374 at 4 pm on Tuesday, showing no improvement. Visibility in several parts of the city was severely reduced due to the smog. At the Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3), the AQI was recorded at 342, further highlighting the severity of the pollution crisis.

Experts have long warned that exposure to such high levels of air pollution can have immediate and long-term health impacts, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. Schools are among the primary settings where children spend time outdoors, and prolonged exposure to toxic air during sports activities poses severe health risks.

Root Causes and Recent Protests

Delhi’s air pollution crisis is seasonal but has been exacerbated in recent weeks due to multiple factors. The onset of winter brings stagnant air conditions, while smoke from agricultural fires in neighboring states contributes heavily to particulate matter. Pollution levels earlier this month even crossed the alarming 700 AQI mark.

The deteriorating air quality has prompted protests and public outcry. On November 9, scores of residents, including parents and environmental activists, staged a demonstration at India Gate, demanding urgent government action to ensure clean air in the national capital. Mothers accompanied by children emphasized the severe health risks posed by current pollution levels.

On Tuesday, around 100 citizens—including students, working professionals, and activists—gathered at Jantar Mantar to protest the government’s inaction on worsening air quality. Protesters warned that rising pollution could exacerbate health issues in the long term, and a lack of political will would only worsen the situation for residents in the future.

Health Concerns for Children

Children are particularly vulnerable to high pollution levels. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) can cause immediate effects such as coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure increases the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and impaired lung development. Outdoor sports activities, which require higher physical exertion, increase inhalation of polluted air, putting young students at even greater risk.

The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the urgency of protecting children from Delhi’s toxic air. By suggesting that the CAQM consider postponing outdoor sports, the court has highlighted the need for immediate, practical measures to reduce exposure.

Government and Authority Response

The Supreme Court’s call comes amid heightened public pressure for effective government action. While various measures have been implemented—such as banning construction activities, promoting cleaner fuels, and imposing restrictions on industrial emissions—air quality in Delhi continues to remain hazardous.

Authorities have been urged to provide guidance to schools, parents, and residents on minimizing exposure, including recommending that children avoid outdoor activities on days with poor AQI. The CAQM, tasked with managing air quality in the region, is expected to take proactive steps following the Supreme Court’s directive to mitigate the public health impact.

Looking Ahead

As winter progresses and pollution levels are likely to remain high, there is a pressing need for both immediate and long-term interventions. Parents, educators, and policymakers are closely monitoring air quality data to ensure the health and safety of children in schools across Delhi-NCR. The Supreme Court’s guidance may set a precedent for similar protective measures in other pollution-affected areas, emphasizing the importance of balancing educational activities with public health imperatives.

For now, children, parents, and school authorities await formal instructions from the CAQM on whether sports competitions and physical education classes will be deferred, a move that could prevent serious health consequences during one of Delhi’s most polluted seasons.